Last Friday, a false report of Ice Out on Moose Pond was reported to the Bridgton Community Center, which is running a raffle in which people can buy tickets and win half the pool if they pick the correct date the ice melts through. Immediately, Fred Hammerle, Frosty’s designer/surgeon, visited the aging snowman to verify. As Hammerle suspected, a part had failed on Frosty causing the false report. The problem has been fixed and Mr. Hammerle assures us that there is a good 4 to 5 inches of ice where Frosty stands. Courtesy photo

Happy Spring! After being in the deep freeze for so many months, it’s always a wonder when the warm days rush in. Neighbors pull their sump pump outlets to the curb, snow gives way to mud, and I have to resist the urge to open all the windows and let the fresh air in. Early spring is a special time in Bridgton, when the locals can toast the passing of another winter and enjoy the lakes, parks and trails in peace before our summer friends descend upon us.

Mad Science

I loved science in school, and still remember that rush of pouring random liquids into a beaker and waiting for the explosion. Bunsen burners, baking soda volcanoes, pickled frogs in formaldehyde…Science isn’t always pretty, but the experiments sure are fun.

The Bridgton Recreation department has teamed with Mad Science to do six weeks of science excitement with the students of Stevens Brook Elementary. This after-school program is open to all kids K-6 on Tuesdays from April 5 to May 17. Please bring sign-up forms to the front desk of the Bridgton Town Office by Friday, April 1. Spots are filling up fast, so contact Rec Director Tom Tash for more info at 647-8786.

Under the Big Top

The Children’s Room at the Bridgton Library will be transformed into a Big Top of Carnival Delights as they kick off April with “Circus Day.” Join the Mother Goose story time from 10:30-11:00 on Friday, April 1, when clowns will cheer you and Ringmaster Annika will delight you with her amazing feats. For more information call the library at 647-2472 or the website at www.bridgton.lib.me.us.

Frosty’s finale

Last year’s Ice Out on Moose Pond was historic for the fact that it is the only one on record to occur in winter, on March 17. Well, despite a “false” Ice Out alarm on March 18 that designer Fred Hemmerle quickly fixed, Old Frosty is still hanging tough out there on the Causeway this year.

But the end is near so take advantage of this warning and purchase your ICE OUT ticket very soon. The lucky guesser of the day Frosty tanks will win half the proceeds from ticket sales with the other half benefits the Bridgton Community Center and all the programs that are provided to the people of the Bridgton area. Tickets are available at the BCC, True Value, Chamber of Commerce and Black Horse Tavern. Ice-out is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Community Center, and is vital to helping continue services in these difficult economic times. Call the BCC at 647-3116 if you would like to make a donation or have questions about their summer courses and programs.

Hoop dreams

It’s been nice to see all the action at our old Town Hall this year. The Ice Rink was filled with skaters all winter, and the popular wellness programs of karate, aerobics and indoor soccer have the indoor gym filled on most nights. Now there’s a new “Youth/Teen Basketball Open Gym” that’s off to a great start.

This free drop-in program is open to all kids from grades 3-12 with split gym to accommodate differing levels of skill. There are adult coaches on hand and the group already has 10 participants. Join the future stars of March Madness every Tuesday from 3-6 p m., and call Tom Tash for more info at 647-8786.

Major league grant

I am reminded often of what an awesome, caring community we live in, and here’s the most recent example. The Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG) has received a $5,000 grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust, to aid in the construction of the community recreation complex on BRAG Way. Bridgton resident and MLB pitcher Dave Bush and his wife, Carrie, recently applied for a grant on the group’s behalf.

The players trust is a non-profit organization created by Major League Baseball players who contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities.

Volunteers in Bridgton have been working for more than 10 years to make the BRAG complex a reality, and this past year has seen great progress. To supplement the money from the MLB grant, BRAG is holding a Chinese Auction on Saturday April 30 at Stevens Brook Elementary School. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the auction beginning at 1 p.m. BRAG is currently accepting items for the auction and if you would like to donate, please call Lyn Carter at 627-7380 or Bill Macdonald at 647-3304 to arrange pick up. For more information about BRAG check out their great website at www.todaysbrag.com.