Gimme Shelter

 

Jon Reisman

“I see one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-nourished.

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Down East Hospice Volunteers

 

On November 17, Down East Hospice Volunteers benefited from the Lubec Brewing Company hosting an evening of music provided by LAMPS (Lubec Area Musician Philanthropic Society).  

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Calais Lions Club Enhances Law Enforcement Safety with Tourniquet Project

 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

In an initiative to bolster the safety measures for local law enforcement officers, members of the Calais Lions Club gathered at the Calais Police station last week for the presentation of tourniquets and pouches to representatives from the Calais, Eastport, and Baileyville Police Departments as well as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

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Calais City Council

 

Jayna Smith

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On Nov. 30, 2023, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Artie Mingo presiding over Councilors Mike Sherrard, Marcia Rogers, Elery Beale, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.  Councilor Kevin Niles was absent from the meeting.

What follows is a brief summary of the meeting, with the full meeting available for viewing on the City of Calais’s Facebook page.

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First National Bank’s Donation Fuels Santa’s Helper Program

 

Jennifer Thornaton, Senior Banking Consultant at First National Bank, presents a $250 check to Calais Lions Club members Brian Nichols and Mike McLean for its annual Santa’s Helper Program.  The program, now in its 51st year, assists local families in need during the holidays. Donations in any amount can be mailed to Calais Lions Club, PO Box 1280, Calais, ME  04619. (Lions Club photo)

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Spednic Club Strikes Success with Annual Tourney for Stuff the Bus

 

Jayna Smith

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In its typical display of community engagement, the Spednic Club in Woodland rolled into action on November 4, hosting its annual Stuff the Bus bowling tournament. 

The tournament drew a great amount of participation, with $1,315 raised.  The proceeds were donated to Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons, organizer of the Stuff the Bus program, last week.

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Generosity of Area Folks Make for Another Successful Stuff the Bus Event

 

Jayna Smith

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Stuff the Bus celebrated another successful year on Saturday, December 2, with donation acceptance at both Walmart and Marden’s.  Originating in 2015 under the leadership of Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons, the campaign aims to alleviate the holiday burden on families, ensuring a brighter Christmas for many throughout the county.

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Calais Ranks in Top 24 in Best Maine Elementary Schools, U.S. News Says

 

Jayna Smith

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Last month, U.S. News & World Report released the updated 2024 rankings for the Best Elementary and Middle Schools, covering 45,236 elementary schools and 22,053 middle schools across the nation.  The evaluation process involved a comprehensive analysis of 103,099 pre-K, elementary, and middle schools.  In the top rankings of elementary schools across the state that were scored, Calais Elementary School ranked number 24 out of 291.

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Lioness Bring Magic to Calais with Annual Christmas Parade

 

Santa takes a ride on a fire truck, thanks to Calais Fire-EMS, creating a magical conclusion to the annual Lioness Christmas Parade last Friday, Dec. 1.  See more parade photos on page 8 and watch The Calais Advertiser’s parade coverage on its Facebook page.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

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Calais Fire Chief Makes ‘Nice’ List

 

Calais Fire Chief Bill Lee is all smiles after Santa declares him “nice” at the annual Calais Fire Association’s Christmas Party on Saturday.  Santa made his annual visit to the station for the party, where children had the chance to visit with Santa, decorate cookies, and more.  (Calais Fire-EMS photo)

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Happy Faces and Festive Cheer with Santa’s Post-Parade Visit

 

A hint of skepticism and a big smile show the mixed feelings that can come when meeting Santa. (Photo by Jayna Smith) See more photos in this week's The Calais Advertiser.

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Wreaths Across America held its annual HART Ceremony at Ferry Point Bridge in Calais

Wreaths Across America held its annual HART (Honoring Allies and Remembering Together) Ceremony at Ferry Point Bridge in Calais. This moving event honored the service and sacrifice of military veterans from the United States and Canada with a wreath exchange.

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NB’s Safety Minister Rejects St. Stephen’s Emergency Declaration, Blames Trudeau Policies for Homelessness Crisis

 

Jayna Smith

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New Brunswick’s Safety Minister Kris Austin has ended the local state of emergency in St. Stephen, addressing concerns raised by Mayor Allan MacEachern over homelessness less than 48 hours after its declaration.

The declaration was made after the death of a man the weekend prior whose body was found in a park.

