by  Lura Jackson

As part of the award-winning Calais Celtic Concert Series, acclaimed solo singer Matthew Byrne of Newfoundland will be bringing his world-class act to Calais on Wednesday, June 13. Byrne, who comes from a family embedded in traditional music, has performed in locations all around the globe.

by  Lura Jackson

One of the most selective military programs in the country – the United States Air Force Academy – is about to receive a graduate from Calais Middle High School [CMHS]. Haley “Boosta” Donovan will be among the cadets at the elite academy when classes start at the end of June. After four years, if she is among the approximately 1,000 students that successfully graduate each year, she will be awarded with a Bachelor of Science and an officer position in the Air Force.

The class of 2018 valedictorian is Ivy Robinson, daughter of Patricia and Michael Robinson of Addison. Ivy is a member of the National Honor Society receiving many academic accolades. She has displayed many leadership qualities at J-BHS serving as the class president, and representing J-BHS at the Maine Youth Leadership Conference since 2016. She was also selected as the DAR Good Citizen Award candidate.

Lottiemae Margaret (Durrett) Mattes, 82, passed away May 8, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 11, 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Capt. Alfred William Durrett, Sr. and Dolores Mae (Schock) Durrett.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Maine Veterans’ Homes (MVH) in Machias hosted its ninth Annual Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, May 23, this year in honor of U.S. Navy veterans Roland Cheney, Marjorie Morrison and David Phaneuf. All three passed away in the last year.

The Presentation of the Colors was done by the American Legion Post #65 and bagpipes were played by the Anah Highlanders. 

by Nancy Beal

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Leslie Haynes has served on the Machias Selectboard for six years. “I just enjoy the people,” he said. Haynes was raised in East Machias and couldn’t wait to get back home after serving in the Army for a tour in Vietnam. “I had never ever seen anything like that in my life. In 1968 I was right in the middle of that big Tet Offensive over there,” he said.

“When I came home I looked at my commanding officer and said, ‘You’ve got 12 hours to get my discharge papers ready. I’m going to Maine where it’s nice and peaceful.’”

More trash talk

The real difference between Mark Wright’s garbage business and the Pleasant River Solid Waste Disposal District (PRSWDD, a transfer station) is that Wright’s is private for his personal profit, while PRSWDD is public, owned by the six towns, and run openly for the benefit of those towns.

Mark Wright wants to own the entire garbage business in the region, but when there’s a monopoly, guess what would happen to the cost of garbage disposal?

by Lura Jackson

The importance of recognizing the past and present relationship between colonizing Christian powers and the Wabanaki people – and particularly the Passamaquoddy tribe – will be the focus of a special presentation at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Calais on Sunday, June 3. The talk will be delivered by John Dieffenbacher-Krall, Chair of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine Committee on Indian Relations. 

Daryl Eugene McCurdy (Tim) passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer.  He was born in Lubec on October 12, 1941, son of the late Bernard and Muriel McCurdy. Daryl graduated from Lubec High School in 1961. Throughout the years he worked at Carlton Corey’s garage, Milliken Textile Mill, was owner and operator of “The Spruce” fishing vessel, and most recently worked and retired from the United States Department of Agriculture.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Kehben Grier of Machias’ Beehive Design Collective announced last week that the Blackfly Ball will move from its traditional Blueberry Festival August time frame to October 6. The Blackfly Ball has become a fixture of summer in Machias, historically taking place on the Saturday night of the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival and drawing large crowds to Bad Little Falls park to hear multiple bands for free.

This June, Wayfinder Schools’ Passages Program will graduate more than twenty teen parents who have worked hard to earn their high school diplomas while raising their young children. Founded in 1994, Passages is a home-based high school diploma program for young parents living in Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Sagadahoc and Washington Counties. 

This year’s Washington County graduates are Isaac J. Collins, Jr. of Robbinston, Daneishalys Fontanez of Machias, Cheyenne Maheu of Lubec, Jessica Milliken of Jonesport and Monica Moffett of Eastport.

by Ruth Leubecker

As seniors struggle and veterans needs go unmet, Sen. Susan Collins continues to join forces with fellow senators in major efforts to achieve fairness on the playing field.

“Seniors who need assistance in managing their affairs should never be exploited and left destitute by an individual a court has appointed to protect them,” said Collins in a recent address on the abuse of power that guardians and others have over the elderly.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The state suspended Dr. Cynthia Teer’s veterinary license effective Jan. 24, 2018, but the doctor continues to see patients in her Machias Animal Hospital office.

The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation confirmed that Dr. Teer’s license was suspended on the evening of Jan. 23. The agency did not specify the reason for the license suspension, saying only that she can no longer see patients or write prescriptions. 

Nancy Rose Tancredi, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, loyal sister-in-law and dear friend, died unexpectedly following surgery in White Plains, New York, on May 12, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was 71 years old. 

She leaves behind by her three children, Robert Sapiro and his wife Eleanor Mitten of Eliot, Emily Tancredi-Brice Agbenyega and her husband Tsiri of Pelham Manor, New York, and Constance Girvan and her husband Andrew of Edinburgh, Scotland. She also leaves behind an adopted daughter, Brittney Sampson of Boston, Massachusetts.

On Tuesday, May 15, Washington Academy hosted the school’s annual Spring Concert.

The concert featured dances from our Contemporary Dance and Creative Movement Class and after- school ballet class, as well as a performances by our Jazz Band, A cappella, Solo Artists, and more! Our guests were also greeted by a display of student artwork as they entered the building. Bravo to all of our talented students who participated! 

Principal Lucille Willey is pleased to announce the honor parts for the Class of 2018 at Narraguagus Jr/Sr High School in Harrington. Co-Valedictorians are Sophia DeSchiffart, daughter of Timothy & Joanna DeSchiffart of Cherryfield and River Fenton, son of Chadwick Fenton & Christina Willey of Harrington. Salutatorian is Mary Hammond, daughter of Darin & Jasmine Hammond of Harrington and Michelle Hammond of Milbridge.

by  V. Paul Reynolds

“Paul, come down stairs quick,” Diane half-whispered and half-yelled at me.

by Nancy Beal

Diane Russell of Bryant Pond, one of seven candidates vying in the June 12 primary for the right to carry the Democratic banner into the gubernatorial race next fall, visited the Washington County Democrats May 6 and, in a no-holds-barred presentation, delivered her message and asked for at least a “second place vote.”