Calais Fire-EMS’s Lioness Christmas Parade entry displayed an important message, encouraging men and women to join their local fire department.  The float was just one of many in this year’s parade, the largest Christmas parade yet, which drew hundreds to downtown.  (Photo by Jayna Smith) See more photos in this week's The Calais Advertiser!

Jayna Smith

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USW Local 27 members at Woodland Pulp in Baileyville have voted to reject the company’s recent contract offer and have authorized to strike.

Voting among the union members took place on December 5 and 6, and according to USW Local 27 President Shawn Howland, 85 percent of the over 90 percent of members who voted showed approval of the strike.  

Calais Celtic Concerts is pleased to present the internationally-acclaimed, award-winning, musical sister-duo of Cassie and Maggie MacDonald, who are no strangers to Celtic Christmas, Holiday Magic! 

Part of a multigenerational musical dynasty, Christmas was always a time to gather near and sing boisterously, as in days of old. The doors were always open to company, and the New Year was just around the corner.

Jose and Barbara Lara joined dancers on the stage to perform a line dance as part of the annual Christmas show. (Photo by Natalie Boomer)

Each year, the Maine Children’s Alliance hosts the Champions for Children event to celebrate Mainers making a difference in the lives of Maine youth. This year, Spencer McCormick was one of six recipients of the Giraffe Award, which recognizes and celebrates the unsung heroes that “stick out their necks” for Maine kids. 

McCormick was nominated for the Giraffe Award by Julie Redding, who recognized all he does for the community and its youth.  

Calais Elementary School Principal Sue Carter (left) and secretary Betsy Barnard (far right) accept from Barbara Lara and Felice Storey the many toys purchased from proceeds of Barbara's International School of Dance Christmas Recital held on December 11.  (Submitted photo)

Jayna Smith

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Calais Fire-EMS, thanks to the Red Cross, has new smoke detectors available for locals.  Red Cross Disaster Program Manager David Brown made the delivery on Monday.

According to Calais Fire Chief Bill Lee, Lt. Kevin Ingersoll reached out to the Red Cross regarding its Sound the Alarm program.  Through this program, the Red Cross provided the fire department with the new smoke detectors, available to anyone who needs one.

For the fifth straight year, Knights of Columbus has placed a nativity Manger in the downtown area of Calais to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Pictured are (left to right) Knights Aaron Morris, Tom MacDonald, Michael Boies, Father Brad Morin, Marc Podschlne, Pierre Little, Ed Stover, and Gary Madore. (Photo by Wendy Little)

Submitted by the Sivret Family 

The mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. The annual placement of wreaths took place on Saturday around the world, however, because of the weather on December 18, volunteers gathered at Acadia National Cemetery in Jonesboro for National Wreaths Across America Day. Currently, 48 soldiers and spouses are laid to rest at Acadia.  

Four Criminal Justice students from Washington County Community College were chosen to attend the 28th Annual NEDIAI, or the New England Division of the International Association of Identification. 

Taylor LeBlanc, Rose Adams, Mackenzie Hewitt, and Connor Cook were chosen by Criminal Justice and Conservation Law Instructor Wayde Carter and Jason Fowler of the Maine State Police and adjunct professor at WCCC. The two came together to choose these four students based on their academic performance and professionalism.