Remembering Shannon

Shannon Ronan, our local UPS driver, died in a tragic road accident last week right here in Naples. To us he was a friendly, dependable, ubiquitous face who will be sadly missed. To his family, he was a loving father and husband whose absence, especially around this holiday time, is unbearable. He will be missed by all. There is a fund set up by UPS co-workers for the Ronan family. Donations can be made at any TD Bank location. Cards can be sent to UPS for the family at The Ronan Family, 72 Flight Line Drive, Auburn, ME 04210. There are also donation jars throughout town set up by Arlene Stetson of the Augustus Bove House to have a bench with a memorial plaque made that will bear his name. The bench will be given to his family. For more information, contact Stetson at 693-6365.

‘Tis the season for the outdoors

Outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts have lots to do here in Maine even in the winter. Before I get into all the fun you can have, remember to check the Maine Warden’s Service recommendation about going out on the ice. As of this writing, they recommend NOT going out on the ice yet. Your best bet is to check the thickness of the ice by making a test hole in several different locations. Make sure you test the ice with a partner, just in case something goes wrong.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of well-maintained trails for snowmobilers and cross country skiers to explore. The local snowmobiling clubs are raring to go and want you! The Muddy River Sno-Seekers’ next meeting is Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Tiki Bar with a potluck supper afterwards.

Greg Reinhard, the club’s trail master, is encouraging all to get involved, as there is plenty to do to maintain the trails. Contact Reinhard at 787-3830 for more information.

The Sebago Branch Duckers are also vying for help, especially this year when the snow has started early. For more information or to get a trail map, contact club president Glenn Snow at 787-8824 or e-mail him at snows105@yahoo.com.

You can also contact the Maine Snowmobile Association in Augusta at 622-6983 or www.mesnow.com.

If ice skating is more your thing, there are several places to do that as well. Naples has an outdoor rink right behind the American Legion Hall on Route 11. There are also some fantastic rinks in Bridgton. A cute one is right behind the Old Bridgton Town Hall. The other is at the Bridgton Ice Arena. Call ahead to the Bridgton Public Works or the arena as operating times vary.

Get ready for your ice shack by visiting www.informe.org/moses/ and get your fishing license. There’re even some outdoor parties planned. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Musher’s Bowl Winter Carnival slated for Jan. 23 and 24. This may be your only opportunity to ride the ice on a dog sled. Reservations are now being accepted for the adventure, or you can just observe all the fun.

Musher’s Bowl Buttons are being sold around town. These buttons will be good for discounts at participating businesses around town that weekend. Visit www.mainelakesmusherbowl.com or call 647-3472 to get your buttons or to become a participating business.

The 11th Annual Naples Winter Carnival will be held Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 13 and 14. What could be more romantic then the fireworks over the lake scheduled for that Saturday at 6 p.m., complete with a lake bonfire. Radar runs, snowmobile jumps, a fishing derby and more are planned. If you’re more like me and don’t appreciate the frigid temperatures, there are indoor activities as well, including free hot chocolate and movies in the Naples Town Hall. Contact Dan Allen at 318-6965 for more information or check out the event’s Web page, which can be accessed on the Muddy Rivers Sno-Seekers Web site, www.muddyriversnoseekers.org.

The library

Just a reminder that the Naples Library is a great resource for you family this winter. There are toddler, teen and after-school activities for all. The Book Barn is always a favorite stop of mine, any time of year. There are tons of great books, videos and DVDs at bargain prices. Visit www.naples.lib.me to learn more.

Help out an animal today

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 Silcott at 647-1112.

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