Happy November, everybody. Continuing the year’s theme of crazy weather, the time of turkeys and Thanksgiving started off more like an April Fool’s joke. Just three days after the first frost of the year, Mother Nature sure played a big trick on us here in Bridgton, when Halloween decided to dress up as Christmas. Fifteen years in Maine and I had yet to carve pumpkins in the snow. Surreal.
Time to Vote
I always appreciate getting feedback from my columns, and there was general agreement about last week’s piece on the importance of buying local, and “voting with your dollars” for the businesses you want to support.
This week brings another opportunity to vote, well, with your vote…Tuesday, Nov. 8 is Election Day, and the polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall on N. High Street. Ballot initiatives include Same Day Voter Registration, Congressional Redistricting and the contentious issue of Casinos in Biddeford and Lewiston. Like missing a business that you didn’t support until it closes, you really can’t complain about the state of things if you don’t vote.
Energy and Economy
You might have heard talk in the news this week about the 7 billionth baby being born recently, most likely somewhere in Asia or Africa. Economists and demographers are studying the impact of the world’s growing population, the food supply needed to nourish it, and the energy sources to keep it powered up. These three issues play a huge part in the global economy, which is more interconnected than ever in the 21st century.
The Bridgton Library is hosting a lecture by Michael Dunn on Wednesday, Nov. 9, about these fascinating topics, and it is free and open to the public. Dunn will speak from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s meeting room. Please call 647-2472 or check out the website at www.bridgton.lib.me.us.
Game On!
If, like me, you were a teenager in the ‘80s your memories of video games might be Breakout on Atari or Tetris on Gameboy. Things sure have changed.
With high-speed Internet and futuristic computer graphics, kids can now compete with players from around the globe and even make big bucks doing it.
Saturday, Nov. 12 is National Gaming Day at libraries across the country, including Bridgton’s. Of course old school games like checkers and chess are still pretty cool, too, so there will be plenty of those as well. The games begin at 10 a.m. and run until 2:30 p.m. Call Youth Services librarian Annika Black for more information at 647-2472.
Lion Pride
I have mentioned the Bridgton Community Center’s desperate appeal for donations to their Fuel Collaborative, which is critically low on funds this year. While they are still far short of the amount they usually need to cover local elderly and low-income heating needs, a recent donation really helped them get closer.
The Bridgton Lions recently presented BCC Director Carmen Lone with a check for $4,750, doing their part to help the dozens of families who apply for winter heating assistance. It’s awesome to see volunteers and service organizations like the Lions stepping up to help their neighbors in need. That’s what makes Bridgton such a special place.
Field of Dreams
After a decade of fundraising and planning, the Bridgton recreation complex is finally a reality. BRAG volunteers and the family of Laurie Carter-Bergen are hosting a holiday Craft Fair to benefit the rec field.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center, the group will have raffles, door prizes and baked goods, along with lots of unique, locally made gifts like candles, jewelry and wooden furniture. Come out and support our very own Field of Dreams. FMI, or to rent a table, call Lyn at 627-7380.
Love Your Heart
Bridgton Hospital’s free heart-health program continues through November, with seminars on Thursdays, the 10th and 17th. This year’s series focuses on recognizing the signs of heart failure, and taking steps to prevent it.
From 3 to 5 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room there will be lectures on respiratory health, medication options, “Diet and Heart Health” and “Exercise and Activity Tolerance” by doctors and physical therapists from the Central Maine Vascular Institute. Call 647-6000 for more information.
On Monday, Oct. 17, representatives from School Administrative
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