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Local Businesses are stepping up and helping to promote their business as well as support our community!

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Local Businesses are stepping up and helping to promote their business as well as support our community!

Local Businesses are stepping up and helping to promote their business as well as support our community!
Red Cross Blood drive TODAY!

Ed Mercer

Feb 3, 2026

"The Heartbeat of the Lakes — Events, Eats & Everything In Between"

Go Patriots!

We all we got - we all we need!

February 3, 2026

HAPPENING NOW!

This Tuesday - TODAY!
We’re excited to partner with the Red Cross as they move their Bridgton blood drives to a new home — the Bridgton Community Center at 15 Depot Street!
Upcoming dates: Feb 3 • Apr 7 • Jun 2
Time: 11 AM–3:30 PM
New Location: Bridgton Community Center
Help keep our community strong. Schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org (use BridgtonME) or call 1‑800‑RED CROSS. RapidPass is available to save time on the day of your donation.
❤️ Every donor counts! See you February 3rd!

Welcome to A NEW Advertiser in our online Lakes Region Area Guide!

I'm happy to feature Maple Ridge Heat Pumps as a new advertiser in the Lakes Region Area Guide.

Supporting and highlighting local businesses is at the heart of the Lakes Region Area Guide, and it’s a privilege to provide a space where trusted professionals can connect with the people who live, work, and spend time in our communities.

Based in Harrison and owned by Jason Pendexter, Maple Ridge Heat Pumps offers efficient, reliable heating and cooling solutions for homes and small businesses throughout the Lakes Region. As an Efficiency Maine Certified installer, Jason helps customers choose systems that improve year-round comfort, reduce energy costs, and may qualify for available efficiency rebates.

In addition to heat pump installations and upgrades, Maple Ridge Heat Pumps also provides home improvement services, helping homeowners tackle projects that improve comfort, efficiency, and overall functionality of their spaces.

From system installs to thoughtful home improvements, Maple Ridge Heat Pumps focuses on practical solutions, quality workmanship, and dependable service designed for Maine’s changing seasons.

Be sure to look for Maple Ridge Heat Pumps in the Lakes Region Area Guide and learn more about the services they offer.


https://online.fliphtml5.com/bvpni/ruup/

New Website Launch – Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern!

There’s something special about a place where you don’t just stop in for a meal—you stay for the conversation. Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern has long been that kind of spot in Naples.

Owned by Gary Skellett, the tavern is known for its relaxed atmosphere, classic pub fare, and a steady lineup of weekly happenings like trivia, karaoke, live music, and DJ nights. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, meeting friends, or making new ones, it’s a place where locals and visitors naturally come together.

Recently launched, a brand-new website for Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern, designed to reflect the personality of the tavern itself—welcoming, easy to navigate, and full of useful info. Visitors can quickly find details on food, events, specials, and what’s happening any given night, all in one place.

If you haven’t stopped by in a while, this might be your sign. And if you’re already a regular, be sure to check out the new site and see what’s coming up next at Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern.

Headline
We love seeing you at the Community Kettles! Join us THIS THURSDAY Feb. 5 at 5 PM.
🍽️ As part of our ongoing partnership with the Bridgton Community Center, Rotarians—joined by family and friends—will shop, cook, plate, serve, and handle cleanup for the evening’s meal.
🥘 The menu features Shepherd’s Pie, fresh salad, and a surprise dessert.
📣Rotary Club President Dr. Lisa Ryan noted the importance of the monthly gathering.
“We’re grateful to see familiar faces each time—neighbors who come for a warm, nutritious meal and the fellowship that comes with it. Many choose to leave a donation, and every dollar goes directly to supporting the Bridgton Community Center’s work.”
Excited to announce another New Website Launch for Maple Ridge Heat Pumps!
We just wrapped up a brand-new website for Maple Ridge Heat Pumps, and it was a great project to bring together.
Based in Harrison, Maple Ridge Heat Pumps provides reliable, energy-efficient heat pump solutions designed for Maine’s changing seasons. Known for quality workmanship and clear communication, their new website makes it easy for homeowners to learn about their services and get in touch when comfort matters most.
If you’re a local business owner and have been thinking about a simple, clean website that clearly shows what you do and helps customers find you, feel free to reach out at lakesregionmarketing@gmail.com
or drop a comment below. Always happy to chat and share ideas.
 

