If it’s broke…

It was broken for a while, the traffic light at the intersection of routes 35 and 302. The only light in Naples has a hard time staying in working condition. I did see repair men there yesterday tending to the issue. It wasn’t so bad with it out of commission, people were respectful and cautious. We do all know what is coming this summer, though, so best to tend that light sooner rather than later.

New kid on block

Nancy’s Sports Pub and Grill is the proud new occupant of the building formerly housing the Pizza Dugout, which is moving to a new Causeway location. If you don’t know Nancy Laurent from her Lake Region High School involvement, you may have seen her tending bar on the Songo River Queen.

She expects to open at the end of May or beginning of June, once renovation work is complete.

“I am so excited to be starting this new venture. Naples is a great spot for a sports pub,” she said. The pub will be open year-round, “so I can cater to the locals as well as the tourists. I have some fun ideas that I think everyone will enjoy.”

The pub will feature an outdoor deck and nine TVs. Two chefs will provide daily specials.

“Of course,” Laurent added, “ I couldn’t do all of this without the help of my husband Marty,” so a big shout out to him, too, and great luck to a super nice lady on her new venture, located at 1124 Roosevelt Trail.

The business will be a venue for the Maine Blues Festival this year.

Check out the Laurent’s website at www.nancyssportspub.com or on Facebook as Nancy’s Sports Pub & Grill. A good sports pub needs a great staff, so if you are looking for work, email Nancy at nancyssportspubandgrill@hotmail.com, or fill out an application on the website.

Maine Blues Festival

The festival’s right around the corner, and they need volunteers. This hugely popular event is looking for fill all volunteer positions, including ticket sales, door attendants, crossing guards and more. Contact Anita Preble, the event’s volunteer coordinator, at volunteers@mainebluesfestival.com

Say hello to summer – now

There are so many things to love about summer. The only problem is that it takes forever to get here (and it is so short!) Moose Landing Marina here in Naples is addressing that by bringing you the season’s very first boat shows. Head on down to the marina, which in conjunction with the Yarmouth Boat Yard, is hosting an Open House and Boat show this Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Attendees will enjoy in-the-water demonstrations of boats, raffles, refreshments and more. Sounds like a fun time, especially if the weather cooperates. For more information, visit www.mooselandingmarina.com or call 693-6264.

School band update

The widely publicized Once of a Lifetime Trip to New York City has happened. Thank you so much to all the wonderful people of the Lake Region who supported in so many ways this experience for our community kids. It was everything promised and more. The kids got to experience a Broadway show, the Metropolitan Opera, performing at Battery Park (the audience loved them!) and a band lesson from one of the most highly regarded orchestra leaders in the country. Fantastic all around, and everyone involved, from students, to parents, to the amazing Dr. Paul Greenstone, who orchestrated (pun intended) this trip, didn’t miss a beat. We all thank you for your generosity and vision.

Members of the Lake Region High School Band perform at Battery Park in New York City, led by senior Dan Neault.