What's Up, Calais?
Jayna Smith
Sending heartfelt well wishes to Riley Waycott as he begins his recovery following a recent accident. With multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and a long road ahead, a GoFundMe has been created to support him, his wife Olivia (Huckins), and their baby with the related expenses. Go to https://tinyurl.com/SupportRileyWaycott or stop into any Downeast Credit Union to make a donation.
On Monday, September 2, St. Croix Historical Society will host their meeting with a presentation by Dwayne Tomah on the oldest ethnographic recordings in the world–the Passamaquoddy wax cylinders, recorded in Calais in 1890 at what is now Flat Iron Park. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Holmestead, 527 Main Street.
An important note from the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry: our local food pantry is in need of egg cartons. The price to purchase new cartons has increased significantly, so any help from community members is greatly appreciated. Cartons can be dropped off on Mondays, 3 - 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. - noon; and Fridays, 1 - 3 p.m.
Be sure to mark Saturday, October 5, on your calendar for this year’s Harvest Festival. There are lots of events planned for people of all ages, including a craft and vendor fair, kid's games, a touch-a-truck event, plus lots more. The Harvest Festival is organized by CDRC - Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition, and you can keep up-to-date by following it on Facebook.
The Schoodic & Washington County Shrine Clubs are gearing up for the 2024 Feztival of Trees at WCCC, scheduled for December 12th through 15th. This big event brings the communities together for a great time while helping to support kids. Applications for those businesses, clubs, organizations, or individuals are already being accepted and can be obtained by emailing [email protected].
The National Retail Federation has reported that it expects 2024’s back-to-school spending to be the second-highest on record at $38.8 billion, or $874.68 per household. Still, some commonly purchased school supplies–like sticky notes, crayons, and pencils–are actually costing less this year compared to last, according to available retail tracking data. Those necessities that are not lower in price this year, coupled with the rising costs of clothes for growing kids, certainly present a challenge for some. Calais Elementary School already held its “stuff the bus” supply collection campaign at Walmart, and thankfully, due to the generosity of locals, it was another successful one.
Send me your news, your shout-outs for good deeds done, or your well wishes to give, and I’ll be sure to share them here. Until next week, I hope you stay well, stay safe, and be happy.
