Construction update

A few weeks back I determined that I needed to take a back route to Songo Locks School after I was delayed 20 minutes and stopped twice by hard working construction crews. Last week I decided to try my luck and took my normal route crossing the causeway. I was pleasantly surprised that although work was continuing, I was not inconvenienced one bit. Check back next time as I will be regularly updating the stages of the construction and what delays if any you can expect.

Wanna ride?

If you need a bike or need to fix one in Naples, you will need to help Scott Kilton. His bike shop is ready for business; bikes and equipment line the walls, but Kilton can’t sell any of it. He desperately wants to open his bike retail and repair shop located in the building of his mother’s former business, the Sunny Window, but a town zoning restriction is a major roadblock. In 2008, a zoning ordinance was passed making the stretch of Route 302 from Grackle Lane to Kansas Road a Rural area, except to existing businesses. The problem is because the bike shop is not the same type of business, it is not grandfathered. Therefore, Kilton needs residents of Naples to sign his petition. He is at his shop most days offering complimentary coffee to those who come in to sign. After submitting a completed petition, a special town meeting will have to be called at Kilton’s expense in order for the zoning change to pass. The Kilton family has noted that town officials have been very helpful in assisting them in taking the proper steps to get their shop up and running.

Songo Locks ?geo bee

Sean Buchanan, a fifth-grade student at Songo Locks Elementary School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Dec. 8 and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship.

The schoolwide competition, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 22nd annual National Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google.

Classroom winners competing in the Bee were, from fourth grade, Emily Colson, Andrew Gianattasio, Noah Johnston and Brooke Clement; and from fifth grade, Sean Buchanan, Matthew Casey, Hailey Parsons and Corban Ridlon.

Sean will now take a written test. If he scores in the top 100 in the state, he will be eligible to compete in the state competition on April 1. Good luck Sean!

Best deal in town

Dea Dea Robbins is planning another one of her fantastic bus trips, this time to Hollywood Slots in Bangor. Jan. 22 is the date with pickup at the Bridgton Healthcare at 7 a.m. and an additional pick up on the Naples Causeway around 7:15 a.m. Cost is $29 and includes a buffet lunch and $10 to spend on the slots! During the ride up bingo is played with a movie offered on the return trip which arrives about 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Dea Dea at 693-3408.

Library’s best deal

Last minute gift shopping couldn’t be more easy than at the Naples Library. Right now yellow-tagged books and videos are 50 percent off, many in near-new condition. Also at the library, the Toddler Musical Playgroup at 10:30 a.m. and the Pajama Story Time at 6 p.m. will be held throughout the school vacation. Goodness knows we will need to keep the kids busy somehow! Both are held on Thursdays.

Christmas stars ?at Tony’s Foodland

Embrace the true meaning of the season. Grab a star off the tree of giving at Tony’s Foodland. The star represents the details of a needy community member: if they are male or female, their age, and what they would like. You bring back the star with the unwrapped gift. What a great way to teach your children the joy of giving to others. Please act soon as Christmas is almost here! Connie Madura, organizer of the Community Resource Center of Naples, can be reached at 693-6805 for more information.

Naples holiday schedule

The Town Office will be closed for the holidays Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.