Kaileigh Deacon

If there’s one thing we’ve learned since 2020 started is that we could all use some more hope. The idea of giving hope to people who need it, isn’t new to Wreaths for Hope. In fact, it’s in their name. Christmas may look a little different this year but the message it brings of hope, joy, and peace remains the same and so does the mission of Wreaths for Hope. 

Jayna Smith

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Santa’s Helpers, the longest-running Christmas assistance program in the county, is put forth annually by the Calais Lions Club.  The program depends on donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals to help local families in need have a merrier Christmas.

Natalie Boomer 

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Although Calais Free Library is not open to children at this time, librarians there have been brainstorming ways to keep them involved in reading throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Tom was excited to see the decorations and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

Jayna Smith

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With other events cancelled throughout the year due to coronavirus concerns, the 23rd annual Lioness Christmas Parade went on as planned, but not without having to make some adjustments from prior years.

Jayna Smith

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Santa’s elves are usually seen clad in green and red, but most of the “elves” who volunteered at Saturday’s Stuff the Bus event wore uniforms from various local law enforcement agencies.  That’s because the Stuff the Bus program is one created by Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons.

On Friday, the Town of St. Stephen posted to its Facebook page a photo of a Canadian/U.S. flag that had been hung on the downtown wharf’s lighthouse.  Included in the post was the following sentiment directed to the town’s U.S. neighbors:  “We miss our neighbours in Calais, and wish you all a safe and merry Christmas parade this evening.  While we may not be able to be there in person, we have placed this flag on the Calais-facing side of our lighthouse so that we are with you in spirit today!”  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Jayna Smith

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Calais schools recently reopened for those students opting for in-person learning.  The 2020-21 school year began back in mid-September, with parents having the choice to send their students for in-person learning every other day, using the hybrid model, or keep them home full-time to work remotely.  

Kaileigh Deacon

How much money would you pay someone to rock in a rocking chair? You read that right! Pay someone to rock in a rocking chair! Well, the students of the Calais High School Student Council and National Honor Society have made one of their biggest fundraisers and charity events the Annual Rock-a-thon. 

Each year the students of the Student Council and National Honor Society work to gather funds for their Rock-a-thon event which goes towards giving students gifts who might not otherwise receive at Christmas time.

Jayna Smith

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Boy Scouting in the area has been a longstanding tradition, but this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, fundraising events have had to be cancelled and meetings and activities modified.  Still, it is not stopping kids from enjoying the scouting experience.