Lakes Region Area Guide
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Lots of Christmas spirit in our local communities!
Lots of Christmas spirit in our local communities!
Donations needed. Can you help?
Ed Mercer
Dec 9, 2025
"The Heartbeat of the Lakes — Events, Eats & Everything In Between" |
December 9, 2025 |
NEW Digital Online Lakes Region Area Guide! |
Click on the image to see the pages!! |
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☀️ The Lakes Region is both a Home and Vacation Paradise. |
With the Lakes Region Area Guide Newsletter, get events, hidden gems, and local buzz delivered to your in box, whether you're locally here in Maine or as far away as Florida, New York or Texas! |
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Mark your calendars! Saturday, December 13th Santa is coming to town. |
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Community Spotlight - Lakes Region Area Guide |
I’m very grateful to be in a position to support our local businesses, and even more inspired watching them support each other.
Our Digital Lakes Region Area Guide now showcases 25 amazing businesses working together to make our community stronger.
Their dedication deserves a spotlight — and I’m proud to help give it to them!
Let’s keep cheering them on and supporting small businesses across the Lakes Region.
If you’d like to join the guide, contact me at lakesregionmarketing@gmail.com
Sue Mercer
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Can you help? |
Captain Jack's at Naples Marina
Sadly, on December 8th, Ryan Thoits passed away with his family at his side. We are still looking to continue supporting his wife, Courtney and his 3 children.💔 On December 11th come by to help us raise some money for this well-deserved local family. We will be donating our profit for all sales for the day. Come have a bite to eat or a drink. We will also have some raffle items. If you cannot make it please consider donating using their go fund me page below. Any amount is very much appreciated. We open at 4pm and will have our usual prime rib special while it lasts.
To everyone that would like to donate raffle items for the December 11th fundraiser for the Thoits family. Please drop off your donation by December 9th. You can leave it at the marina with Heather M-Th 8-4 or at Jacks during our open hours. If you need it picked up please pm me and I will make arrangements to come get it. TYIA. |
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Crosswalk Community Outreach - CLICK HERENaples, Maine |
CrossWalk Community Outreach is neighbors helping neighbors, powered by caring local volunteers. We provide support that nurtures the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our community. With compassion as our guide, we aim to offer real help to those in need across Naples, Sebago, Casco, Bridgton, and Harrison—working together so our community can flourish.
SCAN IN THE QR CODE TO DONATE TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE! |
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The Naples Barn welcomes Libby Sawyer Designs for the Holiday Season! Come by to purchase Libbys beautiful Wreaths, Kissing Balls, and Creative Holiday Displays! |
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Saturday, December 13th 4pm - 8pm 679 Roosevelt Trail Naples, Maine Join us for a free, family-friendly holiday rock concert at Sebagel/The Barn during and after Santa rolls through town with Naples Fire Dept! We'll have local band Curfew playing xmas jams and covers, local beer from Lakes Region Brewing, and pizza bagels from Sebagel.
We'll also be raising money and taking donations for Naples Food Pantry! We'll have a 50/50 raffle benefitting Naples Food Pantry (raffle tickets are $5) and folks who brings in a food donation will receive a voucher for a free bagel and cream cheese.
This event will be mostly outside, but we are working to secure heat lamps, and Sebagel will be open for anyone who needs to warm up. |
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NAPLES FOOD DRIVE:
AROMA Joe's in Naples is offering a free drink if you bring two nonperishable food items for our Crosswalk food pantry.
The Umbrella Factory in Naples is working with the Sheriff's Department to collect nonperishable food items for our pantry as well.
This time of year The Food Basket sees about a 25 to 30 percent increase in residents using our services of food and meals.
Our nonprofit truly appreciates all the community efforts being done on behalf of those we serve here in Naples.
Thank you everyone for your help. YOU are the reason we can continue to do this mission of love here.
YOUR CrossWalk Community Outreach crew.
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Pleasant Mountain In Bridgton is gearing up for snow! |
Snowmaking is running around the clock! With what we just got, and with some more expected this week - skiing is looking good! |
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Pictures with Santa! |
Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Community Creations! Come get a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11am - 1pm Get a small gift from Santa and possibly hear a story from Mrs. Claus! 199 Sokokis Trail E. Waterboro ME 04030! |
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“The Prom Closet Changing Lives in Our Community”Tia’s Prom Closet Project has become so much more than dresses — it’s a pay-it-forward wave of compassion, confidence, and community. |
When we started Tia’s Prom Closet Project, we just wanted to honor our best friend — to carry on the light, kindness, and generosity she poured into everyone around her.
But somewhere along the way, something even more beautiful started to happen.
People who once came to pick out a dress began asking to come back to volunteer.
People began sharing our story with their daughters, friends, and coworkers, and they also rallied behind us to help.
Communities started collecting, organizing, and spreading the word — not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
It’s turned into something much bigger than we ever imagined, & we’re just 6 months in!
— A pay it forward movement built on kindness, confidence, and connection, all in honor of an incredible soul.
Every dress that leaves our racks carries more than fabric and sparkle — it carries a story, a piece of someone else’s love and hope.
That’s what makes this project so special. It’s not just about getting ready for a dance. It’s about what happens when people come together to lift each other up — and how one person’s light can inspire hundreds more to shine.
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Founding Sponsor Shout Out - Pine Island Retreat
Plan some quality family time for next season, where the phones get put away, and yet the memories last a lifetime. Fall days are the best!
