Fair trade

Well, I did not get my baked potato from the Bridgton Rotary, but my husband and I did make the Fryeburg Fair. I will say that I pigged out on the Italian sausage and pepper sandwich and greasy fries. Just to make all of you feel better, I did not pay for it the next day, just call me cast-iron stomach!

On Monday, many of the carnival caravans were heading down Route 302, which made me rather sad. Where are they heading, what is their next stop and will they have as much fun as they had here? Have you ever desired to be a “roadie?” I do believe my husband suggested it to me this week, but I pretended he was talking in his sleep.

One of the incredibly funny things associated with the fair are the families that live along the main route. Every year they try to outdo each other for parking spaces and attract visitors in to their lots by saying a “five” minute walk, or just steps away while wielding these amazing twirling things that cannot help but get your attention. I find it incredibly entrepreneurial, and think that it is wonderful that with the fees that they take in during this short week in the fall, may pay for their property taxes for the coming year.

Now serving

For those of you who do not know, we happen to live in a poor but generous town. Mark and Lindsay Clement and Mark Blankenship have started a program called Crosswalk Community Outreach, a food and clothing fund for those that are in need and do not meet the criteria for the town programs. They welcome everyone and I know in my heart of hearts that it is appreciated.

Volunteers will be hosting meals on Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting Oct. 20 at the Naples Town Hall. They will be serving a meal of soup, chowder or chili at the same time as the food giveaway, which at some point will turn into a community meal. They will also be starting The Clothing Closet for those who are in need of warm clothing for the upcoming winter months

Although it is not just the Clements or Blankenship, but a dedicated group of persons from their fellowship, I am proud to say that I personally know all of them and am thrilled to say that I find this to be a most commendable effort for our community.

I will add on a personal note, that although I am sure they would not want me to say this, they have given up many of their own personal items, fun things, toys, comfort items and vacations, to do this wonderful thing for the community, and I am in awe of them. They pay for all of this out of their own pockets. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact me at the above numbers.

All together now

This weekend will feature the biggest yard sale ever seen, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former Reinhard Greenhouse on Route 302 in Naples. In conjunction with the Naples Lions Club, Lakes Region Habitat for Humanity and Naples Main Street, we are holding a yard sale to benefit the Naples Fuel Assistance Fund.

We all know that the energy crisis is hitting home, so we are trying to put money in place in the fund to help those who absolutely have no alternative. Times are scary, but I am proud to say that Naples residents are still willing to give when they can. If you have items to donate please contact me at the above number.

As I close, I am going to reiterate that this is the best place on earth to live. People care and people notice their fellow neighbor and respond.

Have a great and healthy week and as always, if you have information to share or your club or civic group is doing something special, please let me know.