Causeway update

It seems waiting in the Causeway construction traffic and warm weather go hand in hand. This morning the cars were backed up past the Naples Public Library. They are working full force to get the bridge done for the May 15 deadline. I can’t wait to be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor! Right now the crew is working on the new approaches to the bridge and will begin paving in May. Be prepared, because this means delays for you and me for the next five weeks. Take the back roads. Remember, pretty soon this will all be water under the bridge (see photo!).

What a trip

On April 9, 24 National Junior Honor Society students from Lake Region Middle School took a bus down to Washington D.C. with 17 parent-chaperones and two NJHS advisors, Nancy Hayes and Rae Ann Guzman. The students got to visit many monuments, memorials and museums. Before touring each destination, Social Studies teacher Nancy Hayes would give the students a detailed overview of what each place represented so they could get a much clearer perspective. Among the many sights visited, the students got a guided tour of the U.S. Capital, thanks to Susan Collins’ office in Washington, D.C. Some other special places visited were Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, The Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, The U.S. Supreme Court, The Library of Congress, The National Archives, and the White House. The students and advisors would like to thank everyone who supported and helped them to raise the money to make this trip possible.

Public suppers

Living in the country means good country home cooking is available through public suppers on a regular basis. Saturday, April 21, is the first Spring Supper hosted by the Edes Falls Sewing Circle at the Edes Falls Community Center on Edes Falls Road. The menu will be Red and White Baked Beans, hot dogs, American Chop Suey, salads, homemade biscuits and pies. The cost is $7.50 per adult and $3.25 for kids under 12.

The kind folks at Christ Chapel in Raymond will host their next complimentary community meal on Saturday, April 28. On the menu is Lobster Stew in addition to other fine dishes like salads and casseroles as well as dessert. The meal runs from 4:30-6 p.m. at their church off Route 85 in Raymond.

If you’re closer to Casco on April 28, plan on attending the Casco Village Church’s Bean Supper, located on Route 121. The supper will be held from 5-6 p.m., and is only $7 for adults, $4 for children under 10. The meal is sponsored by the music committee and choir.

Chinese auction

Saturday, May 5, is the date for a great Chinese Auction at the American Legion in Naples. If you have any new or unused items to donate, you can drop them off at the Legion’s Lounge. Proceeds from sales go to veterans service and community recreation programs.

Calling all artists

Looking for artists interested in participating in Bray’s Second Annual Art Show set for Sunday, June 24, from 2-6 p.m. in the biergarten outside. Last year was lots of fun – good food, great music, and a lovely sunny afternoon. ?They are hoping to expand the number of artists, filling up the biergarten with creative energy. If you know of someone who is an artist – pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, painters of all kind, wood, and any other kind of art – please have them stop by Bray’s to pick up an application or have them get in touch with Jane Croteau at janeswatercolors@hotmail.com or call her at 693-3052. Last year they had 11 artists. This year they are shooting for 20! The advertising has already started and many of the same people who were there last year would like to return, which is a good sign. Artists can choose to just exhibit their art or sell it.

Maine Blues Festival

Father’s Day Weekend in Naples will literally ROCK when the Maine Blue’s Festival takes over our small town. It is a very popular event and has grown each year. The festival is looking for volunteers to help staff this massive event. Contact Anita Preble at volunteers@mainebluesfestival.com. If you want to participate as a vendor on the Village Green, send a message to villagegreen@mainebluesfestival.com. You can find a vendor application online and also gather more information about the festival in general at www.mainebluesfestival.com.

Members of Lake Region Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society enjoyed a trip to Washington earlier this month. 
Once the bridge is complete in May, this is the view boaters will see from beneath the new Bay of Naples Bridge, now under construction.