Wow, my kids sure were excited when their school vacation was extended an extra day. The weather sure has been the talk of Maine and the town of Naples this winter. Didn’t the groundhog see his shadow? We’ll be in it deep this spring (the mud that is!)
Construction update
Craig Hurd, my normal contact and MDOT Resident Engineer on the Causeway Project, is on a much-needed break this week. I did speak with Lisa Cole, a technician on the project, who was happy to report that traffic on Route 302 will not be affected whatsoever in the coming weeks. “We haven’t had flaggers out there in a while,” stated Cole. Great news, but rest assured, work is still very much in progress.
Community meal
The next delicious fellowship meal offered at Christ Chapel Church will be on Saturday, March 26. On the menu are American chop suey, salad and casseroles. The buffet opens at 4:30 p.m., wrapping up at 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 37 Northern Pines Road, Raymond, off of Route 85, near Crescent Lake.
Naples library update
The imminent warmer weather is the perfect time to come out of hibernation and visit the library. March looks like a fun month there, with several great activities to choose from.
For the youngest of citizens, the library offers Pre-School story time each Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. On March 22, stories of Clifford, the Big Red Dog will be read, followed by a guest appearance by the Big Dog himself. Each Thursday morning, the kids get jamming with musical story time, also at 10:30 a.m.
Mix up your bedtime routine each Thursday night as devoted library volunteer “Miss Deb” Goldstein continues her ever-popular Pajama Storytime at 6 p.m. The story is always followed by a related craft. Miss Deb also offers a fabulous kids book club. The next book for the kids is “The Grand Escape.” The kids meet to discuss the book and usually have a treat and related craft to look forward to.
Of course, March would not be the same without a St. Paddy’s Day Party! Don your best green outfits and follow the pot of gold as you listen to enchanted stories of leprechauns. The party starts at 10:30 a.m. upstairs in the children’s library.
On Saturday, March 19, Go Ahead! Play with your Food! Join the staff in making fun crafts with food. Past creations have included marshmallow snowmen, cookie pilgrim hats, and reindeer. The event starts at 11 a.m. in the Gathering Room.
Learn how to make some delicious sounding Cake Pops on Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. It’s free, but pre-registration is required. Participants will bring home several of these gourmet treats.
FMI on all of these events, visit www.naples.lib.me.us or e-mail Syntha Green @naplesyolib@hotmail.com or Jill at ya.napleslib@yahoo.com.
Fire fundraiser
Join the Naples Fire Department once again for their laugh-filled Comedy, Dinner and Silent Auction. The event is usually a sell-out, so buy your tickets early. April 30 is the date set, starting at 6 p.m. This fundraiser is extremely important to the department’s annual budget. Come out, laugh, enjoy a good meal with friends, and support a great organization.
Race across America
Seasoned Fitness Instructor Denise St. John, Zumba Instructor Vicki Toole, and the Crooked River Adult Education Program are teaming up to offer an exciting new 8-week fitness challenge. Participants will team up or be teamed up and earn miles that count towards the ultimate goal: to be the first team to Race Across America.
The team earns miles through the amount of workouts each team member completes. Not only might team members win the race and win the next fitness session free, but they just might get into great shape and health in the process. The challenge starts mid to late March. Included in the program are Zumba and strength training classes as well as open gym times where members can work out with the brand new fitness equipment located at the Adult Ed building on Route 11 near the Naples line. Contact Darlene Perry at Darlene.perry@lakeregionschools.org.
The loss ?of a neighbor
Naples is less one extraordinary citizen. Condolences go out to the Dacko Family who lost their matriarch, Anne, recently. Anne was a kind-hearted, witty and funny woman who warmed the hearts of all who met her. We will miss her.
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