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The Naples Barn in Naples, Maine — a charming, rustic venue known for antiques, vintage finds, and community-spirit — is all decked out for the season. This year, they’re proudly showcasing Libby Sawyer Designs’ holiday creations: wreaths, kissing balls, festive swags, and other Christmas décor that bring warmth, charm, and a touch of handmade magic to your home. If you’re looking for unique, handcrafted holiday décor — or just want to soak in some seasonal cheer — the Naples Barn is a wonderful place to visit. *See their Ad in The Lakes Region Digital Area Guide https://online.fliphtml5.com/bvpni/ruup/
Contact us to start your advertising campaign! |
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7 Day Weather Forecast for Naples, Maine |
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Coats for Kids |
PLEASE … consider donating that outgrown coat to help keep a little one warm this winter. Also accepting new/homemade hats and mittens
Thank you to our Hosts this year !!! |
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Frosted Candy Christmas Punch |
“Sweet, sparkling, and festive—holiday cheer in every sip.”
Ingredients:
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup ginger ale or sparkling water
• ½ cup peppermint schnapps (optional for adults)
• Ice cubes
Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange slices
• Candy cane pieces
• Sprig of rosemary
Instructions:
Mix: In a large punch bowl, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and ginger ale or sparkling water. Stir gently.
Optional: Add peppermint schnapps for an adult version.
Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour punch over.
Garnish: Add fresh cranberries, orange slices, candy cane pieces, and optionally a sprig of rosemary for a festive, frosty presentation. Enjoy the holiday sparkle!
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Drone Photography by Mercer Photography |
🏡Beautiful Drone photo of the tree lighting in Bridgton, Maine!
What do you think of this beautiful drone photo Ed Mercer captured at the Bridgton Tree Lighting this past Saturday night?
  The aerial view of the glowing tree, the lights, and everyone gathered together truly captures the magic of the season and it’s wonderful when someone is there to capture it so we can all enjoy it again and again.   Cherishing these small moments of warmth and connection a little extra today
 For more community activities and photos subscribe to the Lakes Region Area Guide Newsletter!
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Local Food Pantries |
 225 South High St. Bridgton, Me 04009 P.O.Box 207
(207) 318-4467
Pennirobbins06@gmail.com
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Feeding, Clothing and Serving. free meals, food boxes, free clothing, fuel assistance, resource referrals, Veterans and service to their needs are one of our primary focuses. |
P. O. Box 64, Naples, ME, United States, Maine
(207) 298-8041
crosswalkoutreach@yahoo.com
instagram.com/crosswalkcommunityoutreach
Delivery · Contactless delivery
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Donations Here |
176 Waterford Rd, Harrison, ME, United States, Maine
(207) 647-3384
harrisonfoodbank@gmail.com
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Check your pantry, grab those extra cans, and bring them to any church in the Denmark area — they’ll make sure donations reach the Cupboard.
Please share and spread the word!
You can leave it under the carport at Our Savior's and we'll pick it up tomorrow. Thanks! We appreciate the donation!
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2081 Main St. Lovell, Maine. (207) 542-7239 This Thursday, December 11th is the next pantry day. We are open from 10am-noon at 2081 Main Street, Lovell, Me at the Lovell Lions Club.
Please get your order in online by Tuesday morning so we can be ready for you. The order forms can be found at lovellareafoodpantry.org. Registration is on that site as well.
You can also come to the pantry and fill out an order or sign up for the pantry.
Please remember if school is closed (MSAD 72) we are closed as well but will reopen on the next day, Friday at the usual hours.
See you Thursday.
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Inspirational Thought - 💙 “Some people are carrying heavy loads right now. Be grateful for the quiet heroes who notice, step in, and lift others without asking for anything in return.” |
Health Tip of The Day |
Tech Timeout Nurse, Sue Cruikshank |
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Real Estate for Sale in Casco, Maine |
$489,000
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Fryeburg is stepping it up! |
If you are in need, please visit the Fryeburg Town Office. |
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Here's a cute DIY idea!! |
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Christmas Light Contest |
Wednesday, December 3rd thru Tuesday, December 9th 5pm-9pm FREE to enter - register by November 30th! |
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The Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour |
This fun tour runs five weekends Sat/Sun in a row starting on November 22nd. sleighs frun from 11am-4pm. Held at The Snowflake Inn, 95 Main St. Jackson, NH, the tour includes the Sleigh Ride through Jackson Village, a Jingle Bell, a Festive Bag and home made chocolates! 978-580-0905 Jackson, NH is just over an hour ride from the Lakes Region of Maine. |
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Medicare Changes in 2026 You Should be Aware of! Medicare is making several changes for 2026 that could affect your coverage and costs. Premiums and deductibles will increase slightly across most plans, so expect to pay a bit more for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. On the bright side, some prescription drug prices will go down as Medicare begins negotiating lower costs, and there’s a new option to spread your medication payments throughout the year instead of paying all at once. Some Medicare Advantage plans may adjust their benefits, provider networks, or coverage areas, so it’s important to review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change this fall. Even if you’re happy with your current plan, take time during open enrollment to compare options — a few small updates could save you money or help you keep your preferred doctors and medications covered.
This summary comes directly from official and reputable 2026 Medicare updates released by trusted sources, including:
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Founding Sponsor Featured |
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Be an Advertiser or Sponsor! |
📢 Ready to grow your business?
“Explore our advertising and sponsorship opportunities.”
📢 Community vs. Ads
Contact us at lakesregionmarketing@gmail.com |
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December 2, 2025 |