What's Up, Calais?
Jayna Smith
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.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, all are invited to join Sunrise County Economic Council and Coastal Enterprises, Inc. for a business and financial resources open house. This is slated for 1 to 3 p.m. at SCEC’s 330 North Street office, and resources and funding opportunities will be shared for business owners or any aspiring business owners.
Join the fun at a Snack and Paint event on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Downeast Recovery Support Center, located at 311 Main Street. This free, all-ages event starts at 4:30 p.m., with donations welcome to help support the group’s ongoing activities. Worried about your art skills? No need! Crystal will guide everyone step-by-step, ensuring a fun and rewarding experience for all. To reserve your spot or to learn more, call Crystal at 207-952-9279.
All are invited to attend the St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and awards banquet on Friday, Nov. 22. This year’s event takes place at the Princeton Rod & Gun Club, with social hour at 5 p.m., followed by dinner catered by East Coast BBQ at 6 p.m., and entertainment at 7 p.m. Reach out to the chamber by emailing [email protected] for more details, and purchase tickets at visitstcroixvalley.com/events. Don’t wait to get tickets; the last couple of years have sold out, with around 100 people attending each time.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, you won’t want to miss the bazaar hosted by Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main Street, happening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will be full of crafts, a bake and food sale with lunches, a white elephant table, and more. For more information, give Pastor Sharon Grant a call at 207-214-2854.
Also on the 23rd is the holiday craft fair at Calais Middle/High School. There will be a great number of vendors, with concessions, raffles, and more, and the $5 admission to enter is a fundraiser for 8th graders. For more information, including how to become a vendor, give Amber Anderson a call at 207-454-2591 or email her at [email protected].
We are getting closer to December, and all businesses, groups, and individuals are welcome to participate in the Lioness Christmas Parade, a community tradition now in its 27th year. Email [email protected] to get an application. It’s a great way to advertise to hundreds, and it’s free!
All are also invited to a festive “Christmas Crafternoon” on Saturday, Dec. 7, at St. Croix Tap & Table, beginning at 3 p.m. Heather Bowles will guide participants in creating decoupage ornaments, swags, and wreaths. The cost is $35, which includes all materials plus a snack plate. To secure your spot, stop into the restaurant and submit the fee. Spaces are limited to 25 participants, and the event is just about filled up.
Are your calendars marked for the 8th Annual Feztival of Trees, sponsored by the Washington County and Schoodic Shrine Clubs? Always drawing a huge crowd to view the beautifully and whimsically decorated trees, it is set to take place once again at WCCC on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then again on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The PTO group at Calais Elementary School is collecting new or very gently-used items to be donated to the school’s Santa Shop, coming for a week in December. This is a shopping experience for the young students at CES to purchase items for their family members. All items are sold for a quarter, and the school’s student council will help wrap the gifts. Proceeds benefit the playground fund and the student council. If you have any items appropriate for this, call Kristina at 207-671-6982 or email her at [email protected].
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.
