Jayna Smith

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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.

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

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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.

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.”

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.

Jayna Smith

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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.

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.

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. 

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.

Jayna Smith

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The annual Street Fair, always a tradition of International Homecoming Festival, is set to return to downtown Calais with all the excitement and charm festivalgoers have come to expect. Hosted by the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce, this year’s fair promises to attract hundreds of residents and visitors for a day full of food, fun, and local flair on Saturday, August 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Barbara McArthur of Alexander recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a surprise party held at her family home. In honor of the milestone, she was presented with a Centenarian Certificate of Honor from the Town of Alexander, along with Alexander’s Golden Cane — a symbol of longevity and community esteem. Her name was also added to the Golden Cane Plaque, commemorating her place in the town’s history.  

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.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

Get ready to celebrate at this year’s International Homecoming Festival parade, kicking off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 9. The parade will begin from Calais Motor Inn and proceed through downtown Calais before crossing into St. Stephen.

With the 2025 theme "We Hug It Out," organizers are planning a festive and heartwarming event that celebrates unity and connection across the border.

There is exciting news about the upcoming Washington County Fair pageants. This year marks the second annual event, building on the success of its inaugural pageant, when Shayna Cook was crowned as Miss Washington County Fair, Harper McLean as Teen Washington County Fair, and Madison Gardner as Junior Miss Washington County Fair. Their grace, poise, and dedication served as an inspiration to all.

Calais Community Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Logan Raye, Family Nurse Practitioner, to the new Baileyville Medical Center scheduled to open in September. 

Paul Sylvain

Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis and Commissioners David Burns, Billy Howard, and Courtney Hammond are weighing the possibility of entering into a county vehicle leasing arrangement with Enterprise Fleet Management Services in Boston.

If an agreement is reached, it would mean that, instead of replacing aging vehicles by purchasing them through traditional car dealerships, the county would eventually be replacing them at a regular five-year interval through Enterprise.

Local pageant queens and their director participated in the Maine Classic Car Museum Fashion Soirée! This year’s event was a spectacular success, bringing together an array of Maine talent and showcasing the beauty of classic cars alongside the latest in fashion.

Pictured during Whiting's Bicentennial are Robert Curtis, Janice Bronson, Senator Marianne Moore, Steven Pressley Sr., and Representative Will Tuell. (Submitted photo)

Jon Reisman

This week’s “quick hits” column is a consequence of summer-time dreams being interrupted by meteor showers and media powers. I submitted a long-stewing paper on how rural Maine and the Second Congressional District have been well and truly screwed by Maine’s climate, energy, and equity policies. I have my doubts that the paper will be accepted, but completing it amidst a mid-July heat wave (undoubtedly caused by extreme weather, climate change, and Trump) was both cathartic and deeply satisfying.

Princeton Parks & Recreation held their Community Yard Sale at Brewer Andrews Field on Saturday. The Parks & Rec. booth featured their raffle for a dinner at Leen’s Lodge and information about the group. Also adjoining their booth were two trailers full of items generously donated to Parks & Rec. for the sale. 

Princeton’s Fire Department Association was there with their Weenie Wagon, as well as Lakeside Lemonade. They reported that they had a busy day. 

Jayna Smith

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Just past the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, at 523 Main Street in Calais, the Holmes Cottage and Museum stands as a testament to the city’s deep and storied past. Built in the early 1800s — possibly even slightly earlier — this is the oldest structure in Calais, and stepping inside is like walking straight into that era.

Last week was the second summer gathering for children at the library, and, as usual, a great time was had by all. The primary focus was on drawing things, with the book The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg as the inspiration. The photos show both the “laid back” listening and the inspired enthusiasm that is enjoyed by the children. The only concern is that there could be so many more attending, but, we suspect that transportation is a problem for many.