I usually start Inside Bridgton with fluffy words about birds, gardening or some other innocuous topic, because I am a columnist, not an editor. And I try to steer clear of political rants and controversy, because I have to go to the grocery store just like everybody else and it is too small of a town to hide behind sunglasses every time. But I have lived and worked here for almost 20 years, and am continuously heartened by how willing our citizenry is to stand against injustice and incursions that might mar the future of our town.

Whether it was the proposed nuclear waste dump, the various fast food restaurants and big box stores or the topless donut shop, Bridgton residents rallied with petitions, protests and referendums to support or oppose each proposal. Some passed, some failed, but in banding together for a cause we showed our strength. And I’m sure most of you will agree that nobody needs a nuclear waste dump in their back yard.

Which brings me to “the tower”: residents of Hio Ridge and its side streets received notice last month that a 130-foot tall cell tower was going to be built along the ridge off of Frost Farm Road. Home owners, land owners and seasonal campers who previously didn’t know one another joined forces immediately and launched a media campaign to fight the project. At press time it looks like the phone companies have their legal right to proceed, but corporations know better than to underestimate the power of an organized NIMBY campaign. It should be an interesting summer watching this play out. Hopefully both sides can come to a compromise, because it is the freedom of democracy, both corporate and individual, that makes Bridgton and America great.

Working It

The Bridgton Chamber of Commerce has been enlivened by the arrival of two dedicated dynamos, Director Sue Mercer and Office Manager Ree Gonzalez. These ladies have brought a dozen local businesses on board in the past few months, and have planned a slew of events to spotlight Bridgton to summer visitors in the upcoming season.

The Chamber’s next After Hours, on Thursday, May 22, will be held by the Bridgton Historical Society at their Narramissic location from 5-7 p.m. The Peabody-Fitch House, a restored 19th century farm complete with a working blacksmith shop, is in South Bridgton near the end of Ingalls Road, one mile in from Route 107. There will be light apps and drinks, and all members and prospective members are invited.

Then, on National Yard Sale day, I mean Memorial Day, they are holding a big sale at the Chamber office at 101 Portland Road from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24. Space is available to sell your stuff for $20, so bring your own table and chairs and join the many others who have reserved a spot. It is a great location that 1,000s of cars will drive by throughout the day. For info on these and other upcoming events, call Ree at 647-3472.

Back To Nature

If you’re looking for a way to get your kids outside this summer, sign up has begun

for LEA’s popular summer Nature Explorers Camp. Local residents get first dibs

on the program, which fills up fast.

This science-centric program exposes children to aquatic and terrestrial insects, animal calls and behavior, compass use and shelter building. It is open to all children ages 7-11 and is held at the Holt Pond Preserve in Naples from 8 a.m.

to 2 p.m. July 28 through Aug. 1. The cost is $175 for LEA members and $200 for non-members. Camp applications are accepted for year-round Lakes Region residents until March 15, so sign up now. For information and to get an application go to www.mainelakes.org or call

Mary Jewett at 647-8580.

LRTV Marketplace

If you’re used to just watching LRTV for live-streaming of selectmen’s meetings, local bands and basketball games, you’ll be in for a surprise on Saturday, May 24. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. the local station will hold Lake Region TV Fundraising Event, the “LRTV Marketplace.”

Lake Region crafters, artisans and nonprofits will have tables filled with both collector’s items and subjective “treasures,” which we know from the long history of yard sales appeal to all kinds of people. Not only has the station been promoting this event through the month, but it is unique in that they will be filming live from there during the day, allowing prospective customers a chance to view what they want and come get it. Support this clever approach to fundraising by renting a table or stopping by to shop. If you have questions call them at 647-8044.

Game On

Our local library is a wonderful resource for readers and learners of all ages, and Honor Smith, new Youth Services director, has an exciting lineup of events planned for young movie buffs.

The monthly Teen Film Night kicks off on Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. with “Ender’s Game,” based on the sci-fi classic by Orson Scott Card. It is rated PG, and while everyone is invited to attend, those younger than 15 will need a signed permission slip. Slips are available at the front desk, and contact Honor with questions on this and future movies at 647-2472.

Beans, Beans…

Healthy eating and an active lifestyle can help with a long life, but nursing homes are there when it is time for assistance. In recognition of “National Nursing Home Week” the Bridgton Health and Residential Care Center will be hosting a public baked bean supper on Saturday, May 17, from 5-6:30.

Tickets are only $5 for adults and $2 for children, and proceeds benefit the Resident Council and Sunshine Funds. The center is located across the street from Dunkin’ Donuts. Please call activity director Linda Fifield with questions at 647-8821.

In Memory

The halls of the Bridgton Community Center are quieter with the loss of our beloved Ed Parsons, who passed away suddenly last Tuesday. While Ed was officially the director of the popular Kids Summer Meal Program and supervisor of new BCC volunteers, he was far more than just those titles to those of us who knew him.

A skilled handyman, he could fix anything. “Ask Ed” was a common refrain daily, and there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t rig, wire or repair. Our Community Garden seed flats were always watered and babied by him before we even showed up for the day, and because of his green thumb they are thriving and will produce fruits and veggies all summer long for local non-profits and needy residents. We are devastated for his family and friends, and mourn the huge hole he leaves at the BCC. Director Carmen Lone considered him her right-hand man, and speaks for all of us when she said, “We will miss his baritone chuckle and we’re all better for having met him.” Thanks for everything, Ed.

Celebrate with the Lake Region Community Chorus during its second annual spring concert held at the Bridgton Academy’s Twitchell Chapel in North Bridgton. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 30, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1. The concert offers a light program of many musical styles. The concert is free but donations are appreciated.