A word of thanks

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving, and celebrated whatever you can find to give thanks for in these uncertain times. One thing we can count on is the kindness of our neighbors and friends in Bridgton who always reach out to help those in need. I heard of several such efforts this week, including the McHatton family’s awesome Thanksgiving feast at the St. Joseph’s Parish hall, where they invited any and all who needed a warm space and a hot meal to join them for food, fellowship and football.

A kind word or a loving deed can make all the difference to someone who is feeling alone or overwhelmed. Please take some time this season to offer a hand to a neighbor or a random act of kindness to a stranger. That is really what the holidays are all about.

Warm hearts

The local volunteers who started Project Warm this year also “get it.” They have spearheaded a number of great fundraisers to provide heating assistance to the elderly or less fortunate among us who need extra help this winter.

Kevin Hayes of Bridgton Gas and Convenience is doing his part too, by donating three cents per gallon of his Tuesday gas sales to the effort. Last week he gave a check for $84 to Project Warm, and will continue the effort through the new year. Support local businesses like his, and we can keep our money right here in the community, where it helps the most.

The Rotary Interact Club also stepped up last week to make care packages for visitors who come to the “warming centers” this winter. These high school students do great work with social outreach, planting the seeds for a lifetime of volunteer work. One of the places that will always be open is the Bridgton Community Center, where Carmen Lone and her staff will offer a safe, heated place for anyone needing to warm up. If you would like to volunteer your time, or give money, to the project you can call the BCC at 647-3116.

Take a hike to Holt

Bridgton has miles of hiking trails, and winter is a great time to explore them. The bugs are gone, the air is crisp, and the mountain views are wide open now that the leaves have fallen.

The Lakes Environmental Association has expanded and preserved huge swaths of our town’s greenspaces, and most of their efforts lately have focused on the new Pondicherry Park system. Due to this focus on the in-town trails, the venerable old Holt Pond Preserve has been a bit neglected.

The LEA Conservation staff, led by Bridie McGreavy and Adam Perron, are mounting a volunteer trail day to do some much-needed work at the pond. Volunteers can meet at LEA Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. to pitch in. All gloves and tools will be supplied by LEA, so just bring some warm clothes and a snack.

If you have any questions regarding this project or if you would like to adopt a section of trail for regular maintenance please e-mail Adam Perron of the Lakes Environmental Association at Adam@leamaine.org or call 647-8580.

Light up the night

‘Tis the season of giving, and the annual Bridgton Hospital Guild tree-lighting ceremony gives you a chance to give even more. Continuing a longtime tradition, volunteers will be lighting their balsam pine “Tree of Love” Monday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. by the front entry at the Bridgton Hospital.

This event is open to the public and will begin with the lighting ceremony, and continue with Christmas carols and hot chocolate and cookies in the Guild coffee shop. Carolyn Stanhope, organist and choir director of the First Congregational Church, will lead the gathering along with Guild members and hospital employees.

Families can purchase a Tree of Love Christmas bulb to place on the tree in memory of their loved ones during this holiday season. Bulbs are $5 or a donation and are available for purchase at both the hospital and the Guild Thrift Shop on Main Street. All funds raised by the Bridgton Hospital Guild ultimately benefit the Bridgton Hospital and patient care.

For further information contact Fern Twitchell or Susan Strong, Tree of Love Coordinators for 2008, at the Bridgton Hospital Guild Coffee Shop 647-6000, ext. 6756.

We Love To Eat

The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus are holding a Pancake Breakfast at the St. Joseph’s Parish Hall at 225 S. High Street Sunday. Nov. 30 at 9:30 am.

There will also be sausage and eggs, juice, coffee and milk. The cost is $6.50 for adults; children under 12 $4. The organization uses the money raised for local charity efforts as well as to give financial support to widows and orphans. Sounds like a great cause, and a delicious breakfast.