Welcome back ?to Bridgton

Memorial Day weekend was a perfect kickoff to summer, with sunny skies and warm temps. Shops on Main Street were filled with locals and visitors, and the Farmer’s Market was busy and bursting with fresh flowers and veggies. I saw many of my favorite “summer people” returning to open up camp and make new memories, and of course spend their money in our many locally-owned businesses. Thanks for choosing Bridgton, and here’s to another safe and sunny summer!

Code Eagle

Our skies are filled with birds of prey and future carrion, and all play vital roles in the food chain of New England. On Thursday, June 7, at 1 p.m. the public is invited to the Wind Over Wings “Bird Brains” presentation at the Magic Lantern. The presentation will include a common raven, red-tailed hawk, golden eagle, and American kestrel. Tickets are $2 per person and all ages are invited.

Naturally curious

We are surrounded by the wonders of nature here in Bridgton, with every season full of surprises. From the amphibian migrations of spring to the harvests of autumn there are dynamic life cycles in constant flux, and we can witness them if we only know where to look.

Author and environmental scientist Mary Holland has written “Naturally Curious,” and she brings a fascinating presentation to the Bridgton Town Hall on Saturday, June 9, at 9 a.m. Her book and slideshow take readers through each month of the year, through the eyes of a trained observer of nature. Space is limited and you must pre-register. Tickets are $5 for Lakes Environmental Association members and $10 for everyone else, so maybe this is a good time to become an LEA member and not only support their vital programs but also start getting discounts on cool events like this one! To register and for more information, contact sarah@leamaine.org or call LEA at 647-8580.

Health and happiness

Bridgton Hospital’s annual Women’s Wellness Day was so successful that organizers have made it all-inclusive this year, and moved it to bigger digs.

On Saturday June 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Every Day in a Family’s Life” Health and Wellness Fair welcomes men, women and children to the Stevens Brook School campus with seminars, demonstrations and lots of free goodies for all. I go every year and trust me when I say get there early, because you won’t be the only person who wants a chair massage, paraffin wax treatment, manicure and mini-facial!

Along with the pampering, there will be lectures on osteoporosis, healthy cooking, gardening to attract native birds and butterflies, and Tai Chi and Yoga demonstrations. Private breast and skin exams, cholesterol screenings and heart-health risk assessments will also be given by hospital staff.

New this year is a puppet show sponsored by the Maine Children’s Museum, with shows at 10, 11 and noon. FMI call Pamela Smith at 647-6055 or check out the website at www.bridgtonhospital.org.

Readers rejoice

Summer brings many beloved annual events to town, including Art in the Park, Four on the Fourth, Stevens Brook Fireworks and the Friends of Bridgton Library’s Book Sale. The sale is held on the beautiful new courtyard in front of the library on Main Street, and you can stock up on all of your summer reading in one place.

The best part, aside from the fact that all proceeds go to Friends of the Library and funds year-round events and maintenance projects, is that these are good books, not musty old tomes from granny’s attic. Last year I bought a travel guide to Tuscany and a brand new Thai cookbook. I haven’t actually gone to Italy yet, or made any ethnic dishes, but when I get around to either I know these books will come in handy. So go to the sale, support the Friends and dream of all your future possibilities with the magic of books. The sale is from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 9.

Fireworks fund

I mentioned the fireworks fundraising breakfast held in May, but there will be another this month, which I hope you’ll put on your family’s events calendar. Bridgton’s annual Independence Day fireworks display is a beloved tradition, and it is in peril. Budget cuts and belt-tightening continue to chip away at the town’s budget, which has whittled the fund down to nothing.

Local volunteers are raising money to keep the tradition alive, and you are being asked to help. Please join them at the Bridgton Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast at the Masonic Hall on Route 117 (Harrison Road) on Saturday, June 16, from 7 to 11 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee and juices and only costs $6 for adults and $4 for children. And if you can’t make breakfast but still want to help save our fireworks you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Bridgton Community Center’s Fireworks Fund.

Mountains of monoprints

Gallery 302 is hosting Melanie Barash Levitt as guest artist for the month of June, and will be showing her luminous watercolor monoprints. There will be a public wine and cheese reception Friday, June 1, from 5-7 p.m., and everyone is invited.

After attending RISD and studying in Asia, Levitt moved to New Hampshire and started Jackson Art Exploration as a way to expose young children to art. She incorporates printmaking and monotypes into her art, and is inspired by the beauty and magnificence of the White Mountains. Gallery 302 is Bridgton’s local art collective and gallery, located at 112 Main Street. For information on this show and hours, call 647-2787 or visit www.gallery302.com.

Contact Carrye Castleman-Ross with happenings at:

carrye22@gmail.com

(207) 595-9525

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