Indian Summer

Every year I hope the weather will cooperate and make my wish for a gorgeous summer-like September come true. This past weekend, we hit the jackpot here in the Lakes Region. Gorgeous, sunny skies and warm temperatures made for the perfect setting at local events, including the ever-popular Maine Lakes Brew Fest held at Point Sebago this past weekend. It was jam-packed and the weather was surely a contributing factor. Picture-perfect. Still the chill in the air is never far away, always popping up early in the morning or as sun sets, so don’t forget your jacket.

’Tis the Season

As the temperatures cool, we do have things to look forward to. The craft-fair season is rapidly approaching. I love the idea of going craft-fair hopping. The local organizers were smart to piggyback off of each other’s events, making it the perfect time to jumpstart your holiday shopping.

This year, the popular craft fair held annually at the Inn at Long Lake is moving and is now being called Christmas at the Old Grange Hall (Now known as the Singer Center located on the Naples Village Green) on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The building offers open space on two floors and will make it much easier for the elderly and handicapped. Nearly all the previous crafters are returning including Susan Watson (hand bags), Francine Edwards (felt goods), Gail Leahy (holiday fabric items), Rusty Tipton Designs (custom-made jackets and coats) and Common Folk Farm Herbs (specialty foods). A light lunch and refreshments will be available.

Project Graduation’s Holly Berry Fair is always a fun time for the whole family. Show your support for the students and local vendors. Event organizers are now looking for crafters and new and interesting products. The rental fee for the day is only $35 and an additional $10 for a table if you don’t have one. The registration deadline for craft vendors is Oct. 5. For more information contact Rachel Legere, 595-5135, or email her at r.legere@hotmail.com.

Lions and Apples

Celebrate all things apple when you patronize the Naples Lion’s Sixth Annual Apple and Pie Sale on the Causeway. Each year, the Lions set up a lovely sales booth to coincide with the Fryeburg Fair’s opening and closing weekends. The booth will be open Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The booth offers at least four varieties of locally grown apples, homemade apple pies, cider, and even pumpkins. All proceeds go the various charities supported by the Lions, including the student assistance program at Lake Region High School, the Naples Fuel Assistance Program, camperships at Camp Sunshine, and assistance to local food pantries.

Flu Clinic

Changing seasons, back to school, means the flu is never far off. Don’t fall victim this year. Get your shots at Crosswalks’s Annual Flu Clinic, Monday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Naples Town Hall Gym. If you have insurance cards, bring them with you and they will bill them. If you don’t have insurance you will not be turned away if you want a shot. For more information, contact Crosswalk at 615-3226.

Free Harvest Dinner

A hearty harvest dinner on Saturday, Oct. 26, is sure to leave you feeling happy and satisfied. Join the kind people at Christ Chapel located at 37 Northern Pines Road in Raymond. On the menu is roast turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salads and dessert. The meal is open to all surrounding communities and is served buffet style from 4:30-6 p.m. For more information, contact Tammy at 655-5058.

Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Timmy Durant, of Naples, who passed away way too young. He will be missed by many.

The Naples Lions Club is waiting for you to stop by and get some healthy apples or a nice homemade pie at their booth on the Naples Causeway. Pictured from left are the newest Lion and chairperson of the sale, David Aiken, along with Debra Stevens, Vice President Mark Stevens, and Harvey Buzzell.