Soak up the sun

The divine weather keeps coming, and Easter weekend found me taking the first dip of the season in Highland Lake and picking bouquets of buttercups from my garden while peepers chattered from the vernal pool. I raked and weeded in a T-shirt and shorts, marveling all the while about the gift of hot spring days with no bugs. I’m used to famished swarms of black flies trying to feast on any part of me that isn’t covered, so I was amazed by how much work I got done when I wasn’t spending half my time swatting at the buggers. Spring is definitely off to a good start!

Big Night

Since the tree frogs have emerged from their winter sleep so early this year, it’s a safe bet that Big Night must be right around the corner. This fascinating annual amphibian migration happens on the first wet, balmy night of spring as millions of frogs and salamanders instinctively return to their original vernal pool to spawn. You might have seen volunteers in years past, standing by the roadside in the rain with flashlights and wondered what they could possibly be doing. Well, now you know. Big Night has become a yearly celebration for nature lovers to gather and help the little lovers cross roadways safely. This is a fun opportunity for kids to literally get hands on with amphibians, while learning a great science lesson at the same time. If you would like to help out, please call Bridie McGreavy at the Lakes Environmental Association at 647-8580 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Senior Scholars

The popular Senior College at Bridgton is celebrating its 10th year of bringing continuing education to the “Over 50” set and is pre-registering for its spring programs. Classes start on Monday, April 26, and meet weekly from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Bridgton Community Center through May 17. The diverse course offerings include “Variable Climate and Alternative Energy Sources,” with Dr. George L. Jacobson, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Ecology, and Climate Change at the University of Maine, photography and music class with Jim Knox, Classical concerto appreciation with Dan Abbott and literary interpretation with Margaret Reimer. Each class series costs $15 with a $20 membership fee required if you have not participated before. The deadline for mail-in registration is April 17. There is a great Web site with much more detailed syllabus info and online registration forms at seniorcollegeatbridgton.org. You can also call 647-2270 or 647-9599 or e-mail [email protected].

Frosty’s Demise

I’m sure you have heard by now that the ice went out on Moose Pond on March 19, which is both the earliest date ever recorded and technically still winter. He is usually able to hang on well into April, but this year he took the plunge even before the Ice Out raffle deadline. Congratulations to Colby Sears on guessing the correct date and winning the 50/50, which gained him $439. The Bridgton Community Center’s take helped complete the purchase of their new transportation van, which will be used to drive locals to meetings, plays, appointments and community events.

Babysitter Class

If your teenager wants to make a little extra cash this summer, babysitting is a great way to do it. Having a certificate showing that you have taken an intensive course will probably get you the gig, and maybe even a better hourly rate. The American Red Cross is offering Babysitter Training classes, including infant and child CPR, on April 19 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $55, which includes a book and CD-ROM, and the class is recommended for ages 11 to 14. It will be held at the Bridgton Community Center and you are asked to pre-register by calling Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116.

Earth Day

Bridgton’s annual Earth Day volunteer clean-up is on Thursday, April 22. While the entire downtown will get a good scouring, this year’s emphasis will be on Stevens Brook. Join the Lakes Environmental Association, the Community Center and the Boy Scouts for a day of rewarding community service. Meet at the Community Center on Depot Street at 8 a.m. and wear your grungy clothes and muck boots because you might get wet! Volunteers will also be treated to a free lunch at the downtown fire station, sponsored and prepared by our local firefighters. Many hands make for light work, so the more the merrier. Call Ken Murphy at 242-9417 for more information.

Curious Cat

On Saturday, April 10, local children’s book author D.C. Sherer will read from her newest book “The Cat with the Question Mark Tail.” This event runs from 11 a.m. to noon at the Bridgton Library in the Children’s Event Room with a book signing to follow. Please call Youth Services Librarian Annika Black at 647-2472 for more information.

Fundraiser volunteers, from left, Chris McDaniels, Wayne Allen, Laurie Allen, Yvonne Mitchell and Ken Murphy stand next to the new Bridgton Community Center van, bought with proceeds from the recent Ice Out Contest. (Courtesy photo)