As I sit inside watching the woodstove work overtime and the tiny chickadees flit around the bird feeder, my thoughts turn to summer. As I’ve said before, Bridgton is only as good as its people. There are some who go above and beyond to make our town special, and some who are content to do nothing. The ones who volunteer a lot know a secret: Volunteering makes you happy, it makes our town stronger, and no one is too busy to find the time. I’m sure some of you are saying, “Not me, I don’t have any free time to give.” Believe me, I know people who are ridiculously off-the-charts busy and they find time. I’m not here to argue about who’s busier than whom, but if you have a free hour every few weeks to give, have I got some fun projects for you:
Get Growing
Calling all green thumbs! Last year’s inaugural Community Garden season was a stunning success, with all 26 of the new raised beds claimed by local gardeners within the first week of availability. Community Gardening is a fantastic way to build neighborhood ties, get your kids in the dirt in a productive way, and grow organic veggies.
But they don’t plant themselves…the Gilroy Community Garden committee is looking for a few dedicated souls to join our committee, which starts meeting this month. Even with the beds themselves tucked away under a few feet of snow, it is never too early to discuss logistics and layouts. And there’s nothing better for the soul than figuring out which seeds to order, what we want to grow and when we’re going to throw the garden parties. Just talking about gardening will brighten your day, plus we meet at a bar. Please join us on Wednesdays at 5 at the Depot Street Tap House, across from the Community Center. Call me if you have questions or want to join.
Street Party
If music and crafts are more your thing, the Village Folk Festival is looking for some enthusiastic members for their committee. Created by Bridgton residents to celebrate all the people who make our town so special, last year’s festival was a huge event, exceeding all our expectations. Hundreds of friends and neighbors gathered on Depot Street for live music all day and night, and an organic, locally grown harvest dinner. All free!
Due to the incredible turnout, we have expanded this year’s festival to an entire weekend, Aug. 23 and 24. There will be lots of bands, artisan displays from craftspeople throughout the area, food and fun for kids. The August Garden Party will be held on the grounds of the BCC, and the street will be closed to vehicles so everybody can party in the street. We need your help though. It takes a village to throw a village festival, so please join us. We are already in the planning stages and there are many details to hammer out. The festival has the potential to be southern Maine’s most vibrant music and artisan event, we just need to work together to make it happen. Please email Lucia Terry at terry.lucia@gmail.com.
Hearts and Flowers
You might know her as the beautiful local kick boxing instructor, but Jen Tringali is now nationally known for her great taste. Jen and her sister Sarah were approached by Romantic Homes magazine to do an interview about their popular antiques and vintage clothing store, My Sister’s Garage, and were so impressed they ended up turning it into an eight-page spread. Response has been so overwhelming that the sisters were getting calls from the Midwest just days after the January issue hit the stands, with people wanting to buy the furniture in the photos.
Congratulations ladies, you deserve all the exposure you get! After outgrowing the original space on Route 302, My Sister’s Garage is now located on the main strip in Windham. Whether you see her there or at the Town Hall for a serious workout, let her know how proud we all are of her.
Seeing Stars
Unfortunately for our comfort level, clear, cold nights are the best for star-gazing. This winter has been a stellar one to see the Aurora Borealis, and the winter constellations in general are vivid and dramatic.
Join the Lakes Environmental Association on Thursday, Jan. 30, for a Constellation Walk, where the whole family is invited to go on a guided snowshoe hike at Bridgton Highlands golf course under the beautiful night sky. Meet in the parking lot of the LEA building at 7 p.m. for an evening of constellation hunting and hot chocolate. This event is free for LEA members and only $5 for non-members. Please call LEA at 647-8580 for more information.
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