It is a good thing October is my favorite month, because otherwise I would be thoroughly depressed by how quickly it has come upon us. After a September warm enough that I swam in both the ocean and Sebago Lake a few

times, autumn has finally triumphed in the seasonal tug-of-war. I’ve dug up the potatoes, frozen a winter’s worth of tomatoes and composted all the remaining squash stragglers. My sole pitiful pumpkin is proudly perched on the front porch and I’ve started hoarding Halloween candy for the 300-plus trick-or-treaters who will descend on Bennett Street. On a happy note, the Fryeburg Fair is in full swing, and I’ll probably eat two full bowls of blueberry crisp and talk myself out of buying a bunny, just like I do every year. See you there!

Brews and Views

Last weekend’s Brewfest was the biggest ever, with 3,000 beer lovers storming the beach at Point Sebago. Revelers came from all over New England to enjoy a picture-perfect Maine afternoon, with temps in the 80s and bright, sunny skies. The scenic cove at the resort was a stunning backdrop for showcasing the natural beauty of our area, and a great venue for swilling suds on a hot September day.

Along with craft beers from 30 local and regional brewers there were a dozen food vendors, zip line rides, live music all day and incredible people-watching. I saw otherwise perfectly respectable ladies (well, most of them) dressed as sequin-covered fairies, saucy beer wenches, leprechauns and pirates. Congratulations to Sue Mercer, Ree Gonzalez and the hard-working staff and volunteers of the Bridgton/Lake Region Chamber of Commerce for pulling off the party of the season!

Trek Tally

Loon Echo Land Trust’s 14th annual Bike Trek brought more than 300 cyclists and hikers to town last weekend to ride along the hills and ridges of Bridgton. Participants either pedaled the century ride (100 miles), which took them through the scenic backroads of western Maine or the less-strenuous but equally beautiful 25- and 50-mile routes. Additionally, a record-breaking 84 hikers trekked the trail up and over Pleasant Mountain.

Thanks to sunny skies, generous sponsors and the efforts of top fundraisers Gary Rogers and John Keller, the event raised $78,000 for the conservation group’s future acquisitions. Executive Director Carrie Walia said the Trek continues to grow each year, and “is a great way for people to support land conservation in the Lake Region of Southern Maine.”

Turkey Time

It’s hard to believe that turkeys were once virtually extinct in Maine, since I can’t drive from here to Hiram without having to stop and let roving packs of them cross the road. The humble bird is maligned for being stupid and slow, but they don’t seem to have any trouble reproducing quickly.

If you need your tryptophan fix before Thanksgiving, join the cooks at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church this Saturday, the 4th, for their 21st annual Turkey Supper. It starts at 5 p.m. and includes all the traditional fixin’s you’d expect. The church is located at 42 Sweden Road (Route 93) just behind Venezia Ristorante.

Loaves and Fishes

September was Hunger Awareness Month, and our local fundraisers are celebrating their successful efforts. They won’t quit until every child in Maine has stable access to three healthy meals a day, but they made great strides toward reaching their goal.

Our Bridgton Rotary and Cross Walk director Joanna Moore hosted many events across the Lake Region, culminating with the “Stuff the Truck” drive at Hannaford. Generous friends and neighbors donated more than 1,000 pounds of non-perishable items, all of which will be distributed to local food pantries with the help of the Good Shepherd Food-Bank. Congratulations to these awesome volunteers for ensuring that the less fortunate among us can have their basic food needs met.

Christian Car Care

Parishoners at the Lake Region Vineyard Church continue to practice what they preach. Their ongoing community outreach includes free food pantries, potluck dinners with homegrown, organic produce from their gardens, and financial assistance for low-income heating needs.

One of their most popular events is coming up next weekend, and is a wonderful resource for those who qualify. The third annual Car Care Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, and is free to all single women and single mothers. Mechanically skilled church volunteers will do oil changes, replace old wipers, wash cars, check fluids and perform inspections on belts and hoses. This is a great opportunity for you to get your car ready for winter while saving your hard-earned money for other essentials. The Vineyard Church is located at 402 Main St.; please call 808-1332 for more information or to make an appointment.

Local ladies represent Bridgton at the 14th annual Maine Lakes Brewfest at Point Sebago. From left are Karyn McNamara, Christine Dombrosky, Susan Bonnell, Tanya Dunn, Barbie Brennan and Carrye Castleman-Ross.