Sandy Strikes

Writing this in the beginning of the week for the Friday paper is kind of like fortune telling: You know what is in the cards, but how it will play out is anyone’s guess. Forecasted, of course, is Hurricane Sandy. Predictions are flying. Will there be power outages? Floods, damage? We’ll see. I do know that at today’s writing, several events that were planned for this evening have been cancelled due to the impending storm. Postponed, actually, meaning many of us will be playing catch-up in the weeks to come. One of the events postponed was the District 2 Honor Festivals Auditions where 1,000 kids will be participating. Given the change of date, it is very likely they will still be looking for volunteers to help things run smoothly. Please contact Paul Greenstone at paul.greenstone@lakeregionschools.org or 649-1850.

I hope it did not hit you all too bad in the end.

Causeway Update

So, did you see that long snake on the Causeway last week? Actually what looked like a horror movie monster (perfect timing with Halloween and all) was actually part of the fire suppression system installed underground between Causeway Marina and the Lost Lobstah. I think this hurricane will be a good test to see if the new seawalls hold up. Well, they made it through an earthquake, so what’s a little hurricana/nor’easter?

Holiday Shopping Bonanza

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In the Lakes Region, the biggest pre-holiday shopping day is this Saturday, Nov. 3. Everywhere you look there are signs for fairs, festivals, early-bird sales, the works. I think the weather will finally be looking up Saturday, and my guess is the fair weather will bring people out in droves. The main event, in my book, is the Holly Berry Christmas Craft Show, which has been held the first Saturday in November for ages. This sale benefits Lake Region High School’s Project Graduation. This year the show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will have a Christmas card making station and a photo booth in addition to many one-of-a-kind crafts perfect for supporting the local economy and finding that perfect gift for a loved one. For more information, contact Connie Eldridge at 831-0890 or celdridge@lakesproperties.com.

While at the craft show, you can sign up your child for the Pleasant Mountain ski program right in the high school lobby. This is a six-week after-school ski program now open to grades 2-12, starting Jan. 7. The registration runs from 9-1 p.m. The cost is $25 for student or a maximum of $55 per household. The tickets for the six weeks to ski will be $72 or $174 per child if he or she needs rentals too. What a great way to get some exercise and skiing expertise for a very reasonable price. For more information, contact Sue Witonis at 655-4426.

The most beautiful craft show award goes to the Inn at Long Lake. I just love being in that place and all the lovely Christmas crafts and smell of pine cones and cider make it even more appealing. The show runs Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Before the craft shows, you might want to hit up all the early-bird sales around Naples and Bridgton.

If you can’t make all the festivities on Nov. 3, have no fear, a very worthwhile craft sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Edes Falls Community Center. Hosted each year by the sewing circle ladies, the HO HO HO Sale includes fine homemade crafts and yummy baked goods. Call Cheryl Harmon to find out more details at 693-4016.

Election Day ?Food Drive

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On Election Day next Tuesday, you can support your candidate as well as Naples residents in need. Connie Madura and members of the Naples Community Resource Council will be on hand to accept food donations for local families at the polling site at Naples Town Offices. Please bring whatever you can spare in the form of food for families. If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can send that to the Naples Community Resource Council, P.O. Box 447, Naples,

ME 04055. FMI or to volunteer your time or services to the Council, contact Connie at 595-2754.

Fitness with Friends

With the hurricanes and such, it’s no wonder you might be looking for a place indoors to get your daily dose of exercise. The Step Into Fitness program is a great, free, safe way to enjoy your walk. The Bridgton Community Center along with Lake Region High School offer this program free of charge. You can arrive anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from now until May 2013. This weather-free environment even comes with music, benches and bathrooms. What are you waiting for?

Naples Library Update

The library’s board of trustees is preparing to begin their annual appeal to patrons here and across the country to continue supporting the mission of the Naples Public Library.

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The library does such an amazing job that I have to keep reminding myself that all the services it offers are free. However, the programs and materials they offer are not actually free, so they do need to fundraise. Now is your chance to help. A new “Friends of Naples Public Library” is being organized by a group of library patrons to contribute to the library’s available funds. If you are interested in participating, please contact Diane Monaco at 693-6586.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, there will be adult Scrabble in The Gathering Room. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, the adult book group will discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks at 1:30 p.m. If you are into crafts, don’t miss the Penny Rug Snowman workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. On Thursday, Nov. 15, you can decorate Thanksgiving cookies with your family at 5:30 p.m. The library’s annual Mini Art Sale and Cookie Walk takes place on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The kids will most certainly enjoy Disney’s “Brave,” to be shown on Tuesday, Nov. 13 downstairs at 4 p.m. And yes, there will be popcorn thanks to the library’s recent purchase of a popcorn machine.

Please note, the library will be closed on Nov. 21 and 22 for Thanksgiving. Library hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wednesday 2-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Senior Thanksgiving Meal

The Cumberland County Sherriff’s Office wants you! If you are a senior and would like to enjoy a wonderful complimentary Thanksgiving meal with your friends, then head on down to Camp Sunshine on Friday, Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The CCSO will serve a traditional holiday meal with all the fixings. Please RSVP by Nov. 8 at 1-800-266-1444, ext. 2228.

The hose for a fire suppression system was installed underground between Causeway Marina and the Lost Lobstah on the Naples Causeway recently.   

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