The Summer of Our Discontent

 

By Jonathan Reisman

This is the summer of our discontent in the annus horribilis of 2020:

* Rioters and arsonists are described as “mostly peaceful protesters.”

* The legacy media is an open and unapologetic arm and mouthpiece of the Democratic Party.

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Music on the Green

The Music on the Green Concert Series had people spread out through Triangle Park on Main Street. Last Tuesday’s concert was Patty Corms & the Fullertims. The concert was an evening of original music with some tunes that had attendees picturing Calais of the past with imagery in the lyrics. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

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Horse Show Coming to Pembroke Fairgrounds

 

By Natalie Boomer

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The Down East Border Riders Saddle Club will be hosting a pleasure show on Saturday, August 15th. 

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Kids, Get Ready to Get Creative this Weekend

 

Jayna Smith

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With the All Together Community BBQ happening this Saturday, there are events for all ages to enjoy, and for kids, and kids at heart, among the fun are some events allowing for a show of great creativity, and they are all offered for free.

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World’s Largest Cargo Plane Makes Stop in Bangor

 

Jayna Smith

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For those with a desire to see the world’s largest plane, the chance was there in Bangor on Friday as the Antonov An-225 landed at Bangor International Airport (BIA) just after 1 p.m. 

One young man, four-year-old Gabe Youngblood, grandson to Teresa Kowalski and great-grandson to Sandra Kowalski, both of Calais, got the chance to see the massive plane as it landed. 

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2020 Calais Little League Champions

Calais Little League held its championship game last Saturday, with the Pirates earning the win,  3-2, over the Orioles.  Team members are (front row, l-r) Michael Barnard, Eric Barnard, Isaac Downing, Nolan Sewell, Jacob Footer, Kayden Takach, Silas Socobasin, (back row, l-r) Coach Michael Barnard, Daniel Boyle, Jack Downing, Frank Miliano, Ikey Soucy, Shawn Lyons, Coach Jack Downing, and Coach John Sewell.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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Korean War Veteran up for Canonization

 

By Kaileigh Deacon

When many think of saints, the immediate image conjured up is those representations in stained glass portraits hanging in churches or their marble statue counterparts. The idea of a saint seems to be that it was someone who lived so long ago that no one alive would remember them or the reasons they were made saints in the first place; however, that is not the case. The Catholic Church continues to look at candidates for sainthood, or canonization, even today. 

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WHS Hosts Graduation Ceremony

 

By Natalie Boomer

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The Woodland High School class of 2020 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, August 1st. 

The ceremony took place at 9 a.m. on the Spednic Club field, across the street from Woodland Elementary School. 

Parents, friends, and family gathered in their vehicles on the field. Those who wished to get out of their cars were asked to wear masks and social distance from each other. 

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Calais High School Graduation

It was certainly an unusual graduation ceremony and not what any of these seniors expected when they started their senior year Last fall. But despite the challenges and changes they have faced over the  course of this year these students handled the changes well and were able to get a ceremony they deserved. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon) See more photos in this week's paper on the back page!

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Meet Calais Regional Hospital's New Provider

 

Calais Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Physician Assistant Chandan Singh.   Chandan will be working as a Hospitalist on the Inpatient Care Unit.   He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Park University in Parkville, MO.  Chandan served in the US Army as a Healthcare specialist (68W).  Upon the conclusion of his military service he completed his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at CUNY School of Medicine in New York, NY.    Outside of emergency and inpatient care experience, Chandan has also worked as a Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant.

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Downeast Storm Baseball Team

Downeast Storm baseball, made up of players from Shead, Calais, and Woodland High Schools, includes (front, l to r) Braden Barrett, Brogan Brown, Josh Jordan, Jacob Cook, Ti Bennett, Evan Curtis, Jesse Cook, Cyrus Sewell, (back, l to r) Coach Matt Dana, Head Coach John Sewell, Ryland Sabattus, Tony Dana, Matt Dana, Kobe Saunders, Dylan Damon, Coach Shane Curtis, and Coach Matt Vinson.  The boys finished their regular season play ranked fourth in the northern division of the Maine Independent Baseball League.  They play their quarterfinal game against #5 Mid Coast on Thursday, Aug.

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Lioness Club Receives Donation of Masks from S&M Designs

 

Jayna Smith

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Since its inception in 1985, the Calais Lioness Club has been a vital part of the community with its members working to enhance the area and assist others in need.  The members of the club work hard at their various fundraisers and, in total, nearly $10,000 is donated annually to local individuals.  And, just last weekend, the ladies were out selling 50/50 tickets at the All Together Community BBQ.

