Golden days

My goodness, how glorious was the weather this weekend? Had we ordered it to be delivered directly to us, I am not sure we could have topped this one. Sitting out on my deck, looking toward Mount Washington with its slight snow cap, bright blue waters over Long Lake and basking in the morning sun was pure heaven doing my crossword and the rest of the games.

I did, however make an error on my sudoku and that really stresses me. Normally I can do a hard one in 20 minutes, but when you make an error, it is almost impossible to backtrack. I want to share with all of you that this freaky little puzzle really exercises many portions of the brain, so I would suggest at least trying it.

Sold on heat

Thank goodness for amazing weather as the yard sale we held Saturday for the fuel assistance program was unbelievable. As is typical with yard sales, as soon as there is a sign of life, there are early birds, and we had them by the flock.

The Lions Club, Naples Main Street and concerned citizens really made this effort for the Naples Fuel Assistance Fund an admirable effort. I must say that the Lions Club knows how to organize and get things done.

Fran Keen, proprietor of Bay View Cabins on the Causeway, and her daughter, Jennifer worked diligently for weeks before the sale to get things in order and properly placed, while husband Frank kept things running at the cabins. She actually brought a vacuum cleaner to clean, not knowing that we had no electricity at the site, the former Reinhard’s Nurseries on Route 302.

I do not have the final figures yet, but know at least $1,200 was raised. How is that for a little group with a purpose? I am happy to say that the winner of the raffle for the dirt bike and pads was none other than Henry and Judy Turcotte’s granddaughter, Kaylee

Farewell

Last Saturday night we said goodbye to the self-proclaimed mayor of Naples. Yes, George Sovas is moving to Georgia, as of press time he is most likely already the mayor of Atlanta.

Sovas has been my neighbor and friend for more than 30 years, was instrumental in the improvement and continuation of our snowmobile club and I cannot believe how quickly the years have disappeared. He was always there for his neighbor, friend or acquaintance. Good luck to you George, and I suspect that you will be back.

A new president

With Sovas leaving, we need a new president of the Muddy River Sno Seekers. What kind of man could fill his shoes? It happens to be the town’s feistiest redhead, Bernadette Flood, friend and the person who shows up at every benefit in town and just keeps on going like the Energizer Bunny, is the person I refer to. There is nothing this woman cannot do and I am incredibly proud that this “Ole Boys Network” welcomed her with open arms.

Best of luck to Bernie in her new role and George as a “little fish in a big pond”. Somehow, I know that he will succeed.

Stepping forward

On the topic of the snowmobile club, there is wonderful news. Hannaford’s Supermarket has become a sponsor and proponent for the 2009 winter carnival. It has become clear over the last several years that the weather and ice and lake conditions are so integral to the winter carnival that the snowmobile club can not absorb the costs as a lost cause and I am thrilled that someone else has come in to town to save us.

Hannaford’s is proposing an ice fishing derby on the Causeway section and the radar runs and poker runs are going to be on River Road across from the river on P&K sand lots where conditions are not as pertinent. This gives every nonprofit an opportunity to put something together for the Hannaford Ice Fishing Committee. If any of you can think of anything to have at the weekend events, please let me know. We want to make this an entire community focus, a Naples and child sensitive weekend, please let me know what your ideas may be.

It may sound insane, but we need to start thinking about the Christmas tree lighting. I need some volunteers who care about kids, the Christmas season and the holiday spirit. We have had some who want the Union Church lit up, with horse-drawn sled rides around the Village Green and lights on the green as well. My opinion is the more the better.

I do not want to sound maudlin, but last year, if it had not been with the help of the Sebago Lakes Region and Greater Bridgton Lakes Region chambers of commerce, there would have been no lighting; with the exception of Mark Clements who scaled the tree and tested and lit the lights, it would have been a dark day in Naples.

It seems like every year that the responsibility of any effort in this town falls upon the few that are always there. I have been doing it for the five years that we have lived here and I need some help. If only a handful of you volunteer, we can make this a masterful Christmas extravaganza. We are thinking carriage rides through the town, hot cider, heck if I can find a place to serve liquor, can I get more volunteers?

This is not just for our children, it is for all of us baby boomers who remember the way life was. Make this an “us” day and let our kids respect us again.

Volunteers from several local organizations including the Naples Lions Club, Main Street Naples and helped raise at least $1,200 for the with a yard sale at the former Reinhard’s Nurseries Saturday.