Bob Craft of Calais IGA presenting Commander Mike a backpack donation to Calais American Legion Project Backpacks! (Photo submitted by Michael McLean)

Jayna Smith

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A benefit to help one in need is a big undertaking to plan and execute, but doing so during a pandemic is even more difficult, considering restrictions on gatherings and many guidelines to follow.  For one local woman, recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a friend has thought of an innovative way to host a benefit drive-up Chinese auction.

Bob Craft of Calais IGA donated 24 backpacks filled with food to Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry backpack program. Pictured are Bob Craft (left) and David Sivret. (Submitted photo)

Jayna Smith

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Last year in Maine, 380 lives were lost due to drugs, a 7 percent increase over 354 in 2018.  Of those 380, 84 percent were caused by opioids, nearly always in combination with other drugs or alcohol, according to the Office of the Maine Attorney General.  Although the numbers for each of the two years were a decrease from the 418 in 2017, the opioid crisis continues to be a public health epidemic.  

Employees of First National Bank recently raised $532.54 for the Calais Recreation Department through its Casual for a Cause program. Employees make a contribution to a nominated non-profit organization in exchange for dressing casually on Fridays for one month.

The City of Calais Recreation Department offers team sports and fun individual and family activities indoors and outdoors year-round. 

For more information visit www.calaismaine.org/parks-and-recreation/ or visit their Facebook page. 

Jayna Smith

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Sen. Marianne Moore (R-Calais) and Rep. Kathy Javner (R-Chester) recently traveled to three eastern Washington County dams after hearing concerns from constituents on lake water levels. 

Jayna Smith

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Last week, Maine’s online service to request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 General Election opened, and requests surged.  As Maine’s government website states, voting is one of the fundamental rights citizens of the United States have, and today, casting a ballot at each election is easier than ever.  

Jayna Smith

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A local woman has created some very intricate depictions of familiar Calais buildings, and she’s put them all together and made them available for purchase in the form of notecards.

Nell Walton has never taken an art course, but one would be very surprised after seeing her work.  Her first love was pen and ink, and she had never painted with watercolors until just last October.  

Jayna Smith

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Many community members came together Monday night to remember those lost to addiction, as well as to show support to those affected by drug use and to share stories of recovery, all in honor of National Overdose Awareness Day.

Jayna Smith

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With schools resuming soon, Calais Police Chief Dave Randall reminds motorists to be cautious.