Weighty issue

I am going to get incredibly fat and Maggie Krainin is the cause of this. I have not eaten peanut M&M’s since I was a kid, but at recent Causeway Bridge meetings, they just kept pouring those little delights and I kept on eating.

I got home from one of those meetings and because I keep no treats in the house other than dog treats I was astounded to find that I had nothing in the house that contained sugar. I am happy to report that Rite-Aid is having a two-for-one sale on peanut M &M’s, so please come along and get fat with me!

Welcome back

The Naples Lobster Pound opened last week and it was awesome. My sister, Barbara (Emmertz) Hunt was a waitress there in the ’70s when she worked for Bonny and Steve Edwards, but since she is so much older than I, I can only remember that the tables, benches, utensils and ambience are all the same. The placemats are only different because of the prices.

It was wonderful to see many of our townsfolk there on opening day. I encourage all of you to go at least once this season, or at least order take-out. Feel the history, or relive it, smell the pine and take your kid’s or grandchildren’s picture in the lobster cutout. Please say hello to the owners J.R and Melissa Warren as they are matching the Edwards’ efforts in continuing this tiny piece of history that is so important to “Our Town.”

A real blast

I hope all of you are ready as this weekend is another of our major events for the season, our Fourth of July festivities. The parade will begin at 2 p.m., and Route 302 will be closed from Norway Savings Bank to Lambs Mill Road from 2-2:30. The Naples Fire Department will be on hand to serve up their tasty burgers, fries and hot dogs. There will be an Italian Ice vendor and popcorn.

Naples Main Street will be selling their beautiful Four Season T-shirts and note cards that depict the same scenes as the Causeway Banners at the Light House from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. These shirts are truly a remarkable representation of the four seasons here in our town and the shirts and note cards make wonderful gifts.

The fireworks will begin around 9 p.m., so bring a chair or a blanket and get your spot early. I hope to see all of you out enjoying the fun and hope that the weather cooperates. Remember our motto, “Naples, always in season.”

Meet and greet

Maine 1st District Rep. Tom Allen will be in Naples July 5 at 5 p.m. to visit the home of Jim Krainin. Allen is now running for U.S. Senator against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Krainin could be selected at a caucus as the Democratic candidate to oppose Rep. Rich Cebra, R-Naples, for the Maine House District 101 seat. All are welcome to attend.

To reach Krainin’s home, take Hillbrook Road (fire lane 4) off Route 302, just west of Romah Motel to 15 Krainin Lane. For more information, please contact Laura O’Donnell at 693-3073 or Krainin at 693-6448.

The Democratic caucus that might nominate Krainin for voters from Naples, Casco and Poland will be held Thursday, July 10 from 7-8 p.m. at the Naples Town Office. Caucuses are a time to make our voices heard and your participation is essential. For more information on the caucus, please contact O’Donnell at the number above.

Make a splash

The Naples Recreation Department is offering its summer swim program. The first session begins July 7, the second July 28. Registration forms may be picked up at the Town Office. For details, contact Harvey Price at 693-6364. Whether you live here or spend summers here, learning how to swim is a necessity for your child.

Getting bugged

Jim Nutting, co-owner of Maine Art Glass in Lisbon Falls and an avid bug enthusiast, will be presenting a free program at the Naples Public Library Tuesday, July 22, at 10:45 a.m. as part of the library’s “Catch The Reading Bug” children’s summer reading program.

A lifetime bug collector, Jim has a vast personal collection and extensive knowledge of thousands of live and mounted insects and has put together a world class display of tropical and local butterflies and insects.

For more information about this or other library programs, call 693-6841. Learn more about Nutting at www.maineartglass.com/artists/jimnutting.html

On display

The Naples Public Library will be hosting its annual home tour on Thursday, Aug. 7. Tour eight fabulous homes open for viewing in the heart of the Lakes Region, from ultra-luxurious newly built houses to 18th century homes filled with history.

Among this year’s homes are the historic Union Church, built in 1857, the Manning Mansion, built in 1810, and the timber-framed Lost Pine Lodge. A special house tour buffet is offered at the Naples Golf and Country Club located on Route 114, 1?2 mile from the Naples Causeway. Ample free parking is available.

The cost is $6.75 per person, tickets go on sale at the library July 22 or at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the tour. For tickets or further information, call 693-6841. All proceeds benefit our library and I must tell you the tours are always fabulous, so get your tickets early!

I hope whatever you do this holiday weekend that you enjoy and stay safe. Have a great week and as always, if you have information to share, please let me know.

Lisbon Falls resident Jim Nutting will visit the Naples Public Library with his collection of bugs July 22 at