Downeast Community Partners (DCP) is getting a jump on the heating assistance season this year. “We’re already proactively calling those we served from prior seasons,” notes James Nealey, Director of Energy Services at DCP. “Right now, we’re focusing on our particularly at-risk neighbors and those who were ‘eligible-benefit-determined’ last year and didn’t receive a benefit,” states Jenny Reese Pullen, DCP’s Senior Manager of Energy Services.

On Saturday, July 7, the Calais chapter of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club and the Calais Lions Club held a joint fundraiser in support of the Lions Club's annual Santa's Helper program. 

Jayna Smith

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Flat Iron Park now has an addition of three picnic tables, thanks to Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition and the crew from the city’s public works department.

CDRC purchased the picnic tables this past spring as a way to dress up the park, while also providing a convenient space for outside eating.  

The public works department prepared the area next to the statue for the tables and put the tables in place this week.

Jayna Smith

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St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish welcomed Father Roland Berngeh as pastor effective July 5, 2023.  

Father Berngeh, originally from Cameroon, a country in central-west Africa, comes to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish from St. Joseph Catholic Church.  There, he served St. Joseph and Catholic churches in Bar Harbor, Dedham, Manset, Bucksport, Castine, Stonington, Northeast Harbor, and Winter Harbor.

One-year-old Nash Occhiogrosso takes a shot at the watermelon eating contest, a popular event of Calais Fire Association’s Annual Fourth of July games.  (Submitted photo)

Down East Community Hospital and Calais Community Hospital held its annual meeting of the Corporators on Thursday, June 30.  CEO Steve Lail reported that despite the many obstacles hospitals across the country experienced in 2022, DECH and CCH operated in the black. The financial results and accomplishments from the past year were discussed and reported on at the meeting. The 2022 Annual Report, which highlights much of the hard work done by staff over the past year, is available on the DECH and CCH websites.  

During the Calais School board meeting on July 12, 2023, various initiatives and developments for the summer season were discussed and praised. The ongoing summer school program, which concentrates on English, math, and history, received commendations for its dedicated staff and hardworking students. A special acknowledgment was given to the elementary school cafeteria team, ensuring meals for students from various school levels.

Jayna Smith

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In a recent announcement to the Saint Joseph’s College of Maine community, Jeff Moody, Chair of Board of Trustees, announced that Calais-native Joseph L. Cassidy, JD has been named the 15th President of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. 

Jayna Smith

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In the days leading up to the International Homecoming Festival, an American flag and a Canadian flag will be hung from Ferry Point Bridge, just in time for the Opening Ceremony that is set to take place on Wednesday, August 2.

Marking the official start of the 50th Annual International Homecoming Festival, the Opening Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Jayna Smith

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Saturday of International Homecoming Festival each year brings hundreds to downtown Calais to enjoy the offerings of the street vendors.  

This year, according to St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Kara Mitchell, Main Street will be closed from the corner of North and Main Streets to the vicinity of Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria for the annual International Street Fair happening on Saturday, August 5 beginning at 8 a.m.