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International Feztival of Trees, Shriners Benefit from Pratt Donation

 

Jayna Smith

[email protected] 

JJust before the opening of this year’s International Feztival of Trees last week, Ian Pratt of the Pratt dealership presented the hosting organizations with a donation of $2,000.

The International Feztival of Trees is a fundraiser hosted by the Schoodic and Washington County Shrine Clubs.  All the money raised at the event all helps the Anah Shriners to help children.  

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Feztival of Trees Brings Holiday Cheer, Raises Funds for Children’s Hospitals

 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

This year’s Feztival of Trees drew hundreds from across Charlotte and Washington counties over the weekend to view the near-50 decorated Christmas trees, each surrounded by gifts, at Washington County Community College.  

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Tree Lighting in Grand Lake Stream

 

Dave McCullough

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Brother Describes Finding His Sister’s Body as Brackett, Dana Murder Trial Begins

 

Paul Sylvain

After three grueling days of jury selection and pre-trial discussions between attorneys and Judge Robert E. Murray Jr., the trial of accused murderers Kailie Brackett and Donnell Dana Jr. finally got underway Friday morning in Washington County Superior Court in Machias.

Brackett, 39, and Dana, 40, both of Pleasant Point, Perry, are charged with “intentional or knowing or depraved indifference murder” in the stabbing death of 43-year-old Kimberly Neptune on April 21, 2022. 

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Rebecca Moores Changes Plea to Guilty in Murder of Ex-Lover, Drug Supplier

 

Paul Sylvain

A Robbinston woman accused of murdering her former lover and principal drug supplier last year in Pembroke faces a prison sentence of 32 years after changing her plea to guilty in Washington County Superior Court on Dec. 7.

In changing her plea from not guilty to guilty, Rebecca Moores, 43, admitted to shooting 53-year-old Paula Johnson in Johnson’s home at 515 Leighton Point Rd, in Pembroke, on Feb. 9, 2022. Moores was arrested in Pembroke on July 6, 2022, and charged with Johnson’s murder.

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Knights of Columbus Nativity Scene Dedication

 

Little Nera Joerges seen here enjoying the Nativity Scene set up by the Calais Knights of Columbus for the greater Calais community.  The location of the Nativity is downtown in front of the water fountain. (Photo by Pierre Little)

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County’s Food Pantries Benefit from Pratt Dealership’s Record-Breaking Donation-Match Drive

 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The charitable organization Calais Lioness Club, which is deeply involved in supporting members of the greater-Calais community during challenging times, has actively participated in the ongoing donation-match campaign initiated by Pratt dealerships to benefit local food pantries. 

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Beyond the Call of Duty: Princeton Firefighters Embrace the Spirit of Giving

 

Jayna Smith

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In a departure from their usual firefighting duties, members of the Princeton Fire Department spent a bustling Sunday afternoon at Walmart, but not in response to an emergency.  Instead, they embarked on a generous shopping spree aimed at making the holiday season brighter for those less fortunate.

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Campus Antisemitism Sources: DEI, CRT, Progressive Groupthink

 

Jon Reisman

The explosion of campus antisemitism and support for Jewish genocide (from the river to the sea) has shocked many Americans, but for this retired professor who spent 40 years on New England college campuses, it is no surprise at all. The sources of that antisemitism are relatively easy to identify.

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$36.6 Million Grant Brings Fiber Internet to Northern Maine

Finally Connecting Communities to the High-Speed Digital World

Staff Report

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Calais Community Hospital’s 2023 Employees of the Year

 

Calais Community Hospital recently announced its Employees of the Year.  Recipient of the non-clinical Employee of the Year is Donald Day, while Alison Perkins, RN, is the clinical Employee of the Year. 

CCH staff nominated their peers for the awards.  Factors considered were dependability, initiative, attitude, teamwork, and how they conduct themselves as CCH staff.  

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Three Men Arrested on Illegal Drug Trafficking Charges Following Raid in Machias

Possibly Part of Larger Chinese-Owned Illegal Commercial Marijuana Growing Operations in Maine

Paul Sylvain

In the first drug raid of its kind in Washington County, Machias police, assisted by multiple county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, executed a search warrant on a suspected illegal commercial marijuana growing operation at 414 East Kennebec Rd. on Dec. 14. The raid, conducted at 9:30 a.m., resulted in the arrest of three men on illegal drug trafficking charges.

