Curious Climate

I have lived in Maine for 16 years, 10 of which were spent off the grid on a mountainside in Hiram, where I was deeply attuned to nature and the cycles of the seasons. Although I have since moved to the “big city,” a.k.a. Bridgton, I still maintain extensive gardens at my Hiram homestead, and keep fairly detailed records of each harvest. It is official: this growing season was the longest by 16 days, which to a gardener means the difference between juicy red tomatoes vs. tart green ones, 20 bushels of green beans rather than 15, ripe perfect peaches vs. hard green rocks.

Our last frost of spring was in early May, and our last frost of October was Sunday the 27th. My mother in Nashville had a frost four days before we did here. This is great on a micro-scale, since I was able to reap a huge harvest, but intellectually unsettling, because this is Maine. It should be interesting to see what winter has in store for us, since fall sure got off to a late start.

Friends and Food

I love popping into the Community Center on Thursday nights to see what the kitchen witches are whipping up. The Community Kettle is a free weekly dinner open to the public, and it is heartening to see the dining room filled with 100 friends sharing a home-cooked meal together. The next Community Kettle Dinner will be Nov. 7, prepared by the Bridgton/Lake Region Rotary Club. The menu is creamy potato soup with homemade bread and sweet apple tarts; simple, yummy comfort food on a chilly evening. Community Kettle Dinners are held every Thursday from 5-6 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

Honor Our Heroes

How can you adequately thank those Americans who step up to defend our country abroad so the rest of us do not have to? Aside from remembering them on Veterans Day and honoring the memories of those who have passed, cooking them a free, hot meal is a start.

The volunteers and staff of the Bridgton Community Center will be hosting their annual Veterans Day Appreciation Dinner in the dining hall of the Masonic Lodge on Monday, Nov. 11, at noon. All our veterans are invited to join in the feasting and fellowship to honor all who have served in the Armed Services. The Lodge is en route to Harrison on the left side of Route 117; it has a large Masonic symbol on the facade. Sponsored by the Community Center, this dinner is free to all veterans and their families.

Heating Help

Times are tough, and there are many among us who are facing a cold and lonely winter. For the elderly and families on a fixed income, staying warm is not a guarantee. No one should have to go cold in Bridgton, and fortunately we have a wonderful group of committed volunteers who are determined that no one does.

The Bridgton Community Fuel Collaborative was created in 2007, and last year it assisted 33 Bridgton residents with emergency deliveries of 100 gallons of heating fuel each. The Collaborative relies on us to meet the estimated $18,000 in requests for this season. Donations from individuals, businesses and civic groups have sustained this fund, and all donations are tax-deductible under the Community Center’s 501(c)3 status. If you would like to make a donation, contact Carmen or Lorraine at the BCC at 647-3116.

Wonderful Words

Reading opens up magical worlds to children, fosters creativity and builds confidence and communication skills. The simple gift of a book can make a lifelong impression on a young reader, far more lasting than a cheap plastic toy. Please join Norway Savings Bank, Bridgton Books and the Bridgton Literacy Program in their Book Drive as they provide free books for local kids.

The drive runs from Nov. 1-22, and it is so easy to donate. Just drop as many books as you’d like off at the bank or the bookstore, and volunteers will wrap and distribute them throughout the community. For more information, call George Bradt at 647-2389 or email [email protected].

The Bridgton Community Center welcomes Girl Scout Troop 1939 as they roamed the town, spreading good deeds and good cheer in their wake. Pictured are leaders Melissa Montgomery, Whitney Bartke and Ryan Horne and Scouts Mya Lee, Olivia Horne, Elizabeth Burns, Hailey Montgomery, Kaylee Maguire, Madelyn McDougall, Marrisa Harlow, Shannon Goguen and Delia Fontana.