The weekend of the first day of spring in Naples had its highs (temperature wise, 68 degrees) and lows (snow!) Overall, I’d have to say more than acceptable, especially with the weather this winter. Lots of melting and mud predicted…

Can you see ?what I see?

Seeing clearly is important, especially for school-aged children. A big thank-you is due to Walmart of Windham for offering their Eye Care staff and equipment to screen students of Songo Locks Elementary for vision problems. With over 300 students to test (they do only certain grades), newly appointed school nurse Mrs. Young was grateful for the help.

A while back I had called to find out when eye exams were going to be administered. I had recently taken my youngest daughter to get her eyes examined and was told it would cost over $100. Since I suspected her request for a vision test was more a wish for stylish glasses than an actual vision problem, I decided to investigate other options. It was undetermined at that time when the tests would be given, but I had been told there were many students to be tested. Now is the time, thanks to Walmart. It was stressed that the $100 exam would be more extensive, but it is a great start for parents to determine whether follow-up exams are needed.

Naples recreation

Naples Rec. is offering Aquacise at Colonial Mast Campground. The next session (eight weeks) will begin on March 29 and run through May 19. Classes run every Tuesday and Thursday. Class times are at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. (if there are enough participants). The cost per session is $75 and drop-ins ($7 a class) are welcome. For more information, contact Harvey Price Jr. at 693-6364 or Colonial Mast at 693-6652.

For the land lover, the recreation program also includes Aerobics classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. at the Naples Town Gym. The cost of for these classes is $20 per month for Naples seniors and $30 per month for everyone else. Drop-ins are welcome at $5 a class. For more information, contact Price 693-6364 or Pauline Webb 647-5456.

Culinary knife skills

Ever watch the “Iron Chef” competition on the Food Channel and wonder how those professional chefs can chop their way through a mountain of mushrooms and never even break a sweat? Ever panic at the thought of having to break down a whole chicken into pieces for the fry pan? Do you know the difference between a mince, a dice, a julienne, or a battonet?

Paul Charpentier, certified executive chef and certified culinary educator, will be teaching you how to chop like a pro – safely and efficiently – on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Naples Public Library. Chef Paul will not only teach knife safety, but will also teach the various types of knives, their appropriate uses, selecting, caring for and sharpening knives and how to cut and chop with maximum efficiency and dexterity. He will demonstrate on meats, vegetables and herbs.

Learning how to correctly hold and handle a knife in the kitchen is one of the first basics taught in culinary schools. A chef’s knife skill, or lack thereof, is one of the defining measures of a successful culinary career. Proper use of knives in the home kitchen is not only a matter of safety, but can greatly enhance your enjoyment of cooking for friends and family.

The Knife Skills class is free and open to all, but registration is required. Call the Naples Public Library at 693-6841 for more information or to sign up for class.

A star is born

Lake Region Community Theatre announces open auditions for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s enchanting musical version of “Cinderella.” The stage version is based on the TV presentations, which starred Julie Andrews in 1957 and Leslie Ann Warren in 1965. Some of Rodger and Hammerstein’s most mesmerizing and hummable music is contained in this classic fairy tale. The play will be directed by Matthew Ryder, with musical direction by Mary Bastoni and choreography by Pam Collins Stahle.

The cast requirements for this rendering of the timeless tale of the young woman whose love is redeemed by a glass slipper include a large number of singing performers. Mr. Ryder says there are roles for adults, teens and children ages 8 and over. Men are especially needed. Please prepare a classic Broadway song for your musical audition and bring the sheet music with you. If auditioning for Cinderella, Prince Charming or another particular part, it is strongly suggested that you prepare a song from the show. Also, be prepared to read from the script and come dressed to dance. Additional information is available on the LRCT Web site at www.lrctme.org. If you are interested in helping with make-up, hair styling or props, please stop by during auditions.

Auditions will take place on Friday, April 1, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m.-noon at Lake Region High School in Naples. If needed, callbacks will be on Sunday, April 3, from 1-3 p.m. If you cannot attend one of these sessions, please contact the director at 939-5919. Rehearsals will be on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays beginning with a meet and greet read-thru on April 11 at 6 p.m. Weeknight rehearsals will be from 6-9 p.m. with Saturday rehearsals from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m ?The show will open on the stage at Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center in Harrison on Friday, June 17 and run through Sunday, June 26. Friday and Saturday evening performances will be at 8 p.m. with Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Plan to be enchanted all over again.

Breakfast anyone?

Join the Lake Region National Junior Honor Society for its fundraising Breakfast and Auction on Saturday, April 2 from 7-11 a.m. at Songo Locks Elementary School, Naples. Tickets for Breakfast are $5 each or $20 per family. All proceeds go to help the NJHS pay for their trip to Washington, D.C. There are over 100 items for the auction including area restaurant gift certificates, Portland Pirates tickets, Sea Dogs tickets with opening pitch and many more.

Japan fundraiser

In an effort to raise money to aid Japan in its time of crisis, students at Songo Locks Elementary School will host a Family Fun Night on Wednesday, April 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. Mark your calendars for this exciting event. More information in the next Inside Naples article.