I love Bridgton

What a fabulous spring, and we sure deserve it. Main Street has become a bustling promenade, and its borders of peonies and tulips are coming up in full force.

May is a great month for locals to take full advantage of all Bridgton’s delights before the onslaught of tourists and traffic transform it from a sleepy town to “Vacationland.”

I had such an evening last Wednesday, as a few friends and I had a spicy dinner at Chao Thai and caught a movie at the Magic Lantern. I guarantee you there are few, if any other towns around where you can get a healthy, ethnic noodle dish and walk a block to a state-of-the-art theater with a full pub.

A free Gregory Peck classic was playing in The Tannery Pub, and pub manager Joe Hill was crafting cocktails behind the bar. He made me one, and mentioned that all the cups, plates and utensils they use are made from corn and will biodegrade in 17 days. Yet another little touch that makes it such a cool place.

Frank Howell and his staff have built their ambitious vision into an impressive reality. The Magic Lantern offers a big city experience, and sets Bridgton apart. We should support our local businesses; they are what make it so special.

Movers and shakers

The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner was held Saturday at Bridgton Academy, and several local businesses and volunteers were honored for their outstanding efforts.

Chamber members voted from an impressive list of nominees, and singled out the following: Rotarian Kathy Story was “Community Volunteer of the Year,” realtor/karaoke-crooners Mrs. and Mr. Tux took “Small Business,” Kathleen of Bridgton won “Rookie of the Year” and the Magic Lantern won “Large Business.”

The Board of Directors award went to Bridgton Academy, which is celebrating its bicentennial this year, and the President’s Award was given to Diane Reo of State Farm Insurance.

Mike McClellan, executive director of the chamber, said Reo “almost fell out of her chair,” when the award was announced.

Kathleen Stevens said of winning the Rookie of the Year award “I was shocked. We have such an entrepreneurial spirit here, and I was just so thrilled to be considered.”

If you or your business is interested in joining the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, call 647-3472.

The Ice-Man goeth

The Bridgton Community Center’s first annual Ice-Out contest ended April 21. The wooden snowman who had graced the Moose Pond Cove ended his snowy sentinel as 29 people guessed the correct day the ice around Frosty would retreat.

The drawing to determine the winner of the 50/50 raffle was held the day of the ice-out, winner is…none other than Fred Hemmerle, the engineer who constructed the apparatus in the first place. Community Center Executive Director Carmen Lone said not only is it a coincidence, but to have paid Hemmerle for his services would have cost more than he won.

The best part of all is that Hammerle promptly donated all of the $453 winnings right back to the Community Center. Now there is a dedicated volunteer for you. Now that the ice and snow are finally gone, you can catch Frosty next on the Bridgton Community Center float in the Fourth of July parade.

Taste of the Lakes

The Bridgton-Lakes Region Rotary Club is holding its annual Taste of the Lakes Dinner and Auction Friday, May 30. Although it is still a month away, this great charity event has limited tickets and always sells out, so best to get yours now.

Every year the Rotary Club donates proceeds from the evening to local charities, and this year the recipient will be the Fuel Assistance Collaborative. This is a wonderful organization that provides financial relief for the elderly and infirm who otherwise would have trouble heating their homes in the winter.

After last winter’s soaring fuel costs, the proceeds will help the collaborative get a head start on funding for next year’s needs.

The live auction will feature donations from Shawnee Peak, PrismWorks, Hancock Lumber and many other area businesses and artists. Local chefs from Bray’s, Sydney’s, the Black Horse Tavern and others will provide the evening’s food, and Nathan Polhemus will perform solo piano works for the diners. Maine humorist and storyteller Clyde Folsom will entertain the crowd after dinner.

Tickets for Taste of the Lakes are $30 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and dinner. There will be a cash bar available as well. The silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 and the live auction begins at 7:30. For tickets call Cathy Fitzgerald at 647-4154 or Kathy Story at 647-4600.

A new look

After two years of extensive renovations, the Maguire family invited all of Bridgton to celebrate the grand opening of their historic Wales and Hamblen building on Main Street last Thursday. The large and enthusiastic crowd toured the new businesses and mingled over canapes and sweets.

George and Amy Maguire have saved one of the grandest landmarks in town. They are already near 100 percent occupancy of both the retail and residential portions of the building, and have helped brighten the long-blighted block. Congratulations to occupants Sarah Lowell and her Running With Scissors Salon, the Rufus Porter Museum and Richard Bader Wellness and Pilates, and best wishes for a prosperous future.