Steers and Beers

Ahhh, autumn in New England: Beautiful foliage, crisp nights, cool days, cold beer and fair food. It’s late September and life is good in Maine. Between leaf peeping, apple picking and sitting around the bonfire, there are many classic events on tap this month right in our backyard. Next weekend brings both the 10th annual Maine Lakes Brewfest at Point Sebago Resort on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the kickoff of the Fryeburg Fair, Maine’s largest agricultural fair that has been an autumn highlight since 1851. Pick a direction and start driving; you’ll hit either of these fun events just a little ways outside of town.

Feed Your Soul

Two local churches are hosting special events this week, and the public is invited. The Bridgton Methodist Church on Main Street is holding a turkey dinner on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 5-6:30 p.m., with take-out available. The cost is $8 for adults and $3 for kids aged 5 to 12. Then on Monday, Sept. 23, the South Bridgton Congregational Church on Fosterville Road has a Community Potluck Supper at 6 p.m. Church volunteers will supply dessert and everyone else is asked to bring a casserole, main dish or veggies.

Trek Time

The cool late-summer weather is a perfect time to hit the road and trails to support local land conservation. The quiet and scenic trails and roads of western Maine are what the Loon Echo Trek offers participants who hike or ride for this good cause.

The 13th annual Loon Echo Trek will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, starting and ending at the base of Shawnee Peak. Trekkers can choose between a six-mile hike over Pleasant Mountain or 25-, 50- and 100-mile rides along quiet scenic roads in western Maine. Once again, hikers and cyclists will be supported throughout their treks with energy-rich snacks and drinks and will be welcomed with a BBQ meal by Blizzards Pub, Allagash Beer and massage provided by HealthSource upon completion of their Trek. If you have not yet registered, there is still time to register for Maine’s premier cycling and hiking event. Visit www.loonechotrek.org for more information and to register.

Tea For Two

New mothers need not feel isolated or lonely in Bridgton, because the wonderful women of Birthwise have started a special new program just for them. The Birth House on South High Street is hosting a Mother-Baby Tea Time for all new mothers. This party is a great opportunity for sharing support and information in a comfortable, nurturing environment. Topics will include breastfeeding, diapering choices and infant massage. The tea party is free and open to all mothers and their babies, and light snacks and tea will be provided. These tea parties will be held every Wednesday through fall from 10 a.m. to noon at the Birth House. For more information, call 647-5968.

True Love

Local couple Brian Grennan and Fritz von Ulmer, who have been in a committed relationship for 50 years, were finally able to make it official this summer. Brian and Fritz have been involved in local volunteer projects throughout the years and are active in the local Tai Chi community, which offers free classes in Bridgton and Denmark and donates money to many local nonprofits. Congratulations to you both, and may you have many happy years of wedded bliss in Maine, a state where voters this year overwhelmingly supported the right for gays and lesbians to marry.

Stay Gold

Thanks to the work of a local woman, Gov. Paul LePage has declared September “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” and will be lighting up the Blaine House in gold every Friday night.

Barbara Graham, of Lovell, spearheaded the campaign to call attention to this devastating illness after her 6-year-old grandniece, Campbell, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called Epedyoma. This family trauma led Barbara to begin her mission work of raising awareness as to how underfunded pediatric cancer is, and her efforts have resulted in Maine’s governor to “Light Up Gold” to support Graham’s efforts.

Walkabout

In a creative effort to tie many of downtown Bridgton’s green spaces, businesses and municipal sites together, restauranteur Will Holmes has submitted his proposal for the new “Bridgton Crosswalk.”

By adding signage, improved paving and lighted paths to connect walkways from Pondicherry Square to Pondicherry Park, his plan will create a continuous loop for pedestrians to explore Bridgton via its back streets, brooks and trails. He has designed an artist’s rendering and will be holding a “walk-through” this fall with Bridgton Economic Development Director Anne Kreig and LEA Director Peter Lowell to discuss layout, feasibility and cost.

I’ll keep you posted on this exciting development, as downtown Bridgton continues its long-awaited revitalization.