A fair and glorious week

What a glorious week it was! With temperatures brushing the 80s, it was hard to believe it was time for the Fryeburg Fair. Days before the opening of the fair, we could see trailers for kettle corn, funnel cakes and livestock traveling up Route 302, an omen of what was to come. Even if you never venture out to the Fryeburg Fair, if you live or work in Naples, for one week every year, your life is affected by it. However, with the miles of traffic, there also comes opportunity. The restaurants are packed, there is no room at the inn and local civic and charitable organizations take advantage of the temporary increase in population.

Busy for good causes

The Naples Lions Club was very busy on the Causeway, selling apples and cider. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for six days, Lions Club members could be seen chatting with new acquaintances and making change for a purchase. Their efforts paid off with a tidy profit of approximately $1,100 that will go toward their local charitable causes. For more information on the numerous wonderful things the Lion’s Club does, or to become a member, please contact Dave Gerrish at 693-6854.

Project Graduation 2008 also had a successful fundraiser. Naples Country Club hosted the annual Project Grad Golf Tournament. With the weather cooperating, 11 teams had a wonderful day on the links ending with prizes and a barbeque. A profit was made and all had fun.

Our Lakes Region Habitat for Humanity group also took advantage of the influx of visitors with a giant yard sale. For almost a year, the group has been collecting items in preparation for their annual yard sale.

Last year, after Norway Savings Bank purchased the old Reinhard property, it not only agreed to let us store items, but kept the parking lot plowed for us all winter in order to gain access to the building. The yard sale was an enormous success, adding almost $1,000 toward our next Habitat home building fund.

Our special thanks go out to Holly Chase of Norway Savings Bank for her help in making this all possible. Another example of how our little community reaches out in so many ways in order to benefit others. For information on the Lakes Region Habitat for Humanity organization, to volunteer or to donate items for next year’s yard sale, please contact Kathy Sweet at 693-3252 or Diane Monaco at 693-6586.

Welcome Sparky

Guess who is coming to the Naples Public Library? In observance of National Fire Prevention Week, Sparky the Fire Dog will be visiting the library during pre-school story time Oct. 16. The Naples Fire Department will be on hand to talk about fire safety, what to do and what not to do in the event of a fire. I also suspect there will be some of those little red fire hats that I remember so fondly from my childhood!

The Naples Public Library holds a weekly pre-school story time on Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. There is a theme each week followed by readings and crafts. For any of you who have never been, it is so much fun to watch these little ones take such an interest in reading. Some upcoming themes include Spooky Spiders, Halloween and Election Day.

To learn more about the invaluable programs the library offers, call 693-6841or visit the web site at: www.naples.lib.me.us.

Make arrangements for this

The Songo Garden Club will be holding their annual mini-pumpkin floral arrangement session on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Members are asked to bring their pruners, scissors, greens from their gardens and anything else to make these fall arrangements. The residents of the Casco Inn will be the lucky recipients of these delightful works of art.

For more information on the Songo Garden Club, please call Pat at 647-4545.

Help Leo’s family

Sadly, our community has lost another of its beloved members in a tragic accident. Leo Soucy was killed in a single car accident on Sept. 25, just days after celebrating his 53rd birthday. All of us who knew Leo will remember his warm brown eyes, curly hair, his crooked little grin and his sense of humor. Some say that emulation is the sincerest form of flattery and I remember someone dressed up as Leo last Halloween, complete with a knee brace. A celebration of Leo’s life was held at Bray’s on Sept. 29.

His wife, Francie, and his two children, Joshua, 15, and Samantha, 13, will sadly miss Leo. For those wishing to contribute, a fund has been established for his children. Donations may be made to: The Soucy Children Account, Norway Savings Bank, c/o Andrea Osgood, P.O. Box 200, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Until next week, please remember what a wonderful community we live in. If any of you have items or opinions to share, I would love to hear from you!