Naples Main Street Update

Come join the celebration on Friday, May 18,, at 1 p.m. for the long awaited New Causeway Bridge Opening. The old bridge was built in 1954, and the new bridge of 2012 depicts a new era with an arch and attractive stone front that spans the length of the bridge. As far as traffic goes for the day of the celebration, expect delays similar to those of the Fourth of July, about 30 minutes anywhere from 1-2 p.m.

The rebirth of the causeway is exciting as it will be a more enjoyable place for individuals, as well as families, to walk and view the beautiful new downtown, lakes and mountains. The feeling in our quaint little town is one of excitement and extreme appreciation for the many community and business leaders, architects, engineers, the State of Maine and Department of Transportation, Wyman & Simpson contractors, and all workers who have labored and endured our Maine weather.

The causeway always looked neat and clean on a Friday when work was over for the day or a week. The timeline for a project such as this one will be met, creating a proud moment for all of the citizens of Naples and the Sebago Lakes Region. Although much work remains to the Causeway project, change is in the air as business owners are making improvements to their properties in anticipation of better times to come. Raffle tickets are available at the Naples Town Office and Coldwell Banker Lakes Region Properties for two raffles. Raffle No. 1 is a ticket to be the LAST vehicle to cross the “Old Causeway Bridge,” and Raffle No. 2 is a ticket to be the FIRST public vehicle to cross the “New Causeway Bridge.” Awards will be presented to the winners.

Continuing the celebration, a Wine Tasting event will be held the evening of May 18th at Merced’s Restaurant in Naples at 6 p.m. continuation of the Grand Tickets are $30 each and include hors d’oeuvres, and the wine tasting with Sam Brown of Pine State Beverage Co. There will also be music with Rick Albert, as well as a silent auction. All proceeds are for the benefit of the Naples Main Street project. Tickets are available at Coldwell Banker Lakes Region Properties.

Hiring!

Naples Recreation is looking for three summer camp counselors(minimum age is 16). Positions will require eight to 10 hours a day Monday through Friday, July 2-Aug. 17. Orientation will be the week of June 25. Interested persons should stop by the Naples Town Office and pick up an application. FMI, call Harvey Price at 693-6364. The deadline for all applications is May 4 at 4 p.m.

The Naples Library needs a new youth librarian. The fabulous Syntha Green regrettably, is moving. We certainly wish her family and her all the best, but she will be missed terribly. Naples has a rich pool of talented people, let’s hope we find just the right one to fill Syntha’s shoes. I would love to see the fabulous momentum at the library continue.

Chinese auction

This Saturday, May 5, head on down to the American Legion in Naples for the ultimate Chinese Auction. The doors open at 4 p.m. for viewing, with the drawing beginning promptly at 6 p.m. There will be a snack bar available, raffles, dollar table and hundreds of fantastic prized up for grabs for a bargain. The auction is sponsored by the Ladies Auxilliary Unit 155 of Naples, Casco and Raymond.

Flower show

May 18 sure is a busy day with lots of choices for Lake Region residents. If you want to avoid all the hullabaloo and skip town, here’s your chance. The Naples and Casco Recreation programs are offering a bus ride to the Northern New England Flower Show at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. Board the bus at the American Legion at 9:15 a.m., returning at 4 p.m. The show boasts more than 300 vendors, including plenty of food vendors for you to choose from. Cost is $7, and includes bus ride and admission. FMI, contact Beth Latsey at 627-4187 or Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364.

Benefit dance, dinner

Our neighbors in Sebago have experienced some tragedies over the last year, with two longtime residents passing away unexpectedly. On Saturday, May 26, a group of concerned and caring citizens are organizing a fundraising dance at Sebago’s Old Town Hall. There will be hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at the event. All proceeds will go to the families of Peter Kolofsky and John Porter. Pete Finkle will be the headliner that evening, and is sure to get you in a dancing mood. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Our neighbors in the opposite direction, in Raymond over at Christ Chapel Church, are once again offering a fine complimentary community meal on the same day as this benefit dance, Saturday, May 26. So, head over to Raymond first to break bread with friends, and then go dance off the meal all for a good cause in Sebago. The meal begins at Christ Chapel at 4:30 p.m. and goes until 6 p.m. On the menu that night will be oven-fried shrimp, veggies, casseroles, salad and desserts. All are welcome. The church is located on Northern Pines Road off of Route 85.

International series

Also over in Sebago at the Spalding Library, three foreign exchange students from our own Lake Region High School will speak about their countries and customs and experiences traveling on Saturday, May 5, and again on Saturday, May 19, both at 7 p.m. What a great way to introduce your kids to different nationalities. Call the library at 787-2321 for more information.

Correction

In my last article I listed the contact number for Jane Croteau incorrectly. Jane is in charge of the art show to be held at Bray’s Brew Pub in the Biergarten on Sunday, June 24. If you are interested in finding out more details, you can contact Jane at 693-3502 or email her at janeswatercolors@hotmail.com.