Causeway update

The long awaited bridge is here. It sure was a nail biter. Just Monday, I was driving by thinking how are they going to get this done, especially with all the rain this past week. I write this in advance of the opening, knowing that they most definitely would get it done. The weather is not helping the crew’s paving efforts. On the schedule to pave this week was the area from Tony’s to Merced’s and from Sun Sports to the Fire Station, all of which is now being delayed until sunnier skies prevail. Curbs will be installed this week, as well as work on the scenic vista, according to Resident Project Engineer Craig Hurd. (I just love the way “scenic vistas” sounds! A new exciting era for our region. I was just chatting with a longtime Naples resident who had pictures of a horse and buggy that used to leave Naples for the journey into Portland, which took two days! We’ve come a long way, baby.

Naples Recreation update

Every year the Town of Naples Recreational Department holds a golf outing to help support our youth football program. All monies raised are used to purchase the expensive equipment necessary for the kids to wear during the season. This year, the fundraiser will be held at the Naples Golf and Country Club Saturday, June 9 with a shotgun start at 2 p.m.

Everyone who signs up will have a chance to win one of two door prizes, which are two gift certificates for 100 gallons of heating oil donated by Lampron Energy.

If you have any questions please call Harvey Price Jr. (207-693-6364 ext 104, cell 595-0602) or by email at recreation@townofnaples.org.

The Naples Recreation Swimming lessons always fill up fast. The program offers quality, patient instructors at a great price. The program offers two three-week sessions. The first one begins July 2 and ends July 19. The second one runs from July 30 to Aug. 17. Offered for the first session only are three 5 p.m. classes. For Naples residents, classes are $35 for one child, $60 for two. The non-resident cost is $45 per child or $80 for both. Registration will be held on Saturday, June 2, at the Naples Town Office from 9 a.m. to noon. Registrations after June 19 will incur a $20 late fee. Registrations are not accepted before June 2 and please be prepared to pay by check only.

Naples Library update

The Naples Public Library will host an exciting two-part “Return of the Natives – Spring birds” program on May 15 at 7 p.m. Chris Lewey, well-known, local ornithologist and executive director and founder of RAVEN Interpretive Wildlife Programs, will present an informative slide program and will then lead a spring walk at the Brownfield Bog on a date to be determined by the weather.

Lewey’s slide presentation will focus on the return of native spring birds. As Chris points out, “Spring is a time for change and no creatures know this better than our migratory birds. Triggered by the changing lengths of day this array of avian natives begins their journey back to the northern latitudes. Timing is crucial and the competition for nesting habitat demanding. On the walk, you’ll take an ecological look at many of the returning birds at a time when they are just arriving home. Spring is one of the best times to view these birds in their bright breeding plumage and unobstructed by dense foliage. Migration, nesting, feeding and identification will be some of the topics discussed.”

The date for the field trip to the Brownfield Bog will be announced at the slide presentation. Participants may carpool at 8 a.m. from the library or meet the group at the bog at 9 a.m. Chris will meet the group at the bog to lead this field trip and help identify spring warblers and native wildflowers we should be looking for this time of year.

Chris has led several programs in the Lakes Region in the past, including many for the Naples Public Library. His programs are always very popular so advance registration is recommended. Please call the library at 693-6841 to reserve your seat or stop by the library during regular hours, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, 2-7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Special Story Time

For the little ones, don’t miss the Story Time at the library on May 22 at 10:30 a.m. The theme is frogs, and the featured author is Heath Roberts, author of “The Day the Frogs went Hopping Mad,” who will be at the library that morning to read his story.

Benefit yard sale

Every year I look forward to all the yard sales this time of year. Patronizing this one will fill your Good Karma order as well. The “Angels of Hope,” organized by the ladies at Coldwell Banker in Naples, invite you to their annual yard sale to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The sale is May 26 and 27 at Coldwell Banker, 692 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have some spring cleaning to do, and would like to donate items, feel free to drop off your donations to them, or call Heather at 693-7000 for pick-up. All proceeds go to Relay for Life of Sebago Lakes Region. You can walk with the team on June 30 and July 1 at Windham High School Track.

Movies at the library

The Naples Public Library needs your help. The movie events at the library have been a great success. The library graciously offers popcorn during the movie. The movies have been so successful (50 people sometimes) that it is hard to keep up with the popcorn making duties. The library would love to have a more industrial strength popcorn maker. If you have a heavy-duty one you could donate that would be great, or you can donate some money toward a new one, which they estimate would run somewhere between $150 and $300.

Fundraiser dinner

Our friends in Raymond always include our town in their monthly invitation to break bread with neighbors at their complimentary meals. Now they are reaching out to us to show our support for a friend in need. On Saturday, June 9, head over to the spaghetti supper and sale to benefit Scott Linscott, who recently underwent a liver transplant. The sale tables will be open from 3:30-6 p.m., with the buffet dinner being served from 4:30-6 p.m. The church is suggesting an $8 donation for the meal. Call the church at 655-5058 for more information.