Remind me of this

Well, we fired up the woodstove last Saturday at dawn, in anticipation of the big tempest. It was an eerie morning; the air was completely still, the birds and squirrels who are usually assaulting the feeder were nowhere to be found. I guess they were hunkering down somewhere safe and sound. I love the calm before a storm. In a brief moment of insanity I actually found myself looking forward to the season’s first snowstorm! Remind me of that in February please.

The movies on Main

With the Magic Lantern’s grand (re)opening coming up next month, winter will again be the perfect time tocatch up on your movie watching. Having this gorgeous, state-of-the-art cinema right here on Main Street is huge for Bridgton and all the towns surrounding it.

As a movie lover, one of the most exciting aspects of it is their plan to screen independent films and documentaries. If you read this column regularly you’ll know I confessed to seeing “Balls Of Fury” recently so I’m obviously not a film snob, but I really love “art house” movies. My man and I go down to the Old Port to the Movies on Exchange for their indie films, most recently “Two Days In Paris.” It was funny and sweet and you’d never find it playing anywhere near Bridgton. Until now.

In an effort to provide more than just the standard blockbuster fare, Tom Watkins, the Magic Lantern’s director, has teamed up with George Bradt to host a local film club. This club will bring small independent, foreign and documentary films to the theater, and you can help decide which films to screen. Just come to the group’s first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. There will be pizza. For more information, call Bradt at 647-2389 or e-mail applewood1@verizon.net.

Veterans Day Service

Speaking of documentaries, hopefully you’ve been able to catch some of Ken Burns’ brilliant World War II epic on PBS. It really gives a personal face to the many men and women who served in the war, most of whom have since passed away. If you know anyone who has served and returned from Vietnam, Korea or Iraq, you know that for many of them, their experiences in the theater of war is often the defining moment of their lives. To honor their sacrifice, the Molly Ockett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring a service and dinner at the Bridgton Masonic Hall Sunday, Nov. 11. The event begins at the Veteran’s Park Memorial (Post Office Square) in Bridgton at 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by a dinner at the hall at 1:30, prepared by the Bridgton Community Center and members of the DAR. This event is open to all veterans and their families. For more information, call Lorraine Bolduc at 647-3116.

Get Crafty

Instead of buying a bunch of mass-produced junk for your loved ones, most of whom probably deserve better, why not give them all something handmade, homemade, unique and unusual? Here’s you chance to buy all local for your Christmas gift lists. The First Congregational Church at 33 South High St. is hosting its annual craft fair Saturday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. And after you’ve worked up an appetite from all that shopping, a lunch of sandwiches, soup and desserts will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call 647-3936

DIY

The “do it yourself” movement is back in full swing! Sewing circles are popular in big cities as people embrace the domestic arts that were once a staple in America. I am not talking about your grandmother’s day-glo polyester afghans either. I’ve seen some hand-sewn clothing on Portland hipsters that borders on couture. Why wear the same clothes, accessories and jewelry as everyone else when you can make your very own individual pieces?

Now is your chance to get all of your unfinished projects wrapped up and maybe even learn a new skill or two while you are at it. For the sewing savants, knit-wits and even craft-challenged among us, the Bridgton Community Center is hosting an open craft day Thursday Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. That should give you just enough time to knit all the hats and scarves you need to stuff those stockings by Christmas. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 647-3116.

Bereavement Help

The holidays can be a festive and joyous time spent with friends and family. They can also be tremendously sad and lonely if you’ve lost a loved one. You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. If you need some extra emotional strength to help you through the

season, Beacon Hospice can help. The Harbors of Hope Bereavement program “Getting Through the Holidays” begins Friday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. Jane Whetstine is the coordinator and is trained in grief counseling. Sometimes just having someone who understands the pain of loss can be a big help. If you have any questions, call 784-4242.

Hitting the Road

I love a roadtrip, and I’ll be heading south soon to celebrate both Thanksgiving with my family and Veronica’s birthday. I won’t tell you how old she is but let’s just say it’s an even number that rhymes with “shorty.” We’ll be heading down to Nashville, hitting every dive bar, juke joint and honky-tonk we can find. While I’m gone, two very special guest columnists will be writing the “Inside Bridgton” column. We’re not rolling out ’til next week, so more on that later! Until then…