Freezin’ for a reason

In Naples, it was minus nine degrees on Monday morning. Bitter cold was the reality the construction crew on the Naples Causeway project faced this past week. The cold, coupled with the additional chore of snow removal, makes the intense renovation project even more difficult. I’m sure a wave and a warm smile would go a long way with these folks. Keep up the good work!

Bee a winner

Congratulations to Anthony Champoli of Bridgton, an eighth-grade student at Lake Region Middle School, who won, for the third year in a row, the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 6. He now will compete for his chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. Anthony’s winning answer was “Croatia” to this question: “Zagreb is the capital of a country that includes islands off the coast of Dalmatia. Name this country.” Shaun Loreng, an eighth-grader, was the runner-up. The school-level bee, at which students answered questions on geography, was the first round in the 23rd annual National Geographic Bee.

The event kickoff was the week of Nov. 15, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Anthony, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state bee on April 1. Anthony won the school competition last year and also participated at the state level.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the national championship rounds on May 24 and 25. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the society, and a trip to the Galapagos Islands.

“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 25. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

Everyone can test their geography knowledge with the new and exciting GeoBee Challenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee.

The game poses 10 new questions a day.

Dinner and a show

You can still enjoy a quality evening out even if your budget is tight this winter. Christ Chapel in Raymond is offering its monthly complimentary community meal and fellowship on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 4:30-6 p.m. The buffet will feature Italian fare, served continuously. Afterwards, head on over to Lake Region Community Theatre’s production of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Lake Region High School. The play runs Saturday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 30, at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Krainin Realty in either Raymond or Naples, or at Hayes True Value in Bridgton. For more information, call 838-3846. This play is intended for mature audiences.

Creative indoor fun

Push Back the Stacks is the outstanding arts program offered by the Spaulding Memorial Library on Route 114 in neighboring Sebago. Free workshops are being offered to participants of all ages. Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m., try your hand at painting on slate (taken from the library’s old roof). Mask-making using cardboard and paper will be taught at the March 5 workshop, also at 2 p.m. Advanced registration is required, so call 787-2321 to sign up or to learn more.

Naples Winter Carnival: Don’t miss it!

Kudos to Dan Allen and all who are involved in putting on the ever-popular Naples Winter Carnival. For years, people around here have been trying to make Naples and the Lakes Region a winter as well as summer destination. This is one of the events helping to highlight all we have to offer in the winter months. It is great to witness the success of all these fantastic, creative winter events including the Musher’s Bowl and Ice Fishing Derby. Thank you to those responsible for creating events for all to enjoy. The Naples Winter Carnival runs from Friday, Feb. 11, through Sunday, Feb. 13. Friday kicks off with the Snowmobile Torchlight Parade (cars can participate too), beginning at 6 p.m. at the Black Bear Cafe? and ending at Bray’s Brewpub. Saturday’s events include radar runs, helicopter rides, a bonfire, fireworks, and children’s activities in the Naples Town Gym. Saturday night a Winter Carnival Social will be held at Sydney’s Restaurant starting at 8 p.m. Saturday also includes a fishing derby sponsored by Hannaford Supermarket from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with proceeds going toward programs for the United Way. For more information on all the fun, call Dan Allen at 318-6965.

Firefighter ?of the Year

Congratulations to Rick Paraschak, winner of the Firefighter of the Year award for 2010!