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Community Efforts Illuminate Memorial Park Bandstand

 

Jayna Smith

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In a great display of community spirit, what initially began this season as a modest initiative to illuminate the Memorial Park bandstand for the Christmas season has blossomed into a beautiful spectacle.

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CES Hosts Annual Polar Express Night

 

Claire, Haidyn, and Reagan took a minute away from the activities to pose at this year’s Polar Express.  (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hanson) See more photos in this week's The Calais Advertiser.

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Wreaths Across America Ceremony

 

Lenny Hanson, Paul Woodman, Mike Smith, Dale Holst, Jeff Maker, Joyce Maker, Norman Gardner, Connor Cooper, and Kristy Crawford all laid wreaths during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Alexander Municipal Building on Saturday, December 16.

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K. Smith Shines in Setback Against Machias; B. Smith Leads Comeback Win Over WA

 

Jayna Smith

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On Monday, December 11, Woodland hosted the Machias Bulldogs and experienced a setback with a final score of 47-38.

Dragon sophomore Karleigh Smith led all with 25 points.  She also contributed with seven rebounds and six steals.

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Lady Blue Devils Secure Victory in Home Opener

 

Jayna Smith

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In a game held on Wednesday, December 13, the Calais Lady Blue Devils emerged victorious against the Narraguagus Knights with a final score of 42-30.  The game marked the first home-court appearance for the Blue Devils this season.

The team, led by three returning starters from the previous season, showcased their speed and agility on the court.  Junior standout Kate McPhee contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks.

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2024 Dreams and Nightmares

 

Jon Reisman

I have bipolar dreams and nightmares about 2024. Many consequential issues and events are on the agenda, and there will undoubtedly be some surprises as well. I have been alternating between sweet dreams and terrifying nightmares.

National Popular Vote

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Motorists Reminded of Move Over Law

 

Jayna Smith

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In light of last week’s storm, with more than 2,000 people, including 1,400 line and tree crews, on the job working to restore power, Maine State Police issued a reminder of Maine’s “Move Over” Law, urging motorists to exercise caution when encountering emergency vehicles or public service vehicles displaying flashing lights.  

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Local Powerlifter Clinches Gold, Set State Record

 

Wayne Sowers, of Baring Plantation, recently competed at the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters World Champions in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he received a gold medal for the bench press (338 lbs.) and two silver medals, 407 lbs. for the deadlift and 745 lbs. for the push/pull (total).  Sowers competed in the 242 lb. class for the 68-74 age group. He also set three Maine state records for these lifts. For the third year in a row, Sowers is the reigning World Champion in the Bench Press.

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Lady Dragons Split Pair of Games Last Week

 

Jayna Smith

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Sophomore Karleigh Smith showcased her scoring ability by netting 18 points, leading Woodland to a 30-17 victory over Calais on Friday, December 22.  Smith's performance also included contributions of six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

Freshman Mishun Cornelius made her presence felt with six points and an impressive 12 rebounds for the Lady Dragons.

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Barbara’s School of Dance Santa’s Helper Toys

This photo shows the huge assortment of toys acquired by Barbara’s International School of Dance from proceeds of the December 17th Christmas Santa’s Helper Program.  Behind the toys are Calais Elementary School representative Betsy Barnard, Felice Story, Barbara Lara, and Jose Lara.  (Submitted photo)

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Merry Christmas from the Zoo Crew

 

At the final CHS boys’ game before Christmas break, the Zoo Crew got festive in their attire, while cheering on their Blue Devils.  (Photo by Jayna Smith) 

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CHS Alumnus Graduates from Maine Criminal Justice Academy

 

Submitted by Mary McFadden

Fort Fairfield Police Officer Cody Fenderson, a Charlotte native and 2007 Calais High School graduate, has graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

Fenderson, the son of Alan and Valerie Fenderson, was a member of the 44th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program class.  He was pinned at the December 15th graduation by his sister Caela, who graduated in the 42nd Basic Law Enforcement Training Program class and who works for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 

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Princeton Parks & Recreation Home Decorating Contest Winners

 

1st place went to Cynthia Polk. See page 2 of this week's paper to see more photos!

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Local Veterans Honor Fallen Heroes in Wreaths Across America Ceremonies

 

Jayna Smith

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Wreaths Across America, a tribute to honor and remember veterans, took place on December 16 at Jonesboro’s Acadia National Cemetery and on December 17 at Baring Cemetery.  The events were led by Sgt. Bobby Oliver, Commander of VFW Post #9779.

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