Get used to it!

The delays due to the Naples Bridge work will be with us for the foreseeable future. Craig Hurd, project resident engineer, says to expect ongoing delays for the next two years! Sept. 15, 2011, is the planned date set to close the Swing Bridge. The complete switch over to the new bridge is scheduled for Memorial Day 2012. Right now the crew is working on drainage issues, building a seawall, and the demolition and rebuilding of docks, including that of the Songo River Queen. Consider yourself lucky if you live somewhere in Naples that does not require a daily crossing over the old structure. I am pleased crews are working diligently, but long for that post-summer perk of zipping over the bridge with ease minutes before the kids are due at school. Now I have to give myself at least 10 extra minutes to get to Songo Locks on time. It will take some getting used to that’s for sure. To obtain the latest updates, you are welcome to attend their bi-monthly progress meetings held at their field office in the Old ERA Today office on the Causeway. The meetings are at 11 a.m. every other Thursday (the next one is Oct. 28). Change is good, right?

Change is good

A place to change, that is! The construction is under way on the highly anticipated and long overdue changing and bathroom facilities at the Naples Town Beach. Future plans for the facility may include heat, which would be great for the winter fisherman and sports tourists! As of now, the facilities won’t be heated, so they will not be available until next year. Adams Construction is the company performing the work. Town Manager Derik Goodine notes the work is going well and construction should be completed by mid-November.

Free eats

The monthly dinners at Christ Chapel located on Route 85 in Raymond are truly a blessing. Why not attend and break bread with your neighbors? The church graciously offers these meals to Raymond and surrounding communities. I have yet to attend myself as those Friday Nights always seem to be booked, but I promise to report when I get to one in the near future. Thanksgiving arrives early at this month’s meal. The buffet dinner will be served Oct. 30 from 4:30 -6 p.m. Call 655-5058 for information.

The craft fairs ?are coming

First the foliage and the Fryeburg Fair, then the craft fairs! The beloved fairs are fast approaching. Don’t miss the Inn at Long Lake’s 20th! annual fair which gives you a chance to check out all the rooms in the inn as well as start your holiday shopping with some one-of-a-kind locally made gifts. The fair runs Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The inn will not be taking reservations during this weekend and will actually be closed until the Nov. 23. The Holly Berry Fair, benefiting Project Graduation, is being held at Lake Region High School on Nov 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. this year.

Sebago’s Spalding Library

Just a stone’s throw away from Naples, the Spalding Library is offering some fantastic opportunities for fun and learning. Don’t miss the final free children’s performance of the year on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. Children’s book author Paul Janeczko is sure to delight audiences of all ages. This popular Maine author and poet will treat the audience to jokes, stories and poetry. He’ll also discuss his new book, “The Dark Game, True Spy Stories.” Other activities at the library include The Book Club which will meet Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and continue to meet the third Monday of each month. The book for November is “The Last Time I Saw You” by Elizabeth Berg. In December, the library will hold its Annual Cookie Walk on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 787-2321 or visit the library’s website at www.spalding.lib.me.us.