Spring, Laughter is in the Air

Spring is finally in the air! It’s still chilly in my book, but wow, to be able to go outside with just a light jacket and not have goosebumps, it is a great feeling!

The well-attended Naples Fire Department’s Annual Comedy Night, celebrating its 10th year, was a prime example of how ready Naples residents are to get out of the house after this long winter. The ice is out, so things can only get better from here!

Honor Awarded to Naples Teen

Joel Parr, a sophomore at Lake Region High School from Naples, will attend the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston from June 28-30.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The purpose of the event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Joel Parr was nominated by American hero and astronaut Buzz Aldrin, science director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists to represent Maine based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and passion for science and technology.

During the three-day Congress, Joel Parr will join students from across the country to hear Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about leading scientific research, be given advice from deans of the world’s top tech universities, be inspired by fellow teen science prodigies and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology. Interestingly, Joel was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, and now look at him go! Congratulations to Joel, his mom Janet Knights, and his step-dad Kevin Hazelton, of Naples.

Naples Lions Club Spring Fling

The Naples Lions Club is hosting its eighth annual Spring Fling fundraiser. Each year the proceeds target specific needs in the community. Past events have benefited Camp Sunshine, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, and fuel assistance. Last year’s Spring Fling proceeds were split between the two food pantries in Naples and the Town of Naples for fuel assistance. The pantries received $875 each and Fuel Assistance Fund $1,750.

This year the proceeds raised, after direct expenses, will be used to assist youth programs, scholarships, activities or events in the Lakes Region. The night includes a silent and live auction as well as a station style buffet provided by area restaurants!

This fun event will be held on Saturday, May 9, starting at 5 p.m. at the American Legion, 26 Casco Road (Route 11) in Naples. Advance tickets cost $15 and are available from club members, the Augustus Bove House at 11 Sebago Road in Naples (693-6365), and at the Romah Motor Inn at 310 Roosevelt Trail also in Naples (693-6690). Please call if you have an auction item to donate.

May at the library

Spring is finally here. The dirty piles of snow have faded away, the early spring flowers are blooming and muscles are sore after hours cleaning up the yard and gardens. Relax at the end of the day with a new book or video from the Naples Public Library or gently used older books from their Book Barn, one of the best bargains in town.

There will be a Red Cross blood drive at the library on Thursday, May 21, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. You can register in the adult library.

If you are curious about the genealogy of your family but need help getting started on the research, Jackie Kiley will hold a workshop on using ancestry.com on Saturday, May 16, from 10-11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required. The Library’s third annual Duck Drop will be on Sunday, June 21. Ducks are on sale at the library.

Cutie pie and Naples resident Amelia Gillis enjoys the warmer temperatures with a friend.Photo by Vicki Toole