Greetings to you, reader, and welcome to my first column in the Lakes Region Weekly. I’m looking forward to offering my view of life here in Bridgton, writing about issues, events and anything else that presents itself as we watch our little town grow by leaps and bounds.

First, though, sincere thanks are due to David Harry, whose work ethic, writing skills and tactful editorial support have set a high bar for journalism in Maine. I am so honored that David has brought me along on his new project after working with him at the beloved, and lamented, Sacopee Valley Citizen.

Second, although some of you might know my name from articles I’ve written for the Citizen, the Bridgton News or the Portland Phoenix, most of you probably recognize my face from my other incarnation- I’ve worked at the Black Horse Tavern for the past seven years (Hey! I thought she looked familiar…).

You can imagine the unique perspective this gives me to write about all things “Bridgton”: I’ve gotten to know the town’s people in a fun, relaxed setting. From bankers to bikers, firemen to farmers, sailmakers and shop owners, artists and artisans, realtors to retirees…talk about local color- I’ve heard reams of good gossip, been privy to scandals both real and imagined, and learned the importance of keeping secrets, no matter how big or small they may be. Don’t worry, I’ll always change names to protect the innocent (or guilty)!

Being in the service industry I benefit directly from the summer people who flock to our lakes all season to spend their big-city money, and I suffer equally with everyone else in the slow months when the weather doesn’t cooperate or the tourists don’t come up.

As such I have a great appreciation for the “Buy Local” philosophy that’s vital to the health of small businesses in the Lakes Region, and celebrate with everyone as we witness the new, improved Bridgton that’s being built around us. I hope to introduce you to some of the many creative, committed local business people who help make Bridgton what it is.

I’ll be following the progress of the various new arrivals to town, as we all watch with anticipation the rebuilt Magic Lantern and expanded Reny’s, the make-over of Wales and Hamblen, the endowment of Pondicherry Park. There are exciting things happening in town, and we’ll be here to report on all of it.

I also look forward to sharing my own personal views of the Lakes Region and what makes it so special to me: My love for Woods Pond on a moonlight summer night, swimming in silence as bats skim the surface…Shawnee Peak after a snowstorm, lights blazing…Walking down Main Street and being greeted like a local… I also love gardening and hiking, art openings, music and theater, and would love to hear about any upcoming events you think merit attention. Please send information to our calendar, and I’ll try to include it.

Finally, I want to dedicate this column to the memories of Dotti Sanborn and Lucretia Douglas, two truly gifted writers who were both so eloquent in their love for this place. Their breezy stories have, with their passing, become wistful remembrances of a time and place swiftly fading away. I hope in some small way to fill their shoes. Writers are our link to the past, and our voice for the future. I look forward to this new journey, and hope you’ll join me.

Carrye Castleman-Ross can be reached at 542-9280 or carry22@yahoo.com

Carrye Castleman-Ross