Earth Day, Every Day

It would be a truly wonderful world if that were the case, but unfortunately trashy people continue to litter. The first Earth Day gatherings in 1970 brought 20 million Americans to the streets, to celebrate our beautiful country and pick up other people’s trash. This year citizens from 175 countries are expected to participate, fulfilling the dreams of founders to make it a worldwide event. Lucky for us, if you live in Bridgton you can celebrate the entire weekend, as there are festivities planned both Saturday and Sunday.

Dancing Trees, our local non-profit serving families, animals and the environment has a roving “Prize Patrol” that will be traveling around town Saturday, spontaneously awarding volunteers it spots participating in Earth Day activities. If you are spotted picking up trash, raking or even gardening you could win a prize. Dancing Trees wants to reward those who actively honor the Earth, so get out there and get dirty.

On Sunday, Ken Murphy and his Earth Day crew will again hit the streets and waterways of Bridgton. It’s a great family-friendly event and awesome to see Boy Scouts, Lions and Rotarians, students and LEA volunteers scouring the town, and even Stevens Brook. All volunteers are invited to pitch in, and free food will be served at 5 pm for everybody at the Community Center on Depot Street, where there will also be kite-making and games for kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please call Ken Murphy at 242-9417.

Liz Peavey!

Journalists are supposed to use exclamation points sparingly, but if I could add 10 more I would, because my favorite Maine writer is coming to town.

Liz Peavey is a hilarious, brilliant observer of the quirks and charms of Maine and its residents, but she’s never corny or condescending. She’s written books, articles and columns including ‘‘Outta My Way: An Odd Life Lived Loudly’’ and ‘‘Maine & Me: 10 Years of Down East Adventures,’’ which was awarded the Maine Literary Award for best Maine-themed Book. Her essays and articles appear frequently in Down East magazine, where she has been a contributing editor since 1997.

She will be at the Magic Lantern on Monday, April 30, for a 7 p.m. performance of her monologue, “My Mother’s Clothes Are Not my Mother”, which, in addition, to being a funny and loving remembrance of her mother is also a benefit for the Friends of Bridgton Library. Tickets are being sold in advance of the performance and can be purchased for $12 at the Bridgton Public Library or by contacting Friends President Diana Fallon at 647-3641. The Magic Lantern has graciously agreed to have the Tannery Pub open after the performance so members of the audience can have a drink and a chat with Elizabeth Peavey.

Senior Scholars

It’s never too late to learn something new. The popular Senior College continues at the Bridgton Community Center, with classes taught by expert instructors.

Courses include an Exploration of the U.S. Constitution, pivotal battles and characters from both sides in the Civil War, and an examination of Stephen King’s Gothic classic, “The Shining.” Classes are held variously on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. For a complete schedule and more info call 647-9599 or check out www.seniorcollegeatbridgton.org.

Pond Patrol

It may have a long title, but it has a simple objective. The Woods Pond Water Quality Committee will conduct a survey April 28 in the Woods Pond Watershed to identify erosion sites that affect water quality, and they are asking for volunteers.

Our local ponds are kept pristine and invasive-free by the hard efforts of water stewards, but environmental threats are always lurking. Soil erosion from the land carries phosphorus into lakes, which feeds algae blooms that ruin fishing, swimming, and boating.

Algae blooms also depress shoreline property value, which is a loss to both the owner and to the town’s tax base.

Working with Woods Pond committee are Lakes Environmental Association, the town of Bridgton, Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District, Portland Water District and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Volunteers from the community, led by technical experts, will collect field data. Volunteer training begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the LEA offices, 230 Main Street, in Bridgton.

Following a brief “classroom” training session, teams made up of volunteers and technical experts will head into the watershed to conduct field work. Call LEA at 647-8580 for more information, or just show up on Saturday.

Setters, Spaniels, Dalmations and Dobermans

Dogs make great pets, but it helps to know which breeds fit your family’s lifestyle best. When adopting a puppy from a shelter or breeder, you need to know what to expect in temperament, size and health issues.

Join other dog lovers on Sunday, April 29, from noon to 2 p.m. at Bridgton Veterinary Hospital on Route 117/Harrison Road for the second annual “Meet The Breeds” event and food drive for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. Meet breeders, rescue organizations, and other breed enthusiasts. There will also be lots of dogs there for you and your family to see including American Pit Bull Terriers, English Bulldogs, Shetland Sheepdogs, Bloodhounds, Dalmatians, English Springer Spaniels, Great Danes, Greyhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Standard Poodles and Basset Hounds.

Last year’s event donated 180 pounds of food to Harvest Hills, and they are trying to reach 200 this year. Please grab a can or two and stop by for this great cause. Some of the brands of food on Harvest Hills wish list: Purina ONE dog, cat, and kitten. Iams dog, cat, and kitten, Wellness or Taste of the Wild grain free for their dogs with skin issues.

After Hours

Our local Artist Collective Gallery 302 and Lakes Region Caterers are hosting the Chamber of Commerce’s “After Hours” on April 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gallery on Main Street. Then on May 4 the artists invite you to the First Friday Art Walk and Open House, where they and other participating businesses throughout town will stay open later to welcome shoppers and visitors to Bridgton’s increasingly eclectic downtown district.

One-Woman Wonder Liz Peavey, also a noted Maine author, brings her monologue to the Magic Lantern on Monday, April 30.