Nice weather

Could we have asked for a more glorious July to be in Bridgton? With sunny, hot days and a lake in every direction to jump in when the heat was on…to paraphrase Anthony Bourdain, “If God created a more beautiful place he kept it for himself.”

I hope you or one of your generous neighbors planted a garden this summer, because the veggies are thriving and coming in earlier than usual. My spring compost frenzy at the transfer station has really paid off, as the 2,000 pounds of “black gold” I shoveled is reaping major dividends. We have squash, beans, collards, tomatoes and broccoli heads the size of Frisbees, and our experiment growing potatoes in leaf mold is a huge success. Mother Nature is really smiling on us this year!

Jerry?

The Lakes Region has dozens of summer camps, and the “Camp Parent” weekends are an annual boon to our economy as families arrive by the thousands to spoil their kids who are otherwise “roughing it” in the wilds of Maine.

This year’s July weekend was more exciting than most though, as Jerry Seinfeld and his wife were spotted all over town. Their daughter is at a local camp, and Jerry did the usual paternal routine; eating out, going to the lake, signing autographs.

Art in bloom

Gallery 302 held its 7th annual Art in the Park show last Saturday. The weather was perfect and attendance was high. Congratulations to Laura Guptill, Ellen O’Neill and Steven Traficonte for taking first place in their fields.

The Artist Cooperative is now presenting “Art In Bloom,” the popular Lakeside Garden Club show. On Aug. 6 and 7, local designers will create floral arrangements based on artworks represented at the gallery. There will be a tea party reception from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, and Claire Knox will lecture about Maine coast artists at 7 p.m. on Aug. 6. For information, visit www.gallery302.org.

Luv it

Many of you remember Daniel Hays, LRHS’s class of 1979 “Man of the Year.” His family and the Lakes Region Rotary Club have set up a scholarship in his memory, given annually to the student who best shares Daniel’s love of music, theater, tolerance and travel.

A benefit reception and “sneak preview” of Murray Schisgal’s Broadway comedy “Luv” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Deertrees Theatre. Tickets are $20 and donations are accepted if you can’t make it but want to contribute to the scholarship fund. Call 583-6747 for more information.

Buy local

I am not getting into the raging debate about McDonald’s and the blandification of Bridgton, since everyone else seems to have their own opinions on it. I will just continue to encourage everyone to support the many diverse local businesses around town. Money spent in locally owned businesses stays local.

One of my favorite local business owners is EFG Books’ Geoff Gronlund. Bridgton has two top-notch bookstores, both of which co-exist perfectly. EFG specializes in rare, out-of-print and niche publications, and has a lovely gallery that supports Maine artists by waiving all commission, giving them 100 percent of their sales. Gronlund also publishes the Omphalos series, a collection of limited-edition locally printed books. Omphalos 11 has just been released and includes new artwork by the legendary poster artist and Grateful Dead cohort Stanley Mouse. Also included is Part One of a previously unpublished interview with the late avant-garde composer John Cage on the subject of Zen Buddhism.

EFG Books is located on Main Street and is open daily. For more information, go to www.efgbooks.com or call them at 647-9339.

Tennis anyone?

Having hung up our running shoes for a while, Team Black Horse has moved on to a more genteel sport. The Bridgton Highlands Country Club has a ladies tennis clinic on Monday mornings through September, and it’s fun to get out there and bang some balls around.

Resident pro Bob Kimnach leads the class from 9 to 10:30 am, which costs $10 per session. He’s patient if you are a beginner, and the class has a good mix of talent. We’ll be working on our volleys next week, so grab your racket and join us!

Great adventure

If you want to be part of a great cause without having to get wet, sweaty or sore, here’s your chance. Rob Knowles is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Great Adventure Challenge triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Volunteers can help at any time during the day, from 6 a.m. through 4 p.m., assisting athletes and helping with food service. You’ll have fun and get a free dinner on Thursday, Aug. 19, at Shawnee Peak. The triathlon is 2.5-mile kayak, 14-mile bike ride and a 2-mile hike up Pleasant Mountain. Proceeds go to Good Neighbors, a local nonprofit for people with developmental disabilities. To volunteer, call Rob at 647-8244, ext. 16, and to register for the triathlon, go to www.maineadventureracing.com.