Organizers of Eastport Arts Center's 13th Annual Festival of Trees are thrilled to have received the names and themes of this year's trees, as follows. In addition to the ‘main event’ of lovingly decorated tabletop trees available by silent bid, the event will feature a ticket raffle of gift-worthy items donated by local individuals and groups, live music, and take-out snacks. The event will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, December 10, and is a key fundraiser for the Center’s year-round programming for all ages. 

Jayna Smith

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The village of Woodland will be bustling on the evening of Friday, Dec. 9th with kids–and kids at heart–awaiting Santa’s early arrival as he makes his way in the town’s annual Christmas parade. 

Last month, the day before Veterans Day, Topsfield’s East Range II students held a Veterans Day Luncheon to honor our local veterans from all branches of the military. We had a wonderful turnout and students sang songs, passed out homemade thank you cards, and helped serve lunch to our veterans. We appreciate all veterans and are grateful for your service!

Jayna Smith

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On Saturday morning, Santa made his annual visit to the Calais Fire Department.

There, with some help from Calais Fire Association members, kids had the chance to not only meet with Santa, but also explore the fire trucks.

Even more, each child got to decorate cookies to take home and each received a present from Santa.  

Jon Reisman

Several stories came across my laptop as 2022 wanes. They were not much mentioned by the legacy media, or they were spun as overwrought conservative conspiracy theories. 

• Governor Mills seeks to regulate and muzzle the less than obedient press. 

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.

Bonnie Lyons

There will be no church services on Sunday, December 18th or the 25th. We will have services on January 1, 2023, with Pastors Ron and Colin Windhorst.  Ann Carter makes singing easier with her piano playing.

Mary Crossman does a great job with the children. Last week they decorated the tree and church and had help from their dog Spur. 

We sent a thank you to Johnson's Tree Farm for their donation of the tree. 

Jayna Smith

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The Village of Woodland was bustling last Friday night, December 9, as Santa made his way through as part of the town’s annual Christmas parade.

According to Jamie Bohanon, one of the organizers of the event, parade entrants did not disappoint with their festive displays of brightly-colored lights and holiday decor.  

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.

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.  

Jayna Smith

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For over ten years, Ian Pratt at Pratt Cars has held a donation-match campaign throughout the month of November that helps bring in needed funds to area food pantries.  His idea came to fruition after realizing how great the needs are for the pantries in Washington County.  

Jayna Smith

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The Calais branch of Dead River Company recently held its first “A Tank Full of Thankful” contest.  The contest took in over 1,100 entries, all hoping to win one of ten $500 gift certificates to use to help heat their homes.  

Calais’ Jace Cook goes up for a shot while Woodland’s Cyrus Sewell defends.  The Calais Blue Devils upped their season record to 3-0 with a 97-70 win over the Woodland Dragons on Wednesday, December 21.  The next game for the Blue Devils is scheduled for Wednesday, December 28 when they host Schenck, followed by hosting Machias on Friday, December 30.  The Woodland Dragons, now 2-3, travel to Harrington on Thursday, December 29 to face the Narraguagus Knights.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Jayna Smith

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Calais City Council held its only meeting of the month on December 15, 2022.  

A Special Amusement Permit for Crumbs Cafe & Coffee Bar was approved, with Councilor Kevin Niles abstaining from the vote.  Also approved was an application for a medical marijuana license for The Higher Class and an application for a medical marijuana license for Smoke on the Water.  There was no public comment on any of the three.

Valued reader of The Calais Advertiser Sandra Kowalski holds a handmade ornament she received from her paperboy Bradley Walton last week.  Bradley has been delivering the paper for nearly four years, and now his brother Parker also has a route.  The boys each created the ornaments themselves and made sure each of their customers received one.  (Photo courtesy of Teresa Kowalski)