Happy meteorological spring, everybody! Although the vernal equinox isn’t officially until March 20, weathermen consider March 1 the true kickoff to the season. So that means we survived Maine’s second warmest winter on record and we can now look forward to birds, buttercups, mosquitoes and sump pumps. Good thing I bought a cute pair of polka-dot rain boots at Reny’s, because I’m going to jump in the first mud puddle I see.

Salutations

What better way to usher in the dawning equinox than the annual Sunrise Hike up South Bridgton’s Bald Pate Mountain? Join Loon Echo Land Trust on Tuesday, Mar. 20 from 6-8 a.m. for the moderately challenging hike to the 300-foot summit. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, water and a snack and offer a toast to spring’s first sunrise at 6:46 from the peak of the Pate. There will be hot chocolate and donuts afterwards. FMI, call 647-4352.

Be well

Regular check-ups and preventive exams are the best way to stay healthy, but times are tough and money is tight. Are you one of many local women with little or no health insurance? Bridgton’s Birth House is hosting a free Well Woman clinic and it is open to all woman of any age.

Join the staff and students of Birthwise from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, for breast exams, pap smears, family planning counseling and nutritional advice. Screenings for STI’s and gynecological infections will also be offered. Each service is provided free of cost except for lab fees. Appointments are suggested although walk-ins are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. For more info or to schedule an appointment call Birthwise at 647-5968.

Civil words …

Is the thespian in you yearning to break free? Storm the stage at the Lake Region Community Theatre auditions for “Oliver.”

The spring production is holding an open casting call on Saturday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton. Auditions for major roles must be scheduled in advance but there are several other parts up for grabs. Additional information available at 671-3051. Be sure to call ahead for a time slot.

Calling all future Black Belts

Spring is always a tough time of the school year; all of the good vacations are over and the free days of summer loom in the distance. Help your kids blow off some steam with the Karate Afterschool Program.

This free program instills discipline and focus while offering kids a productive way to get all that pent-up energy out. It resumes on Thursdays beginning March 15 from 3:20-4:20 p.m. The class is at Steven’s Brook School and forms are available at Bridgton Town Office or Bridgton Town Rec Center website. FMI call the town office at 647-8786.

Big news on Big Night

These warming days and rainy nights bring a stirring to all the amphibians buried in their winter lairs, and they will soon begin their annual mass migration to breeding pools. Spring’s Big Night amphibians is coming up, and Big Night Crossing Guard Training is on Thursday, March 15, at 7 p.m.

Get ready for this wondrous event by attending an interactive presentation on our Big Night migrants. By the first warm rain in April, LEA would like as many helpers as possible to assist thousands of amphibians crossing local roads to their wetland homes. Come learn about vernal pool species and sign up for the Big Night email list, which will announce the Big Night Road Watch. This is a great family event that your kids will never forget. Call LEA at 647-8580 or check out their newly revamped website at www.mainelakes.org.

Plan on staying awhile

Town officers this week announced the hiring of Anne Krieg as Bridgton’s new Director of Economic and Community Development. With 25 years experience in municipal planning and development, Krieg is relocating with her family from Bar Harbor to help continue the downtown revitalization efforts of the past few years. Bar Harbor has a vibrant, colorful and successfully mixed-use business district, so hopefully she’ll recreate some of that magic here. Welcome to town, Anne!

Lakes Environmental Association’s Big Night is big fun. Last year volunteers helped thousands of amphibians migrate from their winter homes to breed in vernal pools. Above, LEA teacher Sarah Morrison hands a spotted salamander to Lucas Emerson, a student at Stevens Brook Elementary School. (Courtesy photo)