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‘The Chosen’ Follows Life of Jesus

 

Jordan Donovan

The Chosen is a first-of-its-kind, multi-season television drama following the life of Jesus depicted through the eyes of his followers and those with whom he interacted. Fabricated, directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, it broke the all-time crowdfunding record for a media project, reaching  $10 million from over 16,000 investors for the first season alone. The second season that is still in production has fundraised over $7 million from more than 365,000 investors. 

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BBQ Brings Community Together

 

Jayna Smith

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What would have been the big “parade day” of the 47th International Homecoming Festival instead was the All Together Community BBQ.  The one-day event brought many to different areas of the town last Saturday for an array of fun events for all ages.

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POTUS Endorses Dale Crafts for Congress

 

Jayna Smith

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Dale Crafts, Maine 2nd Congressional District Republican candidate on a quest to unseat incumbent Jared Golden, recently gained support from President Donald Trump.  In a tweet, the POTUS said, “Dale Crafts will be a tremendous Congressman for Maine!”  He went on further to share that Crafts is “an experienced businessman” who “knows how to create jobs,” loves our veterans and military, and “will always defend your Second Amendment” rights.  

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A Midsummer Nightmare

 

By Jonathan Reisman

August rolled in, and although the garden looks good, I cannot say the same for Maine, the Republic, or freedom.

A midsummer nightmare

The garden

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Downeast Storm Finishes Season Strong

 

Jayna Smith

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High school-aged summer baseball made it’s return to the Calais area this year, with the Downeast Storm team.  Storm finished the regular season in an impressive fourth place in the north division and earned a home playoff game against the fifth-placed Mid Coast (Belfast/Searsport) team.

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Music on the Green

August 4 Music on the Green was local favorite Alan Cook. Cook played a variety of music by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and even took a number of requests from the audience for “Goodby Little Susie” and “Hit the Road Jack.” (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

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Certified Paving & Sealcoating Paves at The Calais Advertiser

Newspaper Publisher/Owners Pierre and Wendy Little are very pleased with the excellent paving job done by Certified Paving & Sealcoating at the office at 23 Church Street in Calais.  It was long overdue. They were pleased to be able to support a local business and want to thank the crew of Certified Paving and Sealcoating for their excellent work. (Photos by Wendy Little)

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Local Library Granted Barriers for Communities Protection

 

Natalie Boomer

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In the midst of a pandemic, it may be worrisome to go out and do things that you would ordinarily do in your day-to-day lives. The Peavey Memorial Library in Eastport has taken a step to bring back some normalcy to those who enjoy visiting. New barriers have been placed in the library to protect guests and staff and to ensure social distancing.

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Arts Awards Presented to High School Seniors

 

Each year during the graduation ceremonies at area high schools, Eastport Arts Center honors seniors who have excelled in music, theater or the visual arts.  Nominated by their dedicated teachers, the students have been chosen based on their commitment and contribution to the fine arts at their school and community.  

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Obituary - CLIV DORE

 

CLIV DORE

Perry – Cliv Dore, 78, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2020 while at his camp on Dobsie Lake. Cliv was born in Pleasant Point on July 12, 1942, the oldest of twelve children born to Stafford and Dorothy (Altvater) Dore.

Cliv was the patriarch of his family, the mentor and the storyteller.

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Music on the Green

The Economy Studs were last Tuesday’s Music on the Green concert. The foursome played a number of familiar favorites that had those in the audience singing and tapping along. Members are Jenny Penny, Alan Cook, Jim O’Neil and John Viselli. (Photo by Kaileigh Deacon)

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Local Flower Shop Closes After 24 Years

 

Kaileigh Deacon

For those in the Calais area, there has been a go-to place for flowers for a number of years. Flowers by Janie has been a staple in the Calais community for many special occasions. After a busy 24 years, the little flower shop on the corner of North and Garfield Streets is closing its doors for good. 

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A Way to Beat Those Pandemic Pounds!

 

Dora Anne Mills, 

MD, MPH, FAAP

When I open up social media these days, I often see references to “pandemic pounds” and “quarantine couch calories,” among photos of banana bread and homemade mac and cheese. They reassure me that I’m not the only one struggling to eat healthy and exercise safely these last few months! 

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Friends and Family Give Gibby O’Brien Impressive Send Off

 

Gilbert O’Brien, known affectionately as Gibby, passed away last week, leaving behind his wonderful wife of 68 years, Louise, their son Bobby and his fiance Stephanie, and numerous friends and family members.  

Gibby made his living driving trucks and was well-known and well-liked in the Calais area and beyond.  In recent years, it was common to see him and his wife Louise taking a trek around town in an antique vehicle, a daily routine for the couple.  

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Learn About Maine’s Salamanders and Snakes

 

Natalie Boomer 

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The Downeast Coastal Conservancy is hosting a virtual presentation on Maine’s native salamanders and snakes on Tuesday, August 25th. 

