Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education has been recognized by the National Association of School Superintendents from all over the country who are representing the best in the profession as a member of its Hall of Fame and a Finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year.

Maine Indian Education serving the Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Wabanaki students and has three schools Penobscot Indian Island School, Passamaquoddy Sipayik Elementary School, and the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Schools. Grades PK-8.

On Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 9-10 a.m,, Wreaths Across America (WAA) is calling for the nation to join them in flag-waving to remind all Americans of the feeling we had – the pride in country, the unity and patriotism – which was expressed on the days following 9/11/01. The event will be hosted LIVE on WAA’s official Facebook page and broadcast over Wreaths Across America Radio. The broadcasts will include interviews and stories from volunteers, supporters, Gold Star families, veterans, first responders and members of the next generation.

Jayna Smith

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Get ready for a day of autumnal delight as St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Calais gears up to host its annual Applefest on September 30, 2023.  This eagerly-anticipated event promises a jam-packed day of festivities that will kick off at 8 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m.

According to one of its organizers, Pat Sammer, Applefest at St. Anne’s has been happening for at least 30 years.

Jayna Smith

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Since its establishment in 2019, Downeast Recovery Support Center at 311 Main Street in Calais has emerged as a beacon of hope in the area, not only aiding those on their paths to recovery, but also fostering a sense of camaraderie.  This vital resource center offers a range of groups for anyone affected by substance use disorder, as well as a safe haven for those seeking information or support for addiction recovery. 

Will Tuell

Longtime Washington County Manager Betsy Fitzgerald was full of quips and jests as she bid adieu to the people she has worked with for over a decade last week. Officially Fitzgerald stepped down from her post at the helm of county government Aug. 31, but the diminutive dame of all things county government attended the Sept. 7 commissioners meeting where employees and commissioners toasted her time at the helm. 

Cindy O’Brien, pictured right, is the 2022-23 recipient of the Lioness of the Year award. This honor is bestowed upon a club member who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to the organization.  It is the second time O’Brien has received the award.  She is shown with first past president Mary Jean Redding.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Jayna Smith

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Some Calais residents in recent months have witnessed an increase in the presence of chicken.  While some residents embrace the feathered visitors, others are growing increasingly frustrated by the unexpected invasion of their private yards.

Jayna Smith

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In a concerning development, Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) has reported the detection and removal of 46 escaped aquaculture salmon from the Magaguadavic River fishway in southwest New Brunswick since August 1.  This includes the capture of ten fish last week, further underscoring the ongoing risk posed by sea-cage breaches to wild salmon populations in New Brunswick, Maine, and Nova Scotia.

Homeschoolers Pacey and Aiden Sanford with dad David at the 9/11 flag waving in Alexander. (Submitted photo) 

Jayna Smith

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The Miss St. Croix Valley Pageant has long been a cherished tradition in the area during Baileyville’s Octoberfest.  Its legacy is set to continue under the dedicated leadership of Cassidy Carr Korasadowicz. 

Following in the footsteps of her mentor and pageant stalwart Dawn Smith, Korasadowicz has taken the reins as the new director of the pageant, with her mother Shannon Carr serving as co-director.

Jayna Smith

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On Wednesday, September 13, Washington County Community College played host to a transformative event as the Community Caring Collaborative teamed up with the Washington County Working Communities Challenge Initiative to welcome Dr. Donna Beegle, a renowned national poverty expert.  The morning training session at the college aimed to equip attendees with insights and tools to break the cycle of poverty that persists in America.

By Paul Sylvain

If Randy Cox had one passion in life, it was horses. The Dennysville resident was a volunteer with and participated in the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), the Downeast Border Riders Saddle Club and the Pembroke Trotting Association.

Sadly, Cox died unexpectedly May 31 at Downeast Community Hospital in Machias. He was 55 years old.

Jayna Smith

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As the sun continues to grace the State of Maine with its autumn warmth, motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up for a fun ride with a heartwarming twist.  On Saturday, September 30, the Red Knights Chapter 5 Motorcycle Club will host their much-anticipated annual charity ride, promising both adventure on the open road and a chance to make a difference in the community.

VFW Post 9779 conducted its annual POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 15, which was National POW/MIA Remembrance Day.  Shown is Post Commander Bobby Oliver leading the ceremony.  See more photos on page 24 of this week's paper.  (Submitted photo)

Jayna Smith

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Calais High School’s cross country team has been hitting the trails in an impressive start to their 2023 season.  With four races under their belts, the team is showing promising talent and dedication.

Under coach Crissy O’Rourke, the roster is packed with talent, featuring sophomores Philip Bassett and Wyatt Demmons and seniors Liberty Hodge, Keegan Trainor, and Bailey O’Rourke.

Jayna Smith

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This year, on Saturday, October 7, “parade day” of Octoberfest, the parking lot of Woodland High School will once again be transformed into a gleaming showcase of classic automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles.  But this time, there’s a poignant twist—the event has been renamed The Pam Oakes Memorial Car Show in honor of a beloved Baileyville resident, Pam Oakes, who dedicated herself to organizing the car show for years.

Jayna Smith

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On a sunny Sunday that could not have been more perfect for car enthusiasts, Clyde’s Classic Car Show returned for the third year at C&E Feeds this past weekend.  The event drew a large crowd to view the near-100 classic cars that converged to create a vibrant automotive spectacle.

Joe McBrine

Ashley Handzlik wants her child’s dreams to come true.  That’s why she contacted Game Warden Matthew Tenan to see if her son Connor could spend some time with him to see what being a game warden is all about.

Connor Haskins dreams of becoming a game warden.  He knows game wardens do search and rescue. He remembers getting lost in the Maine woods as a young child and that game wardens came to look for him.  He just wanted to talk to a real warden to ask about a typical day on the job.