Still COLD!

I was complaining to my husband about this winter’s frigid temperatures and wondering aloud why, exactly, I lived in Maine. He quickly reminded me that Maine is not the only state experiencing a colder than average winter. And at least we are equipped to deal with it! (Think Atlanta, my oh my!) You did hear that the Groundhog saw his shadow…I am not at all surprised. There is encouraging news from the Naples Golf Course that as early as next week they will begin the arduous task of snow removal from the greens to help prevent possible damage. Key words: Snow removal. I like the sound of that.

Support Lakers Cheerleaders

The Lake Region High School varsity cheerleaders will be competing in the class B State Championships on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2:30 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. In order to be eligible to participate, they had to score in 6th place or higher (they scored 4th) in the Class B Regional Competition that was also held at the Augusta Civic Center on Jan. 25. The last time LRHS qualified to participate in the State Cheerleading Championship was 2007. The public is encouraged to come out and cheer for them!

Culinary Dinner

The Lake Region Vocational Center’s culinary students will be offering a delicious roast duck dinner this Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Vocational Center’s Great Room. The students are cooking to raise funds to send participants from several programs to the SkillsUSA state competition in Bangor in March. Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door. For more information, contact 693-3864.

Local Schools Promote Healthy Kids

The Let’s Go! Cumberland County team congratulates schools, childcares, after-school programs, and healthcare providers for their achievements in the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Program. Let’s Go! is helping kids and families eat healthy and be active. They partner with teachers, doctors, child care providers, and community organizations to help share the same four healthy habits of “5 2 1 0” everyday that include 5 fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of screen time daily, 1 hour of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks per day, opting for water and low-fat milk instead.

On Jan. 8, a celebration event took place at The Opportunity Alliance in South Portland where awards were presented and inspiration was shared. The Opportunity Alliance Let’s Go! coordinator, Ashley Edmondson, was proud to present awards to the sites she supports, but in particular, impressed by the Lake Region area. In addition to schools in the RSU 14 school district being recognized (including Windham High School, Manchester, and Raymond Elementary), our own school district, MSAD 61, joined this school year and has three schools who participate (Songo Locks, Sebago Elementary and Lake Region Middle School), and are making great strides toward Let’s Go! recognition.

The District Wellness team set a goal for all schools in the district to participate and be recognized on some level within the next year. In the child-care sector Naples’ own Peter Rabbit was among the home-based preschools that received the bronze award. Together this celebration event acknowledged the drive and dedication to creating a healthier environment for children these institutions share.

Chinese New Year

Naples-based Peter Rabbit preschool, run by the ever talented and sweet Suzanne Gianattasio, has long been a treasure in our community. Both of my girls went there (now ages 12 and 9) and are the better for it, I’m sure! One of their favorite times of year was the Chinese New Year Celebration. Kids are encouraged to wear red, and are taught about the holiday and its traditions. It’s great that kids are exposed to different cultures at such a young age. Keep up the great work, Mrs. G!

Congrats, Elise!

Elise Gianattasio of Naples (yes, of that Gianattasio family), a student at Lake Region High School, just won a “Silver Key” award for her submission to the Scholastic Southern Maine Writing Project. There were 222 submissions, with 28 Gold Key, 47 Silver Keys and 56 Honorable Mentions awarded.

LRHS Drama Club

“Fiddler on the Roof” is the latest musical the LRHS Drama Club will present. Shows are on April 3, 4, and 5 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. shows on April 4 and 5. More information to come as we approach the dates. Visit their Facebook page at “LRHS Drama Club presents Fiddler on the Roof.”

Auditions

Think you’ve got talent? There is still time to audition for the Lake Region Community Theatre’s Lake Region’s Got Talent! This multi-day talent competition will celebrate some of the area’s finest performers. All acts are invited to audition at Stevens Brook Elementary School, 7-9 p.m., Feb. 6 and 7. In case of inclement weather, please check their Facebook event page. All types of talent are welcome. There is a $15 audition fee and no need to pre-register. The producers ask that you provide your own accompaniment or equipment and be ready to perform. Finalists will compete for a chance to win more than $1,000 in cash and prizes, awarded to the top three acts. The show will be televised on Lake Region Television. LR Community Theatre would like to thank the sponsors for their support. Gold sponsors include Bull Moose, Crystal Lake Spa and Wellness Center, Hannaford, Jewlz Beyond Hair, Krainin Real Estate, Portland Models & Talent, LLC, L3C, Rogers Ski and Sport, S. Avery Photography and Tony’s Foodland. Silver sponsors are Pat’s Pizza, Sportshaus and Wellness Associates.

Naples Library Board Update

The Naples Public Library Board of Trustees acknowledges with great appreciation the services of two of their volunteers changing their roles at the library. Daphne Meyer has retired from their volunteer staff after more than 15 years serving patrons at the Adult Circulation Desk on Tuesday mornings. Daphne also served on the Board of Trustees from 2002-04. She will continue to lead the monthly Book Discussion Group.

Alison Caulfield leaves her position as a trustee since November 2006. Alison participated in several committees on the board and over the years chaired fundraisers and the Program Committee. She will continue as a volunteer in the library in processing and at the circulation desk. At the January board meeting, Christina Camuso and Jane Freedman were elected to open positions on the Board of Trustees. Both ladies will be working on programs and on Friends of NPL fund-raising activities.

Lake Region High School varsity cheerleaders give team captain and senior Jacqueline Laurent a boost during the Class B Regional Competition. Holding her are Kaytlyn Terry, back, Kacie Tripp, right, and Mikayla Fortin. Olivia Scribner celebrates Chinese New Year at Peter Rabbit Preschool in Naples.