Winter!

Am I the only one who is still surprised the holiday season is upon us? I think I just don’t want to face the COLD, hard facts: Winter is here, and the next time this article runs Christmas will be a fond memory.

Today the kids have a snow day in anticipation of the Nor’Easter headed this way. (Luckily I didn’t get that phone call! SAD 61 has started to use a new program called Blackboard Connection, where you can opt in to get a phone call regarding school cancellations. If you don’t want to be called like me, you can call your child’s school and tell the secretary who will take the necessary steps to remove you from that list. Text message is just fine, and very helpful, thank you!)

Anyway, I’m not a fan of this time of year. Just too cold for me! I wish the very best for the people who love getting outdoors and living it up on the ski and hiking trails. That will never be me, I am afraid. Luckily since my kids were born here they have a real passion for skiing, and the amazing Pleasant Mountain Ski Program that allows kids to ski after school as a group certainly helped foster their interest.

Festivities

Join your neighbors in the lighting of the Naples Christmas Tree at the Village Green this Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4-7 p.m. Hosted by Naples Main Street and the Naples Fire Department, the fun is not limited to the tree lighting. From 4-5:30 p.m. join Kim Litchfield for craft time at the Singer Center. Also during that time chili and soups will be for sale to nourish and warm you up. Or why not buy a ticket for the Holiday Centerpiece Raffle? You’ll be able to view them at this time.

At 5:30 p.m. join Kim Litchfield for a reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or enjoy the indoor live entertainment by singer Tracy Andrews. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. and kicks off the tree lighting ceremony and reading of the “Secret of Naples, Maine” and Christmas caroling. Warm up with some hot chocolate and cookies afterward and get your picture taken with Santa! The holiday centerpieces were graciously donated by Watkins Flowers. Tickets are on sale now and will be on sale that night. They are $5 each or five for $20. For more information about this event or Naples Main Street, contact membership President Connie Eldridge at 831-0890 or email [email protected].

Christmas Shopping for Kids

I love this idea. A Christmas Shopping Day will be held at the Naples United Methodist Church on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children feel empowered when they can shop for their whole family. All items cost from 1 cent to $1, and they will even gift wrap it for you. Snacks for parents and children will be provided as well as a bake sale. Sounds like fun for all! The church is located at the Naples Village Green.

Coats for Kids

Now it’s easier than ever to donate those unused, grown-out-of coats you have in the closet. Naples Fire Department is collecting coat for kids now through Dec. 31. Coats in good condition can be dropped off any time. Call 415-0078 for more information.

Congratulations

The American Legion in Naples honored three local businesses for all the wonderful things they do for the community. Dave Allenson of the Umbrella Factory, Bruce Plummer of P&K Sand and Gravel, and Kevin Hancock of Hancock Lumber were all honored at a ceremony at the American Legion Post 155 in Naples. Living here, we all know the names of these businesses come up time and again when any kind of donations or fundraisers are involved. We thank you!

Olivia Toole, left, and Dawn Merriam enjoy a moment at Jewlz Salon’s recent open house. Toole is enjoying a paraffin wax dip on her hands, one of the complimentary services offered that evening.