What's Up, Calais?
Jayna Smith
As shown on page 3, Calais Elementary School is collecting donations of nonperishable food items to support its students and families. Contributions such as macaroni and cheese, Capri Sun, canned soup, granola bars, ramen noodles, cereal, gummy snacks, cracker packs, microwave popcorn, Pop-Tarts, peanut butter, and jelly are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the school. For more information, contact Betsy Barnard at 454-2000 or [email protected].
Beginning in November and continuing through December, Pratt car dealership will once again host its annual match program to benefit local food pantries. Consider making a donation directly to Pratt to have it matched. More details will be shared in an upcoming issue.
The Calais PTO will hold its next monthly meeting on Monday, November 3, at 6 p.m. in the school library. This is a casual, no-pressure opportunity for parents and caregivers to get involved, share ideas, and discuss fundraising, winter activities, and other projects. Everyone is welcome, with no obligation to join. Follow CES PTO on Facebook for updates.
The St. Croix Historical Society will present its next program on Monday, November 3, featuring a discussion about early doctors in the area. The event begins at 7 p.m. at The Homestead, 527 Main Street. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served.
The Second Baptist Church, 21 Church Street, will host its next free community dinner on Friday, November 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The menu includes spaghetti, rolls, salad, and dessert. Guests may dine in or take meals to go. For details, call 207-454-2579.
Mrs. Lori Ellis’s A/P English class will once again host the Veterans Day Assembly on Monday, November 10, since school is closed on Veterans Day, November 11. The program begins at 9:15 a.m., and all veterans, families, and community members are invited to attend this annual event.
The Calais High School freshman class is offering a leaf-raking fundraiser through November 20. For a donation of at least $5 per bag, students will rake and bag leaves. To schedule, email [email protected].
The annual Lioness Christmas Parade, always held on the first Friday of December, will step off at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Local groups, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to take part and help spread holiday cheer. Applications will be available soon and are required for all participants due to liability regulations.
The Calais 8th grade class is seeking vendors for the annual craft fair to be held at Calais Middle/High School. This year’s will be on Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more by reaching out to the school.
The Schoodic and Washington County Shrine Clubs are preparing for the annual Feztival of Trees, taking place December 12–14, 2025, at Washington County Community College. Local businesses and organizations are invited to join in the fun by sponsoring a tree for this year’s event. The Feztival has become a cherished community tradition, spreading holiday spirit while supporting Shriners Hospitals and clinics in New England, Boston, and Montreal, as well as other local charities. For more information or to enter a tree, contact Frank Theriault at [email protected].
Send me your news, your shout-outs for good deeds done, or your well wishes to give, and I’ll be sure to share them here. Until next week, I hope you stay well, stay safe, and be happy, and get out and vote on Tuesday, November 4.
