Jayna Smith

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With cold weather arriving and household budgets already stretched thin, the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry is seeing more families in need — and expecting even more as winter settles in.

“People don’t have the money to get what they need,” said pantry president Dawn Noonan. “Kids going hungry just doesn’t work.”

Jayna Smith

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Many are familiar with The Blue Devil Fund, a not-for-profit organization started by Calais High School alumnus Chris Taylor. Since its inception in 2010, The Blue Devil Fund has raised well over $250,000 for charities in the downeast region.

In 2018, Taylor added a book drive to the organization’s growing list of giving campaigns. Since then, more than 8,000 books have been donated to schoolchildren throughout Washington County.

Jayna Smith

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Jayna Smith

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Calais Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is bringing back a favorite holiday tradition — the Santa Shop, set to run December 15 through 17.

The annual event gives CES students the opportunity to pick out thoughtful gifts for family members, with each item priced at just 25 cents. Members of the Student Council will also be lending a hand, helping younger shoppers wrap their presents and spread holiday cheer.

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Calais City Council held its organizational meeting. Mayor-elect Marcia Rogers presided, joined by councilors James Macdonald, Billy Quinn, and Pete Foster, as well as newly-elected councilors Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, and Eddie Moreside.

The first order of business was the swearing-in of Mayor Rogers and the newly elected councilors. 

Jayna Smith

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Maine Indian Education/Wabanaki Culture Center, in partnership with the Maine Tourism Association, is proud to present the Wicukems Shelf at the culture center.

The shelf – named “Wicukems,” meaning “help yourself” in Passamaquoddy – provides a welcoming space for anyone facing food insecurity to take non-perishable items, no questions asked.

Jayna Smith  

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All Saints United Methodist Church, 849 Main Street, in Calais, will host Dr. Dwayne Tomah of the Passamaquoddy Tribe for a special presentation on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Jayna Smith

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The St. Croix Valley will shine bright with holiday cheer as two Christmas parades step off during the first weekend of December. Both events are free to enter, offering local businesses and organizations an excellent opportunity to advertise  before hundreds of spectators.

Calais Lioness Christmas Parade, Friday, Dec. 5

Jayna Smith

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On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Calais City Council met for its regular meeting, with Mayor Marcia Rogers presiding over Councilors Ed Moreside, Mike Sherrard, Elery Beale, Pete Foster, Bill Quinn, and James Macdonald.

What follows is a brief summary of the meeting, with the full meeting available for viewing on the City of Calais’s Facebook page.

Anneleise Rollins, daughter of Elizabeth Sivret, is a dedicated Cast Member at Walt Disney World. She was recently honored with a prestigious quarterly award at Disney’s Water Parks and Mini Golf, a recognition that celebrates her exceptional contributions to the team and guests.