Kevin Gilson fundraising

As most people in the area are aware, Kevin Gilson, local teen and Lake Region High School student, was seriously injured in a car crash while heading down Lake House Road in Naples. Currently, Gilson is hospitalized. A benefit spaghetti supper and auction will be held at the American Legion in Naples on Sunday, Nov. 20, from 12-5 p.m. Tickets are available at the Legion for $10. Seating is limited so get your tickets in advance. Donations are being sought for the Chinese Auction that will also be held that evening. To make an auction donation contact either Maxine Blais at 400-1853 or Robin Aaskov at 653-9595. You can also donate to the Kevin Gilson Fund by contacting the Evergreen Credit Union.

Other fundraisers for Kevin include a Run/Walk and a Dart Shoot. The Run/Walk takes place at the LRHS track on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m. Pre-registered runners can sign up for $15. The cost will be $20 for event day registrants. Sign-in will be 9 a.m. for day of event registrants and 9:30 a.m. for those who pre-registered. FMI or to register, contact Tonya Gilson at tonya_gilson@yahoo.com or call 632-5517 or contact Kathryn Merrill by email at Kathryn.merrill@lakeregionschools.org

The Dart Shoot-Out at the American Legion will be held on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m., with doors opening at noon. Entry fee is $20 for the Double Elimination Shoot-out. The dart winner and the Kevin Gilson Fund will split the proceeds.

Dempsey Challenge hits Naples

An official Cheer Station was set up on the Naples Causeway to help root on the bicycle race participants of the 100-mile Dempsey Challenge. The Future Business Leaders Chapter from Lake Region Vocational Center chose the Patrick Dempsey Center as their focus for community service last year.

During their tour of the Dempsey Center, Mary Dempsey, sister of Patrick, asked if LRVC would take on the cheering station. The cheering station was a hit! The Naples Fire Department Truck came out to greet the riders with sirens, lights and horns. Friends and family of the LRVC came out to support the riders in a truly touching community effort. The red, white and blue-clad cheering squad made each rider feel special waving flags, hands and using blow-horns as each cyclist sped by. The smiles and waves from the riders told the story of how appreciated each participant felt. Being part of this group was a great experience. Each rider raised or donated at least $150 to ride in the challenge. The selflessness and devotion of each volunteer riding for funds for the Dempsey Center’s mission was emotionally overwhelming for many of us. The Dempsey Center does not charge anyone fees for any of their services. This fundraiser supports the center for the fiscal year. It was a great morning. Thank you to Audrey Langley and the residents and students who brought pride to Naples that morning.

Travel softball for girls

When I was growing up, I loved softball and the feeling of being a part of a team. There is a new Panther Travel Softball Team being organized for girls ages 14 and under. This team is open to all girls in the Lake Region, Fryeburg, Oxford and Poland Areas. Try-outs will be held Sunday, Oct. 23, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Lake Region High School Softball Field on Kansas Road. Players will be expected to participate in five tournaments during June and the first half of July. Players should bring their own gloves and wear proper attire for the try-outs. FMI contact Coach Wayne Rivet at 647-5363.

Step into fitness

Starting Monday, Oct. 24, you will have a safe and warm place to walk for exercise. Sponsored by the Bridgton Community Center and held at Lake Region High School, the program is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call Carmen Lone at 647-3116 for times.

Local crafts at the Inn

Don’t miss the annual Craft Show at the Inn at Long Lake the weekend of Nov. 5 and 6. This weekend is traditionally the unofficial start of the Holiday Buzz and excitement around here. I love the visiting the Inn for this show. The smells of gingerbread, the warmth of the fire, and all those great holiday gifts make it a must shop. Support your local artisans. If you have never been inside the Inn, this is the perfect time to meet Inn Keeper Keith and explore all of the gorgeous rooms, as there are crafters set up in every room.

Congrats good citizen

Samantha Dole of Naples has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s Citizen of the Month for October.