Come ON, Irene!
WOW, that was interesting. Watching from the house up on Kimball Corner, the storm didn’t seem stronger than other ones I’ve seen pass through, but I guess those gusts and all that rain were enough to cause havoc. Most lost power on Sunday morning and it was Thursday night before most of Naples got it back. Kudos to Naples Town Manager Derik Goodine for enlisting the wonderful volunteers of the Naples Community Resource Council, CrossWalk, and other community members to provide meals and hot showers for our residents. Approximately 238 meals were served over three days. Thanks also goes to those organizations and the Naples Fire Department for providing the food. If there was a bright side to a dismal situation, this was it. The community spirit made Naples a very sunny place to be even during a hurricane.
Sept. 11 remembrance
Ron Shaw has made it his mission to make sure people don’t forget the victims of Sept. 11. Join Shaw, his wife Tricia, as they gather at the Naples Town Dock on Sunday, Sept. 11. Ron, an accomplished trumpet player, will play and say a few words at the time the first plane hit the towers, at approximately 8:45 a.m.
Historic cruise
Don’t miss the final cruise of the Songo River Queen II though the swing bridge, over to Brandy Pond and into the Songo Lock. This is the last of these trips ever, which have been delighting visitors and residents alike for over 40 years. A limited number of tickets are available for this cruise, which included a champagne toast and commemorative ticket. Tickets are $60 for the cruise, which departs on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 1:45 p.m., returning to the dock at 4:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.songoriverqueen.net. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Naples Main Street fund.
Construction update
Work continues on the boardwalk and the pretty retaining wall near Bay View Cabins this week. The reported progress is good. True to their word, there were very little, if any delays over the summer, but after Labor Day there are expected delays as the contractor will be starting some fire suppression work at the westerly end.
Where did it go?
When you see advertisements for Fryeburg Fair help, you know the end is near. Yes, back to school! Overall we have to be thankful for such a gorgeous summer. The weather truly cooperated this year giving us those truly HOT summer days where an ice-cold glass of lemonade seemed like the only respite. It still isn’t too late to enjoy some of life’s little pleasures on the Causeway: The Songo Queen runs weekend cruises now until mid-October. The Queen is hosting some lovely fall dinners aboard, make sure to check out their website at www.songoriverqueen.net. You can still grab a hot dog and the best ice-cold fresh squeezed lemonade around at TP’s Stand right at the River Queen’s dock. Naples Golf and Country Club is offering plenty of golf through September, so make sure to contact the pro shop at bob@naplesgolfcourse.com. Lots more to do, and the weather is still awesome so get it before it’s gone.
The Great Bird ?House Auction
“A great success and a great night,” says Andrea Dacko, who, along with fellow Library Trustee, Alison Caufield, organized the event that benefited the Naples Public Library. “It was a fun night…the attendees enjoyed beautiful weather out on the deck as they previewed the bird and bat houses, and enjoyed hors d’ouerves”, Dacko added. Dacko’s husband, Paul Charpentier, graciously donated his talents as the event’s auctioneer. The highest selling Bird House honor went to Dan Edwards who painted the “Tiki Birdhouse,” which sold for $300. The library staff was extremely pleased to have raised over $4,000 in the event’s first year. The winning ticket for the quilt made and donated by library employees and volunteers went to Jim Turpine, whose company, Coveside Conversion Products, crafted and donated all the bird and bat houses. Talk about Karma! The Great Birdhouse Auction will be a bi-annual event. Next year, the Library will hold its House Tour fundraiser.
Fairy tea
A magical time was had by all at the Naples Public Library Fairy Tea held on Thursday, Aug. 25. The young ladies attending were treated to a story about Monhegan Island, home of the fairy houses, right here in Maine. Next, everyone headed outside to gather materials for their own fairy houses. Finally the girls gathered inside to enjoy some sweet treats and chocolate fairy pops. Thank you to Syntha Green, Deb Goldstein, and the library for making this event possible.
Ride benefits ?Make-A-Wish
A group of local motorcyclists is holding its second “Ride for Make-A-Wish” on Saturday, Sept. 24.
The family-friendly fundraiser is open to the public and welcomes bikes, cars and kids for three separate events throughout the day. The fundraiser begins with a free breakfast and registration from 9-11 a.m. at Naples Custom Motorsports on Route 302. Drivers and riders will leave at noon for a beautiful foliage tour to Rooster’s Roadhouse in Bethel for appetizers and soft beverages, compliments of owners Steve and Gary.
The return trip meanders back through the Oxford Hills area and concludes at the Songo River Queen II, on the Naples Causeway, for some exciting post-run fun and festivities. Owner Kent Uicker welcomes riders and the general public aboard his “Queen” for a dockside party from 3-6 p.m. The boat will rock with live music by the Barry Arvin Young Band, and offer an affordable snack bar and full beverage bar to all those aboard.
In addition to the usual 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and give-away offerings, the Causeway Dairy Bar will have free kiddie cones for all youngsters, and several spa-oriented vendors will be on-hand with samplings of their services and wares.
Donation fees are $10 per person for the entire day or $5 per person for just the Songo River Queen festivities. Kids are free. All money raised this year goes directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine, in memory of Cynthia Dunne. To volunteer, make a donation, or get advance tickets, contact Wendy Gallant at 615-9398 or wendyg123@roadrunner.com, or follow Ladies Ride for Make-A-Wish on Facebook.
Brew Fest on tap
The 8th Annual Maine Lakes Brew Fest will take place Saturday, Sept. 24, at Point Sebago Resort. The event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises samples of the best suds around from more than 20 brewers from all over New England. There will be lots of good food and live entertainment under the big tent, making this a rain or shine event. Tickets are $25 until Sept. 23, and $30 at the door. The tickets include a souvenir glass, and your chance to vote for the best brew. Volunteers are needed, contact the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce at 647-3472 for more information or to buy your tickets.
Syntha Green, children’s librarian for the Naples Public
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