There is a lot of excitement in Bridgton this month, as we prepare for the onslaught of “summer people” by putting in docks, opening up camps and freshening up the sidewalks and storefronts of Main Street. The Farmer’s Market is in full swing, plant sales are popping up around town and local runners are taking to the streets in training for Four on the Fourth. It’s a busy week, so let’s get to it.

Flour Power

Now that the threat of frost has passed, it is time to get our gardens in. What better way to guarantee a colorful and healthy bed than buying tried and true plants from local growers, and enjoying a fresh baked cookie while doing it.

The gardeners of St. Peter’s Church are flexing their green thumbs again for their annual Plant & Bake Sale. Join them at the church on Sweden Road, just off Route 302 N., from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18. There will be cold hardy bulbs, hostas, daisies, sun-loving phlox, peonies and more, as well as a table full of delicious homemade treats. Get there early, because everything will sell out.

Fun Run

A great way to prepare for the huffs and puffs of the hilly Four on the Fourth is to warm up with other shorter races, and stretch your winter-weary legs. There will be many feet on the street in Fryeburg as local runners lace up for the second annual Fryeburg 5K.

Join the Fryeburg Running Club at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, for the race, which benefits the Fryeburg Academy boys and girls cross country running team. Runners meet at the Fryeburg Section of the Mountain Division Rail Trail, by the Visitor’s Welcome Center, and the entire $15 entry fee goes to support the team.

Pop Some Tags

Here’s a fun fact I didn’t know until now. The Red Hat Society is the largest social organization in the world, with more than 40,000 chapters in the United States and 30 other countries. Here’s a not-so-fun fact I just learned from the same article: I am only six years away from being an eligible member. Ouch. Oh well, one of the admirable traits of “Red Hatters” is their joyful embrace of their golden years, and I suppose it’s better to age with grace and dignity than bitter denial. So, see you in a few, ladies!

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop, located in downtown Bridgton next to Reny’s, is featuring a huge supply of Red Hat Society items on sale from Friday, May 24 through June 1. The shop is open for the summer season from Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop is managed by Guild volunteer Emily Hammerlee. Emily, along with her dedicated volunteer staff, ensure that items are clean, pressed, attractively displayed, and affordably priced for all family members. Funds raised ultimately benefit Bridgton Hospital and patient equipment needs. For information on the sale or about joining the Guild please go the www.bridgtonhospital.org.

Drive Safe

One of the indignities of aging is diminished faculties and response time. It’s one thing if you find yourself walking more slowly or taking the elevator instead of the stairs, but being behind the wheel of a 2-ton vehicle is a different story. Don’t be the elderly driver who accidentally barrels into your neighbor’s living room.

The AARP is holding its annual Driver Safety course for those over 50. The class is being held at the Bridgton Community Center on Monday, June 3, but pre-registration is required by May 27. The class starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 1:30, and costs $12 for AARP members and $14 for all others. Safe driving saves lives.

Spark Week

If “Inside Bridgton” gave out a Marketing Award, this week’s would go to the Bridgton Alliance Church. Their cleverly named “Spark Week” promotion has filled the calendar this week with fun, creative and practical events all over town.

The festivities kick off on Thursday with a Southern Gospel Concert and Revival, and continue throughout the week with a free health clinic at the church from the 20th through the 24th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free golf lessons at the Commons Driving Range daily at 5:30 p.m., and a concert featuring music, juggling and puppetry at Shorey Park on Saturday the 25th at 6:30 p.m. There is also a free car wash, free movie night and free boat rides. Check out the website at www.bridgtonalliancechurch.org or call 647-2027 for a full listing of all the events.

Good Tidings, Gail

On a final note, it is time to recognize an angel among us. There are people in this world who take, and those who give. Many times those hard-working volunteers are so busy helping others that they aren’t acknowledged properly for all they do.

One local example of a lifetime of selfless service is Gail Hastings, the beloved Senior Lunch Coordinator at the Community Center. Gail served her last senior meal on Wednesday, after years of extraordinary service to the community. If you see her please thank her for all of her hard work and kindness, and someone please serve her a lunch or two after all these years!

Ellia Manners and Terry Curns, Bridgton Hospital Guild volunteers, model Red Hat Society items in preparation for their “Big Red Hat Society Sale” starting May 24 at the Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Store in downtown Bridgton.