Memorial Day

This past weekend, Naples Downtown came alive with the Memorial Day parade. A small service honoring our countrymen who sacrifice so much began the festivities at the memorial at the Village Green. Then young and old alike marched to show their thanks to our servicemen. The weather, for once, was cooperating, bright and sunny. Perfect for the younger parade participants to cool off with an ice cream at one of the many delicious shops on the Causeway now open in full swing for the season.

Causeway update: stay connected

Did you know there is a Naples Causeway Restoration page on Facebook? Just log in and become a “friend” or “like” it to get the latest updates. The May 31 Facebook update reported the paving of the sidewalks on the Long Lake side between Route 35 and the Condos, as well as striping of the road and possibly the parking spaces. There will be some utility work, which might cause momentary one-lane road closings, but nothing major. If you’re the type that craves real-time action, there is also a webcam at www.longlakecam.com. If you have any trouble doing any of this or if you have a question or a topic you would like the committee to discuss at an upcoming meeting, you can email naplescauseway@hotmail.com. I love technology. Sometimes.

UFO is user friendly O-Yeah!

I just love what Dave Allenson has done with the place! I am speaking of Tony’s Foodland, of course. Dave is not afraid to follow through on his visions, and the results are for us all to enjoy. The UFO (Umbrella Factory Outlet) and Area 51 Ice Cream Bar are great additions to the already expanded Tony’s, which, among other things, has added a fantastic pizza take-out in the back of the main store.

The Outlet, located in the former K&K Reel Video space, is nicely stocked with over 1,000 different types of wine and many beer varieties, as well as many food and gift items, with the local emphasis. Area 51 has a really cool counter for ice cream customers to sit and enjoy their treats, complete with a draft Capt. Eli’s Root beer system for the perfect root beer float. Have to use the rest room? Go ahead, Dave insists it is open to all who need it. In a nutshell, Tony’s should be renamed The Trader Joe’s (or Dave’s) of Naples! Check it out and support this local businessman who does so much for our community.

Summer hours

Current Naples Public Library hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday from 2-7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Beginning July 1, Fridays are added to the schedule, open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The library is also in the process of updating their files, so make sure to stop by one of the circulation desks.

Swim lessons

Naples Recreation is offering Summer Swim lessons at the Naples Town Beach. Lessons are for children 3 years of age (when class starts) and up. There will be 2 sessions, each session is 3 weeks long, with a one-week break in the middle. The first session will run from July 5 until July 22. The second session will run from Aug. 1-19. The registration for swim lessons will be on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Naples Town Office. The cost of each session for Naples residents is $35 for a single child and $60 for siblings. The cost for non-residents is $45 for a single child and $80 for siblings. Registrations after 4 p.m. on June 17 will pay a $20 late fee. Limited space is available, so it is first come, first serve. Registrations will not be taken before the registration date. Checks only, no cash will be taken.

Maine Blues Fest

The Blues Festival has become a great way to spend the Father’s Day Weekend in Naples since 2006. This year’s dates are June 17, 18 and 19. The website does not have the schedule posted just yet, so keep visiting the site, I am sure it will be chock full of details soon. Cost for the event is $12 for advance tickets, $15 on the day of the event. Kids 12 and under are free. Volunteers are still very much needed, so if you can lend a hand, contact Anita Preble at volunteers@mainebluesfest.com. The website is www.mainebluesfestival.com .

Senior trips

Attention seniors ages 60 plus: Join the fun for an authentic Downeast Clambake! First enjoy a lovely cruise to the Boothbay Harbor Region where you can stroll and shop. Then cruise over to Cabbage Island and enjoy your lobster feast with all the fixin’s. The date is July 13, with the bus departing from the American Legion at 8:30 a.m. and arriving home at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $55 for residents, $80 for non-residents.

Deadline to sign up is July 1, but don’t call until June 10. If your sea legs aren’t what they used to be, why not enjoy lunch and a show with your neighbors. On Aug. 13, the bus will be heading to Ogunquit leaving at 10 a.m. from the Legion. There you will dine at Jonathan’s Restaurant, and following that you can enjoy a performance of The Music Man that will get your toes tapping. Cost per person is $58 for residents/$80 for non-residents. The bus will be returning to the Legion at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Beth Latsey at 627-4187 or Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364.

Community ?meal, movie

Christ Chapel’s next complimentary community event will be Saturday June 25, from 4:30 -6 p.m. The meal will be followed by a family friendly movie. A Chicken BBQ Buffet is planned. The Church is located 37 Northern Pine Road, off of Route 85 near Crescent Lake. Call 655-5058 for more information.