Our Beloved Library
I have a confession to make. I’m not a native Mainer. Since you are reading my words instead of hearing them spoken aloud, that wouldn’t necessarily be obvious to you. If, on the other hand, you heard me talk (tawk), you’d probably pick up on the fact that I’m from away.
I was born and raised at the New Jersey coast, then spent my late 20s and most of my 30s living in New England. I lived and worked for five years in Boston and Harvard Square, Cambridge, before moving to Bridgton. When I first got here, I asked my partner, who spent most of his young life growing up in Maine, “How long do I have to live here before I will be considered a Mainer?” He said, “It’s more of a mindset than anything else.” I now understand what he means, and it’s the reason why I feel more at home in Maine than any place I’ve ever lived.
I’m not a city girl, and I’m not a Jersey girl, although if you “tawk” to me when I’m angry, you might disagree. While living in the city, I remember once making the comment that I wanted to live in a small town, where the librarian remembers my name. I’m happy to report that, not only do I never have to take my library card out of my wallet, but that Jane at the library knows my hobbies and my mom and can tell by looking at me if I’m not feeling well. The librarian in Cambridge didn’t know me from Adam. That being said, I’m a strong supporter of the Bridgton Public Library and will be participating in some of these great fundraising events coming up.
Sassy & Blue, a handmade clothing line for little girls, and Firefly Boutique are helping Friends of the Library raise money by raffling off a clothing item from the collection. The winner will have a choice of receiving a denim coat, which will be on display at the library, or another item from the collection. Tickets are available at the library and at Firefly Boutique for $2 each or three for $5.
One of the highlights of my summer, the Bridgton Four on the Fourth road race, is the biggest and, in my opinion, most fun of the fundraisers coming up. So far, around 1,000 people have registered, and registration is limited to just 2,200. The last day to register for the event will be July 2 at 8 p.m., provided that all available slots aren’t filled before then. Don’t miss out on this one; they give out free watermelon after you cross the finish line.
The first of the monthly summer book sales will take place in the library courtyard on July 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a rain date of July 18.
Onto Other Things
The Lakeside Garden Club is completing work on a lovely quilt, depicting 25 of Maine’s wildflowers and herbs. The quilt will be on display at Art in the Park, Art in Bloom, the Chickadee quilt show and in front of the Rufus Porter Museum during the Fourth of July parade. You may purchase tickets for a chance to win the quilt throughout the summer, at all of the places noted above. The drawing will take place in November, right in time for when we’ll need a cozy blanket.
Golf Tourney
The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club is hosting the sixth annual golf tournament at Lake Kezar Country Club on Saturday, June 13. This event is a four-person scramble (whatever that means), which includes a cookout at Ebenezer’s Pub (awesome). Prizes and awards in several categories will be offered, including an SUV (seriously?!) for a hole-in-one (that must be hard to do).
Rubber Duckie, You’re the One
Another Rotary event taking place soon is the annual Duck Race, which will take place on July 4 at 11:30 a.m. on Stevens Brook. Tickets for your rubber duckie will be for sale outside of Reny’s and on July 3 at the town fireworks at Stevens Brook Elementary.
Make Bert & Ernie proud, and get your ticket.
Equine Journeys 5K
This seems to be the season for fundraising, and I know from experience that this is a good one to attend. Equine Journeys offers a therapy program for veterans, and this 5K Race/Walk on Saturday, June 27, at the farm at 551 Upper Ridge Road in Bridgton, helps support the program.
The scenery is lovely, the cause is good, and you’ll get to see beautiful horses. When I ran this race a few years ago, I assumed it would take place on the farm. I put on my trail runners, and when I got to the starting line, I wondered why everyone else was wearing road runners. Once we started, I realized that the run/walk actually takes place on the road around the farm. Don’t make the same mistake I made. Wear your regular running shoes for this one.
Pet Vaccines
The Rozzie May Animal Alliance will hold a rabies/distemper vaccination clinic at Paris Farmers Union in Bridgton on June 18. Rabies vaccinations will be $10 and distemper vaccines will be $15. Cats will vaccinated from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. and should arrive in cat carriers to ensure their safety. Dogs will be seen from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and should be leashed. If a pet has been previously vaccinated for rabies, pet owners should bring their rabies certificate.
Plants Galore
Perennial Point of View will be hosting a tailgate plant sale on Saturdays in June, from 9-11 a.m. Cash only. Come check out a large assortment of native plants, cultivars and house plants at 106 Pond Road. Don’t miss this, as PPV is not usually open to the public. Owner Lucia Terry puts lots of love into growing these plants, and she’s a wealth of knowledge on gardening. Come see for yourself.
Just for the record….saw a scarlet tanager this week.
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