By Jayna Smith

The Calais Lioness Club executed another successful Christmas Parade last Friday night.  The annual parade--this year the 22nd--is always held on the first Friday of December

Led by the Lioness elves and Mrs. Claus, the parade included Grand Marshals John Mitchell and Al Churchill, two recently retired attorneys, who have provided many hours of volunteer work within the city.  

By Jayna Smith

For the past several years, after realizing how great the need is for the food pantries in Washington County and in an effort to decrease food insecurity locally, businessman Ian Pratt has matched donations to local food pantries.  Anyone taking part in his matching donation campaign could simply bring his or her donation to the Pratt car dealership throughout the month of November, where all donations would be matched, up to $3,000.  This year, however, Pratt was able to increase his match to $5,000.  

Tom is getting into the Christmas spirit!

The Maine Arts Commission sponsors the Winter Maine Excellence in Arts Education Exhibit each year.  This year the artwork of Willow Horch and Violet Dineen of Calais Schools have been chosen for the show.  Willow Horch is in grade 9 and her art piece is a colored marker drawing called, “Girl in a Flower Dress.” Violet’s artwork is also a marker drawing; it’s of a scary creature.  Violet is in grade 4.  Both student artists will have their work displayed in the State House Complex in Augusta.  They will be honored with a reception there in March.  The show will be on display from Dec.

By Jayna Smith

With cold temperatures now here, people are struggling to pay for home heating fuel, in addition to keeping their lights on and their families warmly clothed and fed.  That’s why Baileyville Police Chief Bob Fitzsimmons was inclined to start the “Stuff the Bus” campaign in 2016.  

By Natalie Boomer 

Natalie@calais.news

Grampie Bill’s 7th annual Thanksgiving dinner took place at the Second Baptist Church in Calais on Thursday, Thanksgiving day. 

“Bill and I wanted to thank everyone for their help in pulling off another great Thanksgiving meal. We couldn’t do it without all of you. We served 780 meals and the donation for the food pantry was over $1,200,” said Arlene Gibson.

By Jayna Smith

The longest running Christmas assistance program in the county is the Calais Lions Club’s Santa’s Helper Program, and every year for the past 47, the program has helped provide a happier Christmas for struggling area families.

“We raise and distribute $12,000 to $14,000 every year,” said Lion John Mitchell.  This money comes from area businesses, organizations, and individuals who donate to the worthy program.

David Sivret from the Irene Ecumenical Food Pantry along with Rhianna Treadwell, Teen Crown of New England, braved the cold temperatures on Saturday to stand outside Calais Walmart and collect food and coats during their Annual Food and Coat Drive. The day was a success with plenty of food and coats, as well as cash donations, being collected. As winter starts to get into gear, the need for families grows. While food is most thought of, the need for coats is very important as well.

By Jayna Smith 

The Calais Lioness Club is always busy working on some type of great event, all to raise funds to help those in need in the greater Calais area.  For the past month, the club's major project has been preparing for the 22nd Annual Lioness Christmas Parade.  This one event draws hundreds to downtown Calais on the first Friday of each December, and this year promises to be no different.

Submitted by Colin Windhorst 

Over thirty local historians from across Washington and Charlotte Counties  participated in Down East Heritage Day on Saturday, November 2, hosted at Washington County Community College.

Participants showcased their collections, celebrated their accomplishments, and shared recent projects, research, and publications.  As one commented, “It was very interesting to see a bigger range of organizations that I was aware of . . .  It is great to see people’s work and artifacts.”

By Jayna Smith

This past Sunday, the Friends of Scouts 132 celebrated its open house at the newly constructed scout hall--and there was much to be celebrated.  Sponsors and community members were all invited to view the work and progress made. 

By Kaileigh Deacon

Students get excited around the holidays for the upcoming vacation, as well as the thought of gifts waiting for them on Christmas morning. For a group of students at Calais High School, the holidays are also some of the busiest for them.

Members of the Calais High School Student Council and National Honor Society gear up for this time of year with fundraising and projects. The group starts fundraising in November, not for a trip or a party, but in order to give a Christmas to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have one.

The 2nd Annual Addison Coty Memorial 5K Turkey Trot was held last Saturday in Robbinston.  Addison, a 2018 graduate of Calais High School, lost his life in an automobile accident in July of 2018.  He was a great friend to many, and Addison was well-known for his athleticism, especially his ability as a cross country runner, having finished fifth in the state in Class C during his senior year.  The race, organized by Addison's mother Angela, raises funds to present as scholarships at Calais High School.

The Calais Lioness Club provides an annual donation to the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry.  This year, however, the club decided to take advantage of Pratt’s matching donation campaign and took their donation directly to the dealership.  Throughout the month of November, Pratt will match all donations to any Washington County food pantry, up to $5,000.  Pictured are Lioness Lisa Smith, Lioness Lorraine Mitchell, Lioness Laurel Perkins, Ian Pratt, Fr. David Sivret of the food pantry, and Lioness Stacy Crosby.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

On Saturday, November 3rd, a group of Woodland High School alumni came together for a volleyball game to raise awareness to emotional and mental health, while also raising funds for The Yellow Tulip Project.  The mission of The Yellow Tulip Project is to smash the stigma of mental illness.  

By Jayna Smith

Economy Motors in Hermon is giving away a fire truck to one lucky Maine town.

The truck was acquired by Economy Motors, and the family-owned business wanted to give back to one Maine town.  Those interested in having a chance of winning the truck for their town had to email a letter on department letterhead to be considered. 

Congratulations to the Calais Lady Blue Devil soccer team for earning the 2019 DAC soccer championship with a victory over the Shead Tigerettes. Members pictured are front l-r: Abby Downing, Libby Biter, Lauren Cook, Ivy McLellan, Kelly Carter, and Marleen Ruesche. Back l-r: Alexis Donahue, Mercedes Owen, Madyson Parks, Annalisa Driskel, Serina Fredette, Nadra Bassett, Katie Bitar, Skylar Smith, Sage Phillips, Sophia McVicar, and Coach Courtney James. (Photo by John Rogers)

By Kaileigh Deacon

By Jayna Smith

Looming cold temperatures always bring an increase in demand for the local food pantries.  With the added increase of the home heating bill, many are left with little discretionary money to spend on food.   

Recognizing how great the need is for the food pantries in Washington County and in an effort to decrease food insecurity locally, businessman Ian Pratt is once again matching donations of up to $5,000 to local food pantries.  He has done a matching donation campaign for several years.