Before and after

Kim Whalen, program director of the Casco/Naples Before and After Care program couldn’t be happier to be in the new space at the refurbished Naples Grange/Edward Singer Center. According to Kim, students and parents alike are happy with the move. “Parents love it. They feel it is cozier and homier (than their previous space, the Naples Town Gym). It is warmer, too!” she said.

The new space includes a reading corner with plush beanbags, an arts and crafts space, a newly remodeled kitchen, bathrooms and storage areas. Keep in mind that the Edward Singer Center is open to all Naples residents to use. There is an upstairs area with a stage and refurbished wood flooring. Stop by and check it out sometime or visit www.naplesgrange.com for more information.

That’s how rumors get started

You can imagine the shock on my face when I learned recently at a birthday party that the Causeway Bridge on Route 302 in Naples was being shut down from January through May! Yes, according to the source, a selectperson confirmed that this was indeed the case and there were plans for detours in the works. I guess this is the adult version of the telephone game. Well, I am here, luckily, to set the record straight. There is a bridge closing in Naples for this time period, but it is the Songo Locks Bridge. The hand drawn and much less traveled bridge is in desperate need of repairs. The closing of the bridge will likely be an inconvenience to some, but we can all breathe a sigh of relief that Route 302 will remain as is for the time being.

Resolve to Read

We all should make a resolution to read more. Keeps the mind sharp! Now kids can get a little encouragement to keep up with their reading. The Naples Public Library has started this exciting reading program, which runs through Feb. 6.

Kids just sign up at the library and keep a book log. Kids up to 5th grade will earn library bucks for all the books they read during the month of January. At the end of the program, kids will be able to visit the library store and spend their bucks on books, games, puzzles, etc. I find these kind of incentive programs really work so head on down and pick up some books!

Visit New Zealand

Okay, not really. But you can come close by attending Jim Dover’s lecture on his 5 1?2 weeks touring that country. Mr. Dover is a retired Geologist, and now world traveler. He will offer a photo presentation of his journey to New Zealand at the Naples Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m., downstairs in the Gathering Room. For more information, contact the library at 693-6841.

LRMS celebrates

Congratulations are in order for two at the Lake Region Middle School. Eighth grade science teacher Doug Maker is one of six teachers in the state to be awarded membership into the UNUM Educators Hall of Fame and the Portland Pirated Starting Six.

Maker was nominated by staff and students alike for his role as an exemplary educator. The winners, including Maker, will be honored at the Portland Pirates Game Friday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. The Lake Region Middle School Choir will also be performing the National Anthem at the game!

Anthony Champoli also gets a round of applause for winner the school’s Geo Bee last week. The seventh grader and resident of Bridgton now must take a written district test to see if he scores high enough to compete at the state level. Congratulations and good luck!

Bobby is busy

Animals are lucky to have Bobby Silcott on their side. Bobby is the local Animal Control Officer and he takes his work to heart. He is constantly involved in and organizing events to benefit animals of all kinds.

Catch up with Bobby and get your animal vaccinated at the Rabies Clinic to be held at Aubuchon Hardware in Naples Saturday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier. Cost is $10 per shot and current rabies certificate is required.

Bobby will also be taking the plunge in honor of the animals on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Annual Harvest Hill’s Freezin’ for a Reason benefit. Jump-in starts at 1 p.m.

Finally, Bobby will be teaching a Pet First Aid/CPR class at Pet Quarters in Windham on March 6 from 2-6 p.m. The $40 class fee includes a book, DVD, and certificate. Call 894-7250 to reserve your spot. Please be aware that Bobby mentioned that he would be glad to travel to any local town to provide this class.

Sydney Breard, 7, and Timothy Holbrook, 8, both students at Songo Locks School in Naples, take a break from reading in the Casco/Naples Before and After Care program last week. The program has just moved into a new space at the Naples Grange/Edward Singer Center. (Courtesy photo)