A Frosty on ice

No, I am not talking about beer, although with St. Patrick’s Day being celebrated this week it would certainly be appropriate.

If you have crossed the Moose Pond Causeway recently you probably saw Frosty himself perched out on the ice. Painted by local folk artist Nelle Ely, the snowman is standing sentinel for the Bridgton Community Center’s annual Ice Out contest.

Retired engineer and Bridgton resident Fred Hammerle devised an intricate system of pulleys, weights and pipes attached to a sensor that will detect the exact moment of ice out, making a lucky someone a little richer while supporting the great programs the center offers throughout the year.

Bridgton Community Center Executive Director Carmen Lone said the contest is one of the biggest annual fundraising campaigns for the center, and provides vital money for its continuing classes and community outreach efforts. Since 2001 the nonprofit organization has provided services to Bridgton residents and those of neighboring communities, and is an essential resource for many.

Apart from several highly competitive grants, all the money needed to support the center comes from the town and fundraising.

Lone and her staff, headed by program director Lorraine Goldrup, offer a diverse array of classes, from astronomy, cribbage and bridge clubs to weekly AA meetings, caregiver support groups and the local crime watch team.

The center sponsors the Pine Tree Brass Band performances, and in the summer holds the farmer’s and flea markets on weekends. Bridgton is lucky to have a safe, convenient gathering place in town, and it needs your support.

You have until midnight of April 1 to enter your guess for the 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $2 each and are available at the community center on Depot Street, Hayes True Value and the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce office.

Bridgton Community Center volunteer Dave MacFarland recently found stats on ice out going as far back as 1959, and the ice out dates are surprisingly consistent. Here’s a hint: aside from a run of early melt dates from the ’80s, most annual ice outs on Moose Pond have been in the latter half of April, except for the earliest date of April 2, 2006. So much for statistics. Just take a lucky guess, buy a slew of tickets, and wait for Frosty to take the plunge.

K of C dinner

‘Tis the week to celebrate all things Irish, and what could be more authentic than a classic corned beef dinner? Bob McCarthy of the local Knights of Columbus chapter told me about their annual St. Patrick’s fundraiser, which will be held in the reception hall at St. Joseph’s church at 5:30 p.m. Saturday March 15.

Tickets are only $6 in advance and $8 at the door, with all proceeds going to support local community programs. The Bridgton council volunteered over 2,100 hours of service work in the town last year alone, and donate much of the money they raise to supporting widows and orphans. McCarthy said that along with the boiled dinner there will also be Irish-themed entertainment, and promised that he will not be singing. For more information call 647-5005.

Food pantry benefit

If you think this winter has been difficult, imagine trying to get through it on a fixed or limited income. With high heating bills, rising gas prices and cost of living increases, it has been particularly hard for low income Mainers to make ends meet.

It is shameful for children to go hungry in our prosperous country, and the Brownfield Food Pantry is committed to doing its part to make sure local families have enough to eat. Marian and Jack Mitchell run the nonprofit pantry with an army of volunteers, feeding 500 people a week from the area.

The pantry is supported by generous grants from the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Bridgton Rotary Club, but it relies on fundraising to pay a large portion of its expenses.

Calling the event “an evening of and for community nourishment,” the second annual Food Pantry benefit has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Brownfield Community Church at the junction of Route 160 and Main Street in Brownfield.

A solid line up of local talent will perform, including Windham Hill recording artist Dana Cunningham, multi-instrumentalist Katherine Rhoda, jazz and blues by Fryeburg’s Ken and Laurie Turley and traditional celtic instrumentals from Empty Pockets.

These and other generous performers are donating their time to the event, and organizer Denis Dunn promises a rousing evening of singing, dancing and fellowship. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds go straight to the Brownfield Food Pantry. For more information, call Marian Mitchell at 935-2333.

The race is on

Dean Scontras is running for the 1st District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives being vacated by Rep. Tom Allen, and local supporters are hosting an open house for him.

Scontras, hoping to regain the seat for Republicans, is running on a conservative platform and is pledging tax relief for Mainers. Gordon Davis, local campaign chairman of Lakes Region for Scontras, is holding a town hall-style meeting for interested voters.

The event will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20 in the downstairs community room at the Bridgton Municipal Complex at 3 Chase Street. Davis encourages voters of all parties to attend the meeting and meet Scontras.

For more information about the event, call Gordon Davis at 647-2173.

Arts smarts

Summer is right around the corner, and the Bridgton Art Guild’s fifth annual Art in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, July 19. Tourists from out of state love to buy original art by Maine artists. Are you a local artist interested in networking and selling your work in Maine?

The Guild is hosting the Maine Crafts Association’s “Informational Workshop” Tuesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at Gallery 302, 112 Main St. The association promotes education of Maine artisans, sponsoring programs and providing communication opportunities among artists around the state.

The evening will include information about the Center for Maine Craft, local initiatives and marketing programs, and the newly designed associate degree program in traditional and contemporary craft. There will also be a workshop on obtaining grants and loans for artisans.

Additionally, Ernie Kozun of Gallery 302 will be on hand to discuss exhibition opportunities at the cooperative. Gallery 302 currently displays original work of more than 60 Maine artists in mediums from photography and paint to sculpture, pottery and metalsmithing. For more information about exhibiting opportunities or the association workshop call Kozun at 647-4349.

Inside Bridgton