Experiences, not things

Every once in a while I see a list discussing things your kids and you will remember. There is almost always a mention of focusing your attention and funds on planning experiences (activities, trips, family time) rather than buying things. In the end, the time spent engaging in these activities will help you deepen your bond with family and friends and grow as a person. This is exactly why we should support any chances our youth have to expand their horizons.

Once such chance is just a few short months away for a lucky group of Lake Region High School students. Through a tour company, these kids will get the once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting the Galapagos Islands.

As you may have guessed, this is a costly endeavor. Many of these kids have saved and worked to contribute to the cost, but they need our help. They will be hosting several fundraisers. The next one is the Paint Night put on by Harrison’s very talented Karen Schroeder Daniels, of Paint the Town. It’s an easy way to support the dreams of these kids, and an experience you will never forget, as you take home your masterpiece or gift it to a loved one.

The event will be Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Lake Region High School from 6-9 p.m. in the cafeteria. Delicious bake-sale items and refreshments will be available for purchase. Please make every effort to sign-up by Friday, Feb. 12, by contacting Lynn O’Donnell at lynn.odonnell@lakeregionschools.org or Kristen Huntress at kristen.huntress@lakeregionschools.org. Watch here for information about upcoming fundraising events.

Snow day

The inevitable has happened, snow has hit the Lakes Region, and none too soon for the outdoor winter enthusiasts. Bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy all that winter in the Lakes Region has to offer. You’ll find me by the fire, thank you!

A real “Snow Day,” meaning no school for SAD 61, has, much to the dismay of school-aged kids, not happened as of this writing. Julie Johnson, secretary at LRHS, reports that this time last year our district had already enjoyed two by now, with a total of seven for the winter!

Out for blood

There is never a slow time of year when it comes to the need for blood. The American Red Cross is coming to Naples, on Thursday, Jan. 28, making it even easier to give the most amazing gift to your fellow man. Drop by the Naples Town Hall between the hours of 1-6 p.m., giving yourself at least an hour, which has been my experience anyway. For your benevolence you’ll get peace of mind and a $5 gift card to Dunkin Donuts!

Business news

Remember the Wild Plum on Route 302? That building was sold years ago to a wonderful family who in turn just sold it to a wonderful business. Welcome Dr. Rankie, of White Mountain Orthodontics, who will be setting up shop here in Naples.

Dr. Rankie had been working out of Dr. Brown’s Dentistry office in Naples on Fridays, the day Dr. Brown’s office was closed. Dr. Rankie noted in our phone conversation that Dr. Brown was so accommodating to them while they were there, but fortunately their business quickly blossomed, and the need for their own space became obvious.

The practice is hoping to open sometime in February, but the good news is they are accepting new patients now. Call 894-8700 or visit the website at www.whitemountainortho.com for more information.

As a parent of teen and tween girls, I for one am happy that this type of business is opening in Naples. Our only other option was Windham and beyond, and the very many maintenance appointments braces require has meant a lot of missed school time.

Naples youth shine

Congratulations to some superstar students at Lake Region High School who also happen to be Naples residents. The Naples Lions Club recognizes a senior student each month who has excelled academically. This month Dan Neault was chosen.

Nathan Smith of Naples was chosen by the Bridgton Lake Region Rotary as a high school student who is a good citizen and helps out in his community. Both students will be honored at the organizations’ meetings as well as receive a monetary award.

Marcus DeVoe of Naples also has been recognized as the Hancock Player of the Week. Great job and a big shoutout to our students for their hard work.

Library Update

Looking for some affordable indoor entertainment? How about a free movie event? On Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 4 p.m. head down to the library for the movie “Hotel Transylvania 2,” starring Adam Sandler and Selena Gomez. They even have popcorn!

On Thursday, Jan. 28, welcome author Joyce M. Lovely as she shares her upcoming release “Ice Cream, Gasmasks & God” at 10:30 a.m. in the Gathering Room.

Coming in February, Library Friend Jim Miller will share his chocolate-making expertise, and the library will also be hosting a Soup Share to warm and spice up our winter. Come enjoy the treats and sparkling conversation with great people.

Make this painting your own. Join the friends, family and adventurous students traveling to the Galápagos Islands this April at their Paint the Town Fundraising event for the group.Who knows where this is? The Causeway Marina Lighthouse looks straight out of Portland as the cold settles in over the lake creating an eerie coastal mist. After the lake the sky was as clear as could be.