Bus Service Begins

I, for one, am excited that there is finally some affordable public transportation from the Lake Region area to Portland. Regional Transportation Program (RTP), a longtime provider of private transportation in the area, has branched out, offering bus service to Portland. For the rest of 2013 the bus is free of charge, so why not check it out? The service will run Monday through Friday, starting at 6 a.m. in Naples with the last bus returning at 8:20 p.m. The bus will make stops in Casco, Raymond, Windham and Westbrook before arriving at its final destination in Portland.

For the bus schedule and stop locations, you can visit RTP’s Facebook page, or email Dan Goodman of RTP at dgoodman@rtprides.org to be added to the Lake Region Bus Updates Email list.

The Show Must Go On

The audience got a bit more than they expected at the final performance of Greater Tuna at the Lake Region High School this past Sunday. High winds cause a power outage for about the last 20 minutes or so of the show. The cast was truly professional, continuing to stay in character and performing, but not without a few humorous ad-libs about the lack of lighting.

The show and performances were funny to begin with, but the blackout will surely be one of the most memorable characters of the show that day. Congratulations to the cast and crew on the fine job they did, and to the departing seniors, as that was their last performance in a play at Lake Region.

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The Gift of Thanks

The Umbrella Factory and the American Legion of Naples certainly embodied the spirit of the season this past Sunday as they hosted a wonderful Thanksgiving-themed dinner with all the fixings. Turnout was less than expected but about 90 people dined on the feast. The food, as well as two raffle prizes, were donated by The Umbrella Factory. The American Legion provided the venue, cooked the food, and provided labor for the serving and cleanup. We are certainly fortunate to have such community-minded resources in our town. Thank you.

Naples Library Update

Everyone who lives in or visits Naples knows what a valuable resource our library is. Now is the time to show them the love. The library has launched their 2013-2014 Annual Appeal to raise money for the upkeep of our beautiful library building as well as offer the public free access to Wi-Fi, their extensive collection, computers, and programs for all ages. Donations may be made at the circulation desk or by visiting their website at www.naples.lib.me.us.

At the library in December don’t miss the white haired guy in the red suit who will be visiting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, head to the library for the Christmas Gift Craft night, a perfect opportunity for your young one to make that one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. Adults can also get creative at the Paper Rosettes demonstration with Susan Bohill or at the participating in Watkins Flower’s Holiday Flower Arrangement workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is required for the workshop and there is a $20 material fee.

Before you sit down to let your creative juices flow, you can stop by the library on that very same day at noon and get your digestive juices flowing with the Annual Bring a Dish Christmas Buffet.

Chamber Annual Dinner

About 130 guests enjoyed an evening of networking, celebrating, and information this past Friday evening at Shawnee Peak. Many Lakes Region business owners listened attentively to the keynote speaker, Sen. Angus King, as he discussed the topics of the moment in our local and national government, of course, including President Obama’s health care plan.

A special congratulations goes out to Naples’ own Carl and Jane Talbot for winning the Community Volunteer Award. I can tell you firsthand that the couple is very deserving of that award, being very active not only in the chamber’s various activities but also being a great asset to the Naples Lions Club. Carl, you may recall, is formerly of Songo River Queen, which is where we first met.