What's Up, Calais
Jayna Smith
The Calais Elementary School PTO is seeking donations of new or gently used items for the school’s upcoming Santa Shop, scheduled for a week in December. This special event allows children to "shop" for gifts for their family members, with all items priced at just 25 cents. The school’s student council will assist with wrapping the gifts, and all proceeds will support the playground fund and student council initiatives. Donations suitable for “dad gifts” are particularly needed. If you'd like to contribute, please contact Kristina at (207) 671-6982 or email her at [email protected]. Your generosity will help make the holidays extra special for the students and their families!
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Lioness Christmas Parade. This year’s parade will light up the streets on Friday, December 6, as always, the first Friday in December. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to join the fun — there’s no cost to participate. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your group or business to hundreds of spectators. To get your application, email [email protected] or swing into O’Brien’s Quality Autocare.
All are 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.
Also on Saturday, the 7th, the annual Stuff the Bus event is set to take place at Calais Walmart and Marden’s. All items for kids of all ages are needed, from toys and games to winter gear and toiletries. Local law enforcement will be accepting donations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The donated items are distributed to local families in need.
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church at 29 Church Street is hosting its annual cookie sale on Saturday, December 7, from 8 to 11 a.m., or until the pre-boxed cookies sell out. Then, later in the month, on Saturday, the 14th, all are welcome to enjoy the free, traditional Christmas concert at St. Anne’s which will feature the Mt. View Choral Singers. This festive event begins at 2 p.m.
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 cost to view the trees is just a dollar, with tickets sold on chances to win the trees.
If you're considering a donation to the Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry, now is the perfect time. Through Christmas, Pratt dealership will match all donations up to $10,000, effectively doubling your contribution. Stop by Pratt today to make your donation count even more.
Do you enjoy reading and writing poetry? Two Bays Poetry Pen-Pals, a Cobscook Bay and Bay of Fundy community art and poetry project, launched two years ago. Those interested can write a poem and mail it to P.O. Box 309, Pembroke, ME 04666. Then, in return, you will receive one selected at random, written by someone else. Poems are coming from all over Maine and the Maritimes. To learn more, email [email protected]. One can also follow Two Bays Poetry Pen-Pals on Facebook.
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.
