What a Summer!

This has been a summer to end all summers! You already know I am going to talk about the weather because it has just been stellar. What a joy to be able to plan your days almost knowing that the weather will cooperate! The Town of Naples has experienced excitement, change, and tragedy. Think new town beach(!), last summer of bridge openings, plane crashes, community lobster bakes, causeway art and boat shows, ZUMBA cruises, new Causeway eateries and more that I am sure I am forgetting. A dozen adjectives could describe the feelings and events that occurred in Naples this summer, but one thing is for certain: This is no sleepy little New England town!

Back to reality

Yes, school is starting! I think, like my own, most kids are ready to get back to the structure but also camaraderie that school offers. Sept. 1 starts the full first day for Songo Locks, and grades 6 and 9. Seventh, eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders start September 2. (FYI, parent pick-up starts at SLS at 3:15 p.m. after the bus dismissal. My advice for anyone who can is let your child take the bus home! I do not enjoy waiting in that pick-up line.) Open house dates for the schools are as follows: Both Songo Locks and Stevens Brook Elementary: Sept. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m., Sebago Elementary: Sept. 15 from 6-7 p.m., LRMS: Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

Superintendent Patrick Phillips’ message to parents and students in the SAD 61’s handbook spoke of even more change with the renovation of the high school to “transform it into a 21st century learning institution” Sounds impressive! He also spoke of improvements and new programs in the K-8 reading curriculums. Mr. Phillips ends his note saying he is looking forward to “working with parents, community members, businesses, our teachers, administrators and students to make this a year to remember”. I agree with him that it takes a village. Many hands will make the seemingly overwhelming job of preparing our youth for meaningful and productive lives a bit less burdensome. Volunteer if you can, stay informed, and take an active role in your child’s education. Let’s make this school year as memorable as our summer was!

Best in Show!

How proud I was to learn that my neighbor, Andrea Dacko, had won this coveted award at the recent Naples for the Arts show on the causeway. Folks around Kimball Corner have long known of Andrea’s talents, and now many more are enjoying her work.

Last Chance

Due to the demise of the swing bridge, this summer is the last time you can take a ride over to the Songo Locks on the Songo River Queen. Check out their website, www.songoriverqueen.net for more information. Speaking of last chances on the Songo Queen, there is a buzz that perhaps there will be another ZUMBA cruise on Saturday, Sept. 11. Details are not finalized yet, but if you might be interested, you can again visit the website or contact me at lrcjv@fairpoint.net

Library News

Have you checked out the library’s Book Barn? The Book Barn is where they sell gently used books, tapes, puzzles and CDs that have been either donated to the library or have been weeded from the collection. There is something there for everyone at amazing prices! It is never too early to start your Christmas shopping. All proceeds benefit the library and its sales are a major fundraiser for the library. All books have been cleaned, dusted and shelved according to category. There is a nifty section of children’s books and a good selection of cookbooks. The library is just finishing up a huge 50 percent off sale through the end of this week! Come in and stock up!

Did you know that the Library has the gathering room available for use by local non-profit groups at no charge?

Free Meal

I love to tell you all about this meal put on by Christ Chapel in our neighboring town of Raymond. This week’s meal is Friday, Aug. 27 from 4:30 -6 p.m. at their facility at 37 Northern Pines Road (off route 85 near Crescent Lake). The buffet will offer Swedish Meatballs, Rice, Assorted Side Dishes, Desserts and Drinks. All surrounding communities welcome.

Pink Signs

Have you seen them all over town? New this year is the Parkinson’s Information and Referral Center’s 2k and 4k walk/run beginning at 9 a.m, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. on Sept. 4. The race starts at Subway in Bridgton. FMI contact Nelson Gouterman at 452-2491 or the center itself at 781-1735.