Good While It Lasted

Well, it happened, we are well into fall with winter fast approaching. The Fryeburg Fair has come and gone, the Songo River Queen has sailed its last cruise of the season, Freedom Cafe? is closing its doors in a couple of weeks, and outdoor soccer leagues have played their last games. There are a couple of bright sides to note here, fear not. The fall temperatures have been more often than not seasonably mild, and I hear oil prices are going down for once as winter approaches. Electricity prices are rising, however, so you might want to rethink that electric space heater. Do your homework on your rates, Electricity Maine may not always be the cheapest, as I found out. The problem is it takes so much time to research, and that is a valuable commodity!

Get Involved

The Naples Budget Committee is looking for residents who are interested in joining the team. Meetings begin in February and are held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Kate Matthews, Naples town secretary, at [email protected] or call 693-6364.

Pumpkin Presents

The Songo Garden Club of Naples is sharing the fruits of their labor. On Oct. 23 the club will gather at the Naples Town Gym at 11 a.m. to create fresh floral arrangements in little glass pumpkins. They will then take a trip over to the Casco Inn, a retirement home on Route 121, to deliver these wonderful creations to residents. I am very sure this act will brighten the day of many. What a very thoughtful tradition. Thank you Songo Garden Club!

Local Libraries

During these hibernation months, it can be challenging to keep busy and avoid the depression that many experience. One way to keep your mind sharp and experience new things is to visit your local library. When is the last time you just walked through and perused the shelves. I bring this up because I was looking for a series on DVD and I had no clue where to begin my search. Hulu? Netflix? Online? No need as both the Naples Public Library and the Casco Library had it. The best part was the price! Libraries are more than just books so take some time to stop and explore. With the holidays coming, I always make sure to visit the lower level of the Naples library where there are amazing deals to be had on coffee table books, best sellers and more. For more information, visit their website at www.naples.lib.me.org or call 693-6841.

Holiday Sales

Speaking of the holidays, just a reminder to visit the wonderful craft fairs coming up the first Saturday in November. A shopper’s paradise awaits as there are so many choices between the fairs, like the Holly Berry run by Project Graduation of Lake Region High School, and the Craft Fair offered at the Naples Town Gym by the Naples Historical Society on the same Saturday. Get out, greet your neighbors, and support local! Don’t forget the old brick and mortar stores that have been around here since I moved here years ago (I am thinking I need to stop into Country Sleigh and say hi to Sue Jordan!)

Halloween Fun

The Casco and Naples Recreation invite preschoolers through fifth-graders to the Casco Community Center on Halloween night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a “Ghoulish Good Time.” Visit the Haunted Library, see a magic show, enjoy cider and goodies, and end the night with the costume parade. Volunteers are always appreciated. Call Beth Latsey at 627-4187 or Harvey Price at 693-6364.

The Lake Region Shawnee Lakers won their last game 5-0 against the Poland Knights at the Patriots Crossroads Challenge in Gray on Oct. 11 and 12.