Tis the Season

What a magical weekend it was to celebrate the 11th annual Festival of Lights in Bridgton. The snow flurries came on cue, as they seem to every year, then the skies cleared to reveal a brilliant half moon with Venus sparkling brightly beside it.

Dozens of illuminated floats rolled through town as hundreds of revelers lined the sidewalks, then everyone strolled to the Community Center for a visit with Santa and to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies around a roaring bonfire.

Congratulations to winners of the parade float contest, including Pietree Orchards for “Most Beautiful,” Hayes True Value for “Most Creative” and, as usual, the ladies of the Bridgton Public Library who took the prize for the “Most Entertaining” float.

After the festivities died down, Mother Nature unleashed her grand finale: the mysterious Aurora Borealis swept across the crystal clear sky in bursts of red and green like fireworks in winter. It was a fabulous kickoff to the holiday season, and I hope yours is as joyous and bright.

Maine Murals

You have probably noticed the renovations at the big white house next to the Bridgton library on Main Street, as the once-grand manse gets a much-needed facelift. Built in 1830, the Webb House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is poised to become the new home of the Rufus Porter Museum.

An itinerant artist famous for trading wall art for lodging, many of Porter’s murals have been discovered in homes across New England and preserved through the efforts of the museum. It has outgrown its small gallery space on High Street and has been fundraising to move to a larger location for years. Well, with a generous $75,000 grant from the Kendal and Anna Ham Foundation, the group has hit a milestone: Over $170,000 raised this year to restore the historic home and relocate the museum. This is so exciting for the hardworking museum volunteers, American primitive art lovers and the town of Bridgton, which will benefit by having the beautiful house and a nationally known museum on Main Street. Thanks to all who donated their time and money to this wonderful project!

Be Well

Regular check-ups and preventive exams are the best way to stay healthy, but times are tough and money is tight. Are you one of many local women with little or no health insurance?

Bridgton’s Birth House continues its mission of community outreach and wellness by offering a free program for women of all ages.

Join the staff and students of Birthwise from 10 a.m-4 p.m. on every Wednesday for breast exams, pap smears, family planning counseling and nutritional advice. Screenings for STI’s and gynecological infections will also be offered. Each service is provided free of cost except for lab fees. Appointments are suggested although walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Birthwise at 647-5968.

Tea For Two

New mothers need not feel isolated or lonely in Bridgton, because the Birthwise ladies have also 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 winter from 10 a.m.-noon at the Birth House. For more information, call 647-5968.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

…and inside, if you don’t have enough money to heat your house. The Bridgton Fuel Collaborative has been providing emergency heating assistance through local donations, but due to an overwhelming number of applicants this year they have run out of money.

The fund is essential to helping local low-income residents, often elderly, stay warm through winter. It relies on the generosity of our friends and neighbors to fund it, as it receives no state or federal help. If you are in need of emergency fuel aid, the Collaborative recommends that you contact Bridgton’s General Assistance Program, Salvation Army, Opportunity Alliance (LIHEAP/ECIP) or a local civic organization for assistance. They are working hard to solicit more donations and get the heating help back to those who need it the most. If you would like to donate to this great fund, please call Carmen at the BCC at 647-3116. Thank you.

Sing-a-long

The holiday traditions of singing carols and helping others is alive and well in Bridgton this week. Raise your voice in praise and celebration at the annual First Congregational Church’s Christmas Concert.

Join the choir at the church from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, as they perform Christmas classics with members of the Rufus Porter Museum and Deertrees Theater.

There will be sweet treats and glad tidings all for a $5 suggested donation and a canned good. It is the season to “share the wealth” with the less fortunate among us, and this will be a special day for all. If you can’t attend, please consider donating canned goods to another local cause such as the Bridgton Food Pantry, located at the Methodist Church on Main Street. Together we can all make Christmas merry and bright for everyone.

The Bridgton Community Band plays on the steps of the Bridgton Community Center as the Festival of Lights parade goes by last weekend.