As a natural born optimist, it helps to look on the bright side, especially during winter in Maine. So while we were endlessly pummeled by Juno, Neptune, Octavia, polar vortices, Alberta Clippers and good ol’ NorEasters, conditions were excellent on the slopes.

My ski friends reported more “Champagne” days of fluffy powder than ever, and Shawnee Peak welcomed hordes of boarders from across New England. Snowmobilers hit the trails in huge numbers, enjoying the incomparable beauty of Bridgton’s woods while spending money in our local shops, bars and restaurants.

As one of those business owners, I can report that while February was cold and snowy, it was also very busy. I have a feeling we’re really in for a mucky mud season, but the birds are returning, the icicles are melting and Daylight Savings starts this Sunday. So congratulations…if you’re reading this you survived another epic February. See you on the sunny side!

Salutations

Speaking of sun, the Loon Echo Land Trust invites everyone to join them for a Sunrise Hike to celebrate the first day of spring. The gentle slopes of Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton will lead to a stunning view of the western Maine foothills, nearby lakes and the radiant sunrise.

Celebrants should meet at the main parking lot on Rt. 107 at 6 a.m. The first sunrise of spring arrives at 6:46 a.m. Snowshoes or traction devices, headlamps, food and water are recommended. The moderate hike will take approximately 2 hours. For more information, visit www.LELT.org, email [email protected] or call 647-4352.

Step Up

It’s always easier to complain about the system than get involved and do something about it. Fortunately, Maine has a long history of political activism and participating on the local level is every bit as important as shaping state policy. Bridgton has several dedicated, longtime selectmen who have done just that for years, but their terms are up soon, and they have not yet announced whether they will run again.

There will be two potential openings on both the boards of Selectmen and Planning, and candidates have until Saturday, April 25, to file a campaign application. Not only do our local elected officials do a fine job hashing out the rules, regulations and minutia of town policy, Bridgton enjoys consistently high numbers of voter turnout at the polls. A town is only as good as its citizens, and we have many active ones. If you feel like you have something to contribute, please consider running for office. The status quo is fine, but change begins with you. For more information, contact the Municipal Complex at 647-8786 or go to the town website: www.bridgtonmaine.org/elections.

Pedal Power

If committing to a multi-year stint on a board is out of reach, there are plenty of other opportunities to get involved in town goings-on. One of the most exciting events to roll into Bridgton in years is this fall’s BikeMaine extravaganza, and you can be a part of the excitement.

On Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 14 and 15, 400 cyclists from around the country will converge on coastal and western Maine, and we want them to enjoy their time in Bridgton the most. A committee is being formed to cover all the details, from entertainment and local outreach to advertising, food prep and accommodations. This is an awesome opportunity for us to show off what we love the most about Bridgton: our community spirit, our unique locally owned businesses and our stunning natural scenery. To get involved in this exciting event please call Economic Development Director Anne Kreig at 647-8786. She’ll happily find something for you to do!

Footloose

Every girl deserves to feel beautiful at prom, regardless of how much money her family has. Between dresses, hair and makeup and dinner out, the big night can quickly become ridiculously expensive. Fortunately, the Maine Event Prom Project is coming to Bridgton to help students with financial challenges find the perfect dress.

On Sunday, March 15, from 3 to 5 p.m., volunteers will set up at the Methodist Church on Main Street to help you find and fit your prom dress. A $10 donation is suggested to cover costs, but you will not be turned away if you can’t comply. Please consider bringing an old gown (fresh and cleaned, please) to donate also. There will be a small supply of suits, shirts and ties also, and they may be able to help with tuxedo rentals. Please register at www.maineeventpromproject.org or call 781-214-0603.

Sing Out

Singing is good for the soul. Whether you’re comfortable belting out a tune on stage or are strictly a solo shower singer, it is a timeless way to express joy (and pain, depending on the mood).

There are several new programs in town designed to help you raise your voice. Sing Now!, the Lakes Region’s hospice choir, is seeking new members. This non-sectarian, non-denominational choral group sings a wide-variety of uplifting music to patients in long-term care facilities and at the bedsides of terminally ill residents. This lovely group is devoted to helping make the end-of-life transition as easy as possible, and would love for you to join them. Please contact Director Jo Werther at 256-4351 to get involved.

The Bridgton Community Center is hosting an ongoing sing-along series on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. From 3-5 p.m. everyone is invited to sing songs chosen on the spot, from early American folk songs to patriotic, jazz and rock. No auditions are required, and your skills or lack thereof won’t be judged. This is just a group who loves to sing and socialize. Feel free to bring your own instruments, and a grand piano is available, too. Call 583-6304 for more information.

Glad Rags

If you are looking for a thrifty way to stock up on styles while helping a local nonprofit, head downtown this week. The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop, conveniently located next to Reny’s on Main Street in Bridgton, kicks off their popular “fill a bag for $2” from March 9-14. They’ll then close their doors for a few days and reopen on Wednesday, March 18, with spring and summer merchandise.

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop is a fundraising project that donates all profits to buying equipment and supplies for Bridgton Hospital, and hosts community outreach programs. Run by Guild member volunteers who dedicate their energy and time to make the shop truly special, they are always accepting quality donations from the community and tax receipts are available. For further information call 647-9647. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

This 115-year-old barn on Depot Street is being restored and will soon begin its new life as Vivo, Jim Burke and Joanie Wilson’s rustic Italian bistro.