Merry Christmas! It’s really a Winter Wonderland here this year, and it seems particularly festive in town. I’ve heard several people comment on how pretty the lampposts on Main Street look, festooned as they are in their snowflakes and white lights.

Two friends in particular mentioned that they give Bridgton more of a “ski town” vibe, which is exactly what it is now that Shawnee Peak has opened and skiers are coming from far and wide to hit the slopes.

Why not keep the decorations up through ski season instead of removing them after Christmas? We are lucky to have such a picturesque downtown, and the decorations only enhance it. The

Brookings Institution report said we should capitalize on those things that make us unique, and having that glorious mountain and it’s thriving ski culture is one of the big things that makes Bridgton special.

Just a thought…and if it’s a money thing, I bet we could find a way to raise funds through donations to keep them up, or even add

more. Call me, we’ll work on it.

The Accidental Environmentalist

When Eric and I bought our land 10 years ago, we had only intended to build a small camp as a weekend getaway. Back then, we were living in Portland and really thought it was too far a commute to live “out here” year-round. It sounds ridiculous now, and what a relief we came to our senses.

As we got our building permits lined up we realized it would be more sensible in the long run to build a “real” house. The only big obstacle was that our road, which looks like it’s in a National Park with its majestic canopy of trees spreading over it, is that way because it doesn’t have any power lines that require the tree limbs be pruned.

The cost to run conventional power was way beyond our means, so we had to come up with an alternative. Generators were out of the question for us from an aesthetic standpoint, so we went solar. We aligned our house on a beautiful southern slope and took advantage of the daylong sunshine by installing big windows and straw-bale insulation with an r-value of 64.

We bought a small solar array that stores power from two discreet panels into a battery bank, which then converts the sun’s energy into useable electricity for all our lights and appliances. We were true city slickers who, by necessity, were suddenly living “off the grid.”

After the initial investment, which was minimal, we haven’t paid a single power bill in over 10 years, and even more importantly, haven’t lost power once. Not during the Ice Storm, not in the Patriot’s Day Nor’easter, not ever. And there’s something really

nice in knowing that, because the sun always rises, we’ll always be able to generate clean, free power from it.

The only thing that has been an adjustment is that since I don’t have a land-line, and use my cell as my primary phone, I have to rely on wireless Internet to use a computer. This wouldn’t be a problem except our house is tucked on the side of a mountain, which makes getting a steady signal difficult. So more often than not, I have to do my writing at the library. Which brings me to…

Come All Ye Readers

Great things are happening at the Bridgton Library (and no, I don’t mean my writing). We are so lucky to have this incredible resource here in town, which is full of archives, new books and audiotapes, and speedy wireless Internet- all free. Library Director Holly Hancock and the staff have created a warm, welcoming environment. It’s a library for the 21st century; not stuffy or pompous, and you can even laugh out loud without being shushed.

They have an entire floor dedicated to children’s activities, offer weekly programs and storytimes for families, have private meeting rooms for events, and a beautiful reading room filled with books galore. And Jane Whitworth, one of the friendliest women I’ve ever met, always makes sure I have a computer when I come in. These women are great, and they love their jobs. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours on a snowy

day.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, from 12-3 p.m., you are invited to join the staff for the library’s “Solstice Celebration” which features caroling, drinks, finger foods and homemade cookies.

The free festivities are sponsored by the Friends of the Bridgton Library, who’s members work tirelessly to ensure that we have a modern, thriving library for everyone. So join them Saturday for some holiday cheer; there’s plenty of parking and it’s handicapped accessible. Call 647-2472 for more information.

Going once, going twice

Another way the library raises funds is through their weekly Book Auction. Considering the caliber of some of the authors, it’s surprising there’s not a literary brawl at times.

Many noted authors, including Norman Mailer (whose recent passing probably increased his worth significantly), Alice Walker, Garrison Keillor and former President Bill Clinton have donated signed copies of their most popular books. The minimum bid is usually just $5. with the proceeds going directly to the library fund.

I really wanted the autographed copy of Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” but so did Becky Cook, who told me that if it hadn’t gone to a dedicated “Friend” of the library (for only $70), it would have been hers.

Good thing it didn’t come to blows, Becky, because I once slapped a girl who didn’t want to sing the same Christmas carol I did, and we were caroling for charity! (I reached a “new level of meanness” with that move. Don’t think I wasn’t grounded for weeks, and I still cringe when I hear “Silent Night.”)

Leave your boxing gloves in the car but definitely join Peter Bollen, book auctioneer, every Saturday at noon for some spirited bidding. Upcoming titles by Ted Koppel, Scott Turow and Judy Blume will be auctioned, and would make a special gift for the book lovers in your life. Bids can be place by calling the library

at 647-2472, going to www.bridgton.lib.me.us, or at the library, where Becky will be happy to answer your questions.