By Jayna Smith  

Just two years ago, the Calais Middle/High School band was without an instructor.  The more experienced students were leading the band, yet the students hung in, a good indication that the group was determined to persevere.  

The band has since progressed well, thanks not only to the students’ dedication, but also to Ms. Christine Proefrock.  Proefrock joined the list of staff as the music director at Calais Middle/High School during the second half of the school year in 2017.  

By Jayna Smith

If you are familiar with Airbnb, you know that, in a nutshell, it is a way for travelers to stay in a home for a fee.  If you are not familiar with Airbnb, pronounced AIR-bee-en-bee, it basically is a way to allow strangers to stay in your home--or a way for you to stay in a stranger’s home--at a pre-determined price.  The stay is all arranged online, just as one would reserve a hotel room online, complete with photos and reviews from prior guests.

Calais Regional Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Mario Turi to CRMS Orthopedics.   Dr. Turi will provide orthopedic services at CRMS and CRH three days per week.    He was most recently a surgeon at CA Dean Memorial Hospital in Greenville, ME until the OR was closed approximately 5 months ago.  He has also been providing on call coverage at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.  

By Jayna Smith

It was no joke in St. Stephen, New Brunswick on Monday, April Fools Day, when consumers were hit with a carbon tax to the tune of almost 4 ½ cents per liter on gasoline, over 5 ¼ cents per liter on diesel and heating oil, and just over 3 cents per liter on propane. 

By Natalie Boomer

The Eastport Arts Center began its annual Youth Art Month Exhibition last Saturday. A reception was held to honor the young artist of the community. This was the 5th year in a row that the Art Center had hosted the exhibit. 

By Natalie Boomer

The Ganong Chocolate Museum in St. Stephen announced a new director recently.  In February, Rebecca Moffatt was hired for the position.  Moffatt graduated from Clemson University in South Carolina with a degree in historic preservation. 

The Chocolate Museum gives guests a chance to learn about chocolate in general, and it also honors the history of Ganong Bros., Ltd. chocolates. The museum is in the building that actually housed the original Ganong Chocolate Factory, right in downtown St. Stephen.

By Natalie Boomer

Washington County Community College is offering an eight-week rock climbing course for children. This program is for beginners or for children who already have experience. There is an introductory class offered, as well as an intermediate class for those who have already gone through the beginners’ class.

By Natalie Boomer

Pickleball will now be offered at Woodland Elementary School and Calais Recreation Center.  Keith Ramos started the open gym seven weeks ago after playing the sport in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. 

“I never heard of it until last fall. I said, ‘Well, I’m going to try it,’ so I went in November and tried it one day, but they play at 8:00 in the morning. I can’t play that early because I have to work,” said Ramos. 

First National Bank recently donated $10,000 towards the purchase and improvements of the new University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Center at Greenland Point as part of a three year contribution totaling $25,000.

By Jayna Smith

Last week, the Calais Lioness Club celebrated its 34th annual Charter Night, an event that welcomes new members to the group.  It also pays tribute to the 43 ladies who joined together with the shared purpose of helping their community and its residents back in 1985.