By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Common resolutions for the new year include losing weight, getting in better shape, and simply living a healthier lifestyle.  These goals don’t have to be difficult to attain, even after the season of sweets and merrymaking.  In Calais, there are many opportunities to accomplish these goals in 2020.

By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Avian Haven (avianhaven.org), located in Freedom, Maine, is a rehabilitation center dedicated to the return of injured and orphaned wild birds to their natural roles in the wild.  Last week, the center admitted two bald eagles from two separate areas, each experiencing symptoms due to lead poisoning.  Unfortunately, one of the birds did not survive.

By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Ruth Muller just celebrated her 105th birthday.  This likely makes her the oldest person in the City of Calais, possibly even in the state.  

Born in Germany on January 3, 1915, Ms. Muller immigrated to the United States with her parents and two sisters through Ellis Island.  Like others at that time, her parents were in search of a better life for her family.  Ms. Muller was eight years old and did not speak a word of English.

By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Many are familiar with the “thin blue line” and the “thin red line” references, said often in support of law enforcement and firefighters respectively.  One man honoring the thin blue and red lines, as well as all first responders and military personnel, is Robert Rice, of Pembroke, Massachusetts.

By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Area Girl Scouts have begun their annual cookie sales campaign.  The girls are ready to demonstrate goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics--the “5 Skills" each Girl Scout learns through the cookie program.

By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Those who are fortunate enough to know Ronda Cobb know her passion for helping animals.  A true animal lover by nature, Ronda and her husband Terry own Water’s Edge Farm in South Princeton.

Water’s Edge Farm is home to a variety of animals.  Among them are horses, goats, ducks, chickens, and cows.  Ronda works full time on her farm, as well as a farrier and pet sitter.

The Immaculate Conception Church Faith Formation children, grades kindergarten through eighth, recently held a bake sale which raised $384.01. They donated the entire amount to the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry in Calais.

Down East Community Hospital welcomes its first baby of 2020!  Alison Furman, of Princeton, gave birth to Chase Alexander Furman at 9:14 a.m. on January 3.  Chase, who is cuddly and very sweet, weighed in at 6 pounds and 13 ounces.

Alison was happy to be presented with the New Year’s baby basket that overflowed with gifts from Down East Community Hospital and area businesses.

By Kaileigh Deacon

For some, birthdays are just another cake and the addition of another candle on top. But for lifelong Calais resident Verna MacKechnie, this year marks a total of 103 candles on top of her cake.

Verna was born in Calais area on January 9, 1917, and has made Calais her home ever since. In addition to raising a family, Verna held a number of jobs over the years and was always known for her hard work and got get ‘em work ethic.

By Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Indian Township School has been selected as the 2019 School of the Year by the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA).  

The award comes after the school’s demonstrated commitment to creating authentic learning opportunities for its students and engaging them in food systems education.  Additionally noted was the school’s dedication to involving the community.