Fling it

We all need a spring fling right around now. Dig out your wildest hats and funniest bow ties and join fellow revelers as the Bridgton Community Center, at 15 Depot St., hosts a “Mad Hatter and Funny Bow Tie” Concert on Monday, April 7, from 6-8 p.m.

Featuring the Pine Tree Brass Band, the evening includes fabulous homemade desserts, swinging standards and prizes for the most original and outrageous outfits. Throw off your winter coat, leave your blues at the door and slide down the rabbit hole, also known as the community center. A $5 donation benefits programs at the center, and all ages are welcome. For more information call 647-3116.

Quilting for Chemo

Nancy Grigg called to tell me about a very special open house Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Bridgton Alliance Church.

The Threads of Love Quilt Ministry handsews quilts and donates them to needy people and groups across Maine, and are beginning a new project for chemotherapy patients.

Grigg said the circle welcomes quilters of all skill levels, and that all materials are supplied. There are a few extra sewing machines for new attendees and refreshments are provided by the ministry. She also said that while the group currently consists solely of women, men are welcome to attend, and “we always encourage supportive husbands to come by; it’s a special project and we have a lot of fun.” Call Grigg at 647-4459 for more information.

Try Tai

If you are looking for a low-impact, meditative way to get in shape for summer, try Tai Chi. This form of martial arts has been practiced in Asian countries for centuries; in China you might see hundreds of adherents meeting in parks in the mornings for graceful displays of its tranquil choreography.

The Bridgton Taoist Tai Chi Society, located at 41 Depot St., is introducing a beginner’s class that starts Thursday, April 10 from 3:30-5 p.m. Instructors will guide you through the principles of the art, and teach you basic exercises. Tai Chi is a proven way to improve circulation, increase stamina and lower blood pressure. It relieves stress, improves balance and is thought to aid in longevity.

You can register at your first class, and new students are welcome anytime during the series. Bridgton’s Tai Chi Society is a nonprofit, so while donations are encouraged no one will be turned away.

Instructor Judy Melcher-King said “our group is an all-volunteer organization, and I love it because we do it to help each other achieve health. It’s a very supportive group and I encourage anyone to come try it out.” For more information on the classes, call 647-8142.

A Mountain welcome

If you are a local firefighter, volunteer firefighter or simply work for the fire department, Carol Noonan, owner of the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield, invites you to you a free night out.

The arts center is offering two free tickets per firefighter to the April 25 performances of the Stone Mountain Live show. Noonan has set aside a limited block of tickets to thank firefighters for all they do.

“This show is the heartbeat of the Stone Mountain Arts Center. It

represents everything that we hold dear about this crazy music hall on the hill: Music, friendship, camaraderie, excitement, laughter, and community,” she said.

If you would like these free tickets just e-mail info@stonemountainartscenter.com or call (866) 227-6523. Let them know how many tickets you would like along with your name, phone number, and where you do your firefighting. Please put in the subject line: “free tix for firefighters”.

Artists honored

Two Gallery 302 artists were chosen for the Turner Center for the Arts New England Artists Show in Turner. Mary Lou Moulton’s prints and Sandra Tardo-Long’s paintings were selected from an elite pool of artisans. The juried show has 56 works by 36 artists, and a reception was held March 30 in their honor.

The Turner Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 98 Matthews Way and aims to spotlight Maine artists and craftspeople. For more information about the show or the museum call 225-3115. Other works by Moulton and Tardo-Long can be seen at Gallery 302 in Bridgton at 112 Main St. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.