Here Today…

This cliche? applies, unfortunately, to our own Youth Librarian, Syntha Green, who is moving to Alaska in June. Syntha gave her all to her position, and will be truly missed. Make sure you get down to the Naples Public Library while she is still here and take advantage of one of the fabulous programs she offers. My children just went to the Fleece Hat-making workshop and enjoyed it thoroughly. They came running through the door, beaming with pride, excited to show me the hats THEY created (with the generous help of Syntha and her mom at the sewing machine.) Empowering our youth, that is what it’s all about, so a big thank-you to Syntha and the Naples Library for all they do.

Library grant

The library needs your help. They are working toward raising $350 for a Books for Children 2-1 matching grant. This means if the library raises the $350, they would get $1050 in children’s books. They are asking everyone if they could please donate $1 toward their goal. So far they have raised $160. Just think how easy it would be for them if everyone donated $1 per person in their family.

Another Example of Business helping Business…

Sherri Huff, of Lee’s Family Trailer in Windham, knows how hard it can be to keep a business afloat during the slower months. I suspect we all realize this, but the difference is, Sherri is taking action. On Monday, Feb. 27, the Black Bear Cafe? in Naples will be full, thanks to Sherri. She had the fantastic idea to put together a Beer Tasting event. The Black Bear Cafe? created a delectable menu paired with beer. Then Sherri, who knows lots of people through her business and community involvement, spread the word to family, friends and the Chamber of Commerce. Tickets run an affordable $29 per person, and that includes appetizer, salad, soup, entre?e, dessert and beer paired with each course. Great!

What a great way to pack the cafe? on a typically slow Monday. Sherri says owners, John and Sue Sprague Bohill, are ecstatic. It is this kind of thinking and working together that can keep the lights on for all of us. FYI, the event is sold out.

Community meal

This Saturday, Feb. 25, the folks at Christ Chapel Church in Raymond, are once again extending the olive branch to surrounding communities by offering a meal and fellowship at their church. The menu this time includes baked beans, hot dogs, kielbasa, casseroles, salad and dessert. Their next dinner will be served March 31. Meals typically are served buffet style from 4:30-6 p.m. Christ Chapel is located at 37 Northern Pines Road (off Route 85 near Crescent Lake).

Health and ?Wellness Fair

Stay tuned for more details, but mark your calendars for the Lake Region Wellness Committee’s first Health and Wellness Fair to be held Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lake Region High School.

The idea is to provide a one-stop shopping opportunity to the community to explore what is available to help them promote their own physical, emotional and mental health. There will be raffles and mini-presentations exploring a variety of health-related issues, programs and ideas.

Project Grad fundraiser

LRHS Project Grad 2012 committee is currently selling tickets for the annual March Madness Calendar Raffle. Items on the calendar were graciously donated by local businesses and supporters of Project Graduation.

A ticket will be drawn every day during the month of March; the lucky winner will receive that day’s prize. Their number will go back into the drawing for another chance to win. Winners will be contacted by phone or e-mail. All proceeds directly benefit the chem-free graduation event for the Lake Region High School Class of 2012. You have 31 chances to win. Tickets prices are one for $3, two for $5 or five for $10.

Tickets are available at Sportshaus, Tom’s Homestead Restaurant, Bridgton Books, Hayes True Value Hardware, Colonial Mast Pool, Tony’s Foodland/The Umbrella Shop, Shear Techniques, the Casco Library, and Jordan’s Store. FMI, Leigh Hayes at 647-9540 or Loralee Leach at 632-3038.

Does this woman look familiar? Get well wishes out to Wendy Haskell, an employee at Tony’s Foodland for eleven and a half years. Wendy recently had shoulder surgery, hence the sling. Even with a bum shoulder, she’s still working and, as usual, greets customers with a smile.     Photo by Vicki Toole