Causeway Update

Just what is a General Development Zone? Right now that is what is being proposed and explored as the possible new zoning for the Causeway in order to permit a permanent structure for the planned amphitheatre. During the next few weeks the Board of Selectmen and the Department of Environmental Protection will be conducting site walks and discussions to draft an ordinance to present at the Annual Town Meeting this spring. Whatever they come up with, have no fear, you will have it in black and white for you to analyze and vote on.

As for the Causeway project, the crew is chipping away at the punch list. Landscaping, erosion control, loaming and placing gravel, and fire suppression work are all being attended to.

At the Library

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” at the Naples Library. The Christmas decorations are up and the children are counting the days for that Special Day! Santa and his helper will be making their annual visit to Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.

Need a very special gift? Nothing beats a handmade keepsake like a personalized photo album. Join Sue Bohill in the adult library Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. to make an accordion photo book. On Wednesday evening, Dec. 6, Carol from Watkins flowers will be on hand helping you to create your very own seasonal floral arrangement. Pre-registration is required for both events at 693-6841. Of course, you can always visit the lower level of the library where there are many fine, gently used items for sale that would make very thoughtful gifts.

Great news for the area’s libraries, including our beloved Naples Library. Loon Echo Land Trust is accepting applications for the libraries to receive small grants to conduct educational environmental programs. Applications can be found on Loon Echo’s website, www.LELT.org, with a deadline of Jan. 15.

Senior Holiday Activities

Saturday, Dec. 8, could be a very fun and full day for you. Start your day off by heading to Portland with the Casco and Naples recreation departments to enjoy the classic “A Christmas Carol” by the Portland Stage Company. A custom coach will leave the Naples American Legion on Route 11 at 9:30 a.m. First you will stop for lunch at the Old Country Buffet at the Maine Mall. Then it’s off to the 2 p.m. show. The bus returns to Naples at 5 p.m.

From there, put on your dancing shoes and ball gown and head over to the Lake Region High School Community Service Academy which is hosting a Senior Citizen Ball in the school’s cafeteria from 5-7 p.m. Desserts, coffee and tea will be served.

Happy Holidays ?for Those in Need

Every year, the Community Resource Council of Naples, an agency of the United Methodist Church Good Fellowship, works tirelessly to provide some Christmas joy for kids in need in the Naples community. If your family needs a helping hand this holiday, and wish to register your child for the Christmas for Kids program, please contact Connie Madura at 595-2754. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 7. The CRC relies on community support for this program. At Tony’s Foodland, you will find a Christmas tree with yellow stars. You can pick one of these stars if you would like to fulfill a specific child’s wish. Money is also always welcome and needed, so you can send a check or money order to the Community Resource Council of Naples at PO Box 447, Naples, Maine 04055. Please include Christmas for Kids on the check.

Our other amazing local resource for those in need, CrossWalk Community Outreach Food Pantry, was given a much-needed boost this season by the visit from Evergreen Credit Union’s Ending Hunger Walking Tour. Brenda Davis, one of the state’s leading “End Hunger” advocates, is walking throughout the state during the month of November to raise awareness about the hunger problem in our state. While in Naples, the tour made a contribution to CrossWalk. Don’t forget you, too, can help either one of these organizations with your time or a donation.

Pierson Shines ?this Holiday

Speaking of the Library, I am sure you all remember the wonderful Heather Pierson who was the kind-hearted children’s librarian at the Naples Library for quite some time. My children grew up listening to her musical story time songs. Heather has also been a successful singer and songwriter outside of the library. Fortunately for us, she has decided to share her talents with us this holiday season.

The Heather Pierson Quartet presents the musical score for “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Leura Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg on Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert are only $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors 65 plus. If you would like to make a night of it, or perhaps a wonderful present for a treasured co-worker or friend, start the evening off with some light appetizers and dinner. The menu, being offered by Lake Region Caterers, Inc. of Naples, is posted at the venue’s website, www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac, or you can call 935-9232 for more information or tickets as well. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.

Shining Stars ?in Naples

Congratulations to Arlene Stetson of the Augustus Bove House for receiving the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award at the recent annual gathering of the New England Lions Council. Stetson played a major role in the creation of the Naples Lions Club in 2003. She regularly offered her bed and breakfast for the club’s meetings. Arlene’s terms as president ended this past June.

The good kids of Naples are many! Congratulations are in order for all the kids who were deemed exceptionally great kids by their teachers and were recognized last week at the SAD 61 Board Meeting.

Health on the Move

A healthy, free lunch is part of the program this Monday, Dec. 3, at the “Health on the Move” event to be held at Crooked River Adult Education on Route 11 in Casco. Hosted by the Cumberland County Public Health Council, and local organizations including CrossWalk Community Outreach, this event will feature free flu shots, blood pressure screenings, diabetes assessments, depression and cancer screenings, as well as preventative care and wellness resources. There will be a children’s activities room as well to keep your young ones busy and engaged provided by St. Joseph’s College. For more information, contact Zoe Miller at 553-5939.

Workers are focusing on the Brandy Pond side of the new causeway bridge installing terraced landscaping.  
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