Spirit is here

What is a town without Christmas spirit? Fortunately for “Our Town,” we will not find out. When a group of local citizens learned that there might not be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, they sprang into action.

The beautiful spruce tree in front of the Union Church will glow for the holidays and the group is currently working on ideas for the festivities surrounding the actual ceremony.

If any of you would like to get involved or have suggestions on how we can make this year’s tree lighting special, the group is meeting on Friday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Naples Town Office. This will be a wonderful way to share the holiday spirit and experience the best part of living and working in a tight knit community.

Take a tour, bring a toy

The Edward I Singer Center Committee invites everyone to a holiday open house

Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Grange Hall (Singer Community Center) on the Naples Village Green. Come tour this historical building, maybe even lend a hand as we do some clean-up. You can learn about some of the plans we have for this all-ages community center and share with us what you want for your community center.

The Grange members will also be collecting toys for local children, which they will wrap and distribute for Christmas. Please bring an unwrapped gift to donate and know that you are making this holiday better for a child.

After visiting the Grange Hall, head over to the Naples Fire Department, where they will be selling Christmas Trees. They got the pick of trees this year and they are beautiful, ranging in height from four to eight feet tall. The trees range in price from $30 to $40 and all proceeds benefit the fire department.

Party at Sydney’s

Sydney’s Restaurant will be hosting its sixth annual Pub Club Party Thursday, Dec.13. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the complimentary dinner buffet is served at 6:30 and entertainment begins at 8. The Pub Club has grown so large that the party can only be offered to the first 100 RSVPs, so call 693-3333 to reserve a seat. There is no charge for all invited members and there is a $20 charge for guests, but guests must RSVP as well.

Help Brian

Anyone who dines regularly at Sydney’s probably knows Brian Penpraese, the sous chef for the last 14 years. Unfortunately, on Nov. 4, he suffered a serious head injury while removing his dock for the winter. As I write this article, Brian remains in intensive care.

There will be a benefit supper for Brian, his wife Melissa and their son Dalton at Shaker’s (Route 11, Naples) on Jan. 5, 2008 from 5 to 8p.m., with a live and silent auction. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Cash, checks and major credit cards will be accepted.

To donate to the auction or to make reservations, please call Sherry or Stuart at 893-6684.

There has been a trust fund set up to help with Penpraese’s medical costs. To make a donation, please make checks payable to “Brian & Melissa” and mail them to Norway Savings Bank, PO Box 1455, Naples, ME 04055; Attention: Brenda Day.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Penpraese and his family.

Auction a success

The annual Chinese Auction sponsored by the Sebago Lakes Chamber was a huge success. For those who have never been to a Chinese auction, it is a ton of fun. Every time a number gets called, it is like winning the lottery. Our own Jim Miller (The Candy Man) won the 50/50 raffle, taking home a whopping $202.

I hope you all survived the season’s first snowstorm. Our cats are not too thrilled, but I know for all of you “snow seekers” out there it is a good omen for more snow to follow. As we start planning for Winter Carnival, it is a much needed boost, particularly after the last few seasons.

As always, if you know about things going on in “Our Town”, or just have information to share, please let me know. Have a great week.