Several things happened in the past week that have brought a tinge of sadness upon our town. First and foremost is the passing of the Lake Region high school senior, Austin Sloat, in a terrible car crash last week. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Then an explosion of a personal watercraft took place right in the heart of town at Long Lake Marina. Luckily, the owner of the craft escaped with non-life threatening injuries. Also, we mourn the loss of Gavin Warren Barker, the little Naples boy who died of hydrocephalous. On a positive note, there is something you can do to help the Barker family, as a fund has been set up for them to help with the baby’s medical bills. You can make your donation to the Support Gavin Warren Barker Fund at Norway Savings Bank.

The Causeway Update

Things are looking great around the Causeway. I just love the new benches and the boardwalk feel. I really cannot wait until it is all done. The lighting is also almost completely in. I will be sure to take a stroll down there before it gets too cold. Although the weather has been warm in spots, you certainly know fall is approaching when the sun goes down!

Calling All Crafters

It might be a bit early to fill you on the details of the Annual Hollyberry Craft Fair, but the event is signing up prospective vendors right now. The popular holiday fair is Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Region High School. Contact Connie Eldridge at 831-0890 or e-mail her at cleldridge@lakesproperties.com for more information or to reserve your spot. All proceeds go toward Lake Region High School’s Project Graduation 2013.

Family Fun

The tourists have thinned out a bit, but that does not mean the fun has to stop. Ring Farm in Bridgton (which is extremely close to the Naples town line) is hosting its sixth annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be pony rides, hayrides, face painting, and food. All activities are free, however donations will be gladly accepted. All proceeds will go to help send athletes to the Maine Equine Special Olympics. Ring Farm is located at 551 Upper Ridge Road. FMI, call 647-8457.

LRHS Reunion

Did you graduate from Lake Region High School in 2002? If so, don’t miss the reunion planned at Freedom Cafe? in Naples on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Appetizers, dinner and coffee will be served, with a cash bar offered. All alumni of the class are welcomed to attend, but the committee requests all to leave the kids at home. You can RSVP no later than Oct. 1 to http://lrhs2002reunion.weebly.com/.

The Fair for Seniors

Are you going this year? Maybe the thought of the traffic and parking is making you reconsider your annual trip to Fryeburg. Have no fear, the Naples/Casco Recreation has a deal for you. A school bus will pick you up at the American Legion at 9:30 a.m. and drop you off at 3 p.m. The best part? It’s free for Naples or Casco residents ages 65 and up. Non-residents pay just $5. Advance registration is required and takes place Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Forms are available at the Naples and Casco Town Halls. Contact Beth at 627-4187 or Harvey at 693-6364 FMI.

Foliage Tour

Imagine sitting back and enjoying the spectacular foliage as you wind through the White Mountains while heading to the majestic Mount Washington Hotel for lunch. The buffet menu being offered sounds amazing, all for only $50 per person. This trip is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 26, leaving at 10 a.m. from the American Legion, returning at 4 p.m. Deadline for registering is Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. Contact Naples Recreation at 693-6364 or Casco Recreation at 627-4187.

Got Motorcycle?

Join other benevolent bikers for the Free Spiriters Ride for Pet Pantries. Participants will travel through the Sebago Lakes Region including Windham, Gray, New Gloucester, Casco, Raymond, Naples, Standish, Limerick and Limington. Whew! That’s a lot of riding, about 96 miles worth. The ride takes place Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Moto Milano at 656 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. The cost is $30 for a single rider, or $40 for two riders. Fees include an orange bandana for each rider and lunch from Subway. The route will end in Windham at Octoberfest, which runs 2 to 7 p.m.