With the anticipation of Christmas, the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will take place at the Congregational Church in Dennysville on Sunday, December 22, at 4 p.m. Carols illuminating the Christmas story will accompany traditional lessons from the Old and New Testaments read by members of the congregation. 

Baileyville’s holiday committee put together another fantastic Christmas Parade that brightened the town on Friday night, December 13. This entry by V.L. Tammaro, its blue truck as recognizable as Santa’s sleigh, was adorned with festive decorations and certainly did not disappoint. After the parade, children eagerly lined up at Woodland Elementary School to share their holiday wishes with Santa. (Baileyville Holiday Committee photo)

Jayna Smith

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At last week’s city council meeting, Calais Fire Chief Billy Lee shared details of an impressive act of bravery on the evening of November 22, when local elementary school student Reed Leachman helped prevent a potentially devastating fire. 

Lining the poles on Main Street in Woodland are beautiful Christmas wreaths, courtesy of V.L. Tammaro. Each year, the oil company ensures they’re hung just in time for the town’s Christmas parade, adding to the festive spirit. (Baileyville Holiday Committee photo)

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Marcia Rogers presiding over Councilors Kevin Niles, Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Pete Foster, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald. 

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

Jayna Smith

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Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria has announced that Karleigh Smith, a junior at Woodland High School, is the winner of its inaugural Grammar for Giving contest. Karleigh’s essay highlighted the vital work of Down East Hospice Volunteers (DEHV), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for families in the community, and now will earn a day’s worth of sales from Jo’s for the organization.

The Calais High School varsity wrestling team recently traveled to Bucksport for the Ryan Detour Tournament, where they made a strong showing, finishing 6th out of 13 schools. The Blue Devils earned four first place, one second place, and three third place finishes. The first place winners were Ashaleigh Sulkowski, Destiny Holmes, Jack Lanier, and Chase Scott. Rose Lozada took second place, while Kayla Wilson, Cadien Seeley, and Bradley Walton earned third place finishes. These athletes fought hard and represented their team with determination and pride. (Photo courtesy of CHS)

Jayna Smith

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The 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade brought festive cheer to downtown on Friday evening, Dec. 6, despite bone-chilling temperatures.

Brightly lit floats adorned with holiday decorations made their way across Main Street, with many participants passing candy canes and other treats to spectators. While the bitter cold kept some at home, others watched the procession from the warmth of their vehicles, which lined the parade route. 

Jayna Smith

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Area listeners of National Public Radio (NPR) have noticed they can no longer access the independent, nonprofit media organization through the Calais station. According to Maine Public, the interruption is temporary and part of a broader effort to enhance and expand radio coverage throughout Maine.

Orthopedic surgeon Wendy Boucher Crawford, MD, and the medical staff at Calais Community Hospital are excited to offer Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA® Knee System, which brings together robotic technology with industry-leading knee implants to help surgeons personalize surgical procedures for their patients and is designed to help perform total knee replacement. It includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively. 

Jon Reisman

My Policy Ronin column on political samurai without masters elicited a number of responses. Two readers sent uniform/wardrobe suggestions. The armored chain mail option would probably protect me from lefty lances, but I am skeptical it would be allowed through the security checkpoints in Augusta. The less martial masked alternative is clearly the post-Covid cosplay of choice.

Jayna Smith

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The Jolly Junction Market opened this past weekend. Vendors selling all sorts of goods are set up in the former Urban Moose building each weekend through Christmas. Organized by CDRC and Downeast Economic Development, this pop-up event is open Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jayna Smith

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CDRC’s Jolly Junction Market kicked off its opening weekend with great success, drawing holiday shoppers eager to support local artisans, crafters, and other vendors.

Jayna Smith

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Calais-area residents are in for a special holiday treat as the acclaimed Mount View Chamber Singers bring their beloved “Carols in the Round” performance to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 14. The concert, beginning at 2 p.m., promises an intimate and moving celebration of the holiday season, featuring an array of carols.

Wreaths were laid on veterans’ graves at the Alexander Cemetery on December 2nd by volunteers (front) Connor Cooper, Pacey Sanford, Aiden Sanford, (middle) Crystal Roussel, Rhonda Oakes, Eileen Newman, Dolly Sullivan, Jim Sullivan, (back) David Sanford, Carl Oakes, Dale Holst, and Joe Manza. Missing from the photo is Jane Manza. (Submitted photo)

Brady Seeley has been named Calais High School Student of the Month for November. Brady has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude that inspires both peers and teachers alike. Congratulations, Brady! Keep up the fantastic work!

Jon Reisman

Jayna Smith

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St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrated the region’s achievements and community spirit at its 76th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Friday, November 22, 2024. Held at the Princeton Rod & Gun Club, the event brought together local businesses, community leaders, and dedicated volunteers, drawing a crowd of about 80 attendees.

Jayna Smith

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In a move highlighting the evolving nature of ministry and community service, People’s United Methodist Church (PUMC) in Baileyville is merging with Calais United Methodist Church (CUMC). While the Baileyville building will no longer serve as a place of worship, the ministry of its congregation will continue as part of the Calais church.

Jayna Smith

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At the Calais City Council's regular meeting, held on November 21, Councilor Marcia Rogers was unanimously appointed to serve as mayor, following the recent vacancy of Artie Mingo, who was elected to Maine’s House District 9.

The meeting was called to order by City Clerk Brad Phillips, with councilors Kevin Niles, Mike Sherrard, Pete Foster, James Macdonald, and Marcia Rogers present and Councilor Billy Quinn absent.

Last week’s Tuesday Storytime for the Pembroke and Dennysville children was focused on a book named Dewey, the Library Cat, by Vicky Myron, which is based on the full-length book of similar name. Next thing we know, the children will be wanting a library cat at our Lincoln Memorial Public Library!