Lady Lakers: Winners in Our Books

It does not matter what the scoreboard said: The Lake Region High School Girls’ Class B Basketball team will always be winners in the hearts and minds of local fans. They exemplify all that anyone could hope for in young adults: determination, team spirit, true grit, sportsmanship and more. Last Friday night, fans watched with baited breath as the Lakers narrowly lost to Presque Isle at the Cumberland County Civic Center. While they did wind up not winning this time, we must all remember this: One game does not define, in the big picture, the winners and the losers. To get to that point in the tournament is no small feat, and everyone involved should be extremely proud.

On a related note, congratulations to Laker seniors Sydney Hancock and Kelsey Winslow for being selected to play in the McDonald’s All Star Tournament at Husson College in Bangor later in March.

Library Update

Spring must be close at hand. Volunteers at the Naples Public Library are making plans for spring and summer programs.

Animal Control Officer Bobby Silcott and his two ambassadors, Priscilla and Elvis, will be at the Library at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13. Ask questions about local laws, animal care, rabies and more. Silcott is a member of the board of trustees for the Harvest Hill Animal Shelter and founder of the POM Project – Pet Oxygen Masks for Maine Fire & Rescue Departments. The Library will collect donations of wet and dry pet food, bleach, paper towels, dish soap for the shelter at the meet-and-greet.

Looking to get a jump on the spring growing season? Starting seeds inside in April can give your plants several weeks of healthy growth before outside planting in May. On April 9 at 5:30 p.m., Master Gardener Helen Brown will be discussing various methods of seed-starting. Soil-testing instruction and kits will also be offered at this session. Seating is limited so sign up early.

New at the library is Needle Craft Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. Here’s a chance to work on your own project while chatting with friends. Also Digital Media Monday at 5-6:30 p.m., where you can bring your e-reader in to get better acquainted with it.

Finally, there is always a need for your donated blood so please try to attend the two Red Cross blood drives scheduled at the Library for Tuesday, April 16, from noon-5 p.m., and Tuesday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Artists Needed

This summer, the library is planning an exciting fund-raising event, featuring the auctioning of authentic canoe paddles painted by local Maine artists. If you would like to apply your talent to painting a Maine-inspired scene for the benefit of the library, please call the library and ask to speak to a member of the staff. Supplies are limited but support is appreciated.

S.N.A.P. to Duty

A very important program is in the works to help local seniors and housebound residents: S.N.A.P. or Senior Neighborhood Awareness Program. The program will facilitate communication between elderly and housebound residents and caring neighbors to ensure their safety and well-being. Volunteers will call to check in. If there is no answer, they will stop by to check on you personally. For more information on the program, contact Molly Brake at the Naples Town Office at 693-6364.

Congratulations

Town of Naples Secretary Barbara Beckwith is moving on. A great job opportunity was presented to Barb at the Gray Town Office as the assistant to the Town Manager. Barbara, who just bought a house in Naples, will still be involved in various committees and boards concerning projects in Naples. We are happy for you Barb, but will miss you. If you would like to be the new town of Naples secretary, the position is being advertised for now.

Great Job

Michelle Gilbert, Guidance Counselor at Songo Locks School, shared some great news with me. The students collected 4,650 box-tops. With the additional 324 bonus points the school had, the total raised was $497.50! This is an amazing amount. Ms. Gilbert would like to thank everyone for continuing to collect Box-Tops and encourages them to send them in. If your child, grandchild, nephew, niece goes to Songo Locks, what a great way for you to help. Even if you don’t know anyone in this school, it is easy to collect these box-tops and drop them off or send them in. This is the best free money for the school.

Meal on the House

Once again our friends at Christ Chapel in Raymond are opening their doors to surrounding communities. A complimentary buffet-style meal will be served from 4:30-6 p.m. on Saturday, March 30. Chicken is the theme for the buffet. A chicken and rice casserole as well as chicken soup, salads and desserts will be served. Christ Chapel is located at 37 Northern Pines Road off Route 85 in Raymond. For more information, contact Tammy Gisel at 655-5058.

Condolences

Condolencesto the Pomerleau family of Naples for the recent loss of Dana Pomerleau.