Remembering the Honabergers

Living in a tight-knit town has its benefits and drawbacks, and they are usually related to the same issue: the smaller the town the more likely you are to know everybody, and they to know you…the good, the bad and the ugly.

Fortunately for those of us who live in Bridgton, most of the people we interact with are lovely and kind and care about the town and those in it. One of the downsides of this intimacy is that when we hear about a tragedy, a house on fire, a car crash, we immediately hope it’s not someone we know. Unfortunately, sometimes it is, and sometimes it’s really, really sad.

Last Wednesday we lost not one but two of the loveliest and most caring residents of Bridgton. Carol and Dale Honaberger were longtime owners of the charming and eccentric Lamp and Shade Shop on Main Street, and were very involved in making Bridgton the special place it is. Dale was a musician who played the American baritone in the Bridgton Band, and was a constant figure under the gazebo at Stevens Brook every Wednesday night in the summer. Carol was a fixture at the Bridgton Library and was always accompanied by her beloved therapy dog, Holly, who together hosted “Reading with Holly Dog”, a series devoted to encouraging younger children to learn to love books. The Honabergers were killed in an accident on Route 302, and Holly was the sole survivor.

Carol and Dale were very involved with the Norway Veterinary Hospital, and Holly was taken there for treatment of a broken ankle and other injuries. Many locals who know Holly have been inquiring about her condition and her future, and we just received this update from her veterinarians:

“Holly is doing very well. She had some friends visit her today, and it was good to see her giving kisses and wagging her tail! One of her friends read her a story (something Holly was a part of every Wednesday at the Bridgton Library). Another friend gave her new toys and she was happily squeaking them and tossing them around. Every day her spirits are lifted a little more!

“After much discussion and consideration with the family of the Honabergers, we are happy to announce that she has a loving home. The family she will join was known by the Honabergers and knew Holly well.

“At the request of the Honaberger family we are officially starting the ‘Holly Fund.’ This fund will be used for the care of animals in unfortunate circumstances with financial hardships.”

Donations can be sent to: The Holly Fund c/o Norway Veterinary Hospital PO Box 273 Norway, Me. 04268.

Rest in peace, Carol and Dale. Thank you both for being such special souls.

Diverse Dinner

Since I don’t have children, I rarely have to go into a school. The last time I set foot in Lake Region High School was to see the drama department’s production of “Grease,” and that was only to support my best friend’s daughter who was in it. Those of you who know me know I don’t like musicals, I don’t like germs and I don’t really like children, so that was a real challenge for me. But now I know what I’ve been missing, because I recently joined the Diversified Occupations Advisory Panel, and those kids are up to some amazing work!

What I would have called Home-Ec and Vo-Tech back in my day has blossomed into an impressive curriculum of hands-on classes geared to real-world skills. From Culinary Arts and Retail to Small Engine Repair and Math, the faculty at Lake Region is preparing their students for success in many fields. Last Thursday the DO cooking department and Culinary Arts collaborated to prepare a full course meal for us in their spotless, state-of-the-art kitchen and served us in chef whites and big smiles. We enjoyed a huge spread of Italian appetizers, lasagna with hand-ground beef, fettucini alfredo and cannolis and napoleons for dessert.

While being de-briefed by department heads I discovered that one of the best ways to support the various programs is to give them work to do. The culinary class is available for catering, the small engine shop will repair broken lawn mowers and weed wackers, and the automotive department will detail your car…all for minimal cost. It looks like they’ll be getting very familiar with my salt-covered car and shed’s-worth of lawn and garden implements that need work before spring. By enlisting their services you’ll give them hands-on experience, support amazing programs and restore your small engines and cars to better condition. Everybody wins! To schedule an appointment and for more information on catering and other resources please call 693-3864.

Shamans and Chakras

The Bridgton Community Center is known for their many programs and classes, but this one jumped out at me among flyers for AARP Tax Assistance, Senior College and child care. Psychic Medium, Shamanic Practitioner and Reiki Master Laurie Xanthos is leading a series of Empowerment classes that begin in February.

Xanthos has been an educator for over 20 years, teaching people how to “dial up” spirits, including loved ones, angels and guides. She focuses on helping clients do guided meditation, dream analysis, past life journeying and chakra work. Her classes at the BCC will cover Chakra Cleaning, Dream Analysis, Intuition Building and Guided Meditation, which is the first subject, on Feb. 3. Classes run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and cost $15 each. Please call 647-3116 to register and for more info on upcoming dates and classes.

Silent Auction

If you read my column with any regularity you know I love the Community Kettle at the BCC. Every Thursday a local nonprofit, church or civic group prepares a free, healthy dinner for everyone who shows up. I’ve seen up to 100 happy diners enjoying both delicious food and good company, and know how vital this program is for the many people who look forward to it and rely on it each week.

The Community Kettle survives on community support, and now is a great time to help. There will be a Silent Auction to benefit the program the weekend of Feb. 6 and 7. You can preview items, make your bids and eat free pie from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 to 12:45 on Saturday, with the auction commencing Saturday at 1 p.m. sharp at the BCC. Raffle tickets will also be available, and you do not have to be present at Saturday afternoon’s drawing to win. Please help support this special local program that means so much to so many.

Info for Insider

And finally, I am compiling this summer’s edition of the Bridgton/Naples Insider, which is a comprehensive guide to all the goings-on in the Lakes Region area. It is distributed far and wide, and read by many visitors to town who are looking for things to do. I try my best to include as much as I can, but please send me any info you have on events, performances, fundraisers…anything you think might be of interest to locals and tourists. High-quality photos are appreciated, too, and who knows, yours might even make this year’s cover. Thanks!

Holly, the dog of two Bridgton residents who were killed in a crash last week on Route 302, managed to survive the collision and is doing well according to veterinarians.Courtesy photo