‘Tis the season

Schools out, tourists are flocking. Ahh, summer. But with this short season, comes responsibility. Learn how to operate your boat safely in the upcoming boating education course offered through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and sponsored by Casco Parks and Recreation. State-certified instructors will provide an important review of boating laws and regulations. The course will cover boating and equipment, safe operation, navigation, rules, laws and legal requirments, emergencies and cold water survival, and invasive and aquatic plant issues. A certificate will be awarded upon completion and attendees will receive materials for future reference. The course will be held at Lake Region High School cafeteria on Wednesday, July 1, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.. To register, or for more information, contact Beth Latsey at 627-4187. Participants under the age of 18 must have parental consent, while students under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is only $5, so take the time to help keep our waters safe!

The works

Everyone knows Naples is the place to be on July 4. With the town observing 175 years, the celebration should be better than ever. The parade kicks off at 2 p.m. with the lineup starting at Tony’s Foodland in the Naples Shopping Center at 1 p.m. Anyone can be in the parade, and plaques will be awarded for a variety of categories. I would love to enter to win in the funniest category, but like most Naples business owners, I have to work that day. As expected, there will be traffic delays so plan accordingly. Also, the Causeway Bridge will not open at 2 p.m. on the 4th. If you’re interested in being in the parade or volunteering contact Barb at the Town Office at 693-6364. Fireworks begin at dusk (around 9:30 p.m.) but of course, people get there much earlier and just hang out in anticipation. We will pray for no rain, but the way its been going, it’s good to know that the rain date is July 5.

At the library

There are so many things going on at the library this summer. On July 2, there will be a loon discussion at 7 p.m. Come see a slide show on these fascinating creatures, while you learn about their habits, habitats, and how you can help preserve them. The discussion will be held in the gathering room, with light refreshments offered afterward. July 11 is the highly anticipated annual yard sale in the parking lot of the library. The sale starts at 8 a.m., and at 12 p.m. all items are marked down 50 percent. The discounts deepen until all is gone. The library is actively seeking donations. Ideally, the donations should be dropped off the day before at the library, but if you would like them picked up, call the library at 693-6841. The Book Barn is always a favorite stop of mine, anytime of year. There are tons of great books, videos and DVDs at bargain prices.

The Summer Reading Program’s theme this year is “Be Creative at the Library.” Incorporated into this program will be writing and poetry contests, as well as arts and crafts. It just started, so it’s not too late to sign your child up. Signup sheets are located upstairs in the children’s library. Story Time for Tots is every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., and the ever popular Toddler Musical Story Time with Heather Pierson is at 10:30 .m. on Thursdays. Thursday is also Teen Night. The program includes writing and cartooning workshops and even hip hop classes. This year’s Paddle Art Auction is another reason to visit the library. Paddles painted by local artists will be on display until the auction on August 8. Soon you will be able to check out the paddles online at www.naples.lib.me.us. Bids will be accepted online, in person, or by phone.

Help out an animal

Naples Animal Control Officer Bobby Silcott is asking residents to contribute food to the pet food “drop box” he’s set up at the Naples Town Hall. All dog or cat food will go directly to the Naples Food Pantry to help families feed their pets. For more information, contact Mr. Silcott at 647-1112.

Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of two men with ties to Naples. Joshua Babbit, of River Road in Naples, died recently in a car crash on Edes Falls Road. Another unexpected death was that of Allen Toole, a long time Naples businessman. His ashes were laid to rest in Rhode Island this past weekend. .

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