Weather or Not

The weather this year has been a hot topic, although most of the time, not literally. Cold was the theme for quite some time. Mother Nature, however, has finally decided to shine some sun and warmth down upon us. Having this stretch of nice weather after the winter and spring we’ve had makes us truly appreciate our time in the sun. Let’s hope it lasts.

Summer Concert Series

I love this weekly event. Free to all, come and sit on your blanket under the shady trees and enjoy some free live music at the Naples Village Green. This Sunday, June 29, at 6 p.m. is the first concert, and features M.J. Brink, a folk singer and songwriter. This will be Brink’s debut performance here in Naples.

Fourth Festivities

The parade, the fireworks, the fun on the fourth just can’t be beat. Especially in Naples, where the town goes all out to provide guests and residents alike with fun. The Main Street parade begins at 2 p.m. and is always a treat as creative floats and fire trucks make their way down the parade route from Tony’s to the Naples Fire House. I remember one recent year just as the parade was finishing up, it poured buckets and even that was a treat as it cooled us all off. Throngs of people return to the Causeway area at dusk to view the fabulous firework display put on by the town with the help of local businesses. My suggestion is get there early and don’t be afraid to park a bit away from the Causeway as you will get out of the cluster of traffic a lot faster. Of course, bring plenty of bug spray and maybe some small lawn chairs or a blanket. Another fun option of course is to view the scene from your boat on Long Lake, but again, a traffic jam will ensue. Lesson? Don’t be in such a rush! Enjoy the time with your family and friends even when you’re at a standstill…

Senior Trip

Join Casco and Naples Recreation for a senior (60-plus) trip to Sea Dog Brewing Co. for lunch, followed by an unbelievable show at the Maine State Music Theatre of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The trip is on Wednesday, July 16. The bus leaves the Legion at 10 a.m. and returns around 6:30 p.m. The cost for residents is $65 and non-residents are $90. Non-residents will be put on a waiting list and will be taken if space is available. The deadline for registration is July 1. For more information please contact Beth Latsey at 627-4187 or Harvey Price at 693-6364.

Naples Library Summer Events

The library is offering some very interesting events this summer. On Tuesday, July 1, from 6-7 p.m., why not try the “Make your own Gemstone Ring” workshop. Ivy Jordan, proprietor of Water’s Edge Gallery & Studio in Bridgton, will talk about gemstones. What they are made of and where they are from are some of the questions she will address. She will teach us how to make our own gemstone rings with the technique of wire wrapping. You will get to choose your own stone from her collection and then wrap it with silver or copper wire into a beautiful ring. This workshop is available for children and adults 10 years and older. Registration is required and there is a $10 materials fee. On Wednesday, July 9, from 6-7 p.m. join in on the Edible Landscaping Class offered by Betsy-Ann Golon of Common Folk Farm. A list of various flowers and plants that can be grown in an edible garden and that will encourage butterflies and other pollinators will be provided. You can register at the circulation desk. Finally, on Friday, July 11, from noon-1 p.m. WGME meteorologist Charlie Lopresti will visit the library to discuss the weather and what it means to be a meteorologist. Children and adults can register for this class at the circulation desk.

Mad Science

Right down the road on Route 114 at Sebago’s Spalding Library, kids can learn and have fun simultaneously at the Mad Science visit this Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. It’s hands-on science fun for the whole family. For more information, call 787-2321.

Fun in the Sun

Sunsports on the Causeway in Naples is holding its first Annual Autism Awareness Day this Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Head there to enjoy complimentary paddleboarding, boat rides, tubing, water ski and wakeboard lessons. Slots are limited so call ahead for details at 693-3867.

There is Such a Thing…

Yes the free lunch program begins next week, June 30, offering a bag lunch for local children 18 and under. The Naples’ locations are the town beach lawn and at Sand Road Corner. On rainy days, lunch will be put on at the Naples Town Gym. The program runs through Aug. 15 (no lunch on the Fourth of July) and is sponsored by area recreation departments and staffed by community volunteers. For more information, contact Amy Russell at Arussell@sjcme.edu or call 893-7790. Lunches are made by Pearson’s Cafe at Saint Joseph’s College.

A gorgeous view of a Long Lake sunset from the walkway under the new Naples Causeway bridge features Ashley Stieben and her hula-hoop.