Thanks, Naples!

Hats off to the Town of Naples and all the businesses and local interests that made this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display possible. I was catering that night, but from what I heard, the show was fantastic.

Luckily, the weather held out. When I peeked up at the sky around 11 p.m., the stars were clearly visible, and the moon was bright.

Naples should be praised for providing a quality, family-fun event for the region, especially when towns nationwide were canceling their events. Marking Naples 175th anniversary as a town made this year’s celebration even more important, and the town invested an additional $2,000 to ensure a great show.

Naples Town Manager Derik Goodine has solicited local businesses to help support the fireworks financially. It’s logical that those who benefit from the fireworks – more business – should help support them. He challenged more businesses to step up to help. He rationalized that if the cost is spread out with more people contributing, it will be less of a burden for those few businesses that make large contributions.

I agree, but would like to take it a step further: I think anyone attending the show should consider sending in a small donation. I know Naples residents pay taxes, but obviously, this is an extra that could be considered expendable and requires additional funds. What is $10 or $20 for a memorable family experience? How much does a day at Chuck E. Cheese or the like cost? Consider what a disappointment it would have been if there were no causeway fireworks.

It’s time to stop relying on “those other people” to pick up the tab. Let’s all work together to keep this caliber of a fireworks display alive! I will be mailing my check today, sending in what I can afford. I am sure Mr. Goodine is still accepting donations, even after the fact. There’s always next year, too!

Take the kids

Summer vacation: What to do with the kids? With two small girls, it is always in the forefront of my mind. I want them to have an enlightening yet fun-filled summer, full of great experiences. I’ll throw out a few ideas – I don’t have enough room to put all contact information and details, so contact the specific organizations, if you’d like, or feel free to e-mail me and I will send you whatever you need.

• Buffalo viewing at the Beech Hill Bison Farm in Waterford.

• Hikes at Jockey Cap in Fryeburg with some great pizza afterwards at Dee Dee’s.

• A small hike up Hacker’s Hill in Casco (ask the locals where it is!).

• Berry picking.

• Summer town festivals.

• Wednesday afternoons at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison.

• Stay close to home and try the one of the daily Songo River Queen ll cruises, mini golf, pick your place, or the causeway arcade and tiny tot rides. I love the Sunday night concerts on the Village Green in Naples. We pack a blanket and some snacks and let the kids run around. They do love to sit and listen, too!

• For older kids and adults, Sunsports Plus Watersports shop on the causeway is offering wakeboarding and waterskiing lessons by pro wakeboarder Ryan King.

• At the local libraries there are many programs going on right now. At the Naples Library, there’s Kids and Kameras and an art contest as well as the summer reading programs, teen activities and more.

• Public suppers and breakfasts are a great way to get a homemade meal on the cheap. They usually support a good cause, and the menus appeal to children of all ages.

I am sure there are many more ideas I am missing. If you are sponsoring a children’s activity or have any fresh ideas on how to keep the little darlings busy, please e-mail me!

Lobster feed

It is wonderful to see Mainers helping Mainers. That is exactly what’s happening on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. when the Naples Grange No. 94 hosts its first event at the newly refurbished Edward I. Singer Community Center. The meal will feature lobsters, Maine potatoes, and Maine corn. The goal is to provide a fun family event while supporting Maine industries. The cost cannot be beat: $30 for two lobsters plus a very hearty meal and ice cream! There will even be entertainment! Visit the Web site at www.grangelobsterbake.com for more information.

’50s cruise night:

Help support the various charities the Naples Lions are involved in by joining them on Saturday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m. aboard the Songo River Queen ll for this wonderful event, now in its sixth year. Tickets are only $15, so if you love that 50s music, treat yourself to a night out and help a good cause.

AL yard sale:

Gotta love yard sale season. Recent find: Two brand-new chef coats for my catering business, $1 each! Maybe you’ll get lucky at this one to be held Saturday, July 18, at the American Legion Hall, on Route 11. Be sure to get there early!

Ladies night

If I weren’t working, I would be sure to head down to Wild Plum on Route 302 in Naples on Saturday, July 11, for what sounds like a wonderful evening. From 5-8, the shop is hosting an “evening of friendship, laughter, pampering, music and yummies to eat and drink, AND amazing free giveaways.” Need I say more? A fun night out is priceless! Go and enjoy, but leave the men at home!