School Days

Just sent the second child on the school bus on this humid September morning. What a glorious Labor Day weekend, weather-wise. It was hot, just the way you’d want it as you jump into the lake one last time. Back to the grindstone for students and parents alike.

New Principal

Cheryl Frechette has taken over the reins at Songo Locks School as the new principal. We wish her the utmost success working with our teachers and children.

Block Party

With temperatures this week expected to hit 80 and the block party this weekend, summer isn’t over just yet!

The Naples United Methodist Church of Good Fellowship hosts this free, fun family event this Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Naples Village Green. The church urges all to come hungry as they will be serving up hamburgers and hot dogs during the event, which runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities include crafts, face painting, bouncy house and more. The church hosts this event for the Naples community, and in an effort to get to know the people better.

Kudos to Rec

I am sure Kathleen Wilcox is not the only parent feeling gratitude toward the Naples Recreation Department’s fantastic swim program each summer. It would be difficult to find a family whose children have not participated in the program, which offers an “affordable, fun activity for the summer,” according to Wilcox.

Bonus points because the program is also educational as well as being a social outlet where families can meet and mingle. Wilcox comes to Naples for her family’s summer vacation each year, and sent along a great photo of the kids in the program as well as a note expressing just how happy she is that these swim programs are offered, and her happiness with the instructors. Wilcox also expressed that the groundskeepers have done a wonderful job keeping the beach clean and inviting. Great job and congrats to all mentioned.

Brew Fest

The 11th Annual Brewfest held at Point Sebago Resort in neighboring Casco takes place Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are available now at the Greater Bridgton Chamber office on Route 302 in Bridgton or may also be purchased online at www.mainelakeschamber.com. Tickets are now $25 per and will go up to $30 after Sept. 24. Parking will cost $5 so carpooling is recommended (have a designated driver). Food vendors, several from Naples, and entertainment by Chad Porter in Grove Pavilion from 1-3 p.m. is all part of the fun scheduled. Please remember all admitted must be 21, with no pets allowed except service animals.

Special Meeting

Mark your calendars for this meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Naples Town Hall to discuss the purchase of 1074 Roosevelt Trail by the town.

Causeway Memorial

When you next walk the Causeway, make sure to check out the Sept. 11 Memorial Basswood Tree and plaque placed by the Naples Lions Club. Although it has been in place for a year, with the anniversary of the terrorist attacks coming up, now is the perfect time to visit the site and pay your respects. The club thanks the people for supporting its various fundraising events, thus enabling the Lions to purchase the plaque.

Camp Mataponi Director Honored

Dan Isdaner, co-director of Camp Mataponi in Naples, has received the 2014 Meritorious Award from the American Camp Association, New England. This prestigious award is given each year to someone for admirable service and outstanding contributions to ACA New England.

Isdaner has served as both co-owner and director of ACA-accredited Camp Mataponi for 20 years while also being involved in other ACA committees and boards. Additionally, Isdaner created the Camp Mataponi Gold Feather Scholarship Fund to help campers in need. Congratulations!

Correction

Andy Burnham is still the Deputy Chief of the Naples Fire Department. Mark Scribner was hired to replace the outgoing EMS deputy chief, Chris Burnham. Apologies for the error.