I love February

Yes, I do. Sure, it’s the dead of winter, but it is a short month, with the promise of spring waiting just around the corner. Sure it’s cold, but that’s what hot chocolate, hot toddies and hot tubs are for. And there are so many special events in February…Valentine’s Day is wonderful for the young lovers (and jewelers, florists and restaurateurs) among us, Vacation Week brings lots of skiers and their money to town, and some of my Southern friends would argue that Mardi Gras is nearly as important a “holiday” as Christmas. So don’t dis February…it may be half over already but the fun is just beginning.

Love on the mountain

What could be sweeter than a sleigh ride through the snow with your honey? Doing it on Valentine’s Day of course. And for the marriage-minded among us, this might be the perfect time to bring the ring.

Colleen and Jeff Winslow of Northern Heights Farm are bringing their stately Belgian draft horses to Shawnee Peak for a starlight ride to a secret spot in the woods: Proposal Pines. Sounds pretty romantic. There will be hot chocolate too, to sweeten the deal even further.

Tickets are $20 per couple, with a special lift price too. Night skiing passes are $30 for all ages. The sleigh rides will run from 5 to 9 p.m., and you can contact Shawnee Peak for more information at www.shawneepeak.com or 647-8444.

Sweet hearts

Local clergy and activists continue their outreach and fundraising for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Now the members of the South Bridgton Congregational Church are doing their part.

On Sunday, Feb. 14, the talented churchgoers are hosting a benefit concert featuring performances by the Highland String Trio, Natasha Proctor, Alice Anderson and Frank Johnston, Marilea Bannon and more. All of the donations collected will be sent directly to Haiti through the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

The concert will be held at the church on Fosterville Road and will start at 2 p.m. Please call Walt Bannon at 647-2382 if you have any questions.

Tax time cometh

If you are overwhelmed while muddling through your taxes, or need help getting the most out of your return, here’s a great program for you. AARP and the Bridgton Community Center are again offering free income tax preparation for people of all ages with low to moderate income.

With the help of volunteer accountants, you can get your certified tax returns completed quickly and accurately. The program is held at the BCC at 15 Depot St. on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1p.m., from Feb. 4 through April 9. You must schedule an appointment and spaces fill up fast. Call Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116.

Surf like a pro

Don’t know the difference between Apple and Mac? Wonder what’s up with the hype about skype? There is a great big world out there in cyberspace and navigating the Web is easier than you think. The popular Basic Computer Skills classes at the Bridgton Community Center are starting up again and you are invited.

All classes are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, from Feb. 8 through March 17. There is a $40 fee. For more information. call 647-3116.

Pearly whites

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? ?As part of a program to improve oral health in Maine youth, four dental students attending Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine are coming to town to help at the Bridgton Dental Health Fair on Feb. 27.?

“Determining the dental needs of area residents is extremely important,” said Dr. Donald Dennison, a dentist in Bridgton for 30 years. “Our goal is to establish a community-based dental clinic open to everyone regardless of their income.”?

The Bridgton Dental Health Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Bridgton’s Community Center located on Depot Street in downtown. Parents are encouraged to bring their children for free exams and consultations, and Dennison will be on hand to discuss plans for the proposed dental clinic.

Pitch in for Jules

Local artist Julitta Dennison was recently diagnosed with CIDP, a painful neurological syndrome which leads to irreparable nerve damage and muscle degeneration. Her best hope for relief is a stem-cell transplant, and friends are getting together to help offset her uncovered medical expenses.

The first of several planned events is a bottle drive fundraiser at the Bottle Depot behind Oberg Realty. Now through March 3 you can drop your bottles and cans off, mention the fundraiser for CIDP and all donations will go to benefit Jules, through a special trust earmarked for her treatment costs. ?Even better, if you have bottles and need a pickup, her friends will come and get them. Just e-mail [email protected] and someone will get back to you about a pickup time. If you would like more information about the syndrome, please check out www.gbs-cipd.org. Thanks for pitching in!