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Published Way Down Join us on Twitter East @TheCalaisAdv Like us on Established in 1836 Facebook VOL. 179, NO. 33 AUGUST 14, 2014 © 2014 The Calais Advertiser Inc. $1.50 (tax included) Photos by Lura Jackson, Amy Jeanroy and Jayna Smith PAGE 2 Future of Robbinston School Uncertain Positive Report on 2014 By Ruth Leubecker special interest or discipline, by $34,000, with more than Festival from Chairperson but not at the grade-school $24,247 attributed to an un- Resignations and continu- level," he explains. "Why not? filled ed tech position, several and Police Chief It only makes sense. They were donations and a possible reduc- ing contention marked the By Jayna Smith Robbinston referendum vote, asking for nearly $1 million. tion in a salary line contrib- resulting in the passage of a One million in Bangor is a lot uted to the total cut of nearly The 41st Annual International Homecoming Festival proved reduced budget, contradicting different than $1 million in $68,000. successful, according to Anthony Giard--who bravely took on the the recommendation of the Robbinston." A projected Blue Cross Blue role only months ago as US Chairperson--and Calais Police Chief school committee. Hummel is referring to the Shield increase and extremely Dave Randall. Condensed from ten days down to only four this On a town meeting held fact that at a special town meet- changeable special ed costs year, the festival was jam-packed with events for people of all ages on August 4 the Robbinston ing Robbinston voters were have added to the controversy, and certainly did not lack in any area of fun. school board wrestled with originally presented with a price and the unknown element in “This year’s International Homecoming Festival was a huge nearly $68,000 in school bud- tag of $967,936, representing a the school budget. Underwood success,” Giard explained. “The teamwork from both sides of get cuts. However, 110 resi- hike of nearly $60,000 over explained the budget process, the border continued a cherished festival tradition that really is dents turned out to vote in an last year. Although the town stressing that the numbers are a celebration of our two tightly knit communities. Together we alternate budget, rallying 70 to received a state increase of always based on the previous created a couple of days where visitors and locals alike explored 40 against the school board's $135,923, and the total local as- year's expenses. our revitalized downtowns, families were able to enjoy fun and recommendation. Because the sessment was $91,149 less than "Calais withdrew from the games on the beautiful riverfront that we both share, and friends decrease could only affect the last year, voters voted it down, AOS, and Jim Underwood separated by that same river came together to celebrate our shared line item relating to regular much to official frustration. said 'I can't believe you people community.” education, other educational Ever since about 20 taxpayers didn't vote this budget in,'" said Perhaps the biggest draw again this year were events on the areas were protected from the turned out for a July 21 meet- Hummel. "We've been perma- riverfront walkway. Marcia Hayward, who preceded Giard as US cuts. ing to discuss the cutbacks and nent residents in Robbinston Chairperson, executed making the riverfront walkway a highlight "I think they're spending ramifications of the proposed for three or four years. Between of the annual festival for the first time last year. This year’s com- money in the wrong direction," school budget, Robbinston has taxes going up and the AOS re- mittee wanted to continue her idea of utilizing what many consider said Jeff Hummel, referring to struggled with the reality of quirements that have to be met, Calais’ greatest asset. the emphasis on special educa- tougher questions. On July 28 it's a lot. The AOS was created “On the US side of the border, we had some wonderful accom- tion. "It's about 90% on special issues escalated as the towns- to make schools consolidate, plishments,” Giard said. “Vendors at the Main Street Fair reported ed and 10% on regular educa- people met at the firehouse to but it's not working." to us that sales and traffic were up from previous years. The Fam- tion. We shouldn't sacrifice in validate an adjusted budget. Questions facing imminent ily Fun area on the Riverfront was very well attended. Near 1000 this way. I don't know why However, they opted out, set- attention from the board will al- children enjoyed the free pony rides and petting zoo. The Sunday people think it's a cardinal sin tling for their own budget. In most certainly include the rami- craft fair and children’s events were a smash hit.” to go to a different school in the interim, AOS 77 Superin- fications of withdrawal from Among the biggest attraction to