Halfway Point

My kids are in a state of depression somewhat, counting down the dwindling days of their summer vacation. We went school supply shopping yesterday, saw a few others from Naples at Staples (yes that rhymes!) so we aren’t the only ones thinking ahead. As of this writing, 28 days till back to school. So do enjoy the time left of this steamy hot summer.

Youth Football Registration

Apparently Naples Recreation is thinking ahead as well. They sent an email announcing Fall Youth Football Registrations for grades 4 to 6, the first of the Naples Recreation programs in which registration is online. After Oct. 1, all recreation registrations will be held online. The registration deadline is Sept. 10, but equipment pickup and the first practice happen before then, at Plummer’s Field in Naples (behind the American Legion, Route 11) so you may want to sign your youngster up before then. Contact Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364 or email him at recreation@townofnaples.org for the link information.

Fall Soccer registration sheets are available at the town office. Deadline for that registration is Aug. 15 and after that there will be no teams added, so make sure you secure you child’s spot. Thinking summer once more, reduced price passes to Funtown/Splashtown are available at the town office, so treat your kids to one last summer hurrah!

Summer Concert Series

There are a few more Village Green Sunday Evening concerts left. This weekend, Sunday, Aug. 10, one of the favorite acts is scheduled to play. Stevie Gee and the Mrs. perform a variety of country and rock favorites. Grab a blanket and some bug spray and enjoy a relaxing evening with your community. Show starts at 6.

Ribbon Cutting

A new business has opened in Naples, Sage of the Light, next to Down East Engraving. The Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce was there to commemorate the opening with a ribbon cutting. Please stop by and check out this new venture, which offers alternative healing solutions.

House Tour

One of my favorite things to do (especially as a caterer where I get to see many different homes) is to admire gorgeous houses and how they are designed and adorned. Patrons of Naples Library got the chance to get a bird’s eye view of homes and places they’d never get to see otherwise. The 2014 Lakes Region House Tour to benefit the Naples Public Library was Thursday, Aug. 7. Participants had the pleasure of touring seven different homes as well as the Historic Union Church. Hopefully for those who missed it, the Library will once again hold this amazing tour experience.

Here are a couple examples of homes that they visited in the tour:

• The Holmes Home on Sebago Lake, built in 2000, was designed by Portland architect Rick Goduti. The use of expansive windows throughout provides beautiful westerly lake views from every room. The house was designed to follow the curve of the shoreline and melt into the wooded environment. It incorporates three separate post and beam structures erected by Charles Farrell including the living room with a massive fieldstone fireplace, master suite and kitchen/family room/screened gazebo. The custom cabinetry is mahogany in living room and office and red birch in family room and kitchen. The second floor has a game room with a pool table, three guest rooms and baths. The lower level houses a sauna, playroom and wine cellar. The property also features a barn, tennis court, tree house, dock, beach and expansive gardens surrounding the large stone patio, which spans the length of the house.

• The Frank Farm on Route 35 in Harrison was built in 1908 by Harold and Linda Randall and commands stunning mountain views. Until World War II, it was a working farm. The Randalls also raised trotters. In 1972, Bob and Eleanor Frank acquired the property, now owned by their son, Matthew. This handsome home has de?cor from the varying periods of its existence – from the Randalls, 1970s New York and many recent renovations contributed by Matthew Frank. Note the combination wood and electric stove in the original kitchen, the original ice box off of the kitchen, beautifully crafted fireplaces and hardwood floors. The large attached barn is a must see, as well as the lovely carriage entrance.

Summer Fun at Sun Sports

What could be more fun than learning how to surf on Long Lake? Join Ian Scott and Sun Sports each Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. to learn the basics or some new tricks. You can reserve your spot ahead or just drop by for only $12.

The 2014 Lakes Region House Tour to benefit the Naples Public Library was held Thursday, Aug. 7. Participants had the pleasure of touring seven different homes, including the Holmes home seen above.