Fun updates

Sebago Recreation Director Corinne Davis has provided some updates on the summer programs. The trips that were to be taken in conjunction with the Harrison Recreation Department, including the Canobie Lake Park trip mentioned last week, have been canceled.

The first session of swimming lessons at Woods Pond in Bridgton has begun. For those still interested, the second session runs from July 28-Aug. 15. There are two more upcoming trips, one to Water Country with the Bridgton Recreation Department Aug. 13, and one to Storyland with Birchwood Daycare Aug. 19.

The trip to Water Country is $40. For more details on recreation programs, visit www.townofsebago.org

Hit the beach

We have had more than our share of rain, but we have had some warm sunny days too. Now, is a good time to head to the beach, or launch a boat.

Anyone who rents, lives, resides, or pays taxes in Sebago can obtain a permanent or temporary pass at the Town Office. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset. There is a boat launch on the opposite side of the beach. Alcohol and cigarettes are prohibited on the beach. Avoid bringing glass containers, to protect bare feet.

Beans and crafts

The members of the North Sebago United Methodist Church are having a craft and bake sale July 12. Crafters are needed, so if you are interested, give them a call at 787-3309. Table rentals are $15 per table. Last year, they had two rooms filled with crafters. The bean supper held Saturday was a big success, with 112 tickets sold.

Fun days approach

My favorite time of year is rapidly approaching- Sebago Days. This year, it runs from July 17-19. We will again have the fun things we have all come to expect and love. The Kiddie Parade will take place July 18, at 6 p.m. Davis is in charge, direct questions to her at 787-2457 or 595-8173.

Davis is also planning Field Day events on the elementary school ball field and a “Whatever Floats Race” on the Northwest River to the town beach. Among my favorite events returning will be the large yard sale – it runs two days, and craft and food booths and games will be set up in the field behind Sebago Elementary School.

Sebago Selectman Allen Crabtree and Debbie Chwalek extend an invitation to your group, organization or business to take part in the July 19 Sebago Days parade. Participants will line up at 9 a.m. at the Sebago-Standish town line at Ward’s Cove. The parade ends at Sebago Elementary School.

The parade features floats, walkers, bikers, riders, even pull carts and wagons are welcomed. The parade theme this year is “The 3 R’s.” Plan on decorating your entry to celebrate this theme- however you interpret “The 3-R’s.”

Those interested in participating can contact Crabtree at 787-2730 or crabtree@crabcoll.com and Chwalek at (603) 918-2730 or knot2fast@adelphia.net.

Those interested in renting booth space, please contact Robert Burns at P.O. Box 86, Sebago, Maine 04029, or call 787-2489 for applications with set up times and restrictions. Please reserve before July 7. Spaces will be located on the ball field, as will the show tent. Vendors requiring more than one outlet, are welcome to use small generators. Be aware no pets or alcohol are allowed on the grounds.

Library news

The July Artist of the Month is Sebago native Jada Fitch, a 2006 graduate from the Maine College of Art, with a bachelor’s degree in illustration. She lived in Los Angeles before returning to Portland. To view some of her work, visit www.jadafitch.diviatart.com, or visit Spaulding Memorial Library. Her framed print “Desk” the July silent auction offering, will have a $35 starting bid. Some T-shirts Jada has designed are also on display at the library.

Emergency Shelter Workshop

Crabtree led an emergency shelter workshop in Town Hall Saturday. Most in attendance had completed the two-day training session offered by the American Red Cross on becoming shelter workers.

The only ones missing from our workshop were the Red Cross workers, busy helping during emergencies in other states. But with two local Red Cross workers to lead us, I felt we were in capable hands.

The agenda had multiple topics, starting with when and how the shelter would be opened, and how the workers would be reached and assembled to open it.

An amusing moment took place when two donated cots, still in bags, were set before us and we were told to set them up. An easy task you may think, but you would be surprised.

Rachel Bukoveckas, a member of the Sacopee Valley High School JROTC and daughter of Sebago Town Clerk Michele Bukoveckas, showed us how military meals are prepared. We got to sample them- they were pretty good.

Rachel also helped with one of the cots and kindly laid down to test it, and allow workers to cover her with a handmade felt blanket, one of 200 made and donated by the Knit Wits.

Two Sebago firefighters joined us to show us the contents of the large medicine kit that will be used in the event the shelter is activated. We were also allowed to tour the food pantry, which is in a sizable closet, awaiting new shelves. Thanks to the efforts of Denise Olsen, and many others, the pantry is a far cry from the empty shelves she first saw earlier this year.

“The Desk,” by Sebago native Jada Fitch, is on display at Spaulding Memorial Library throughout July. Fitch is the library’s Artist of the Month.