Thanksgiving

Turkey day is not far away! Love this time of year, not too cold (although I hear that changing), lots of love going around, and most importantly a wonderful excuse to spend quality time with family and friends. Check out what’s happening in and around Naples in the next few weeks.

Thanksgiving Meals

The Community Resource Council of Naples Food Pantry is accepting applications from Naples residents in need of a Thanksgiving meal. Applications can be picked up at the Food Pantry at the United Methodist Church at the Village Green between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, or at the Naples Town Office. The deadline for requests is Friday Nov. 14. For more information, call Connie at 595-2754.

Library Update

• Annual Mini Art Sale

Each year talented local artists generously donate more than 100 small, original, matted watercolor paintings to the Library’s Annual Mini Art Sale held Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s paintings depict landscapes, lighthouses, animals, flowers, birch trees and loons. Once again the sale features donated prints by Richard Anzelc, a prolific painter whose work is always very popular.

His works include several local scenes, as well as beautiful lighthouses and sailing ships. All the matted small paintings and prints are $10 each. If you purchase two at full price, you can get a third a half price, giving the buyer an opportunity to have a nice grouping of three paintings.

• Cookie Walk and Raffle

Take a walk around tables loaded with yummy holiday cookies, baked and donated by local bakers.

For a donation of $5, you can fill a bag with your favorites. The Friends of NPL will also be raffling a large basket of holiday items donated by local merchants and patrons. While you are there, browse the shelves of the Book Barn. There will be some “Today Only” specials on books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs. Gift certificates are also available.

• Did You Know?

The Library has a Merlin LCD Magnifier for public use donated by the Hobbs family. The Merlin lets people with low vision, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma and cataracts read, write and regain their visual independence. The Naples Public Library is located at 940 Roosevelt Trail in Naples. For more information, call 693-6841 or check their website, www.naples.lib.me.us.

Handmade Goods

The Edes Falls Sewing Circle is holding its annual Ho Ho Sale Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The event takes place at the Edes Falls Community Center located at 319 Edes Falls Road. Also planned are a Chinese auction, and a homemade luncheon, including corn chowder, hot dogs, pies, breads, beans and biscuits. Everything at the sale will be homemade, including the hats, mittens, quilts and Afghans lovingly made by the ladies of the group. For more information, contact Priscilla Kyle at 693-4456.

Eat Healthy Workshop

Join health coach Pauline Webb at this invaluable workshop about the right foods to put in your body this winter. This workshop can help your efforts to maintain and not gain this holiday season! Pauline, a well-respected local fitness trainer, is hosting an Eating for Energy and Seasonal Eating Workshop at the Naples Town Hall in the large conference room on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Pauline will enlighten you on topics such as why you feel sluggish, and more importantly how to fix that! Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Contact Pauline to register at pwebb4health@gmail.com.

Project Graduation Fundraiser

Tickets are now available for a Beer Appreciation Night on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 5:30-8 p.m., which will be held at Bridgton Academy’s Goldsmith Dining Hall. A Beer Education class featuring samples of craft beers and appetizers will be the focal point of the evening, along with a Live and Silent Auction with a Live and Silent Auction with lots of great prizes.

Come bid on such items as a Shawnee Peak season’s pass, Celtics tickets, a lobster boat excursion for six, pontoon rentals, rounds of golf at various local courses, a signed Tim Thomas photo, gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, gift baskets and more. Tickets are $25 each, and all proceeds benefit the Lake Region Class of 2015 Project Graduation. For tickets, contact Jon Carlson at jcarlson9@maine.rr.com.

Celebrate Life!

Any time of year is fitting to celebrate the birth of a child, but the holiday season just makes everything a little bit warmer and fuzzier, don’t you think? Congratulations are in order for two Naples families who have new family members to spoil! Molly and Benn Breton had a bouncing baby boy, Noah, on Oct. 13. Two days later, Adelyn McGowan was born to parents Kelly and Michael McGowan. The funny thing is they were both 8 pounds and 20.5 inches long. What a coincidence! Best wishes to both families.

Start your Christmas shopping early at the Naples Public Library’s Annual Mini-Art Sale and Cookie Walk on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.