In a blink of an eye, it has gone by. Summer that is. I think we can all agree it has been one of the best summers, weather wise. The weather, and the low price of lobsters I think, worked in local businesses favor to bring the tourists in droves. I don’t think I noticed much this year largely to the fact that there was no more waiting in bridge traffic! That always seemed to exacerbate the crowded downtown summer scene.

Speaking of the bridge, the atmosphere just keeps getting better. Every time I take a stroll down there I appreciate the changes. Now open on the lower lever is a wonderful little walkway and slab of granite where you can sit and watch the boats travel under the bridge. Just walk down toward the bridge on the Long Lake Side and you’ll be able to check it out for yourself. The work scheduled for this week includes the planting of trees and shrubs as well as the continued chores of erosion control, and placing more boardwalk and concrete sidewalks.

Haunted Happenings

With the fall rapidly approaching, Dea Dea Robbins is planning a spooktacular time for you once again this Halloween season. If you haven’t been to Salem during the month of October, it really should be on your bucket list. On Oct. 27, Dea Dea gives you the chance to cross it off by offering an annual bus trip to the creepiest of New England cities. The bus will arrive at the Bridgton Community Center at 7 a.m., and then head over to the Naples American Legion directly afterward. Once you arrive in Salem, you are on your own, free to explore this bustling city offering everything Halloween is about. There are many fun places to explore, and plenty of options for lunch and snacks. The cost for the transportation is only $27.50 round trip, and we all know that is a bargain with gas and toll prices these days. Call Dea Dea at 693-3408 for information or to reserve your spot.

Naples Library

The library has now returned to the “Academic Year” hours, which are Tuesday and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesdays 2-7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If you haven’t been to the library all summer, now is the perfect time to rediscover it. Kids will enjoy the movie “Bees” on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. Family Art Night on Thursday Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. is also a great time to spend with your kids getting creative. Offerings for adults include an Adult Book Club, Scrabble Group, computer basics and How to Use Your E Reader class, and a slideshow and discussion from a local couple who will share their adventures of their trip to Tanzania. FMI, call the library at 693-6841 or visit www.naples.lib.me.us.

Festival is Brewing

Don’t miss the 2012 Maine Lakes Brew Fest Saturday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Point Sebago Resort. Tickets bought in advance cost $25, and even non-drinkers can enjoy the event for just $5. The festival brings together the region’s best beer makers while guests sample the fruits of their labor, while listening to top-notch local bands. Great food is also part of the party, with many local food vendors selling their best dishes, including the famous pulled pork sandwiches and giant turkey legs! All proceeds go to support the efforts of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, which does a fantastic job of promoting and advocating for local businesses. Visit www.mainelakesbrewfest.com for tickets and more information.

Local Artist Shines

A big shout-out of congratulations goes to my very talented neighbor, Andrea Dacko, for winning third place in South Portland’s annual Art in the Park show. Andrea’s watercolor painting of a swarm of dragonflies was selected from more than 180 artist’s works. Andrea walked away with a $500 prize and a smile on her face.

Help is All Around

With the busy season ending and the harsh winter approaching, rising costs of food and fuel predicted, many may find it difficult to provide the necessities this year. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for assistance in our area. Kryie’s Kitchen and the Food Basket Pantry at the Naples Town Gym, are open year-round, every other Monday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., even on holidays. All area residents are welcome to enjoy a hot meal with friends. Also in Naples is the Food Pantry at the United Methodist Church also at the Village Green on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon each week. In South Casco, the Casco Alliance Church offers their food pantry every third Monday of the month from 6-7 p.m. FMI on these programs, contact Kyrie’s Kitchen at 615-3226, United Methodist Church at 838-9045 or Casco Alliance Church at 344-5370.

New England Home Cooking

Being from New York, while I did grow up with amazing Italian fare cooked by my parents and grandparents, my life was void of the delightful New England specialties I have grown to love. I never had potato salad, boiled dinner, blueberry anything, or baked beans until I came to Maine 16 years ago. Now I seek out those wonderful New England ladies who make the very best of these classics. I will bet that some of the best cooks are to be found at the Edes Falls Sewing Circle’s dinners. Upcoming suppers will be held on Saturdays, Sept. 8, Sept. 22 and then Oct. 20 with the buffet open from 4:30-6 p.m. All are held at the Edes Falls Community Center on Edes Falls Road. If you don’t know exactly where that is, just call Cheryl Harmon at 693-4016; she will lead you in the right direction.

Benefit ?for Barker Baby

The Naples American Legion will host a dinner to benefit Gavin Warren Barker, who was born with severe hydrocephalous. The event runs from 4:30-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. Cost is just $5 for an all-you-can-eat home cooked dinner. You will be able to buy raffle tickets while there. If you cannot attend, and would like to make a donation, contact Karen Durling at 595-4830.

Construction crews are working on the area underneath the former swing bridge at Naples Causeway.