Walk this way

Have you ever noticed the wonderful couples who walk our Causeway together every day? Sometimes hand in hand and at other times engaged in a lively conversation, or just enjoying our wonderful scenery? Normally there will be Dave Gerrish with his wife Kathy and their black lab, Bob Boyer and his wife holding hands, or workers from the banks, real estate agencies or mortgage companies just getting their daily walk.

The thing they all have in common, what makes me marvel, is that our Causeway could not provide a better place to walk. Frankly, the longer you live here, the more you take it for granted. The reality is that the little stretch of land is a gift to be treasured. Where else can you go to see stretches of water with the White Mountains as a backdrop?

The next time you drive along the Causeway, slow down and take in the view. I’ve learned that 60 seconds of uninterrupted peace a day can reduce stress! Try to stop just for a minute, take a deep breath and enjoy what our town has to offer.

Fryeburg fun

Talk about reducing stress. The Naples and Casco Recreation Departments have put together a Fryeburg Fair trip that will allow you to avoid the parking and traffic hassles.

On Thursday, Sept. 30, the recreation departments are sponsoring a bus trip to the Fair with pick up at the American Legion in Naples at 9:30 a.m. The return trip will bring you back to the Legion at 3 p.m. The bus is free for seniors age 65 and older and is a wonderful way to get to the Fair without the aggravation that comes with driving and parking.

For more information please contact Harvey Price at 693-6364 or Beth Latsey at 627-4187. Advance registration is required.

Ride the rails

The Naples and Casco Recreation Departments are also planning a fabulous fall foliage adventure on the Conway Scenic Railroad on October 3. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of the Mt. Washington Valley countryside as you travel roundtrip from the historic North Conway train station to Bartlett, N.H. and back again.

Lunch will be served in the dining car and you will have a choice of entrees. The bus to the North Conway train station will leave from the American Legion in Naples at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. Reservations are required, and the cost is $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Please contact Harvey at 693-6364 or Beth at 627-4187 for more information.

Open for business

The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce Naples Office is open and ready for business as of Thursday, Sept. 18. This location, next to the Naples Library, will open for an initial schedule of Thursday through Sunday in the winter months and will plan to be open as many as seven days in the summer months.

The GBLRC will host an open house on Friday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This open house will celebrate the new site, their sponsors and volunteers and allow you to see the satellite office in full preparation. There will be refreshments and give-a-ways and you can learn more about the Chamber’s offerings.

Many thanks go out to the various Chamber members who have come through to this point in terms of donations and help: Highland Mortgage, 207Realty, Mr. Butcher, Greenwood Manor Inn and Carousel Horse Farm. Norway Savings Bank of Bridgton also donated a variety of furniture and supplies. There are still sponsor opportunities available although many are taken.

The Chamber also wants to add volunteers to the welcome area of this office. To fill this role you simply must enjoy dealing with the public, be a problem solver and have some flexible time to give. They provide training and support. The Chamber is very excited to open this site and the initial welcome to us Napoleons has been very positive. Get out and volunteer for these positions, you will not be sorry. Hope to see you at the Open House.

Beer is near

The Lakes Brew Fest is weeks away and we expect the biggest event yet. The Lakes Brew Fest, in its fifth year, will feature at least 27 brewers, 10 food areas and three great bands. Add the Point Sebago Resort location and the annual arts and crafts festival, and the Lakes Brew Fest has something for everyone.

This year’s event is limited to 3,000 tickets and more than half are already gone. Ticket prices, which were discounted this summer, are now $20 and will be $25 at the event. Order now at The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce to save money and to ensure your ticket. Volunteers to the Lakes Brew Fest get discounted tickets and have a great time. For more information, please call the Chamber at 647-3472. Want to know more? Go to www.lakesbrewfest.com and check out all the features, including a 2007 slide show created by Joe Beecher of Beecher Photo.

A unique piece of the Lakes Brew Fest is the other vendors who come. In the past there have been massage therapists, someone selling mustard, crafters, and last year they had a sausage maker. I understand Tux Burke has his special beer glasses again. What treasures will we find at the 2008 event? Get out, support your community and have a memorable experience.

One more thing

Please do not forget the giant yard sale that the Lion’s Club, Naples Main Street and concerned citizens are having on October 11 and 12 to support our Naples fuel assistance fund. If you have items to donate, please contact Diane Monaco at 693-6586 or me at the above numbers.

Have a great week and let me know if you have information to share.