Congratulations, Bridgton! Whether you were on the “yes” or “no” side of the big box/chain restaurant debate, the fact that over 1,400 town voters came out on a mid-winter Tuesday is fantastic. That’s 33 percent of registered Bridgton voters, and that speaks highly to the level of community involvement, consideration and concern for the future we have in our town. Now that the doors are open wide for commercial development along the Route 302 corridor, let’s hope there’s a successful balance struck between retail growth and the unique charms that make Bridgton so special.

Ricky’s to the rescue

Gilles Labelle and Bridgitte Plouffe recently purchased Ricky’s Diner on Main Street, and they are quickly making their mark as generous local business owners.

When the Bridgton Community Center’s longtime chef called in sick on the morning of March 2, Lorraine Goldrup called Ricky’s for help. By 11 a.m., Giles and Bridgitte had delivered enough homemade turkey gumbo to feed the crowd of 60 at the weekly senior’s lunch. Thanks for your community spirit, and welcome to town.

Full moon fever

Now that winter’s cold has loosened its steely grip on us, an evening stroll through town can be enjoyable rather than torturous. The late season sky is the starriest of the entire year, as Orion marches off the horizon, Jupiter sinks to the West and the summer constellations edge closer to the spotlight.

Join the naturalists of the LEA for a guided Full Moon hike on Saturday, March 19 at 8 p.m. as they point out highlights of the night sky and other harbingers of the coming spring. They will meet at the Lakes Environmental Association on the corner of Chase and Main and see where the night takes them. For more information, call 647-8580.

Helping hearts

One of my favorite local volunteers has a special new project that deserves mention even though it isn’t actually in Bridgton. Connected Touch’s Denise Morin is a Certified Massage Therapist who donates much of her time to giving therapeutic massage to terminally ill cancer patients at the end stage of their lives. Her annual “In Honor Of You” walk in memory of family and friends is held every summer at Highland Lake beach, but she continues her powerful outreach year-round.

Denise has written eloquently of the many people she has met during her career and is speaking on “Life’s Lessons From Cancer.” During the one-hour program she relates the anecdotes and private recollections of what these patients have taught her about forgiveness, respect, courage, determination, denial, and love while warmly addressing issues like how to talk to a terminally ill person, how to compassionately guide the family, and when to just be there with love.

Join her Friday, March 18 at the Casco Village Church from 6:30 to 7:30. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, and all proceeds go to fund her nonprofit volunteer work. For more information, call Denise at 576-4090.

Be here now

Jen Deraspe of Nurture Through Nature is a great force for spiritual and physical wellness, offering free community yoga sessions, guided hikes and soul-renewing weekend retreats at her green, off-the-grid eco-resort. Now she is hosting a new Community Book Club, and everyone is welcome.

The club starts Tuesday, March 15 at 6 p.m., and the book to be discussed is Eckhart Tolle’s “New Earth,” which continues the themes of awareness and awakening in his seminal “The Power of Now.”

This group is free and open to the public, and you are welcome to bring a prepared dish or snack to share. Nurture Through Nature is located on Warren Road, just off Rt. 302. For more information, call Jen at 452-2929.

Welcome to ?the Congregation

The First Congregational Church welcomes Annette Mott as its interim pastor, replacing their longtime reverend, Richard L. Bennett, who retired late last year.

Mott previously spent 26 years as Christian educator and resource director at the Maine Conference UCC in Yarmouth, and was most recently placed at Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland.

She was drawn to the church by its emphasis on peace and justice, and is happy to be Bridgton’s interim pastor.

“This practice allows a congregation to go through the natural grieving process when a beloved member of their family moves on,” said Mott.

The First Congregational Church is located at 33 South High St., Bridgton.

Sunday services are at 10 a.m., and there is child care available.

For more information, call 647-3936 or visit the First Congregational Church website at www.firstucc1794.com.