Well, now we know which way the country is headed for the next four years. The deadline for this column is Monday morning so, as I write, the election has not yet taken place. I hope all eligible voters managed to get to a polling station and cast their ballots … and I hope and pray we can all live civily with the outcome.

This column comes out on Veterans Day, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to honor any veterans you may know, both past and present. Thank them for their service and maybe even go to one of the veterans’ dinners being held by various organizations in the area. Listen to their stories; the reason we live so well in America today is because of their commitment and sacrifices. While you’re at it, also remember and honor firefighters, emergency service providers, law enforcement officers and all the others who work so hard to make our lives safer every day.

Crafts and cookies
The Ladies Guild of The First Congregational Church, UCC – Bridgton will sponsor the Annual Christmas Crafts Fair and Cookie Walk this Saturday, Nov. 12, at 33 South High St.  from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Plenty of free parking is available.
Area crafters will be present their creations for sale in the church’s Fellowship Hall.  New and gently worn items also be available for the early-bird Christmas shopper.

Shoppers also are encouraged to participate in the Ladies Cookie Walk. “Many of us will have made all kinds of delicious, cookies that will be available for purchase while you are doing your shopping and perusing,” says the Ladies Guild’s Pam King.

A lunch of homemade soups, bread, soft drink and dessert will be available for $6. Proceeds from the unch will support local groups and members of the Greater Bridgton community “who are in need of kindness, monetary and otherwise,” says
Debbie McBride of the Missions Committee.

Ladies’ Weekend Out

‘Tis that season again! Bridgton’s town-wide Early Bird Sale successfully kicked off holiday shopping last Saturday, and the next big event is the Ladies Weekend Out shopping extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20.

Grab your holiday gift list, call your girlfriends and plan a fun-filled weekend of “retail therapy” featuring enticing discounts, raffles, gifts, beverages and nibbles from 32 restaurants and retailers throughout downtown Bridgton. Official sponsors include the Firefly Boutique, Corn Shop Trading Co., the Bavarian Chocolate House, Tasteful Things; Squeaky Clean Laundry; Fountain of You Fitness; Mountain View Dentistry; Kathleen of Bridgton; Jones & Matthews, P.A.; Southern Maine Retirement Services; Maine Eco Homes; The Bridgton News; and the Town of Bridgton.

“The goal of Ladies’ Day Out,” says organizer Jessica Jones, “is to bring the community together for a fun-filled event. Shoppers visit Bridgton’s ever-changing retail scene giving the shop owners an opportunity to reach new customers. This year we’ve almost doubled our list of retailers welcoming the ladies.”

“Eight new retailers have set up shop in Bridgton since last year, and five others have moved and expanded their shops,” noted Ellia Manners, co-organizer of this year’s event.

So, get into the holiday spirit and go out and shop ’til you drop! Take advantage of the bargains and treat yourselves to something special while supporting your friendly local businesses.

Community Thanksgiving baskets

As the holiday season approaches, please bear in mind that some in our community may not have enough to take part in the celebrations most of us take for granted. St. Joseph Catholic Church and the First Congregational Church of Bridgton are once again co-chairing the effort to provide Thanksgiving baskets to families in the community that may need a little extra help this time of year. Applications to receive a basket may be obtained at both churches, or at the “clothes closet” downstairs at the Congregational Church.

Local schools and churches have been collecting nonperishable items to fill the Thanksgiving baskets, and the local Boy Scout troop will soon conduct a food drive. Each basket will contain all the elements for a traditional Thanksgiving meal: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, bread, milk, etc. Five Fields Farm in Bridgton also adds a bag of apples from their orchards for each basket.

The Thanksgiving Basket Committee welcomes cash donations from the community to help defray the cost. In the past, the community has been extremely generous and the basket recipients are truly grateful. Donations may be mailed to St. Joseph Church, 225 South High St., Bridgton, ME 04009, Attn. Michelle Porter; or to the First Congregational Church, 33 South High St. in Bridgton.

The First Congregational Church Ladies’ Guild will also hold its annual Craft Fair and Cookie Walk at the church on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch will be available for purchase from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join in the parade

Merchants, clubs, organizations, churches and individuals are invited to participate in the 2016 Festival of Lights parade to jump-start the festive season in Bridgton on Saturday, Dec. 3. This year’s theme is Christmas around the World.

Brendon Cook, president of the Bridgton Community Center’s Board of Directors, is the parade coordinator again this year. Santa and Mrs. Claus have confirmed their annual visit to the Community Center – there will also be craft-making, music, snacks and a bonfire.

Parade entry forms are available at the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St., or call 647-3116 or email [email protected] The registration form may also be obtained at: www.bridgtoncommunitycenter.org.

‘Managing Diabetes: The Next Step’

On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. Bridgton Hospital will offer “Managing Diabetes: The Next Step,”  a free, one-hour program to educate attendees about the use of insulin in managing diabetes.

Guest speaker Ruth Braun has diabetes and takes insulin as part of her overall treatment plan that includes diet, exercise and other diabetes medications. She is a specially trained member of the A1C Champions® Program (supported by Sonofi US, which provides a patient-led approach to diabetes education). Through this program she shares her personal diabetes story, provides support, and gives practical advice to motivate others to make healthy lifestyle choices and reach their blood sugar goals.

Bridgton Hospital is located at 10 Hospital Drive. Registration is required by calling Elaine Drew at 647-6060 or sending an email to [email protected].

New physical therapist joins office

Rich Friscia, PT, ATC, OCS, has joined Richard Bader Physical Therapy, with an office at 154 Main St. Friscia has over 28 years’ experience in orthopaedic and sports rehabilitation. He is board certified in orthopaedic physical therapy (OCS), a credential obtained by only 4-5 percent of all physical therapists nationwide. He is also board certified in sports medicine as an athletic trainer (ATC).

Richard Bader Physical Therapy is also committed to giving back to our local communities. Ten percent of the cost of every initial evaluation performed between October and December 2016 will be donated to a local family in need; just mention the Give Back Get Back program awhen scheduling your appointment.

Ladies Day Out organizers Jessica Jones and Ellia Manners are gearing up for Bridgton’s annual shopping extravaganza Nov. 19-20.

Kappy Sprenger’s one-of-a-kind wooden boxes will be displayed at Gallery 302 Nov. 12 through Dec. 2, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 18.