Six days a week

That’s how many days the crew down on the Causeway works in an effort to “get ‘er done!”. As I drove by this past snowy Saturday, I shivered at the thought of having to work out there, but the guys seem to take it all in stride.

Lend a hand

Walking the dog one frigid morning, I saw a truck parked in front of my neighbor’s home. Being part of the unofficial neighborhood watch, I walked a bit closer to investigate. I heard the driver of the truck saying, “we’ll just spread a little sand here to make sure you can get to the mail box.” A caring neighbor from down the road had stopped by, on his way to work, to ensure the safety of one of his neighbors. The lady came out of her house to thank him and then proceeded to inform me she had seen a car driving slowly past my house and didn’t like the looks of it! I just love that feeling of knowing that people are looking out for others. The way life should be, you know? It seems this kind of generosity of time and spirit is contagious, so next time the opportunity arises for you to help someone out, dive in, feet first! It’s a win-win.

Culture at the bank

Have you seen all the wonderful art being displayed this month at Norway Savings Bank in Naples? The Monday morning Art Group, the artists responsible for the show, have been at the Naples Library Gathering Room at 9:30 a.m. since 2001. All ages and all abilities are welcome here. If you have seen the show already, you know that there are some very talented artists in this group. The great thing is that there are no fees, and usually a pot of fresh coffee waiting for you. The artists will even critique your work if you want. Andrea Dacko, one of the participating artists, describes it as “a supportive mentoring group.” She goes on to say, “It’s fun to get out of the house and paint together. If you’re lucky sometimes members even share new techniques they’ve learned or materials they’ve acquired.” This is the perfect group for you if you find it hard to squeeze in uninterrupted creative time, as the group usually spends about two and half hours each session. People come from all over to attend the group.

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Winter Carnival

The Naples Winter Carnival, scheduled for Feb. 10-12, promises something for everyone, and they deliver. Hats off (actually keep them on) to Dan Allen, the Naples Muddy River Sno-Seekers, and anyone else who had their hand in making this annual event such a success. This is exactly what Naples needed to get people out of hibernation, socializing, and having some family friendly winter fun. It also attracts visitors to the area, making our area much more of a year-round destination.

You can pick up the handy brochure around town or at the town office, but here are some of the highlights: On Friday night, check out the Snowmobile Torch Light Parade which takes place snow or not. They make a loop around town, starting at the Black Bear Cafe? and ending at Brays. You can follow by car if you’d like. Saturday offers a full day of fun starting at sunrise with the Hannaford Ice Fishing Derby.

Starting at 9 a.m., the carnival kicks off with shuttle rides beginning from the town office and the American Legion until 3:30 p.m. Also at this time the Town Hall opens for the kids with movies, games and cocoa. Broomball begins on the Causeway, sign-up for the Poker Rally, Radar Run sign-ups, and the ever popular Bouncy House opens on the ice. If it’s too cold for you, come down around 4 p.m. and hang in front of the bonfire until the amazing fireworks kick off at 6 p.m. The party continues at the fantastic Merced’s on Brandy Pond where there will be live entertainment, dancing, food, raffle drawings, giveaways and fun.

The fun continues on Sunday with the Bouncy House and Radar Runs beginning at 9 a.m. You can take in all the fun for free, or buy a helicopter ride or a yummy treat from the Naples Fire Department and Lion’s Club concessions. There will even be free snow coach rides for the kids. Even I, someone with an intense aversion to the cold, will brave the elements to make this one, hope you will, too.

Library news

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Keep a lookout for information concerning some upcoming workshops at the library. In February, a college consultant is going to speak to patrons on how to navigate the college entrance maze. The same speaker will present a workshop on the collegiate financial aid process.

Starting Tuesday nights, cozy up with popcorn and a movie, downstairs in the gathering room. The Library has acquired a license to show popular films. The show begins each Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Congratulations to the Naples Public Library, which received a grant in November from the Sam L. Cohen Foundation in Portland. The purpose of the grant is to improve access to technology. For patrons this will mean upgraded equipment, monthly classes, upgraded and secured wireless network, eReaders, and also an audio listening center in the children’s library.

Recreation news

Naples Rec is offering Aquacise at Colonial Mast Campground. The next session for 6-7 p.m. will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 7, and the next session for 7-8 p.m. will start on Tuesday, Mar 13. There is currently room for drop-in for the both classes that are ongoing right now. The cost per session is $70 for Naples residents and $80 for non-residents with drop-ins at $7 per class. For more information please contact Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364 or Colonial Mast at 693-6652.

Naples Recreation offers adult (ages 18-plus) pick-up basketball at Songo Locks Elementary School. Basketball starting on Thursdays only, started on Jan. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday pick-up games will start on Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The last day of basketball will be April 12. Please note that if SAD 61 cancels school or closes early due to weather, basketball for that night is canceled. Questions can be directed to Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364, ext. 104 or recreation@townofnaples.org.

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Reaching for ?the stars

Things are looking bright over at Songo Locks Elementary School. Last month, the teacher committee known as the PEEPS put together a free, really fun craft session for younger kids at the school on a Saturday morning. Now it’s the big kids’ turn at some fun extracurricular activities. The PEEPS are planning a Stargazing night for the older kids at the school, and they need your help.

Deb Farrar, who is on the committee, emailed, “We have an excellent telescope, but no one actually is sure how to use it! Would you know of anyone that might be able to help us out or actually come for that night?” She also added, “…it would be great if we had parents who may have telescopes that they could bring, set up, and guide the students.”

Even if you are not a parent, perhaps you have the needed telescope, or knowledge of the one they have, and a desire to share your equipment, and/or your passion for stargazing with others? Anyone interested should email Deb.farrar@lakeregionschools.org.


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