Bet on it

You can be assured of a lively debate at the next Brown Bag Lunch Forum Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the Bridgton Municipal Building. Sponsored by the Friends of the Bridgton Library, the upcoming event will feature Christian Civic League spokesmen Michael Heath debating local activist Alan Lapidus on the pros and cons of casinos in Maine.

I cannot remember ever agreeing with Michael Heath on any issue, but I credit him for the catchy “Gambling With the Way Life Should Be” anti-casino rallying cry, which shows he is either a closet ad-man or has some creative help at his Maine Family Policy Council. His sparring partner, Alan Lapidus, is a renowned architect who has worked on several casino projects around the country. He recently published a memoir, “Everything by Design: My Life as an Architect” and relocated to the Lakes Region from New York City.

Whether you agree with casino gambling or not, the issue will be on the ballot in November and involves a proposed project in Oxford County, just to our north. A moderator will be present to take questions from attendees. Just bring a sack lunch and join the crowd at the Bridgton Municipal Building, using the downstairs entrance, which is handicapped accessible. This event begins at noon and is free and open to the public.

Town Hall Volleyball

First there was the World Four-Square competition, then the Dodgeball Throwdown (where I was pummeled with a fastball hurled by no less than the Milwaukee Brewer starting pitcher Dave Bush) and now … full-court volleyball. Bridgton is full of semi-competitive sportsters and some top-notch athletes courtesy of the staff at Bridgton Academy and Team Black Horse. If you want to get exercise, have fun and hone your serving skills, Bridgton Recreation Department has the game for you.

Players are wanted for adult volleyball, ages 18 and older, to join a local league. Beginning and seasoned players are all welcome, and there will be some instruction available. This is a casual, friendly organization, and you do not have to look (or dress) like the babes on the U.S. Volleyball Team to participate. If you are interested please call Linda Hamilton at 647-9336 or Phil Gutekunst at 647-8786. More specific details regarding scheduling times will be announced when interest is gauged.

Take a Hike

My friends and I grabbed a map from the Lakes Environmental Association and hit the trails for a post-deluge slog through Pondicherry Park last week, and while our feet got soaked our spirits were high. The six inches of rain we received from the tropical storm pushed Stevens Brook over its banks, and more waterfalls than usual were roaring along the four-mile hike. The park is a lush, peaceful oasis in the heart of Bridgton, and I was impressed by all of the new bridges and walkways built by volunteers since last year.

One of the most dedicated volunteers is JoAnne Diller, who was honored for all her hard work by friends of the park last week in a surprise ceremony. The Diller Trail extends from the park’s entrance at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge behind the Magic Lantern, and commemorates Diller’s efforts as a fundraiser and trail guide. The Stevens Brook Trail and Pondicherry Park projects will be enjoyed by nature lovers in perpetuity, and the LEA, Loon Echo Land Trust and all of their volunteers cannot be thanked enough. If you want to become part of the ongoing efforts, call LEA at 647-8580 for volunteer opportunities.

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to Jaimie MacDonald and Nick Klimek, who will be married at a long-awaited ceremony on the slopes at Sunday River Saturday, Sept. 20. Because many of the 150 guests are friends and employees of the couple’s Black Horse Tavern family, the restaurant will be closed that day and night. Those of us who love the happy couple wish them a happy, healthy life together and say, “Finally!”