Naples news
June 19, 2011
By Theresa Wardle

Thanks to those who were able to attend our last meeting June 6. Please mark your calendars to note we are meeting again Monday, June 27, at 6 p.m. to finalize plans for the community potluck. Since we are NOT meeting on Monday, July 4, we will then meet again on Monday, July 11.

Lots to catch up on – here we go:

We are starting community volleyball every Wednesday night at 6:30 at the Naples School. Everyone is welcome to play or just visit with your neighbors/friends. It will be a great chance to get together, let kids play and perhaps even get a little exercise for those interested. Please spread the word!

It’s the last few weeks of our slogan contest, so write those ideas down and drop them off at the Naples Fire Station, Naples General Store or Moose Valley Farms. We will vote on the winning slogan at the June 27 meeting.

Plans are shaping up for our Naples Community Potluck, Saturday, July 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. We plan to have live music, sack races, horseshoes, a silent auction, good food and great company. Be sure to bring a chair/blanket, some flatware and something delicious to share with your neighbors. Next step is to start advertising, so watch for flyers. Also, please set aside any items you no longer need but think some poor sucker might want to buy!

Just kidding, but really we would appreciate any items to resale and help increase the Naples Community Group funds that in turn help our community as a whole.

Who’s up for a community yard sale? We’re looking at Saturday, August 27, on the Naples Inn lawn (thanks to Jeneen for being so generous with sharing her beautiful grassy area). Tables will be inexpensive and it will be a great chance to clean out your closets/garages before fall, as well as make a little cash.

Shirley A. and Linda R. are still working on plans for our Community Cupboard, which will offer free food to those in need. We’re hoping to be open a couple hours once a week and may one day expand into offering more items. Fire Chief Tony and his crew have offered to help build shelves in a small room in the old church that will be the home for our Cupboard. Let us know if you may be able to volunteer a couple hours every other month or so. Will keep you posted.

There were some concerns about a recent increase in inappropriate teenage behavior around the school grounds after hours. We want to maintain our safe and beautiful community, so it was nice to have Deputy Jody stop by from the Boundary County Sheriff Department. She reminded all of us to call any time we have concerns about possible inappropriate activity.

Be sure to mark your calendars for our first Naples Italian Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17. As y’all know, our town is named after Naples, Italy - known as the birthplace of pizza. They host a huge festival every fall. So far, we’re thinking of holding a pizza bake-off contest and offering pizza slices for sale, baked goods, Italian Sodas, wine tasting, a chance for kids to stomp grapes in a wading pool, music and more. Please share your ideas with us and help us with the planning.

Congrats again to Naples Elementary School for becoming a Magnet School. Thanks to staff, teachers and volunteers who led the enrichment classes every week. Students enjoyed cross age classes in Claymation, Beginning Spanish, Young Scientists, Drama, Painting I and II, Chef in Training, Piano, Physics with Legos and World Food and Culture. Click here for a document with frequently asked questions about magnet schools for those wanting more information. We are hoping to attract (hence the word magnet) new students from the home school community and even northern Bonner County. It’s a fantastic opportunity and increased enrollment will help us maintain our wonderful staff despite more budget cuts ahead.

There was a great turnout at the Learning Fair and everyone was impressed with all the student work. Students, parents and staff also had fun at the annual roller skating field trip - thanks again to Welco, Lori F. and the Naples PTSA for help with funding.

Remember "Soups’ On" every Friday and let them know if you can help with cooking.

Finally, looking for anyone who wants to take on the NCG secretary position, help with our website or speak about our Potluck on JoJo Baker’s radio spot Wed. July 6th. Let me know if there is info about local business that folks would like shared with the group.

Hope everyone is able to enjoy this beautiful sunny weather ... for the moment anyway!