Spring

Finally! Warmer temperatures are predicted for the whole week. I am certain the Naples Library penguin will sink as the Ice Out is bound to happen. Do be careful out there on the lake, it really is time to stop venturing out there now.

A sure sign of warmer temperatures is the opening of seasonal businesses, such as the Causeway Landing Restaurant, which is slated to open April 24. Beginning April 25, Sun Sports will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day is when the store will be open into the later evening hours.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Everyone has got to eat breakfast right? Won’t you consider having Pancake Breakfast this Sunday morning, April 19, at the American Legion on Route 11, to help the World Quest Team of Lake Region High School get to Washington, D.C.?

The World Quest team made it to the top 3 teams and now needs to get to the final round of the competition. Breakfast will be served from 8-11 a.m. and the cost is $10. The World Quest Competition will take place at the end of April. Beth Brown has also graciously donated a quilt she made and tickets are being sold to help raise money.

Fire Department Fundraiser

Don’t forget the Annual Comedy Night Fundraiser is April 25 at the Naples Fire Department. A good laugh, delicious food, all for $25, goes to support our local firefighters. A silent auction begins at 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m., and the adult-only show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Naples Town Hall, A2M Variety, and Naples Small Engine.

Another Dinner Option

On April 25, if comedy is not your thing, or the fire department’s event is too late, there will be a baked bean/chop suey public supper at the Edes Falls Sewing Circle in Edes Falls from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Homemade baked beans, American chop suey, “Pink Stuff” (a popular Jello salad amongst the crowd), homemade biscuits, red hot dogs, cole slaw, pickles and lots of different homemade pies, all for just $7.

Annual Art Scholarship Award

The Bridgton Art Guild offers an annual scholarship in the amount of $500 to one graduating high school student planning to continue his/her studies in the visual arts at an accredited university, college, or art institute.

Guild members help raise the money for these scholarships by generously donating their artwork to be raffled at artist receptions at Gallery 302, 112 Main Street in Bridgton. The student must live in the Lakes Region area or attend one of the following high schools: Lake Region, Fryeburg Academy, Windham, Bonny Eagle, or Poland. Homeschooled students may also apply. Applications are now available at each school through both the guidance and art departments. They are also available at Gallery 302, or on the Gallery 302 website for download. Please visit www.gallery302.com or if you know of a talented young artist that would benefit from this award and meets our requirements, pass along this information. For more details, contact Gallery 302 at 647-2787 (647-ARTS) or Ellen O’Neill at 781-861-1894 and leave a message.

Father/Daughter Dance

Wanda Plummer’s Dance School is holding a Father/Daughter Dance at the Singer Center/Naples Grange Hall on Saturday, May 2, from 6-8 p.m. Admission is just $5. There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase, as well as an opportunity to get your picture taken. The dance school is trying to raise funds for a dance trip to New York City! This event is open to the public and all ages are welcome.

More of Merced’s

Congratulations to Frank and Elaine Merced as plans for their second restaurant, to open in Windham at the old Thatcher’s location, are under way. This restaurant, to be called Frank’s Bistro, will focus on homemade Italian Specialties. Bravo!

Naples resident Samantha Rise Dole feels the warmth on the Naples Causeway this week. Note the icy water in the background. Soon to be gone we hope.Photo courtesy of Zach SimmonsWhoooo makes a difference? Volunteers Do! During National Volunteer Appreciation Week April 12-18, Naples Public Library honors the 87 volunteers named on this tree for their efforts during the past year assisting patrons in the library, serving as trustees, maintaining the facility and working on fundraisers.As tradition dictates, Director Eugene Long and cast members look on as Lake Region High School’s Drama Club seniors kiss the stage in their last performance at the school before graduation. There are a whopping 22 Drama Club seniors this year. Their last play was Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, “Oklahoma!” performed this past weekend.Courtesy photos