Politics and other animals
As February flies by under sunny skies and warming temperatures, it’s pretty underwhelming that the grumpy groundhog saw his shadow. At this point I’m far less concerned about another six weeks of winter than I am about nine more months of Presidential campaigning.
Bridgton’s Republican Caucus was held last Saturday at the Community Center, where Roxy Hagerman told me that a large turnout of Ron Paul supporters significantly outvoted other candidates. This doesn’t surprise me since he skews more Independent than Conservative, which I think appeals to a lot of local voters. Some of his ideas are pretty radical, but I haven’t heard any of the candidates making much sense lately.
As for those leaning more to the left, if you are a political junkie with an interest in the upcoming election, join the Bridgton Democrats on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 1:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Municipal building, which is accessed on Iredale Street. The group will be rallying for the upcoming Caucus on Sunday, Feb. 26, to be held at the same time and place. Delegates will be voted on to attend the state convention. For more info, call Bridgton Dems President Ken Murphy at 242-9417.
Dragon Donation
The Chinese have rung in the Year of the Dragon, which is traditionally marked by surprises, helpfulness and generosity. It is considered such an auspicious sign to be born under in Chinese culture that many couples opt to have children during “dragon” years.
In the spirit of this year of generosity our local Tai Chi Maine club has donated $1,000 to the Bridgton Recreation Department’s Scholarship Fund. The group offers free Tai Chi classes at the Town Hall on North High Street, and made the donation to Bridgton Rec Director Tom Tash as a token of their gratitude. An essential part of Tai Chi Maine’s philosophy is “Giving Back to Community,” and this gift is in appreciation for the use of the Town Hall and in support of the many beneficial athletic and cultural programs that the Bridgton Rec. Department provides to the community. You can learn more about Tai Chi Maine on its website: www.taichiinmaine.com.
Almost time…
…for “Almost Maine,” the Lake Region Community Theater’s newest play. After technical issues at the Magic Lantern forced the postponing of the performance’s initial run last weekend, it has been re-scheduled for Feb.10-12.
The charming sleeper hit of a small town in northern Maine full of quirky characters has been performed all across the country to rousing reviews. This is the first time it has been staged in our area, and has a talented cast of local thespians.
Tickets are still available for both evening performances on Friday and Saturday, as well as the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. If you already bought tickets for the initial run they will be honored as well. For more info, call Lew Krainin at 838-3846.
Reading is fun
I love walking down to the Bridgton Library and checking out new books. Just this week I got the fascinating new Stacy Shiff biography of Cleopatra, one of the most influential women in the history of civilization. But not only is our local library is a great resource for all the newest bestsellers; it also offers high-speed Internet access, popular children’s programs, and community outreach.
The Bridgton Public Library, Western Maine Family Literacy, and the Bridgton Community Center invite you to a public meeting on Feb. 16 at 6:15 p.m. Come for the free Community Kettle Dinner between 4:30-6 p.m. at the BCC on Depot Street and stay for the “Books for Bridgton” brainstorming session to share your views and ideas about reading programs available, and those that you would like to see in the Lakes Region. For more information, call Annika Black at 647-2472, and for a calendar of this and other upcoming events check out www.bridgton.lib.me.us/.
Love yourself
It’s that time of year where lovers ply one another with chocolate, wine and roses. Valentine’s Day is fine for getting a free dinner from your paramour, but when it all comes down you have to love yourself first. Positive affirmations can help you treat yourself with respect and strengthen your relationships with those you love.
Dr. McDreamy himself probably won’t be there, but The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing is hosting a free supportive affirmations workshop on Valentine’s Day. “Loving Yourself With Affirmations” is presented by Deborah Ripley of Women In Balance and Emily Ecker, the Center’s Outreach Oncology social worker. From 10 to 11:30 am at the Bridgton Hospital’s Conference Room you will learn about affirmations and create your own list and artwork. Pre-registration is available at 795-8250 or on-line at www.dempseycenter.org.
FourSquare ShowDown
As I reported during Winter Carnival Bridgton is the Dodgeball capital of Maine, but did you know that the World Championship Four-Square championships are also held here? This isn’t the Four-Square you remember from gym class. Imagine instead if the most competitive kids you knew in grade school grew up, drank a case of Red Bull, and started hurling balls at each other. This is big-time, showdown, sudden-death Four-Square.
The 8th Annual Four Square World Championship is being held on Sat, Feb 25 at 5 p.m. Over 100 players on teams from New England, Connecticut, and Canada will face off at Bridgton Academy’s gym for a trophy, which, incidentally, isn’t much bigger than the Dodgeball trophy Team Black Horse “won” last month. The annual event is a big fundraiser for the Lakes Environmental Association, who use the proceeds to fund local programs throughout the year. If you want to get in on the action call tournament founder Peter Lowell at 647-2446 FMI.
For the third straight year, Team Black Horse Tavern finished
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