Naples for the Arts

The first annual Naples for the Arts fine arts and crafts festival was held on Saturday, July 31, on the bustling Naples Causeway. The show included artists and fine crafters from near and far along with activities for adults, children, and even our four-legged friends! Judges awarded cash prizes totaling $1600 to best of show, second best of show, third best of show, best photo, and best craft. Hundreds attended on that beautiful day, supporting the event for the community and its fundraising recipient, The Clyde Bailey Center. Businesses and individuals were so supportive that a Sunset Silent Auction followed on Aug. 4 to auction off many generous donations. The total amount raised is still being tallied but expected to have reached its goal to raise funds toward the purchase of a permanent home for the center. The Clyde Bailey Center hosts over 700 meetings per year for those in addiction recovery and their families with attendance exceeding 10,000 annually. Started by Clyde Bailey himself in the 1990s, the center has grown yearly as awareness is raised for the illnesses of addiction . The center wishes to thank everyone involved who helped make this event a huge success. To learn more about the art show and center, visit www.naplesforthearts.com or www.clyde-baileydropincenter.org.

Bugs and blown glass?

Yes, you heard it right. Strange combination, but nonetheless worth a trip to the Spaulding Memorial Library in Sebago. Jim Nutting, the man famous around these parts for his collection of exotic insects, will be at the library Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Jim’s also from Maine Art Glass Studio in Lisbon Falls. So he makes stained glass and he’s a bug collector, licensed by the state to collect and keep exotic bugs. He makes beautiful boxes to display mounted bugs in and also makes stained glass featuring bugs. That night at the library, he is just doing a presentation, not selling his glass works, but they do sell his stuff at Maine Art Glass Studio. Visit http://www.maineartglass.com/home.html to learn more.

Naples library events

August is the month to hear some first-rate local authors at the Naples Public Library. On Aug. 17 at 7 p.m., author Harriett B. Varney Miller will speak about her powerful novel “Birth of the Phoenix,” which empowers abused women to fight for their rights. Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. will bring local writer Charles Eastman Fox, who will read from his recent works of prose and poetry and talk about writing for publication. Both authors will offer autographed copies of their books for sale. The programs will be held in the library’s Gathering Room and are free of charge.

Jim Dover will be speaking at the library on Wednesday, Aug. 24, about his fabulous trip to New Zealand. Come join him and your neighbors for a slide show and storytelling about this exotic location, beginning at 7 p.m.

Zumba cruise

The zumba cruise held on the Songo River Queen was so much fun, the ladies in charge decided one more was in order! This time, join zumba instructors Dinah Aldrich and yours truly, Vicki Toole, aboard the Songo Queen Friday, Aug. 13, from 7-9 p.m. There will be light hors d’oeuvres, giveaways and lots of dancing. Instructors from all over Maine will be on hand to do a song or two! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased the day of the cruise until 6 p.m. (subject to availability). Don’t delay! If you don’t make it to the cruise, check out zumba.com to find out where the nearest class is to you simply by typing in your zip code! Don’t miss the boat! Or the party!

Crooked River adult ed classes

The Community Education Center located in Casco at the old middle school is offering some fantastic classes this fall and winter, including a zumba class by yours truly. I mention it here because the news is the time of the class has changed from what it says in the guides which were mailed to every household in the area. The class hopefully will be held Wednesday mornings at 9 instead of the 5:30 p.m. class originally scheduled. Please spread the word, especially to mothers who may be dropping off their kids at school and then need some Mommy time! There are many other interesting offerings including meditation, hospice volunteer training, windmill construction, turbo jam and more! For information, visit www.crookedriver.maineadulted.org.

Naples Grange Lobster Bake

The signs are everywhere. Kudos to the Grange crew for getting the word out about this popular annual event happening this Saturday, Aug. 14, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on the Naples Village Green, Route 302. In its second year, the idea behind this is to promote Maine foods and companies by offering a fun-filled family event for the community. The cost is $25, which covers your double lobster meal with all the fixings, entertainment, priceless memories and your community support! Tickets are available at www.grangelobsterbake.com.

Concerts ?on the Green

A German band performs this Sunday, Aug. 15, on the Naples Village Green. Next Sunday, country music singer Vickie Lee will entertain us . All concerts are from 6-7 p.m. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the show.