It’s the time of year that Naples residents either dread because it means the end of summer or greatly anticipate because we no longer have to time our lives around the opening of the Causeway Bridge. We can go to Tony’s and the Post Office in the same trip.

Speaking of the bridge, many residents may not know that the Maine Department of Transportation is planning to replace the swing bridge on the Causeway beginning in May 2008.

Three years ago when the initial plans for this project were first revealed, an ad hoc group of Naples residents and business owners began to meet and plan for the eventuality of the new bridge. Once this committee realized how much local involvement would be necessary in completing the bridge replacement and how the whole process could impact the downtown area and businesses, we chose to organize into a more formal nonprofit group.

What is Naples Main Street?

A group of volunteers that work in Naples, live in Naples and/or really care about Naples. The group’s mission statement is to, “Enhance the attractiveness of downtown Naples for increased vitality, functionality and safety – for residents and visitors.”

A Sample of Naples Main Street Goals:

* Regional advocacy for transportation issues.

* Improve relations between the town and businesses.

* Perform Causeway cleanup.

* Spruce up Naples – including flower boxes, repaint railings, event banners, etc.

* Improve overall pedestrian traffic flow.

* Improve handicap accessibility of crosswalks.

* Improve parking situation.

* Improve public restroom situation.

* Add an outdoor clock to the downtown area.

* Investigate a water taxi and/or land trolley.

* Sponsor community events – the holiday tree lighting, Naples Blues Festival, etc.

* Get the public involved to increase pride in Naples.

How to get involved:

All are welcome to join Naples Main Street! For more information please contact: Chairperson Barbara Clark at 892-8214 or director@sebagolakeschamber.com

For a small town, Naples has a lot of heart. There are many local groups and organizations that have been formed for the singular purpose of helping others within our community.

This August, our local Habitat for Humanity group dedicated our second Lakes Region home. This is quite an accomplishment for a tiny committee as for each home we had to raise over $80,000 between fundraising and “in kind” donations. Happily, Kirk and Edna Engstrom and their three daughters now have a beautiful new home to call their own.

The Lakes Region Habitat for Humanity Steering Committee is now looking for land so we can start on home number three. We are also looking for volunteers who would like to join us in making these dreams come true for other families like the Engstroms.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity, or to volunteer, please contact Kathy Sweet at 693-3252 or e-mail to rksweet@adelphia.net.

The Naples Lion’s Club has also been very busy this year. Through their fundraising efforts they have been able to help with fuel assistance, the Naples Food Pantry, Camp Sunshine, the Naples Fire Department and eye exams for 4- and 5-year-olds. For more information on this very worthy organization or to become a member, please call Diane Monaco at 693-6586.

The Lakes Region High School 2008 Project Graduation committee is in full swing. The first event of the season will be a Middle School dance for seventh- and eighth-graders on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Naples Town Gym from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. The admission is $5. For more information please contact Connie Eldridge at 693-7298.

As we look forward to those wonderful days of Indian summer with warm breezes and low humidity, let me know what’s happening with your local groups, families, churches or activities. One of the reasons I agreed to write this column is to increase awareness not only about “Our Town”, but the people and events that make us so unique. Please send me your ideas!

Kathy Sweet