Changes Abound

Luckily for us all, Easter Sunday was a sunny day. Mind you, I did not say warm, especially in the morning. But it did warm up in the afternoon. Considering the following day was gray and rainy, I would say Easter was perfect just the way it was, weather wise. As many have commented, at least it was rain that came and not snow! Yes, spring is upon us, and the landscape will change dramatically over the next few weeks.

Change is Good

As we all know, Tony’s Foodland goes through lots of changes. It seems every time you go in, something is new or different. The latest change is one that I am extremely happy to share. The Umbrella Factory Supermarket (dba Tony’s Foodland) located in Naples has become part of the independent “Shop and Save” system of grocery stores supplied by Hannaford as of March 13. Their store is still an independent grocery store, owned and operated by David and Gail Allenson. They have made a business decision to switch suppliers in order to bring big store pricing to the community. This is much welcomed news. Over the years sometimes I would notice pricing on certain items was above what I normally paid in larger stores. I did always understand that the management’s hands were tied because they had to pay more for the product than the bigger stores, and they are in business to make money, like all of us. With this new supplier, Tony’s promises you will find your favorite items and many new products at lower competitive pricing. Tony’s appreciate the continued support of their store by their valued customers during their many changes.

Merry Watson’s Change

Some people live up to their names, and Merry Watson is a prime example. You have to have a “Merry” disposition to give 34 years plus of your life to helping others. As a founding member of the Naples Rescue Unit, Merry was called on time and again to serve, first as an emergency technician, and more recently as a full-fledged firefighter. Merry retired from the Naples Rescue Unit in February of this year, but will remain active in Naples with her work at the Historical Society and Museum president. She will also keep her rescue skill sharpened by working the First Aid Booth at the Fryeburg Fair. Thank you, Merry, for all you have done and continue to do for our town.

Head Start

There are a few seats open for the Starting Seeds workshop with Master Gardener Helen Brown at the library. Starting seeds inside in April can give your plants several weeks of healthy growth before outside planting in May. On April 9 at 5:30 p.m., Brown will be discussing various methods of seed-starting. Soil-testing instruction and kits will also be offered at this session.

Also at the Library, the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, April 16, from noon to 5 p.m.

School Vacation Fun

Got kids and are trying to figure out how to keep them busy? The library is here to help. Children’s librarian Kate Johnston announced some special events during that week. On Tuesday, April 16, from 3-4 p.m., join the Comic Book Mash Up. Create your own comic book using comic strips and your imagination. On Wednesday, April 17, at 4 p.m., grab a complimentary bag of popcorn and settle in to watch the movie “Rise of the Guardian.” On Thursday, April 18, at 3 p.m. the popular Kids ‘n Kameras program is hosting a Mother’s Day photo project. Bring some digital photos and create a gift for Mother’s Day. Please make sure you sign up in advance.

Artists Needed

The Friends of Naples Public Library have planned a live auction of Painted Canoe Paddles on Saturday, Aug. 3. There are still a few blank paddles available. Any local artist interested in painting a paddle, should contact Helen Brown at the library.

Adult Library Offerings

As I am always reporting, the library is such a resource for our town, both for children and adults. Did you know that they have the third season of “Downton Abbey” on DVD? If you are a fan, you know that is hard to come by right now. Also offered at the library for adults is Digital Media Monday at 4 p.m. where you can learn how to use your e-reader or try one of theirs. On Wednesday, April 17, join in on a discussion of the book, “When She Woke” by Hillary Jordan, at 1:30 p.m. If crafts are your thing, sign up for the Create a May Basket workshop on Tuesday, April 30.

Coming up at the library, Chef Paul Charpentier educates us on those strange fruits in the produce department. What are they, and most importantly, what do we do with them? Susan Bohill is also on the calendar to lead a Button Bracelet workshop. Check the library’s website for details as they emerge.

Brownie’s Good Deed

This year, as part of Brownie Troop 1963’s plan, Troop Leaders Marie Caron and Amy Keenan thought it would be a good experience for the girls to be in charge of planning a meeting, complete with snack and activity. Allison Baker decided to combine her responsibility while helping the community. She chose to do a food drive and donate the foods to Naples Food Pantry. Allison could have just asked her fellow Brownies to bring in some canned goods and called it a day. But Allison took it several steps further. First, she asked several local businesses about having a decorated food donation box for a week. Then she had all of the girls in her troop help decorate the boxes that were then dropped off at the different locations, including Aubuchon Hardware in Naples, Naples Veterinarian Clinic, Jewlz Beyond Hair, Naples Professional Building and Sabre Yachts. Allison then went and picked them up after a week of collecting and ended up with 126 items. The girls met last Monday at the Naples Food Pantry and put away all of the items. To help increase her haul, Allison designed flyers and taped them up around Naples to advertise the food drive. Congratulations to Allison, her family, the local participating businesses, and Brownie Troop 1963 of Naples for making a difference. It certainly takes a village to make a difference, but with effort, great things can be accomplished.

Lacrosse Benefit Sale

The Third Annual Mattress Fundraiser Sale, to benefit the Lake Region High School’s girls and boys lacrosse teams will take place Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School. All sizes and popular styles are available, all brand new with factory warranties. The mattresses are being offered 30-60 percent off retail, and delivery is available. Cash, checks or credit cards will be accepted the day of the sale. Participants of lacrosse have to pay to play, so any public support is greatly appreciated. For more information, contact Coach Don White at 321-1882 or visit the Facebook page, “Lake Region Lacrosse Mattress Fundraiser Sale.”