Spaghetti Dinner & Chinese Auction for the Robbins Family

Saturday, February 21st!

Spaghetti Dinner(suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 for a family of 3 or more) to Benefit the Robbins Family after the Devasting Fire that took everything they had. We will have many raffle items as well, these will be pulled at the end(no need to be present for this part). If you would like to donate an item to the auction please reach out to Dan Harden 207-420-7363 or by email at sunrisemgmt15@gmail.com. Items can be dropped off Monday through Friday at 1 Mountain Rd. Bridgton ME 04009 or by calling if those hours do not work for you. Lets show this family what our great little community can do in times of need. The Dinner will be at the Bridgton Alliance Church 

🚀 Need a Website That’s Ready to Go?

I design clean, professional websites for local businesses—with engaging copy, strong visuals, and easy navigation that helps visitors quickly find what they need.

Your site can be designed, connected to your domain, and live within a week (once I have your info). Simple. Stress-free. Launch-ready.

✨ Built with care
✨ Mobile-friendly
✨ Easy to expand with extra pages anytime

Take advantage of our launch price of just $300 (regularly $425 — save $125!) when you contract with us to create your professional, custom-designed website that helps your business stand out, build trust, and attract new customers.
👉 Order by April 1st to lock in this special pricing!

If you want a website that actually represents your business—and you want it done right—let’s talk.

Message or email me to get started. lakesregionmarketing@gmail.com

Check out our new Newsletter Advertiser!  Watch for her new ads each week!

We’re glad to feature Kathy Fortin, Realtor with Pine Tree Realty in Naples, as a continuing supporter of our newsletter and the Lakes Region Area Guide.

Kathy brings a steady, down-to-earth approach to real estate, helping buyers and sellers feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way. Whether you’re thinking about your first home, a move within the area, or a lakeside dream, she’s someone who truly understands the local market—and the people in it.

👉 Watch for Kathy’s ads each week and keep her in mind when it’s time to make your next move.

24th Annual Freezing for a Reason!

Annual Polar dip for the Animals at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter!

Saturday, February 14th at 1pm

Highland Lake in Bridgton

More info as well as pledge forms and waivers can be found:
https://harvesthills.org/freezin-for-a-reason/

Bridgton's Free Little Pantry - 2 Elm St. Bridgton

Frequently asked questions:
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱?
2 Elm Street, Bridgton. Right outside the Lakes Region Recovery Center
𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
Yes, the little pantry is accessible 24/7. You can bring food any time! Reminder: no canned goods please. We are focusing on dry goods.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱? 𝗢𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘁/𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗴𝘀?
Please message us and we can coordinate a time to pick up the food from you. We keep a back stock of food and replenish as needed.
𝗗𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀?
Yes, but we limit it to toilet paper, feminine products, and personal hygiene products. Please don't leave clothing. Our little pantry is limited on space and those take up too much room.

Songo Locks School

Parents, do you need a night out? Lake Region High School Chorus students are holding a Parents Night Out event on Friday, Feb. 13th at the high school. Parents can sign their child/children up, and they will watch them while they run errands, go out to dinner etc... All proceeds will go toward chorus activities outside of class! 🥰😍

YOU can be our next Business Advertised!

ChatGPT said:

This week, we’re highlighting Q‑Team Tree Service, a trusted local company serving Naples and the surrounding Lakes Region.

Q-Team Tree Service provides professional tree removal, trimming, storm cleanup, and property maintenance, helping homeowners keep their land safe, healthy, and looking its best. Known for reliable service, attention to safety, and solid workmanship, they’re a go-to resource when tree work needs to be done right.

If you have trees that need attention, Q-Team Tree Service is worth a call!

*See their Ad in The Lakes Region Digital Area Guide https://online.fliphtml5.com/ruup

Contact us to start your advertising campaign!

LakesRegionMarketing@gmail.com !

Land for Sale in Bridgton, Maine

$210,000
  • 3 acre lot
  • Beautiful 3± acre waterfront lot on scenic Foster Pond in Bridgton, offering over 300 feet of water frontage.

