Something amiss

Is it just me, or is there a problem with holidays now? We used to be able to “Trick or Treat,” take a breather, enjoy Thanksgiving, and then creep in to Christmas. I really believe there is something amiss when I am taking the turkey out of the oven and humming to “Jingle Bells” on Thanksgiving Day.

My husband and I had the unusual opportunity to take a five-day vacation to visit friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. On the drive there, I cannot tell you how many porches I saw adorned with Christmas decorations mingling oddly with slightly disfigured Jack O’ Lanterns.

I believe that reinforces the fact that we do not get over one holiday before we are preparing for the next one. Two days after Christmas I am sure we will be able to pick up our Valentine’s Day greeting cards, so we need to take the time to enjoy Christmas while we can.

More fair days ahead

I hope you were able to get out and visit the many craft fairs and holiday open houses over the last week. For any of you last minute shoppers, there are still some opportunities coming up.

The annual Christmas Craftsman’s Fair, which has been going on for about nine years, is always the “last chance” for shopping.

The date is Dec. 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Naples Town Office gym. There will be an unusual collection of wonderful craft people who offer unique and delightful last minute gifts for everyone’s giving. The proceeds benefit the Naples Historical Society.

For more information, call Merry at 693-6879 or e-mail nhs@fairpoint.net.

Please make sure to take time to attend the annual Naples Chinese Auction, to be held Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Naples Town Hall. Sponsored by the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, the auction will begin at 11 a.m. and refreshments will be served at noon. If you have an item, a gift certificate, or you would like to make a donation (by cash, check or a credit card) please contact the chamber office quickly. All donations are tax deductible and we will provide you with our tax identification number for your annual income tax deduction.

Volunteers are welcome to help set up Saturday, Dec. 1 at noon, and to help Sunday as well. Join in the fun, volunteer for an hour or two, meet members of the chamber, and join in the holiday community spirit. This is a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping for your family and friends, with many wonderful gifts for a mere .25 cents or $1. For more information, please contact the chamber office at 892-8265 or e-mail info@sebagolakeschamber.com.

A dinner idea

For those of you who want to do something a little different Saturday, Dec. 1, the Muddy River Sno-Seekers are having its annual Christmas dinner at Sydney’s. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and the cost is $25 per person. Even if you do not own a snowmobile, the party is always great and thanks to Chef Frank, the food is always fabulous. For more information on the dinner or if you are interested in joining the club, contact Bernie Flood at 693-4776.

Drumming up success

Keegan Eldridge, a senior at Lake Region High School attended the 2007 All New England Band Festival Monday, Nov. 19 with approximately 100 other top musicians from around New England for a concert at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, N.H.

Eldridge has played percussion at Lake Region High School as part of the concert band and the jazz band for four years and has been part of the drum corps for the past two years. He performed with the District II Band Festival at Deering High School and the All State Band Festival at Windham High School this year.

Eldridge is applying to the University of Vermont, the University of Farmington, University of North Carolina and New College of Florida.

Library stays active

On Friday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m., at the Naples Public Library Jerry Wax will lead a Penny Rug Holiday Pin class. Penny Rug is an age old folk art style of appliqua, which participants will learn about as they complete their holiday pin. The class is $5 and includes the cost of materials. For further information on this class or any other classes that the library offers, please call the library at 693-6841.

Grange honored

Congratulations to Naples Grange #94. At a recent Maine State Grange Conference held in Skowhegan, our Naples Grange again received recognition for its continued growth in membership. For more information on the Grange, please contact Billi Lynn Burke at 671-5804.

Board member needed

Naples is seeking an individual to serve on the Board of Appeals. The appointed person will be filling an unexpired term of a former member. The Board of Appeals meets the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., as needed. Interested parties should contact John Thompson or Barbara McDonough at the Naples Town Office at 693-6364.

Have a great week and, as always if you or your group has information to share, please let me know.