Fight the flu

There is nothing more miserable than coming down with the flu in winter, except maybe the regret that you could have gotten a shot in autumn and avoided the agony in the first place.

Bridgton Hospital is holding its annual fall drive-through flu clinic Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m.- noon. This is the easiest and most inexpensive way to protect yourself from catching the flu; you just drive to the main entrance of the hospital with $15 where Elaine Drew and the nursing staff will quickly (and hopefully painlessly) give you a shot.

Insurance is not accepted, so bring cash or a check. This clinic is for adults only. For more information call 674-6055.

Buy local

People who take care of themselves and eat well tend to have stronger immune systems, making them less prone to getting the flu in the first place. One proven way to keep your body healthy and strong is to eat foods high in nutrients, like greens, fruits and vegetables, and low in pesticides and chemicals.

Locally grown, organic produce and free-range meats are often grown in rich, vibrant soil that produces food high in vitamins and minerals. It is also less likely to have taken a chemical bath during the growing season, which is better for both you and the environment. Locally grown food is not expensive, and even if you do pay a little more for it, remember that you are helping our local economy and cutting down on transport costs.

The Bridgton Hannaford is continuing its Close to Home program with the Cooking with Local Foods workshop Wednesday, Oct. 22, 3-5 p.m. A dietician will lead the seminar and store tour, showing you how to locate and incorporate locally grown foods into your meal plans. This event is free and there is no need to register. For more information call 647-2015.

Brushing up

Painting and creating art is an ancient form of human expression, found worldwide in the cave drawings and etchings of our earliest ancestors. From simple stick figures to panoramic hunt scenes, it was evident even then that some people were better painters than others.

If your child is displaying an early aptitude for art, or wants to cultivate a deeper appreciation for it, consider attending the Bridgton Community Center is hosting a six-week art program for local middle schoolers beginning Monday, Oct. 20.

Led by art instructor Deb Lewis, the Art ‘N’ Stuff program will focus on drawing, painting and design. Lewis will encourage students to develop their own style and experiment with new techniques, and discover their individuality through creativity. Students in sixth- through eighth-grade, whether attending local, alternative or home schools are welcome.

The classes will run 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Monday at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street, with a maximum of 12 participants. Class fee is $30 with a $10 materials fee. To pre-register, call Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116.

Open lodge

My Scottish ancestors were proud Freemasons, and my grandfather was involved in the organization his entire adult life (this is the same grandfather who you might recall won his house in a poker game; he was not a perfect man but he was a very dedicated Mason.)

Myths, misconceptions and secret rituals aside, the modern-day Masons are a fraternal order of businessmen, community leaders and craftsmen. They raise money for good causes, run social outreach programs and support each other’s business endeavors.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Freemasons and what the local chapter is doing, the Oriental Lodge No. 13 AF & AM will be holding an open house, 5-7 pm Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Masonic Hall on Harrison Road (Route 11), across from Brill Lumber. For more information call George Drisko at 647-2823

Rocking for the park

Well, you learn something new every day. Turns out Van Morrison’s ’60s garage-rock classic “Gloria” was a huge hit in Great Britain but was not allowed to be played on American radio because of the line “She comes to my room.” So in a brilliant move the band Shadows of Knight covered it, changed the words to “She comes around here,” and next thing you know they have a monster hit that sells more singles than Morrison’s original version.

Now the band, with original lead singer Jim Sohns, are coming to Bridgton to perform “Gloria” in all its glory for a concert and dance to raise money for Pondicherry Park. Join Executive Director Peter Lowell and his crew from Lakes Environmental Association along with local openers The Disclaimers Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m. at the old Town Hall on North High Street.

Because space is limited there will only be 200 tickets sold for $30 per person. Tickets are on sale at the Cool Moose and the LEA office. You can also send a check to Lakes Environmental Association or pay with a credit card by calling Roberta Scruggs at 647-8580.

“These guys put on an incredible show,” said Lowell. “This will be an unforgettable evening to benefit a great cause.” It should also be a real trip back in time; judging by their press release the guys are still sporting better mullets than Hall and Oates. Wear your best ’70s duds and prepare to get rocked.