By Kaileigh Deacon

There are many challenges that schools face every day in many different forms. How to get the things needed for the classrooms in schools is a constant budget battle. Calais Elementary School has taken an alternative approach to filling their classrooms with the necessities. 

By Jayna Smith

Many may have noticed recently on various social media platforms Chevrolet’s #IDriveFor campaign.  For nine years in a row, Chevrolet has partnered with the American Cancer Society to support its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program.  With every #IDriveFor Twitter or Instagram post made during October, Chevrolet donated $5 to the American Cancer Society.

Lady Dragons Bring Home the Crown

A couple weeks ago, Calais Rotarians Pam Bridges and Anne Perry rolled up their sleeves and dug in the dirt by the water fountain in downtown Calais. They were planting Rotary tulips to mark the upcoming World Polio Day on October 24th. 

By Natalie Boomer

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On Friday, October 25th, Downeast Broadband Utility held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Baileyville Town Office and at the Calais Public Safety Building.

Downeast Broadband Utility provides dark fiber network access to homes and businesses. 

Submitted by Sherry Sivret

Saturday was a beautiful fall day as the sun shone brightly at Triangle Park for the Scarecrow Fest and the first annual Calais Community Thrift Store Fashion Show.  

The fashion show was organized and emceed by Anne Nixon, a thrift store volunteer. Over 20 girls, teens and ladies participated in the show modeling beautiful outfits, from Halloween costumes to black dresses to jeans with scarves, sweaters, coats and footwear, all from the Calais Community Thrift Store. 

By Natalie Boomer

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A Robbinston World War II Veteran is in need of help from the community. 

92-year-old Bryce Dwelley suffered a massive stroke in June. He spent three weeks at Maine Medical Center in Portland, followed by three months at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation. 

Pictured is the Calais Lady Blue Devils soccer team. Members pictured include front l-r: Marlene Ruesche, Abby Downing, Kelly Carter, Lauren Cook, Libby Bitar, and Ivy McLellan. Back l-r: Coach Courtney Hill, Katie Bitar, Mercedes Owen, Alexis Donahue, Annalisa Driskel, Nardra Bassett, Serina Fredette, Madyson Parks, Sophia McVicar, Sophia McVicar, Sage Phillips, and Coach Krista Morrison. (Photo by John Rogers)

By Jayna Smith 

Last Thursday, October 17th, most of the state experienced the effects of a nor’easter.  The low pressure moved across the state bringing strong winds and heavy rain, leaving many coastal areas--where some saw wind speeds of up to 70 mph--without power for multiple days.  

In the Calais area, wind speed was around 45 mph, resulting in many knocked-down trees and a loss of power for some.  The public works department stayed on top of things with the removal of downed trees and limbs from roadways around the city.

By Kaileigh Deacon

Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and for many to stuff themselves with turkey and a bunch of homemade goodies. There are some though, that because of various circumstances, don’t get the same opportunity for the big meal.

In 2003 Food and Medicine saw a need with the amount of mill worker layoffs across the state and thousands of Mainers without employment going into the holiday season. So they started the Solidarity Harvest, a way to give those in need a boost and provide them with a full Thanksgiving meal.

By Jayna Smith

Trunk or Treats have been gaining in popularity in recent years. They are fun events for kids to dress up in costumes and collect candy from vehicles.  Those participating vehicles park in designated areas and are typically “dressed up” with decorations.  

On Friday, October 18th, the Calais PTO executed a successful Trunk or Treat at Calais Elementary School (see photo above) in conjunction with its Halloween dance inside.  

By Jayna Smith

Those with electric vehicles (EV) are now able to charge up in Calais, with the city’s first EV charge station.  The ClipperCreek brand, a high-power charger, is located behind the library at the waterfront, just in time for the anticipated increase of electric vehicles in the foreseeable future. 

According to City Manager Mike Ellis, the EV station, with two charging units on one pole, is ready for use, “but proper signage and parking space designation is happening in the next few days.” 

The teachers and staff at Calais Elementary School have been asked to catch students doing a kind gesture throughout the week and recognize those students by rewarding them with a “caught being good” certificate. Over the last two weeks these students at CES have been “caught being good.” Noah Gillespie, Mackenzie Roberts, Molleigh Cox, Ben Harvey, Lainey Ellsmore, Hayden Sabattus and Sadye Cottrell. (Submitted photo)

By Jayna Smith

Pumpkins come in many shapes--like round, oval, tall, and squat--and all sizes, but one man’s pumpkin at last week’s Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta topped them all in size, weighing in at 1,832 pounds.

Edwin Pierpont of Jefferson was declared the winner of the biggest pumpkin, setting a new state record.  What may be surprising to some is that he actually beat his own state record, one he set in 2010 when his pumpkin weighed in at 1,471 pounds.

By Jayna Smith

Calais Fire-EMS has earned a great reputation for providing area children with fun and entertainment, from the association’s upcoming haunted house, 4th of July games, and Easter egg hunt fun, just to name a few.  

Now, to recognize Fire Prevention Week, members of the department, including Sparky the Fire Dog, visited Calais Elementary School to spread awareness and safety tips.  In true Calais Fire-EMS fashion, however, they did it in a very entertaining way.

By Natalie Boomer

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On Friday, October 11th, a 60th anniversary party was thrown for the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. 

Completely free to the public, refreshments were offered throughout the night, a raffle took place with auctioneer Tom Sawyer, and three live bands played. Dave Wilder Co., Keltic Schmeltic, and Bob Sawyer and New Start all took turns performing.

By Jayna Smith

WQDY Classic Hits 92.7 FM launched 60 years ago.  To recognize the 60 year anniversary of the station, Sen. Marianne Moore and Rep. Anne Perry recently met with WQDY, Inc. President Bill McVicar to present him with a Legislative Sentiment.  

“Anne and I wanted to present WQDY with a sentiment to congratulate WQDY on achieving that kind of a milestone,” Sen. Moore stated.  “We extend our congratulations and best wishes.”

By Jayna Smith

The local charitable group Calais Lioness Club resumed its monthly meetings last month after its summer hiatus, with newly-elected president Theresa Brown at the helm.

Serving as vice president is Theresa Porter, secretary is Jayna Smith, treasurer is Laurel Perkins, tamer is Martha Apkarian, and tail twister is Irene Moreside.

In addition to the club’s new officers, a new board of directors has also been installed.  Members include Terri Smith, Norma Van Devander, Lorraine Mitchell, Becky Lacasse, and Cindy O’Brien.

By Natalie Boomer

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On Friday, October 11th the Eastport Chowder House will be hosting a benefit for Sarah’s House. 

A Chinese auction will take place at 2 p.m. and a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner will be served at 4 p.m. 

By Jayna Smith

An afternoon of family fun will take place this Saturday at Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews, N.B.  The theme, appropriate for the season, will be pumpkins, of course, for its fifth annual Charlotte County Pumpkin Festival.  

According to Kingsbrae Garden’s director of operations Brad Henderson, approximately 1,100 people attended last year’s event, and that number is expected again this year.  According to Henderson, the Pumpkin Festival will take place rain or shine.  

By Dominic Gayton

The Nook & Cranny Restaurant is undergoing renovations, adding Baileyville’s only bar to the space formerly occupied by its kitchen.

The bar has been up and running for about three weeks and features six beers on tap:  Allagash White, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois, Lone Pine Portland Pale Ale, a Samuel Adams seasonal brew, and Bud Light. The bar itself was built by Micah Diffin using wood from a lumberyard in Perry.