25-201 Two Ponds Rd. Bridgton, ME

Contact: Jessica Frost

(207) 207-595-7200
mailto:jessicafrost@chalmers-realty.com

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

 

I'm sure you've heard this many times before, so have I.

Service businesses are some of the hardest-working out there — but many rely on the same methods year after year:


• Referrals only
• The same few Facebook posts
• Waiting for the phone to ring

If nothing changes, results usually don’t either.

 

The service businesses seeing steady growth are the ones that make sure their name is easy to find when people are actively looking.

That’s where the Online Lakes Region Area Guide comes in.
Your business stays visible 24/7, shows up on phones, and is promoted consistently to locals and visitors who need services right now.

 

Only $399 for a full year of promotion!  (Editing possible with the changes of seasons!)

 

Check out our current Guide:  https://online.fliphtml5.com/bvpni/ruup/

See what great finds are at The Naples Barn!

A visit to The Naples Barn often starts with one idea and ends with a few unexpected treasures in hand. It’s the kind of place where you discover something you didn’t even know you were looking for—until you see it and suddenly it feels like it belongs in your home or camp.

With an ever-changing mix of décor, furniture, gifts, and unique finds, every trip is a little different. If you enjoy browsing, being surprised, and leaving with something that just felt right, The Naples Barn is always worth a stop.

See Your Business HERE as an Advertiser or Sponsor!

📢 Ready to grow your business?
Advertise or Sponsor our newsletter and reach an audience that cares about local businesses like yours. Simple, fun, and effective — let’s make sure your name is the one everyone remembers!

 

“Explore our advertising and

sponsorship opportunities.”

CLICK HERE!

“Never Miss a Great Shot Again — On-the-Spot Camera Guidance in Your Pocket”

Click on the image below to check this out!

Mercer Photography

Downtown Naples before the FREEZE!

 
Long Lake in Naples before it fully froze over was especially beautiful.
The water was still open and calm, while fresh snow settled along the shoreline and trees.
The snow seemed to brighten everything, adding contrast and making the lake stand out even more.
Quiet, peaceful, and still—one of those in-between moments that makes winter in Maine so special.

 

Community Spotlight - Lakes Region Area Guide

We're GROWING!
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 32 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

7 Day Weather Forecast for Naples, Maine

I guess this cold is going to last for a little while with these temps!!

Pleasant Mountain In Bridgton 

Simple moments shared with friends, are what makes a day on the slopes so much fun. 🎿❄️

Founding Sponsor Shout Out - Pine Island Retreat 

 

There’s something deeply calming about simply gazing out at Pine Island — the soft, new snow on the ice of Long Lake, the fresh, crisp air, a soft breeze, and the sense that time slows down just a bit. It’s the kind of view that invites daydreams of quiet mornings, sunset reflections, and stepping away from the rush of everyday life. Summer retreats on Pine Island offer space to breathe, reconnect, and truly unwind. If that peaceful escape is calling your name, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and make this summer one to remember.

https://www.airbnb.com/h/pineislandrr

Inspirational Thought - 

💙 

“You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.”

Zig Ziglar

Local Food Pantries

225 South High St. Bridgton, Me 04009 P.O.Box 207
(207) 318-4467
Pennirobbins06@gmail.com

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
 

Donations Here
https://tinyurl.com/HFBGift
PO Box 112, Harrison, Maine 04040
Mission: To combat food insecurity in Western Maine

176 Waterford Rd, Harrison, ME, United States, Maine
(207) 647-3384
harrisonfoodbank@gmail.com

2081 Main St. Lovell, Maine.         (207) 542-7239

Health Tip of The Day

Shop in all of the outside lanes - it will help you stay focused on your health!

Nurse, Sue Cruikshank

Founding Sponsor Featured 

Pine Island Sunsets never disappoint.

 

PLAN YOUR RETREAT TODAY via Airbnb!!

 

Learn More!

February 3, 2026

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Lakes Region Area Guide

© 2026 Lakes Region Area Guide.

Lakes Region Area Guide is your trusted source for everything happening in the beautiful Lakes Region of Maine. From local events and community news to outdoor adventures and business highlights, we bring you all the must-know information to make the most of life in the Lakes Region. Stay connected and informed with the best the area has to offer.

© 2026 Lakes Region Area Guide.