Red Carpet Time

The Magic Lantern celebrates its grand re-opening Friday Feb. 8 with a sold-out crowd of movie lovers and local luminaries. This gala is the hot ticket in town this week, and I have heard more than one local lamenting not being able to score one. There will be a catered buffet, tours of the theater, and live music with Pete Morton in the Tannery Pub. I am hoping to wave my magic press pass and hobnob with the papparazzi to get some good shots of the action and firsthand comments from attendees. See you there.

Pow Wow

After Friday night’s festivities are over, the Lantern is offering a chance for everyone else to get a look at the theater. On Saturday, Feb. 9 there will be a traditional American Indian celebration featuring Intertribal Eastern Drumming with Steve Standing Owl playing his ceremonial flute. This special event is free and runs from 11a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stay after the ceremony and catch a matinee. Tom Watkins and his crew have promised something for everyone, with digital sound and comfortable seating, while retaining some of the old Lantern’s quirky charm. Among the movies being screened this week are “National Treasure,” starring Nicholas Cage and his whistling dentures, “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” and “There Will Be Blood”.

If you read my column you know I am a movie geek. Eric and I try to see every movie nominated for an Academy Award before Oscar night. This gives the big show more gravitas in between my making snide comments about the actresses dresses and overly botoxed lips. The Oscars are the movie equivalent of the Super Bowl, only instead of hot wings and football jerseys we have champagne and feather boas.

The first Oscar-nominated movie we saw this year was “There Will Be Blood,” and there was. It is a solid and eccentric movie, and almost three hours long. The cinematography is glorious, with slow sweeping shots of western plains and desolate oil towns. The soundtrack by Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood is eerie and will sound huge on the Lantern’s new sound system. If you are a fan of David Milch’s “Deadwood,” or Upton Sinclair, on whose novel “Oil” the movie is based on, check this one out right here in Bridgton. All movie times and prices are listed at www.magiclanterntheater.com.

A Rose, and Prose

According to Hallmark, February is the month of love, so it is only appropriate to celebrate with poetry and music. The Bridgton Library is hosting two very special events this week that give you the opportunity to woo the one you love:

Music is the food of love, and how better to soothe your soul than a concert of classical and modern love songs? Cellist Caroline Worthington and guitarist Alan Lapidus will serenade you with romantic interpretations of beloved standards to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The concert begins at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14 with a wine and cheese reception in the beautiful reading room at the library. This is a fundraiser being held by Friends of Bridgton Library, and tickets are limited to the first 40 sold and are $10 per person or $18 per couple.

Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 13, the library is hosting Poetry Night in its downstairs conference room. This is an open forum for anyone who wants to present their own original poems, or who simply loves hearing others read theirs. This is an ongoing series that will continue every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, on both of these events call 647-2389.

Shutterbugs and Ivory Ticklers

If you prefer to express yourself visually or musically, the Bridgton Community Center is offering two creative new programs this week. Evan Miller is teaching piano lessons at the center beginning on Sat., Feb. 9, and he can tailor the class to fit your level of expertise. Phil Morris is leading two separate digital photography classes Tuesday, Feb.

12; the first from 10 – 11 a.m. and the second from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 647-3116.

Caregivers Support

Caregivers need care too. This group offers the opportunity or you to meet other caregivers and get advice, support and comfort from one another. It will meet Wednesday, Feb. 13, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. Attorney Mark Kremzner specializes in elder law and will be discussing legal and financial issues.

Snowshoe Hike

Now is the perfect time to strap on your snowshoes and get a first-hand look at the trails of Pondicherry Park. Lakes Environmental Association and Loon Echo Land Trust are hosting a series of snowshoe hikes in the park this month, Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb.21 at 10 a.m., and Sunday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. The hikes will last about 1 1/2 hours across easy to moderate terrain. Snowshoes are available to borrow.

Tracking Class

On Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m., Lakes Environmental Association’s conservation biologist Bridie McGreavy will re-visit the animal tracking transect at the Holt Pond Preserve to collect tracking data and lead volunteers through basic animal track patterns and data collection methods. The trip will last approximately 2 1/2 hours and will cover moderate terrain. McGreavy suggests wearing synthetic or wool layers rather than cotton, and bringing water and a lunch. For more information, call 647-8580.

Book Series

The brown bag book club continues at the Lakes Environmental Association building on Main St. This week’s discussion focuses on Tom Wessels’ “The Myth of Progress,” which is an academic meditation on the richness of life we create through our connections with community, place and others. The book is available at both Bridgton Books and the Bridgton Public Library.