April Showers

If you see me lurking in the shadows at Paris Farmers Union, you’ll know I’m suffering from full-blown Spring Fever. I’ve been stocking up on Pro Mix, flower bulbs and Johnny’s seed packets, just waiting for that first warm day when I can dig my dry winter hands into the dirt and start growing stuff. The season is stirring, and I’ve seen “my” chipmunk poking his head out of his hole and making furtive forays across the back porch to the compost pile. After the hundreds of acorns I saw him stash last fall, its no wonder he looks fat and happy and ready to soak up some sunshine with me in the garden.

Speaking of gardens, I am thrilled to report that the Bridgton Community Gardens, in collaboration with the Gilroy Garden Initiative, has already reserved all of their raised beds for the season and has started a waiting list. The gardens received a generous grant to double the bed count at the Community Center, and we will be holding classes, special events and garden parties throughout the summer. Many will be open to the public, and everyone is invited to join us as we grow healthy, organic vegetables and herbs for families, nonprofits and local food pantries. Thanks to Rex Rolfe and Pineland Farms for donating loam and organic compost respectively, it’s going to be a great summer in the garden!

Water Works

Continuing their tradition of protecting our local lakes and waterways, Loon Echo Land Trust was unanimously awarded a $50,000 conservation grant by the Portland Water District’s Board of Trustees for purchase of the 1,455-acre Perley Mills parcel, located in the towns of Bridgton and Denmark.

The pledge marks the largest grant made under PWD’s Watershed Land Conservation Policy.

“We support conservation easements because preserving Sebago Lake’s forests protects water quality and that directly benefits our ratepayers in Greater Portland,” said PWD Trustee President Guy Cote.

The Perley Mills property, which drains into Sebago Lake, has been determined to have significant water quality value. The parcel is partly located in the Sebago Lake watershed and will become a community forest managed by the town of Denmark.

He’s A Hero

The Red Cross Chapter of Southern Maine has chosen George Drisko as one of their “Real Heroes,” and he was honored at the Heroes’ Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 4, at the Holiday Inn in Portland.

Drisko was recognized for his work with the blood services division, tirelessly volunteering his time with the local Masonic Lodge, attending, volunteering and donating blood at each drive for the past six years. The Red Cross commended Drisko when choosing him as a hero, saying, “George has gone above and beyond to help Mainers in need and represents the entire Bridgton community as a ‘Real Hero.’” Congratulations, George, and thanks for all your hard work.

Blood Drive

You could personally thank George for all of this hard work if you stop by the Bridgton Community Blood Drive, being held this Monday, April 8, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Masonic Hall. He will be there assisting donors, all of whom will receive a coupon for a free 6-inch sub at any participating Subway in Maine and New Hampshire. The Masonic Hall is located on Route 117 (Harrison Road), across from Brill Lumber. To make an appointment, call the ARC at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Get Schooled

If you want to make a difference in your children’s education, put your 2 cents worth at an upcoming educational forum. The SAD 61 School Board is inviting parents and taxpayers to give input on how local schools are performing at a public meeting on Monday, April 8, at 6:30 in the LRHS Auditorium.

Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Beecher has assembled an Ad Hoc Facilities Committee comprised of town selectmen and parents, principals, teachers and school board members. They want to hear questions and comments from the public before they issue their recommendations to the school board. Join in the effort to make our schools and students the best they can be.

War and Remembrance

Looking for new books for your summer reading list? Let local writers help. The North Bridgton Library kicks off the spring season with a series of book readings, beginning with author Walt Bannon’s “The White Pocketbook.”

Based on his mother’s adventures in Europe during World War II, Bannon weaves a fascinating story of his family’s history, particularly her experiences in Nazi occupied Belgium. The reading starts at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at the library, located at 113 Waterford Road right across from the Bridgton Academy campus.

Access is Critical

Some of the vital entities that elevate Bridgton from just another rural town are its top-flight medical services, and Bridgton Hospital was recently named one of the HealthStrongTM Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States. The hospital supports a 24-hour emergency department, inpatient and outpatient surgery, a full service laboratory and medical imaging departments, oncology-hematology, diabetes education, cardiology, neurology and orthopedics.

“Bridgton Hospital is proud of its providers and staff who have made it possible for our hospital to achieve this designation,” said Bridgton Hospital President and CEO David Frum. “Critical Access Hospitals are essential to assuring good health and access to high quality care in the nation’s rural areas, and we are very pleased to be considered among the top in this group of healthcare organizations. We would like to thank the Lakes Region community for the support they continually give Bridgton Hospital.”