Arts students from two Washington County schools will head to Augusta—virtually—for an Arts Education Advocacy Day hosted by the Maine Alliance for Arts Education on February 17. The event kicks off a 10-day session in which high school-aged teams from all over the state—including Kali Wallander (freshman), Eastport, and Tristan Seavey (junior) and Hailey Calder (senior), Calais—will meet with state legislators to discuss the importance of arts in their schools, and how they’ve fared during this unusual year for arts education.

Happy Valentine's Day from Tom!!

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

For the third consecutive year, some unsuspecting VL Tammaro Oil customers received a nice treat on the Friday before Valentine’s Day when Mike Tammaro and his drivers showed up.  Their visit did not only bring the traditional Valentine’s Day treat of chocolates and flowers, but also brought 100 gallons of fuel or propane free of charge.  

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Hats and mittens are certainly a necessity, and one family hopes all will take advantage of their free offering that will help keep hands and heads warm this winter season.

Right in the dooryard of the Smith’s 1 Pleasant Street home, just off Union Street, a wooden frame – or “tree” of sorts – sits near the street, filled with new hats, mittens, and gloves.  All are free for the taking to anyone in need.

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Last month, News Center Maine hosted its annual Project Heat Telethon, a campaign established in 2012.  Through Project Heat, funds are raised to support Keep ME Warm, an emergency heating assistance program provided through a statewide partnership of Maine’s United Ways and Community Action Agencies.  

Jayna Smith

jayna@calais.news

Calais PTO organized a great Valentine exchange for students, despite Calais Elementary School being closed to in-person learning.

According to PTO member Tomi Ellsmore, the group wanted to ensure the students still could celebrate the holiday, even away from classmates, especially since Valentine’s Day signifies friendship and kindness for so many of the youngsters.

Kaileigh Deacon 

Winter can be a challenging time to try and find the motivation to get out and do things when the comfort of a warm house is calling you but the beauty of living in Maine is that there are so many things to do even when the temperature dips below the freezing mark. In Washington County, we are fortunate to have a well maintained and looked after place to enjoy all the things the great outdoors has to offer. 

Natalie Boomer 

natalie@calais.news

Local picker Brian Smith has found a literal piece of American history right in our small town of Calais, Maine. 

He took a document that was a mystery to many and brought its history back to life. 

According to Smith, a note he obtained has various signatures from confidential agents and personal friends of President George Washington who sold their land to him and the federal government to establish the nation’s capital.