Blues festival

Don’t miss the Maine Blues Festival held right here in Naples this weekend, June 18-20. Festivities kick off with many warm up acts to the actual festival, held on Saturday. Tony’s Foodland will sponsor a pig roast with live entertainment right the parking lot! The party starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to Camp Sunshine. Advance ticket purchases are appreciated and available at Tony’s. Come check out Lake Region Caterers cooking and serving! Thanks go to David and Gail Allenson, owners of The Umbrella Factory, for financing this community event! Check out www.mainebluesfestival.com for complete scheduling of musical acts around Naples!

If golf is more ?your thing

You may want to sign up for the Lake Region Open Golf Tournament. This tournament is unique to the area as it is a two-day event, beginning Saturday, June 19, at Naples Golf and Country Club. Sunday starts day two at the Bridgton Highlands. Both days golfing kicks off at 9 a.m. Registration forms can be found at both golf courses as well as Point Sebago, Lake Kezar Country Club and The Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce on Route 302 in Bridgton. What a great Father’s Day surprise for Dad! Sign him up today.

Strawberries are here early

I rang up Chipman Farms with much excitement after seeing their ad for local strawberries. They say the Minot crop is doing very well, and their fields in Poland will be open this weekend. I don’t particularly like the strawberries shipped in from around the country, but nothing beats the Maine crop! For some reason, they just taste so much sweeter to me! Can’t wait for all the strawberry breakfasts that crop up in early July (sorry, pun intended!).

Naples Library update

Naples residents, both summer and year-round, will certainly appreciate the extended hours Naples Library is offering. Now through Sept. 3, the library will open on Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Programs at the library this summer include the Maine Humanities Summer Reading Program for adults called “Let’s Talk About It” beginning on June 23. Upstairs in the children’s library, the “Make A Splash” reading program starts June 22. Returning this year is the popular Kids Art Contest. Visit the library in person or on the web at www.naples.lib.me.us or call 693-6841 for information.

Aerobics update

Each year for the summer the fantastic aerobics program offered by the town of Naples and taught by Pauline Webb switches locations. In order to accommodate the summer Day Camp Program, the morning aerobics classes will move to the Songo School. The class schedule has been enhanced since I last checked. Starting at 7:30 a.m., an hour-long advanced class is offered. From 8:45-9:45 a.m. seniors can participate in the Young at Heart class. These classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday. On Friday morning, mix things up a bit with Line Dancing starting at 8:30 a.m., followed by toning. For information, contact Webb at 647-5456. The cost is $20 a month for Naples senior residents/$30 for all others or drop in for $5 per class.

Yoga update

Having taken yoga with Deb Goldstein, I can tell you that her classes are fantastic. She knows her stuff and takes you through each pose with patience and competence. Her classes are held at the Naples Town Hall in the meeting rooms on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m.! Call her at 693-5247 for information.

Zumba

Zumba at the Naples Town Gym will continue for the summer! These fun, high-energy dance/exercise classes are held each Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:15. For information, call 787-3327.

Aubuchon ?gives back

Thank you to the Naples Aubuchon Hardware store for holding its Annual Community Appreciaton Day. On this day, Aubuchon donates a portion of its sales to a local charity or organization chosen by the store manager. This year’s proceeds went to the Naples and Casco fire departments.

Community meal upcoming

Friday, June 25, is the next complimentary meal offered by the Christ Chapel Church in our neighboring town of Raymond. The church is at 37 Northern Pines Road. In light of the season, a barbecue meal will be served. The dinner runs from 4:30-6 p.m. and all are welcome.

Naples for the Arts Show and Sale

Naples for the Arts will hold a wonderful family event on Saturday, July 31, on the Naples Causeway. Close to 150 artists will be displaying their works at the arts and crafts festival. There will be painters, woodworkers, mixed media, textiles and jewelry artists. Artists will be competing for cash prizes. The impressive judging panel includes well-know local artist Wendy Newcomb. In addition to the sale of art, there will be children’s activities, a wellness salon and raffles. Enjoy the sounds of Highland String Trio and Mr. Tux who have donated their talents to the event. For information or to sign up for a spot, visit www.naplesforthearts.com. All proceeds benefit the Clyde Bailey Community Center.