Jayna Smith

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Under the leadership of new president Dawn Noonan, the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry is progressing while keeping its mission to assist those experiencing food insecurity at the forefront.

Jayna Smith

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An open house and ribbon-cutting celebration was held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at First National Bank. The branch, located at 319 North Street, recently underwent a major renovation, transforming its interior appearance. 

Among the most notable differences is the replacement of the long teller counter with free-standing pods, offering a more concierge-like, one-on-one customer experience in its new open-environment space.

Will Tuell

After 32 years wearing a uniform for the Maine Forest Service, rising from a field Ranger to one of the highest-ranking officers in the 66-man department and becoming one of a handful of individuals around the country certified to manage air responses to some of the biggest wildfires and natural disasters across the country, Marion Township’s Jeff Currier signed off for the last time June 28. 

Paul Sylvain

For one weekend this year, an assortment of three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and even a dirt bike or two outnumbered black flies and ‘skeeters in the Shiretown, as scores of ATV enthusiasts turned out for the second annual Machias ATV Jamboree June 28-29.

Jon Reisman

I stayed up way past my usual bedtime to watch the Presidential debate and take in the reaction and the spin.  One good friend, aware of my angst over this election and the polarized state of the country, asked me as the debate concluded, “Were you impressed?” to which I responded, “Not with anyone there actually.” Perhaps that was a little (but only a little) bit unfair. They all actually exceeded my low expectations.

Jayna Smith

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The Calais Fire Association has announced the return of the beloved Fourth of July kids' games this year.

Traditionally held at the Dicenzo Athletic Complex on Independence Day morning, from 8 to 11 a.m., these games have become a cherished event for countless local families.  Although the exact number of years this tradition has been running is unclear, it has undoubtedly brought joy to generations of children.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) marked the grand opening of its new access point at Calais United Methodist Church with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday morning.  The event featured a speaking program led by Executive Director Tabatha Caso, Nutrition Director Chris Street, and Nutrition Supervisor Kim Stanley.  Attendees were also given a tour of the new facility, showcasing the range of services it will offer.

Paul Sylvain

Machias is no stranger to all-terrain vehicles. ATVs of all sizes and shapes can be found most anytime at local eateries, including Dunkin’s, Pat’s Pizza, Mason’s Downeast, Helen's Restaurant, and River’s Edge takeout. But since 2022, a dedicated group of local ATV enthusiasts has been mustering annually at a jamboree dedicated to their off-road trail machines.

The iconic "blueberry dome" in Downeast Maine, now the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center, is reopening on Thursday, June 27th.  Founded by Dell and Marie Emerson in 2017, the nonprofit aims to educate visitors about Maine’s ancient wild blueberry ecosystem.

The dome features interactive exhibits, including stories from local blueberry growers, student-created dioramas, and fine art prints by photographer David Brooks Stess. Outside, visitors can explore the Wild Blueberry Walkway, a trail with wild blueberries, a pollinator garden, and heritage displays.

Will Tuell

Jayna Smith

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A big thank you to Jane Eaton who spearheaded the annual plant sale earlier this month.  The sale took place at Flat Iron Park with all proceeds benefiting the Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition (CDRC).  

The farmers market has begun for the summer season. You can find it and all of the wonderful fresh produce and local goods at Flat Iron Park downtown every Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. 

Jayna Smith

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Despite widespread awareness of the dangers of vaping, many continue the habit.  However, three students from Calais Middle/High School are determined to change that trend among their peers.

Jamison Brown, Bradley Walton, and Wyatt Short have teamed up with Healthy Acadia to establish Vape Busters, a peer mentor program designed to address the growing concern about vaping among middle and high school students.

Phil Stuart

The 2024 spring baseball and softball season was the most successful in a very long time for Washington County schools.

Four teams went into the postseason with legitimate chances to make a deep playoff run and play for a regional championship.  Three of those teams did reach the title game, but unfortunately, they all ended in heartbreaking defeats.

Jayna Smith

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All can celebrate the arrival of summer with the recent opening of Howard Fox Memorial Pool, marking the official start of the season.  Alongside the pool's opening, summer day camp has begun, offering a plethora of activities for youngsters.

Paul Sylvain

County officials and elected representatives gathered June 13 at the Court Street site of the future Washington County Safety Building to formally break ground on the $5.5 million project. 

Funding for the project is coming from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, as part of a COVID stimulus deal.

On Saturday, June 8, the State Degree Team visited Calais to conduct a special 4th Degree Exemplification for the 4th Degree Assembly, which comprises members from both Calais, and Machias. The Honoree for this Degree was Father Roland Berngeh, Pastor at The Immaculate Conception in Calais.

Jayna Smith

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Calais Elementary School is on a mission to revamp its playground, and Principal Sue Carter is leading the charge.  

Carter recently shared the pressing need for a safer and more engaging outdoor space for students.  With the current playground showing signs of wear and age, the school is embarking on a fundraising drive to secure the necessary funds for a much-needed upgrade.

Jayna Smith

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The gymnasium of Woodland Elementary School was filled for its pre-kindergarten graduation ceremony on Monday afternoon, June 10.  Seventeen eager students, set to enter kindergarten in the fall, celebrated the end of their pre-k year with enthusiasm and pride.

Ham radio operators from the St. Croix Valley Amateur Radio Club in the Washington and Charlotte County area will be participating in a national amateur radio exercise from 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, until mid-morning on Sunday, June 23. The event is ARRL Field Day (www.arrl.org/FieldDay), an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933 by ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio in the United States.

Sandra Smith 

At last Tuesday’s Princeton Board of Selectmen's meeting was the dedication of Princeton’s Annual Report. The selection is kept secret until the award is presented. This has been a special honor and tradition since 1976-77. The first award was given to Ruth J. Shaw, who was the town treasurer for 38 years, a registered nurse, a school teacher, and had over 20 years with the post office, as well as being active in the church and Princeton Women’s Club. 

Congratulations to four members of the 2024 Calais High School varsity softball team for their DAC achievements: Taylor Carter, senior, DAC All Academic Award; Kayleigh Scott, junior, DAC Softball All Star; Brenna Critchley, senior, DAC Softball All Star and DAC All Academic Award; and Aurora Francis-Bassett, senior, DAC All Academic Award.