These tiny creatures may be seldom thought of, but provide a vital role in the stability of our natural resources as indicator species.  Even though many fear these amphibians, there are many good reasons to respect them and even show appreciation for them. 

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Bucks Harbor Pre-Release Center on Track for ‘21 Reconstruction

 

Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Osprey circled above municipal and state officials gathered where Downeast Correctional Facility’s control center and dormitory number three once stood. Both buildings were demolished earlier this year to make way for the Bucks Harbor prison’s next act as a pre-release center, now on schedule to open in the summer of 2021.

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Addison Coty Memorial 5K Includes T-Shirt Design Contest

 

Jayna Smith

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Plans are underway for the third annual Addison Coty Memorial Turkey Trot.  The 5K race, along with a kids’ fun run, will be held earlier in the year, slated for Saturday, October 10th, with the annual spaghetti dinner still scheduled for the eve of the race.  This year’s event will also feature a t-shirt design contest.

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Pugs Living Their Best Lives in Forever Home

 

Jayna Smith

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A pug is a breed of dog recognizable to most by its short-muzzled, wrinkly face, curled tail, and big, beady black eyes.  This breed brings true friendship to owners through the unconditional love they demonstrate, and for one couple, John and Robin Bouchard, of Robbinston, pugs certainly complete their family.

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IGA Donates to "Project Backpacks"

Bob Craft of Calais IGA presenting Commander Mike a backpack donation to Calais American Legion Project Backpacks! (Photo submitted by Michael McLean)

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Miracle at Philadelphia

 

Jonathan Reisman

Growing up and attending public schools in Philadelphia in the 1960s, I got an up close and personal view of the American founding, race relations, diversity and its discontents.  The Pledge of Allegiance’s promise of “liberty and justice for all” would probably be termed white supremacist systemic racism by today’s mostly peaceful protesters, but in Philadelphia I was taught America was founded in freedom in 1776, not slavery in 1619.

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Lockdown Lowdown

 

Jonathan Reisman

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Pandemic Brings an Innovative Fundraiser for Local Woman with Cancer

 

Jayna Smith

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A benefit to help one in need is a big undertaking to plan and execute, but doing so during a pandemic is even more difficult, considering restrictions on gatherings and many guidelines to follow.  For one local woman, recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a friend has thought of an innovative way to host a benefit drive-up Chinese auction.

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IGA Donates to Backpacks Program

Bob Craft of Calais IGA donated 24 backpacks filled with food to Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry backpack program. Pictured are Bob Craft (left) and David Sivret. (Submitted photo)

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Community Vigil Planned to Recognize Overdose Awareness Day

 

Jayna Smith

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Last year in Maine, 380 lives were lost due to drugs, a 7 percent increase over 354 in 2018.  Of those 380, 84 percent were caused by opioids, nearly always in combination with other drugs or alcohol, according to the Office of the Maine Attorney General.  Although the numbers for each of the two years were a decrease from the 418 in 2017, the opioid crisis continues to be a public health epidemic.  

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Battling the Milfoil Found in Big Lake

 

Jayna Smith

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A concern from constituents recently heard by Sen. Marianne Moore and Rep. Kathy Javner is the variable-leaf milfoil found in Big Lake. The invasive plant was recently found there, the second largest lake in Washington County. It has been determined that the milfoil has infested much more extensively in the lake than originally thought.  

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Dressing Down Benefits Calais Recreation Department

 

Employees of First National Bank recently raised $532.54 for the Calais Recreation Department through its Casual for a Cause program. Employees make a contribution to a nominated non-profit organization in exchange for dressing casually on Fridays for one month.

The City of Calais Recreation Department offers team sports and fun individual and family activities indoors and outdoors year-round. 

For more information visit www.calaismaine.org/parks-and-recreation/ or visit their Facebook page. 

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Batter Up! Nearly 50 Area Kids Ready to Take a Swing at Fall Baseball

 

Jayna Smith

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Nearly 50 area youth are signed up and ready for the fall baseball season.  Organizer Matt Vinson said this year the Calais area will have four teams entered in the Eastern Maine Fall Baseball League (EMFBL).  

Vinson, who brings over 25 years of coaching experience, started the local fall baseball program in 2015 after learning of the EMFBL, a league that falls under the Old Town Recreation Department.  

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Dam Visits Shed Light on Water Level Concerns

 

Jayna Smith

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Sen. Marianne Moore (R-Calais) and Rep. Kathy Javner (R-Chester) recently traveled to three eastern Washington County dams after hearing concerns from constituents on lake water levels. 

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Absentee Ballots vs. Mail-in Ballots: What’s the Difference?

 

Jayna Smith

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Last week, Maine’s online service to request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election opened, and requests surged.  As Maine’s government website states, voting is one of the fundamental rights citizens of the United States have, and today, casting a ballot at each election is easier than ever.  

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