Thanks Giving!

It seems the Umbrella Factory of Naples never shortchanges our community in the giving department. Owners Dave and Gail Allenson continuously donate, support and enrich our community through many benevolent actions. Of course, Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity for them to once again demonstrate their commitment to the Lake Region.

On Sunday, Nov. 24, the Umbrella Factory is teaming up with the American Legion to host a free Thanksgiving meal. There is a cap to how many can come, so you must enter a drawing to win a spot. From now until Nov. 16, when you shop at the Umbrella Factory, On the back or your receipt, print your name and contact info and drop it into the box to enter. A total of 225 lucky people will get to enjoy what I’m sure will be a top-notch feast. The winners will be posted in the store, and announced in this newspaper. Good luck!

Naples Lions Celebrate 10 Years

The Naples Lions Club will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its chartering at a gala bash at Camp Sunshine on Saturday, Nov. 16. The club had its original charter night at the same location in November of 2003. The master of ceremonies for the evening will be founding president Dave Gerrish. The keynote speaker will be Past International Director Ron Johnson of the Sebago Lions Club. The Naples Lions refer to Ron as their “founding father” since he was the club extension chair that year. Lions from across Maine District 41 have been invited with the past district governors for the last 10 years will bring greetings. Several special surprise awards and honors will be presented. The planning committee for the celebratory gala includes: Carl Talbott, Current President Jack Horne, as well as past Presidents Dave Gerrish, Harvey Buzzell and Arlene Stetson.

The Naples Lion’s Club has been very successful, surpassing recently the $95,000 mark of donations and grants over their 10-year history. Most recently, the club sent a check to the Harrison Chapter of Lions for $1,750 for their share in a brand new digital eye-screening machine which replaces an older Polaroid model. The Naples Lions have done the eye screening of pre-kindergarten children since its inception.

Naples Recreation Youth Basketball

The deadline for Naples Recreation Youth Basketball is Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. for Grades 3 through 6 and Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. for Grades 1 and 2. Any questions should be directed to Harvey Price at 595-0602.

Many Hands Make Light Work

That saying is Brownie Troop 1963 Leader Marie Caron’s favorite! The girls in the troop proved it when they worked together to give the picket fence at the Naples Playground a much-needed paint job as part of their Community Service project. The town of Naples supplied the materials while the girls happily supplied the labor. Everything went according to plan, and an hour and a half later the job was done. Even the weather cooperated, providing sunshine after several days of rain. Make a point to check out the girls’ handy work next time you are at the post office or town office.

Troop leader Marie Caron was beaming with pride, reporting, “The girls had a blast and it just goes to show you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun.”

Be Friends with the Naples Library

The Friends of Naples Public Library is a group of patrons and others who organize and run fundraisers in support of the Naples Public Library.

This summer the group ran the duck drop, a yard sale, pizza tasting and the canoe paddle auction. Planning for 2014 events is getting under way for the duck drop, yard sale and the popular house tour.

If you enjoy the library’s free services and programs and would like to show your appreciation and support by participating in coming events, the Friends will meet at the library on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m.

For the kids, the library, as always, has some fun, free stuff planned. New to the library is the Pokemon Club that meets on the first and third Thursday of the month. On Nov. 19, at 4 p.m. grab some popcorn and settle down to watch Monster’s University with the kids downstairs. You can show your appreciation for our overseas troops by creating holiday cards from Nov. 12-16. A new book club geared toward middle school kids and up is starting soon. See Children’s Librarian Miss Kate for details.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, adults can enjoy Squash and Apples: A Taste of Autumn Delights event with recipes. Donations for the tasty samples provided by Five Field Farm in South Bridgton.

Finally, mark your calendars for the shopping event of the season: The NPL’s Annual Mini Art Sale, a great way to get something unique and handmade for the people on your holiday gift list. The sale runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30. The Cookie Walk is also a fun part of that event! If you want to donate cookies or find out more information about all the other things happening at the library, contact them at 693-6841 or visit www.naples.lib.me.us or request to be included on their monthly newsletter list.

Children’s Christmas Shopping Day

Help support this incredibly cute idea. On Saturday, Dec. 14, the United Naples Methodist Church on Route 114 will host an opportunity for kids to go shopping for their families for the holiday season and purchase gifts. The gifts will range in price from one penny to no more than one dollar. Donations are needed to make this a success. Community members are asked to “re-gift” items in their home such as candles, jewelry, small toys and household items in great shape that you no longer need or use. You can drop the items off at the church on Tuesdays or Saturdays between noon and 3 p.m. For more information, contact the church at 693-6594. The church is also looking for volunteers the day of the sale.

Holly Berry Fair is Here

Don’t forget! This weekend is the Holly Berry Fair, the biggest fundraiser for Lake Region High School’s Project Graduation. Don’t miss it from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There are plenty of vendors and entertainment guaranteed to keep your family entertained for a few hours. For more information, contact Robin Aaskov at 653-9595.

Here’s a heads up: Santa Claus is coming to the Holly Berry and will be available for pictures from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. If you can’t make the Holly Berry, perhaps you can attend the Wine Appreciation Night and Silent Auction held at Bridgton Academy on Nov. 23 and brought to you in part by Lake Region Caterers, Inc.

Using supplies donated by the town of Naples, Brownie Troop 1963 recently painted the picket fence at the Naples Playground as part of a community service project. In back, from left, are co-leader Amy Keenan, Kaytrien Hall, Abby Elsaesser, Leah Plummer, Hannah Fitzpatrick, Elle Hall, Katie Keenan and co-leader Marie Caron. In front, from left, are Rebecca Caron, Allison Baker, Phoebe Payne, Brooke Toole and Aleah Warren.