Last week’s storybook for young students from Edmunds at the Lincoln Memorial Public Library in Dennysville was Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, as it had been the previous Tuesday for children from Pembroke and Dennysville. Then some paper pocketbooks were created, snacks were enjoyed, and, with a little time left over, leader Sarah Guiltner was able to share the classic The Story of Ferdinand, the young bull who didn’t want to fight like the other bulls did but far preferred just sitting by himself in a field and smelling the flowers!

Jayna Smith

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This Saturday, Nov. 16, the Second Baptist Church is offering its free Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 2 p.m. All are welcome to dine in or get a meal to go. Those who live within 10 minutes of the church and could use a meal delivered, call 207-454-2579 by 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, to get on the list. 

Jayna Smith

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Calais Elementary School’s PTO is excited to announce the return of its Santa Shop, running from December 16 to 19. The shopping experience is back to give CES students an opportunity to choose special gifts for their loved ones, with each item priced at just 25 cents. Members of student council will also lend a hand by assisting students with wrapping, ensuring that gifts are ready for the holiday season.

Brian Nicholas, Lions Public Relations

Last week, members of Calais Lions Club headed over to St. Croix No. 1 Fire Hall to meet with the Calais Red Knights to collect a generous donation to the Santa's Helper program from the motorcycle club.

Jayna Smith

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In the November 5, 2024, election, Calais voters re-elected incumbent James Macdonald and welcomed newcomer Pete Foster to the city council, each for a three-year term. However, Foster’s employment with the Calais School Department sparked a discussion at the November 7 City Council Organization Meeting, questioning whether his role aligns with the city’s charter prohibitions.

Honey Beer for Hospice, brewed by the Lubec Brewing Company, had its 5th successful run in 2024 as a fundraiser for Down East Hospice Volunteers. DEHV thanks Arlene and Mark Wren, of Robbinston, for providing the honey from their bees and Gale White, owner of the brewery where this delicious beer is created. Profits from this brew go to support the compassionate work of DEHV throughout Washington County. One can get a taste of the 2025 Honey Beer for Hospice beginning on the first weekend of June 2025.

Submitted by Dawn Noonan, President

The ICEFP has been growing since January. We were able to acquire a new truck with a generous grant from the Maine Community Foundation and other donations. Our truck drivers are now able to pick up our food donations from area grocery stores. We have been able to make more use of our space for food storage. Thank you to all who continue to support us at the pantry and the thrift store. 

Jayna Smith

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Calais’ Halloween spirit was in full swing on Thursday, Oct. 31, as Calais Free Library hosted its beloved annual Halloween Parade. This year, the event saw over two hundred costumed children and their families filling Main Street, with everyone taking advantage of unseasonably warm weather — nearly 70 degrees — a rare treat for this time of year.

Jayna Smith

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Sarah’s House of Maine, a cancer hospitality house in Holden, serves patients from across the state, with a notable 42 percent coming from Washington County. This comforting “home away from home” offers temporary lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers while they receive treatment.

Jayna Smith

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A holiday buzz was quickly ignited across social media when CDRC (Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition) announced last week the upcoming Jolly Junction Market. Locals have eagerly shared and commented on the event, expressing excitement for this new addition to Calais’ holiday season. 

Down East Hospice Volunteers of Washington County graduated seven new hospice volunteers after participating in a 25-hour training. They are Ellen Carle, of Big Lake Township; Ernest Carle, of Big Lake Township; Thelma Stevens, of Calais; Mary Kate O’Neill, of Lubec; Vicki Verge, of Pembroke; Arielle Richardson, of Eastport; and Linda Evans, of Grand Lake Stream; shown with Barbara Barnett, Executive Director of DEHV.  For information about DEHV’s free services and to become a hospice volunteer, call 454-7521 ext.

Library Storytime leader Sarah Guiltner is seen helping James Schmitler from the Edmunds school create a bookmark mouse during a recent visit to the Dennysville Library. Edmunds students had the opportunity to be dropped off at this particular Storytime, while the next one, held the first Tuesday in November, was for students from the Pembroke school. (Submitted photo)

Jayna Smith

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Students in Mrs. Lori Ellis’ Advanced Placement English class at Calais High School are gearing up for the annual Veterans Assembly, set for Thursday, November 8, at 9 a.m. This year’s event promises once again to honor the heroism of local veterans while providing a profound learning experience for the participating students.

Jayna Smith

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With Halloween here, we hope everyone has a fun and safe night out trick-or-treating. Whether you’re escorting little ghouls and goblins door to door or welcoming them at your doorstep, enjoy the spooky time! Happy Halloween from all of us at The Calais Advertiser, and don’t forget the Calais Free Library’s Halloween Parade across Main Street at 3:30 p.m. 

Jayna Smith

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On Sunday, Oct. 27, a festive scene took place at the Woodland High School parking lot as families flocked to the Trunk-or-Treat event hosted by the school’s JMG program and the Baileyville Recreation Department. With around 25 decked-out vehicles lining the lot, attendees encountered a parade of creative, spooky, and well-themed displays that brought local businesses, organizations, and residents together to celebrate Halloween in style.

John Deetjen, Former District Master, came to Calais Sunday evening, October 20, 2024, to install the 2024-2025 officers for Assembly 342 of the Knights of Columbus.  

Installed Sunday evening were Gary Madore, three-year trustee; Mike Boies, Faithful Scribe; Rejean Roussel, Faithful Pilot; Ed Stover, Faithful Navigator; Father Roland Berngeh, Faithful Friar; George McLaughlin, Faithful Comptroller; Claude Landry, Faithful Admiral; and Weston Ranalli, Faithful Purser.

Sandra Smith

Jon Reisman

HVAC Politics

I am not sure whether I get more forced hot air from my heat pump or the political ads. The heat pump at least keeps me comfortable if perhaps a little dry, plus there are green New Deal virtue signaling points. I am told that laughter and humor are good for the immune system, and given the questionable efficacy of the Covid vaccines, I probably need all the help I can get.

World Series as Election Metaphor

Paul Sylvain

Forget the Southern border.

Maine, with its mostly heavily wooded and remote 611-mile international land border with the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec, has become an increasingly attractive place for undocumented immigrants to enter undetected into the United States.

Pembroke Library volunteers have been busy preparing treat bags for this year’s Trunk or Treat event at the Pembroke American Legion on Thursday, October 31, from 4-6 p.m. The volunteers always have a spooktacular time and look forward to seeing everyone.  (Pembroke Library photo)

Jayna Smith

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As the call to reduce lead in our environment grows louder, hunters and conservationists can take meaningful action to protect wildlife. For those not yet ready to switch to non-lead ammunition alternatives, there are still ways the impact of lead exposure on avian scavengers, particularly eagles, can be minimized.