Memorial Day in Naples

It was a warm, partly sunny day, unlike earlier in the weekend where snow was reported in parts of Maine! I love the services they hold in Naples, and how the youth are so involved. The Lake Region high school and middle school’s marching band, the Girl and Boy Scouts, they are there proud to pay tribute to our servicemen and women, past and present. They are being taught never to forget, and to pay due respect, and that is priceless. The turnout this year also seemed higher than in years past, which was also great to see. Now if they can only get that microphone to work!

Baked Bean Supper

The Edes Falls Sewing Circle is once again cooking for the community, holding a public supper on Saturday, May 30, from 4:30-6 p.m. The homemade food and company are second to none. The event is held at the Edes Falls Community Center on Edes Falls Road, Naples.

Wheels & Water

Naples’ best-kept secret is fast approaching! The Wheels & Water Antique Transportation Show is held annually on Father’s Day weekend. They have old cars, trucks, tractors, steam boats, antique boats, unusual farming equipment and lots of odd things of interest. It’s a great place to spend an hour or two with dad.

There’s a great chicken barbecue Saturday around 4 p.m. with music and fireworks in the evening. You can even bring the camper for a small fee, tenting is free and dogs are allowed!We are located on State Park Road, off Route 114, on Brandy pond.

Contact Merry Watson at 693-6879 for more information. The event is held on State Park Road, on Brandy Pond, off Route 114 in Naples.

Monsanto March

I think the protest against Monsanto Foods this past weekend was the first I’ve seen of its kind on the causeway. In case you live under a rock, Monsanto is the maker of many toxic chemical laden and genetically modified products. Saturday, May 24, was the date of an organized worldwide protest, “Millions March against Monsanto,” to raise awareness and force the company to re-evaluate its product line and manufacturing practices.

Kids for Sale!

Baby goats are in abundance at Fern Hill Farm in Naples. There are 11 for sale and they are just cute as a button! By the way, Fern Hill Farm has amazing goat cheese for sale in local stores, and used in local restaurants. They also run a lovely little B&B. I always say they are some of the busiest people I know, especially when you factor in the chickens and two sets of twins (their own kids!) Contact Amy Jensen for more information at 693-4320.

Lake Region Bus Service

Recently, the town of Naples announced their official stance on providing supplementary funding to the Lake Region Bus Service: They advise against it. Mainly it’s because of lack of ridership. I, personally, am for the bus service, but not as it is. The bus does not run on weekends, a time when I think many would use it. With additional funding from the towns the bus services, weekends are a possibility. Bus service in general is a basic service that municipalities should provide and support.

Zoe Miller, of Opportunity Alliance, a driving force behind the bus service, points out that the buses provide, from a public health standpoint, increased access to health by connecting people with friends and family; to needed services; and by improving mobility among folks who are unable or can’t afford to drive.

According to Opportunity Alliance, the bus also has a role in economic development and makes it possible for people to access the lakes and trails of the Lakes Region without driving. If you want more information on RTP’s Lake Region bus service, or would like to take part in their recent survey, visit www.publicprogram.org.

Big Summer Saturday

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Naples for the Arts Showcase and Health and Wellness Fair Saurday, July 25. Naples For The Arts is currently accepting applications for artists, craftsmen, health and wellness practioners, and vendors for the Ruff and Purr animal section.

The festival will take place on the Naples Causeway July 25 with 10×10-foot spaces available. Visit www.naplesfor the arts.com for more information or to reserve your space. The website will be continuously updated with the festival’s activities and new sponsors as they sign up for our event.

Free giveaways, and free face painting for the children are all part of the fun. Call Laura Imbriale, director, at 954-610-1041 or email her at naplesforthearts@gmail.com.

The Naples Historical Society and the Naples Information Center will be presenting the first Annual Village Green Festival on July 25 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. (rain date is the 26th). This will be the place where you can sell all those things you don’t need any more. A separate area for crafts and art is also in the plans. The spaces are 10×10 feet and are $25 for the day. You must bring your own tables, chairs, and sun protection. There is shade in the morning but it’s gone in the afternoon.

The causeway will be busy that day so there will be lots of people around. If you would like an application, call Merry Watson at 693-6879 or Brenda Leo at 693-9096. The Edes Falls Sewing Circle will also be there on this day to sell crafts and homemade baked goods.

Congratulations

I am very sure I will not be listing all the proud people of Naples on their momentous occasions, and reasons for celebrations in this season of graduations, etc. but here are just a few.

• Congratulations to Merry and Dana Watson of Naples on celebrating 46 years of wedded bliss.

• Naples will be losing a full-time resident, as Elise Gianatassio heads to Emerson College this fall in Boston. Congratulations on your acceptance! Nice to see hard work pay off.

I do wish each and every resident with cause for celebration a HUGE congratulations!

One of these “kids” can be yours! We are talking about the baby goats of course, available now at Fern Hill Farm in Naples. Pictured are Jessica Jensen, right, and Rachel Jensen, one of two sets of twins in the Jensen family.Military veterans perform a gun salute as a symbolic wreath is thrown into Long Lake at the Naples Causeway during Memorial Day ceremonies Monday.Laurie Frizzell, a Naples business owner, marches against Monsanto this past Saturday on the Naples Causeway. Frizzell was part of the third annual global protest against the company.Members of the Lake Region Marching Band, made up of students from the high school and middle school, walk through downtown Naples during the Memorial Day Parade on Monday.Photos by Vicki Toole