Yo-Yo Temperatures

Wow the thermometer is doing the opposite of what one would expect this year. This weekend, temperatures are forecasted to rise to a balmy 41 degrees, with plenty of rain. Bad news for those skiing enthusiasts but I am sure we have not seen the last of the arctic blasts this year.

When the frigid air returns you might find yourself in need of some sand. Naples public works has a sand and salt mixture available for public use at its shed right behind the Naples Fire Department. Bring a couple of buckets and spread it liberally on all that rain that just might freeze to avoid an injury!

Security Tightened

It is a shame that it has come to this, but security has definitely been tightened in our schools following the infamous Newtown incident. I, for one, was happy to see that the door was locked at Songo Locks School last week, and that I was required to ring a buzzer and be viewed on closed circuit TV before I was admitted.

The local schools have in recent years practiced lockdowns and evacuations, which were a much-needed practice, obviously. There are plans in the works for all local schools to have the buzzer technology. Extra lockdown drills will also be added to the calendar for the new year. I, as I am sure many local parents are, am grateful for the attention paid to this matter by SAD 61.

Get Out

Hibernation should be for bears only. Christ Chapel is offering an opportunity, as they do monthly, to break bread, for free, with your neighbors. The menu for Saturday, Jan. 26, includes baked stuffed shrimp, casseroles, salad and dessert. The meal, served at the church located at 37 Northern Pines Road in Raymond, runs from 4:30-6 p.m. and is open to all ages from surrounding communities. For more information, contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.

Work It

It happens every time: the new year brings with it a slew of fitness promises and goals. Fortunately for us there are many opportunities right here in Naples to get fit. If you are just starting out, you might want to try the indoor walking program at Lake Region High School, held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. until May 3. FMI call 647-3116.

Looking to shoot some hoops? Naples Recreation will be holding adult pick-up basketball games at Songo Locks Elementary School, starting Jan. 3. Games will be held every Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. Starting Feb. 12, games will be on both Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time. For more information please contact Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364.

If you want to tackle some more targeted fitness programs, there are choices almost every day of the week in Naples at the Town Gym. On Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m., the first-ever Zumba/Core Conditioning Combo Class is offered. A fitness ball (65 cm) is strongly encouraged for the second half of this class, but alternate exercises will be available for those without a ball.

On Wednesdays, channel your inner Karate Kid with Cardio Kickboxing with Denise at 5:30 p.m. Thursday is Zumba night! Burn off those unwanted holiday pounds at 6:15 p.m. FMI on Zumba or Cardio Kickboxing, call 939-2436 or email lrcjv@fairpoint.net.

Thom and Gail Johnson bring Bootcamp to town on Friday nights from 6-7 p.m. On Saturday morning, if you aren’t already feeling the burn, you can join their Kettle Bell class which runs from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Kettlebell with the Johnsons is also available on Monday nights from 5:30-6:30 p.m. FMI on these classes contact Thom or Gail at 233-8188 or 233-8537. Definitely no excuses in this town.

Help is Near

If you are finding finances hard to manage this winter, as many Maine families do in our off-season, there is a place to go. Kyrie’s kitchen offers groceries to anyone in need in the town of Naples. The food pantry is open the first and third Mondays of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Naples Town Gym. FMI call 615-3226. Also available is the Naples Food Pantry at the United Methodist Church on Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m., located on the Village Green. FMI, call 595-2754.

Skate Swap

On Thursday, Jan. 17,from 5-7 p.m., the Naples Recreation Department will be holding an ice skate swap in the board of selectmen’s room at town hall. If you have an old pair of skates that your kids have outgrown and would like to swap them for a bigger size, come to the Naples Town Hall to exchange them. If you have old pairs that you would just like to donate, you can drop them off at the Naples Town Hall before the 17th. Sizes and styles are limited and are not guaranteed. For more information, call Naples Recreation Director Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364.