Apples!

Did you see the Naples Lions on the Causeway? During the two weekends of the Fryeburg Fair each year they sell everything apple! Pies (Maine blueberry pie too!), cinnamon crisp a la mode that you can eat right there, cider, and the apples themselves. Stop by and pick up a fresh pie (while they last) baked by Arlene Stetson of the Augustus Bove House. You can even buy them baked ($12) or unbaked ($10) And you can’t beat the warm smile you’ll get from longtime Lion Carl Talbot and fellow Lion Tony Bacato as they package up your purchase! All the proceeds go to the organization to help them continue their charitable works including donations to Camp Sunshine, seeing-eye dogs, eye glasses and more.

Harvest suppers

They seem to be popping up everywhere, and I am certainly thankful! This time of year makes me crave the wholesome and hearty Turkey Dinners being offered by many local groups. Below is what I am sure is a partial list of offerings:

Our neighbors at the Sebago Church (at the intersection of Route 114 and Kimball Corner Road right near Nason’s Beach) are offering a wonderful dinner this Saturday, Oct. 9, from 5-6:30 p.m.

If you are closer to the Fryeburg Fair this Saturday, you might want to hit the dinner at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Naples business owner Kirsten Hewes (former owner of Sydney’s ) helps to organize this popular event each year, so you know it’s going to be good! St. Peter’s is located at 42 Sweden Road near Route 93 in Bridgton. They even do takeout if you call in your order ahead at 647-8549. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for kids, free for 3 and under.

There are more dinners throughout the month. Saturday, Oct. 23, the Edes Falls Sewing Circle will host a fall supper at the Community Hall on Edes Falls Road. Details will be available as the date nears, but mark your calendar. The following weekend, Saturday, Oct. 30, the Christ Chapel in the old Northern Pines location in Raymond will offer a complimentary early Thanksgiving Dinner from 4:30 -6 p.m.

Exercise update

From time to time, I update you on your options locally for indoor exercise. It is so important, so I was happy to see that Songo Locks School is now offering a walk during the school day for the children to get some fresh air! Good habits start young, so hopefully the kids will look back fondly on those walks and continue them into adulthood. Fitting in exercise regularly I find largely depends on people’s schedules and convenience. Hopefully one of the options below will work for you.

Naples own Jen Tringali and her popular Cardio Kickbox has moved to Bridgton Academy, but she is worth the drive. She will kick your cardio at 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesdays. Drop-ins are welcome.

Pauline Webb, a longtime staple of the exercise scene holds her classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday through the Naples Recreation Department right at the Naples Town Gym at 8:30 a.m. She offers step, line dancing and standard easy to follow aerobics.

Being the local zumba instructor gives me the inside scoop on what’s happening! There are some changes to the schedule. Mondays at 5:30 p.m. the class is being offered at Steven’s Brook Elementary in Bridgton. Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday at 9 a.m. we will be at our new location, The Redneck Lounge (formerly Shakers) on Route 11 in Naples. The sound system is dynamic and the floors are wooden – perfect for dancing up a storm! Thursdays we will remain at the Naples Town Gym at 6:15 p.m. If you are an employee of SAD 61, you can enjoy an additional class either Tuesday or Thursday at 3:45 p.m.

Walking program

Light exercise, stretching and walking are part of the class at the program offered at Lake Region High School each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 6. There is a session fee, but spots are still available, so you can just show up and sign up.

Lake Region High School is also the home of a free community walking program in the afternoons. Phone the school and ask for the custodian for details at 647-3581.

Don’t forget the many outdoor activities you can do. Whatever you do, just do it! Enjoying whatever exercise you choose is the most important component in your efforts to do it regularly.

Spook fest

Mark’s Lawn and Garden is once again gearing up to scare the pants off us! Actually this annual event is a wonderful night out for the family. The jack o’ lantern garden is awesome, with hundreds of imaginatively carved pumpkins to admire. If you are more daring, head into the haunted house where Mark does his best to send a chill up your spine. The dates this year are Friday, Oct. 29, and Saturday, Oct. 30. If you would like to volunteer, head on over to Marks on Oct. 13 for an informational meeting. For more information and to get the start time of the meeting, call 647-0980.

Salem witches and more!

If you want an authentic Halloween fright, Dea Dea Robbins is organizing a bus trip down to Salem, Mass. I have been down there during the Halloween season, and I can tell you, it is all about Halloween down there during the month of October! The bus leaves on Saturday, Oct. 30, at 7 a.m., making stops at the Naples Causeway and Exit 48 in Westbrook, returning home at 6 p.m. Call Dea Dea to reserve your spot at 693-3408.