Causeway beautification
We have all seen the wonderful plans for the new and improved Causeway scene. But for many it is hard to visualize what it will actually look like in the end. That is why the construction company and the town have pushed up plans to install the highly anticipated “Vert-Noir” or green black steel railing by Christmas rather than waiting until the scheduled installation time of 2013.
Vert-Noir? Very hard to imagine, but the galvanized steel railing and accompanying lighting promises to be one of the prettiest additions to the causeway experience. It is hard to wait, but it seems like the end product will be worth it.
Paying the bill
All of this beautification costs money. The town of Naples agreed to pay $405,000 of the renovation bill, and this money needs to be raised. Thank goodness for the Naples Main Street Committee who tirelessly works to help fund the project. Over the weekend, the group held a Family Christmas event that included crafts for the kids, tree lighting and an awesome pumped-up Christmas Wreath Auction where local businesses each sponsored a wreath and beefed it up with all sorts of goodies. The event raised more than $1,200.
Geo Bee
This year’s Geo Bee held at Songo Locks School in Naples was a real nail biter! All eight contestants did a fantastic job under the pressure, but in the end it came down to two fifth-graders: Andrew Gianattasio and Olivia Toole. A heartfelt congratulations to (drum roll, please) Andrew Gianattasio who certainly knew his stuff! Olivia Toole gave him a run for his money, finishing a respectable second. Now on to the test that will determine if Andrew gets to compete at the state level in Augusta in March.
Visit the house with the purple door
If you take the back-way to Bridgton or Sebago via Kimball’s Corner in Naples, you’ve seen the inviting entrance to Common Folk Farm. The farm is opening its doors to all Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Betsey and Dale Golon invite you to walk through their warm, quaint farmhouse and treat your senses to all they offer. Smell the gingerbread and evergreen wreaths, taste the freshly baked goodies, feast your eyes on all the decorations and handmade wonders, feel the warmth, both literally and figuratively. Listen to the sounds of the holiday merriment as your neighbors and friends gather at this magical place. FMI, call the Golons at 787-2764.
Help your neighbors
The Tardiff family of Naples needs your help. Come out and enjoy a wonderful spaghetti feast at the Naples Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 16 to help defray expenses for Jaime’s care, as she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and is undergoing advanced treatment. Money raised will help with transportation, medical costs and daily needs. The supper runs from 5-9 p.m. FMI, email wrtplace@yahoo.com or call 809-2731.
Local biz happenings
Great to see Bray’s and Merced’s doing so well. There are some great opportunities to let someone else do the cooking coming up this season. Bray’s is offering a Winter Solstice Beer Dinner on Thursday, Dec. 22, beginning with a welcome reception at 6:30 p.m. and followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The most exciting part about this dinner for me is my longtime friend, Amy Jensen of Fern Hill Farm, is the featured chef! Over the years, Amy has impressed me with her culinary talents and range. Limited seating is available for this event, so call now for your spot at 693-6806. Merced’s is offering what sounds like the perfect New Years Eve Menu: Lobster stuffed prime rib? Really? Fantastic. Of course, Chef Frank Merced is also offering old-time favorites of his like Chicken Isabella and Veal Oscar, among others. There are three seatings that night, so call ahead at 693-5332. Both Bray’s and Merced’s are fine places for daily meals, brunch and more. We are lucky to have them right here in town.
Another business just opened in Naples. It is in that very cute carriage house building on Route 302 by Kansas Road. It is the Christmas Shoppe and it has wreaths, trees, holiday de?cor and more. You can check it out this weekend at the Hoop Shooting event to benefit LRHS Girls Basketball Team this Sunday, Dec. 18 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For every $5 donation, you get a $5 gift certificate toward a Christmas tree or wreath. Then you get an additional $1 credit for every shot you make! Sounds like a fun family time.
Thinking ahead ?to January
Lake Region Community Theatre is busily rehearsing an upcoming show to help us pass these winter months. “ALMOST, MAINE” is a play about the romantic happenings one cold night in northern Maine. The show is a series of vignettes featuring the simultaneous lives of eight couples at 9 p.m., just as the Northern Lights flash in the sky. The fabulous Magic Lantern will host the show, which runs Jan. 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and there will be an intermission. You can have a great night out all in one place. Come early and have dinner at the lovely Tannery Pub, then enjoy the show in the Mayfair Theatre with those oversized comfy seats. That is certainly an ideal way to spend a cold winter’s night.
Songo Locks School’s Geo Bee finalists, from left, were Kendyl
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