Freezing in the season?

Is it safe to walk on Long Lake right now? I am really not sure that at this point the lake is ready, but the other day I saw two people in the very middle. Personally, I will wait until the Naples Winter Carnival scheduled for Feb. 10, 11 and 12, weather pending. Should be solid by then.

Construction update

I stopped by the site this morning and chatted with some of the crew from Wyman & Simpson. Don’t worry, they really didn’t seem like they had the time to stop and chat with me. They were all business. The crew did say that the weather is better this year than last as far as working outside goes. Next time you pass by, wave to them, and see if you can spot Mike Mason, one of the crew nice enough to let me snap a photo.

Local yokel

That’s right, I am a Local Yokel. Translation? I want to shop locally. Get my toiletries and the like at Rite Aid. Pick up my milk and bread at Tony’s. As a business owner, I can tell you that these months are the ones where the local businesses need all the support you can muster. Fortunately, I think most of us are well aware of that, as I notice familiar faces out and about, spending money at the local shops and pubs. Great!

The businesses are trying to help make it easier for us to want to spend locally. Shear Techniques, the longtime staple salon in the Tony’s Foodland Plaza, is offering a customer appreciation special. A cut, color, and style will run you 25 percent less, while a shampoo and cut is 10 percent less right now. They also offer tanning. Call Amy and Rolanda at 693-3052 to book your beauty appointment.

Tony’s always has those discount bins when you walk in. I, for one, have gotten many a good deal there. Rite Aid is also stepping up its discount game. There are many $1 items, and I always check the clearance shelves in the back by the frozen and paper sections. Also, with your rewards card, you can really save. I have accumulated so many points, that now I get 20 percent off every purchase I make. That is just wonderful news in my opinion.

Library activity

Even in the frigid winter, the library offers warmth in more ways than one. Andrea Dacko, a longtime library board member and supporter, wanted residents to know that they are more than welcome to come visit the library during operating hours if they are in need of a warm place to hang out. Got an old house that sometimes gets chilly? Feeling isolated? Pack up your knitting and spend the day at the library. You will be around friendly people, and there are plenty of interesting books and computer access to keep you busy.

While you are there on Jan. 18, you can warm up someone else’s heart by making a thank-you card at 4 p.m. with the library volunteers and patrons. On Thursday evenings at 6 p.m., bring your young friends or family to PJ Story Time at 6 p.m. led by the delightful Maggie Poulin. Like Scrabble? Then join the Adult Scrabble Club that meets there the second and fourth Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

The Library is also hosting two very useful classes. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 7-8:30 p.m., the library will explore MARVEL (Maine Virtual Library), specifically the Hobbies and Crafts Section. They will be looking at this wonderful online resource and perhaps start a group that meets regularly for interested crafty people. On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6-7:30 p.m. there will be an informational meeting on the Learning Express Library (www.maine.gov/msl/commons/). Did you know that you can get an interactive lesson in all kinds of computer programs at all levels for FREE, with over 60 courses available? Some of the courses offered are Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word, Access and more.

For Kids, the Lego Club meets the second and fourth Tuesdays 4-5 p.m. This club is evolving, so if you love Legos, come on down and help build the structure of this class. On the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. join Deb and Paige Goldstein for the Tween Book Club. Call the library for the book list for this club at 693-6841.

Get moving

In addition to the plethora of outdoor winter activities, there are plenty of fun indoor options in our area to keep us fit and focused. Deb Goldstein is offering yoga in the Naples Town Gym on Tuesday mornings from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Drop-ins are welcome and cost $10. The eight-week session has started already, but perhaps there is a way to pro-rate and sign up for the rest of the classes at the session rate. Yoga would complement nicely any other fitness routines you may be involved in.

The Lifetime Fitness Program, offered by Crooked River Adult Education, is another great option. Included in this eight-week program are cardio kickbox and Zumba classes, as well as a sound nutrition plan and the incentive of competing against others to keep you motivated and on track. Contact Darlene Perry at CRAE at 627-4291 for the details. Again, this is another program that began this week, but you can surely get in for the remaining time and you will not regret your decision, guaranteed.

If team sports are more your thing, the Greater Bridgton Chamber is looking for players for their Dodge Ball Tournament which takes place during this January’s Musher’s Bowl. Players can pre-register with the Chamber at 647-3472 for the game to be held at Steven’s Brook Elementary on Jan. 21, from 1:30-4 p.m.

Naples Main Street update

The Wine Tasting scheduled at the lovely Inn at Long Lake has been postponed till Spring. Watch this column for updates for that event as well a few other exciting ones in the planning stages.

Naples Main Street’s foray into the world of cookbooks has proven to be a successful one. You should really purchase your copy now, because they are selling quite well. I picked one up for my sister who visits often and she loved it. I still have to pick up mine, so you might just see me at Tony’s Foodland doing just that.

Winter herb classes

One of Naple’s greatest treasures is Betsey-Ann Golon. She and her husband, Dale, exemplify the spirit of the innovative entrepreneur. As owners of Common Folk Herb Farm (at the other end of Lakehouse Road), Betsey is involved in the Shaker Community, organizes the Annual Inn at Long Lake Craft Show each November, and has her hands in almost every pot, flower or otherwise, around.

She will be presenting classes at the inn on the following dates fom noon to 2 p.m.: Jan. 29, Feb. 8 and 19. Classes are $25/person and includes a light lunch. Their lovely Great Room is very comfortable and is the perfect setting to hear Betsey’s information. One class is “Preserving the Herbal Harvest.” Here, Betsey explains age-old and new ideas to make pastes, how to dehydrate veggies, and (upon my suggestion) use them to create unique spirits (like infused vodkas!).

Another class is “Cooking with Lavender.” We all enjoy soaking in a hot bath of it but did you know how wonderful it is to cook with?! Betsey will be showing you how versatile this common herb is, and how we can wow our recipe catalogs with some novel ideas of using this herb.

If you have other gardening questions, I am sure that Betsey can be pulled aside after the classes for brief Q&A. (Spring is just around the corner!) For more information or to sign up, please contact Betsey at the herb farm (787-2764) between noon and 4 p.m. Hope to see you there.