Pet supplies on wheels

Macdonald Motors is sponsoring a “Fill-A-Truck” fundraiser for our animal pals at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. On Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., bring a pet supply to help fill the truck. All donations will then be brought to Harvest Hills. There will also be a mini pet photo session between 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for a cost of $25. The session fee will be donated to the shelter. Time slots can be booked by calling Jody at 890-3902. I would bring my cat, Ed, but he is so cute that all the other pets might get jealous. I guess I’ll leave him home.

Moonlight

The other night, the moon was full over Bridgton (of course, it was full in other places, too, but we’re focusing on Bridgton here). I was taking a walk with two friends, who were discussing what they would do if they won the lottery. They were carrying on about topics like lump sums, how much the government would take in taxes, what they would do with the winnings, whether it would be better to take the money in monthly payments, etc. And there I was, walking slightly off on my own, head turned to the sky, searching for the beautiful moon that I knew would be full that night. I finally located it, glowing magnificently, hiding among the trees. I spent the rest of the walk staring at the starry sky and the moon guiding us home, trying to block out the conversation of my companions. It seemed sad to me that they missed out on the moment, because they were focusing their energy on an intangible outcome that would probably never occur.

When I moved here four years ago, one of the very first things I noticed was that we can see the stars here. For those who have lived here for a long time, that might not sound like anything special. But believe me when I tell you, you can’t see the stars everywhere. In the city, the light pollution blocks them. I guess in many ways, I already feel as if I’ve won the lottery, because living here, surrounded by nature, brings me great joy. It is easy to overlook the simple beauty of nature when we get so caught up in the day-to-day. It is easy to take for granted all that the natural world offers us. Don’t.

Chill out

Take some time to reconnect on Aug.15, which is National Relaxation Day. There are no formal events taking place in Bridgton, but this might be the perfect day to take a nature walk in Pondicherry Park, go for a swim in Highland Lake or walk the Stevens Brook Trail, which connects Highland and Long Lakes. There was a time when I’d have to rent a car and drive three hours to enjoy such things. Now I walk across the street.

Adventure Challenge

Get ready for the eighth annual Great Adventure Challenge, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m. The event includes a 2.5-mile kayak race on Moose Pond, followed by 16.5 miles of mountain biking around Pleasant Mountain and finishing with a 2-mile run to the top and down the face of Shawnee Peak ski area.

Individuals or teams of up to three are encouraged to participate. Cost is $60 for individuals, $150 for teams. For more information, go to www.maineadventureracing.com. If this challenge sounds a little difficult, do consider that they serve free ice cream all day, and competitors get a T-shirt and lunch.

Clearance sale

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop on Main Street is clearing out the summer merch to make way for fall items. This week, everything is half price. From Aug. 10-15, you can fill a bag for 2 bucks. The shop will then close Aug.17-18 for restocking with fall merchandise. The shop is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2p.m.

Antiques show

The Lake Region Antique and Vintage Show will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School. There will be multiple vendors and an antiques appraisal from noon-3 p.m. For more information, visit www.rufusportermuseum.org.