A Modest Proposal

Despite the frigid cold enveloping us over the last several weeks, I noticed that it did not keep most of you indoors. Long Lake has had a steady stream of snowmobilers who ultimately turn around in our driveway while asking directions to the closest (beer) store. I may have to go before the planning board to request a permit to convert our garage in to a full service mini-mart. I think there is revenue to be made.

Carnival a Success

My goodness, what a week this was. As most of you know by now, this past week’s Mushers Bowl and Winter Carnival was fabulous. According to Mike McClellan, the executive director Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, there was dodge ball, The Lakes Environmental Association dance, Gallery 302 Open House, and dogsled races. Oh, and food too!

By adding the Lakes Biathlon and the Maine Snow and Ice Sculpting Foundation Western Maine Competition Division Finals to the yearly Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival, the chamber found it had filled two consecutive weekends. The exciting part for me was that for the first time, the Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival left Bridgton and had activities occurring right here in Naples.

Then there was the first Musher’s Bowl Teen Talent Search for the benefit of Lake Region High School’s Project Graduation 2008. I was pleased to join Tux Burke, Janet Verplanck and Beth Gaudet as judges for the competition, although it was a much harder task than I had expected. There were competitors from as far away as Greely High School, Windham and Oxford Hills. The talent was amazing, with so much original artistry.

The first place prize of $300 went to the Lake Region High School cheerleaders, who performed their routine for the Regional Competition in Augusta with great precision. Second prize went to Erin Rowbotham, who performed an incredibly complex dance routine from “Aida” and third place went to Keegan Eldridge and Dave Stanford who performed a musical improv with Stanford on guitar and Eldridge on the drums. I am happy to say that Project Graduation raised $936 from this event.

Help Save Sebago Cove

After Valentine’s Day, it will be time to kick off the Naples Winter Carnival at Long Lake. The Save Sebago Cove Committee is hosting its first annual fundraiser at Shaker’s

Bar & Grill Friday, Feb. 15 from 6 p.m. to midnight to help eradicate milfoil. Admission is $50 per person and before you say to yourself that that is too much money, it includes food, dancing, entertainment and a raffle with a grand prize of $2,000. Other raffle prizes include an Explorer Canoe, a cord of wood and a $100 gas card. Pete Finkle, one of our favorite solo artists, will provide the entertainment. For tickets please call Save Sebago Cove at 252-3044.

A Night at the Garden

The Lake Region Middle School seventh-grade basketball team, coached by Jeff Cutting of Sebago, along with siblings and parents traveled to Boston Jan. 25 for a very exciting evening. The team was invited to warm up for the Boston Celtics prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The girls had about five minutes on the court. Maybe you saw them on TV during the pre-game coverage.

Hanson Honored

The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting at Spring Meadows Golf Club on Saturday. This meeting was also the Chamber’s Annual Awards Ceremony. I am pleased to say that our own Nancy Hanson, Naples resident and co-owner of Coldwell Banker Lakes Region Properties was this year’s Volunteer of the Year award recipient. The award was given for her tireless efforts in making our community a better place to live and work.

At that meeting, the keynote speaker was Vaughn Stinson of the Maine Tourism Association. He spoke about the economic impact that a fixed bridge on our causeway could have for many years to come. I hope that all of you made an effort to attend the Jan. 30 about the bridge.

Thank you for your wonderful comments on the Lakes Region Weekly and our weekly columns. It is always nice to know that the efforts of all involved are appreciated. Keep picking up the paper and as always, if you have news to share, please let me know. Have a great week.