the waterfront was the addition grade school, but it's okay for tendent Jim Underwood has AOS 77, the potential closure of the Waterville-based company Adventure Climbing. It brought high school and college." resigned. After 17 years in the of the Robbinston school, and two bounce houses, the Sabretooth Tiger Slide which is the largest Hummel, an outspoken Rob- Robbinston system, Brenda the possibility of contracting inflatable slide currently available on the market at 35 feet high, binston resident who is in Donovan, teaching principal, with Calais to accommodate and the Rat Race inflatable obstacle challenge running over 120 favor of a central location for has also resigned. Robbinston students. feet of fun. special ed students, sees such As the MVNO goes to press, With only weeks to go be- Also for a second consecutive year, the committee sponsored a concentration of students as repeated attempts to reach all fore school starts, The Calais a candy scramble for children at the waterfront. “The candy a financially practical move, three school board members - Advertiser is advertising for a scramble was amazing--over a hundred screaming children and avoiding "three students here, Tom Critchley, Joe Footer and teaching principal at the Rob- over 70 pounds of candy, how can you go wrong,” Giard said of six there." He claims that when James Trainor - have been un- binston Grade School for its the event. it comes to dollars though, successful. It has been reported, Fall 2014 opening. Applicants The city’s police chief also had a very positive report regard- children are not often the prime however, that Critchley, board are urged to call 853-2567. ing festival. Chief Randall told The Calais Advertiser, “I am consideration. chair, has also resigned from very pleased to report that this is the first time in 25 years that the "I don't understand why you his post and the board. Calais Police Department did not arrest or charge anyone during can select a certain high school Although the school com- International Homecoming Festival events. The atmosphere this or college according to your mittee had pared the budget year was a lot like last year’s festival and I contribute that to the addition of family activities.” HARDWARE • PLUMBING • HOUSEWARE • CLOTHING • FOOTWEAR • SPORTS EQUIPMENT FISHING • HUNTING RENTALS Chief Randall also acknowledged those who operate the local social gathering places where alcohol was served. “I was also very pleased with the local establishments that sold liquor in Calais this E=MC year. They went the extra mile to make sure plenty of staff was 2 available during peak hours. This really helped curb any major 2x2=4 issues,” he said. With costs such as the required insurance policy, advertising, brochures, and parade bands, among other things, the festival com- mittee relies heavily on support from local merchants, civic groups, organizations, and citizens. Fortunately, the committee was able to secure sponsorship of its fireworks display for a second consecutive year from Duty Free Americas, Hardwicke’s. Thousands flocked to the riverfronts on both sides of the St. Croix to watch the spec- tacular display which concluded the festival Sunday night. Giard reminds readers that events like International Homecoming Festival it created, coordinated, and run strictly by volunteers. That committee, Giard reported, plans all year for the annual August event. “It takes a lot of hard work and numerous volunteers to bring this Festival together. We are already planning for next year and will be looking for new volunteers to help make it even better. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements about how you can get involved.” LAWN & GARDEN • POOL CHEMICALS RVLAWN SUPPLIES Book by Sept. 15 & Pick Your Own Seat! WE’VE GOT WORMS & CRAWLERS WE SELL HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES *All tours offer travel from Washington and Hancock Counties on a luxury motor coach with bathroom and WiFi. Prices are per person with double occupancy and include local Maine tour director, Step-on tour guides, choice hotels, most meals and tips, and all taxes. 188 North St., Calais / 454-2551 Local Toll Free UPS Shipping & www.johnsonstvalue.com • [email protected] Receiving Small engine Sales, 207-853-66851-800-251-88051-800-251-8805 Headquarters Complete Outdoor Power Equipment Parts and Repair Service & Parts PAGE 3 Opening Ceremony Reinforces International Friendship organizations, and other citizens years ago. Sincere thanks was are led to the center of the bridge also given to the International by the American Legion Color Homecoming Festival com- Guard or the Canadian Legion mittee. Color Guard. It is there where The opening ceremony of both Mayors meet, exchange International Homecoming a handshake, and address the Festival is traditionally held on attendees.