All of Bridgton is abuzz with talk of Main Street’s makeover and how exciting it will be to see more beautiful old buildings revived by a modern facelift. The Community Redevelopment efforts are coming into full bloom just in time for summer and what will hopefully be the annual influx of our friends from away and their money. It will be a successful season if they, and we, continue to support our many locally owned shops and restaurants by buying local and keeping our money right here in the community.

Before I report on upcoming news, I’d like to first mention with special thanks a few events from the past few weeks.

If you see any Boy Scouts, Rotarians or Ken Murphy this week, thank them for a job well done. The dozens of volunteers of the Earth Day cleanup crew did fine work, removing tons of garbage from downtown, and the Transfer Station staff was kind enough to open the facility on their day off to receive all of it. Thanks to all of you for your volunteer work, and for pitching in to keep the scene clean.

I also have to mention the awesome efforts of all the actors, organizers, sponsors and supporters of the Family Crisis Services fundraiser last week at the Magic Lantern. The nonprofit hotline and outreach program raised thousands of dollars to continue its invaluable work in the Lakes Region, and the two sold-out performances of the Vagina Monologues were fabulous. It seemed like every woman I know (and even a few brave men) came out to see the show. It was funny, sad, reverential and irreverent all at once, and made me proud to be a part of such an open-minded and supportive community. Not to mention the dozens of homemade pastries, cakes and cookies baked and donated by Beth’s Cafe that were a sweet way to end a wonderful night. Thanks for bringing great theater to town, and for supporting such a good cause.

Helping hands

I hope those of you with children see this soon enough to take them to the Hands On Art Festival this Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A benefit for Landmark Human Resources and the Bridgton Community Center, the fair will be at Stevens Brook School and feature arts and crafts, a parade, food and entertainment. There will be creative stations set up where the kids can make individual gifts for Mother’s Day and a potting shed where they can plant seedlings for the garden.

Critter communicator

Have you ever wondered what you pet is thinking, or if it’s even thinking at all? Do our dogs and cats appreciate all the treats and belly rubbing we shower on them? Do they love us back?

“Animal communicator” Judy Garbow will be at the Bridgton Library on Saturday, May 16, from 2-4 p.m. to answer these and other questions. Hosted by Friends of the Bridgton Library, this free program promises to be unique and informative.

Garbow says she uses telepathic communication to receive energy and emotions from our pets. She believes that animals are more affected than we realize by what is going on around them, and that by improving how we interact with them we can all enjoy optimal health and happiness.

Sounds good to me; maybe I’ll toss Farnsworth and Grady into the cat carrier and see how they feel about it! Actually, all you need to bring is a picture of your pet and an open mind. For more information, call the library at 647-2472.

Dig it

Great news for all of us who love fresh, local produce: The Bridgton Farmer’s Market is gearing up for yet another summer. After a long winter of buying broccoli from California, cheese from Wisconsin and tomatoes from who knows where, it is always nice to see what our local farmers have coaxed out of the soil.

What started 16 years ago with a small group of growers selling greens and flowers out of their pickup trucks has grown to dozens of diverse vendors. Offering everything from annuals, herbs and berries to maple syrup, organic eggs, pastries and artisanal cheeses, the market draws an enthusiastic crowd to its weekly gathering.

Join Helen Ramsdell, Kathy Banks and their green-thumbed friends at the market beginning Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Commons between the Community Center and the Magic Lantern. I adore these dedicated diggers who get their hands dirty to I don’t have to. It’s great to have you back for another summer. See you Saturday!

Grow your own

If your ambitions run deeper than simply buying veggies from someone else, the Community Center is hosting a do-it-yourself program to make you a better home gardener. “From the Soil Up: A Course For Beginning Gardeners” is a three-session course on the basics of home vegetable gardening, from garden planning to pest management, harvest and storage.

The classes will be held Tuesday, May 12, Tuesday, July 14, and Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. They will be taught by instructors from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. For more information, call the BCC at 647-3116.

Dear Diary

Putting your thoughts, dreams and stories on paper is a therapeutic and healthy way to express yourself and unfetter your mind. Writing things down gains you an objective perspective and helps with problem-solving, memory retention and mental clarity.

Local writer Carol Desjarlais is leading a course in Creative Journaling at the Community Center every Friday evening from May 15 through June 19. From 7 to 9 p.m., Desjarlais will lead you through the craft of journaling, and set you on the path to setting your creative self free. Please call the BCC at 647-3116 to register and for more information.