Nature lovers of all ages are invited to experience the beauty of late summer in Downeast Maine with three guided walks sponsored by Friends of Moosehorn, Fundy Audubon, and Maine Master Naturalists. These free public events offer a unique opportunity to explore local trails and coastal habitats, observe wildlife, and learn from knowledgeable naturalists.

The Pembroke Library is honored to have Kate McCann as the chantey leader and banjo balladeer for the August 20 Chantey Sing. 

McCann has been studying and performing historic songs of the sea for many years and was recently awarded a two-year scholarship towards a master’s degree in ethnomusicology at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She is among a rising group of young people who have taken to singing songs of the sea, keeping the tradition going. 

Paul Sylvain

What’s in a name? Quite a lot, especially if it’s an award that recognizes public sector employers “who maintain an exemplary safety and health management system, reflecting a strong commitment to workplace safety.”

And it is especially noteworthy when the award’s recipient is entrusted with the assisted living needs and care of up to 30 proud military veterans who served our great nation, oftentimes during periods of conflict, such as during the Vietnam War. Spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify for care at the homes.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Bring the kids and join the fun at the library this Saturday, August 9! From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., all ages are invited to get creative with a free rock painting activity. While you’re there, don’t miss the annual book sale hosted by the Friends of the Library, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a great chance to pick up some new reads while supporting your local library. For more details on either event, call 207-454-2758.

Wednesday, August 6

10 a.m.-4 p.m. CDN – Around the Block Quilt Show at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 20 Church Street. Come and enjoy the work of the St. Croix Cotton Mill Quilters and their hand-quilting friends from the Anglican Parish of St. Stephen. Selected vintage quilts on loan from the Charlotte County museum will be on display.

11 a.m.-dusk CDN – Troy’s Amusements presents the festival Mini-Carnival. Rides, cotton candy, candy apples, and more. Open daily during festival at Border Arena, King Street.

Jon Reisman

Increasing encounters and concerns with Artificial Intelligence, robots, challenges to prove my humanity/not-a-robot, and the Trump administration’s decision to challenge the 2009 Obama era “Endangerment finding” that is the basis and foundation for our flawed, opaque, dishonest, and ultimately ineffective climate policy regulation of greenhouse gases, led me to a Baby Boomer-centric memory/meme from the 1960s sci-fi TV series “Lost in Space.”

Jayna Smith

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The long-vacant St. Croix Apartments on Main Street are on track to reopen as senior housing, with plans for 26 units exclusively for older residents.

According to Tom Michaud, executive director of Sunrise Opportunities, the building will serve low-income seniors once renovations are complete. The project marks a major step forward in restoring a resource that has been absent from the community for nearly a decade.

Jayna Smith

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The Baileyville School Board has taken the first step toward revising district policies to align with a federal executive order issued by President Donald Trump titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”

At its most recent meeting, the board voted 4-1 to refer proposed changes to its policy committee. The committee will draft revisions for compliance with the order, after which the full board will vote on final adoption. 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The 52nd Annual International Homecoming Festival is now in the books, and organizers are calling it a success. The weeklong celebration once again honored the friendship between Calais, Maine, and St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

With cooperative weather and community spirit throughout the festivities, U.S. Chairperson Andrea Walton reported strong attendance at all events. Some events, she said, even drew the largest crowds seen in years.

Paul Sylvain

Could the former Blueberry Ford at 241 Dublin St./Route 1 become the future home for a new Machias Municipal and Public Safety Complex?

That suggestion was floated by Bold Coast Properties real estate broker Bill Milliken at the Aug. 13 selectboard meeting. While openly receptive to the idea, town officials cautiously agreed that the first step in the process is for department heads to tour the facility, then meet and discuss whether or not investing in that property will meet their department’s and the town’s needs.

Paul Sylvain

And just like that, it was over. The 48th almost annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, that is. And what a festival it was.

Mother Nature even held off Sunday’s forecasted rains until after the live performances on the outdoor stage were finished and most of the festival’s vendors had packed up and were heading home or to their next festival stop away from Machias.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

After days of work, the Baileyville fire on Track Road was declared 100% contained as of Monday, Aug. 18.

“As of today we will be 100 percent contained and working on picking up all of our equipment,” Baileyville Fire Chief Brandon Ireland said, noting that the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

Will Tuell

Twenty years ago last Friday — AuTwenty years ago last Friday — Aug. 15, 2005 — Maine Veterans Home in Machias opened its doors. In the two decades since, the residential care facility serving area veterans and their spouses has seen its share of ups and downs, from expansions and national awards to a worldwide pandemic and a near-closure three years ago after repeated warnings about the home’s financial woes. 

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Records show that the Methodists were the first denomination to start Christian work in the area in about 1785, and that rich history of fellowship and unity has culminated in a new chapter for a long-standing local congregation. As of last month, the church formerly known as Calais United Methodist Church is now known as All Saints United Methodist Church, a name that reflects the combined legacy of many congregations over the decades.

Don’t it always seem to go

That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?

- Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Taxi

Freedom Studies is going on hiatus while I ponder Joni Mitchell lyrics on my 69th birthday, including:

I’ve looked at life from both sides now

From up and down, and still somehow

It's life's illusions, I recall

I really don’t know life at all        - Both Sides Now

I hope to return soon

https://youtu.be/2595abcvh2M

The background of Dr. Thomas Pomroy, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant physician born in Pembroke in 1832 who practiced throughout Maine, Canada, and New York in the 19th century, will be explored at the September meeting of the St. Croix Historical Society. 

Washington County Community College (WCCC) is proud to announce its selection as one of five New England higher education institutions to receive a prestigious Accelerator Grant from the New England Prison Education Collaborative (NEPEC), with support from Ascendium Education Group.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The St. Croix Valley International Garden Club recently hosted a “Tea and Tour” at the gardens of Nancy Unobskey, drawing members and guests from both sides of the border to enjoy a rare glimpse of one of the area’s most spectacular private gardens.

Paul Sylvain

Washington County Commissioners on Aug. 20 voted down a fleet vehicle leasing proposal, in favor of keeping with the past practice of purchasing three new vehicles yearly, at least until the 2027 budget year.

The unexpected vote came at an emergency meeting of the commissioners, held as a precursor to determine how to present 2026 budget options to the public at the commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting the next day.