What an exciting end to January … not only did the nation celebrate the Presidential Inauguration, but I celebrated my 40th birthday. Not quite as auspicious an occasion for the rest of the world, but for me it was pretty big. Now that the festivities are over and I survived the transition, I hope to never mention it again (my age, not the inauguration!)

Fortunately there are plenty of things going on around town to distract me from my looming decrepitude, including a new yoga class, a bluegrass show and a camera course. We have a busy February coming up, so let’s get down to business.

Just breathe

If you find yourself getting a touch of cabin fever this month, local wellness guru Jen Deraspe has a solution. She is beginning a series of hatha yoga classes in town designed to get you moving towards a more balanced mental and physical place.

Hatha yoga focuses on restoring your body alignment through strengthening and breathing exercises. It is a gentle yet invigorating yoga practice, and it will improve your mood while giving you more flexibility. It is appropriate for all ages and experience levels, and she will work with you to maximize the effectiveness of the program.

The Hatha Yoga Flow Level I Winter Series will be held 4:30-6 p.m. at Bridgton Community Center for seven consecutive Tuesdays, excluding March 10. Walk-in’s are always welcome, and the cost per class is $15. Save $2 a class with an advanced commitment for the series of $91. If you bring a friend you both get $5 off the cost. For more information call Jen Deraspe at 452-2929 or e-mail ntnretreat@yahoo.com

The Tax Man cometh

While we await word on the federal stimulus package, we can at least file our individual tax refunds. The Bridgton Community Center is again offering free tax assistance Thursday, Feb. 5 through Thursday, April 9. Taxes will be prepared by local certified volunteers, including a team of retired accountants who generously donate their time each year.

This program is intended for people of all ages with low to moderate income. With the recession we are in that probably includes most of us, so it is best to make a reservation. Call 647-3116 for appointments or for more information. (Rental properties, business returns or returns requiring substantial research will not be prepared.)

Beat the Blues

I was lucky to grow up in Nashville, where every weekend you could see world-class music at any dive in town. Some of the best music I heard was at the monthly Full Moon Bluegrass festivals at Moon Mountain Farm, where famous players and hillbilly pickers alike would gather in informal circles and perform well into the night.

A raucous bluegrass show is a sure fire way to shake off cabin fever, and an upcoming one will raise money for the Lakes Environmental Association at the same time.

The 5th annual Deep Freeze Night of Bluegrass will be held at the Town Hall on North High Street at 7 pm. Performers include Windy Ridge, Squash and Gourds and the Crooked River Band, and you are welcome to bring your own instruments for picking after the show.

Tickets are available at LEA , the Cool Moose and at the door. They are $15 each, $25 per couple, or bring the whole family for only $30. For more information, call Dave Lee at 647-2550 or LEA at 647-8580. You can bring your own beverage, and there will be snacks for sale.

Say ‘cheese’

The Lakes Region is one big photo-op, with a lifetime’s worth of old barns, wildlife and mountains to shoot. New digital cameras have made being a great photographer easier than ever, if you have the skills to put the technology to work.

Renowned photography instructor Jim Knox will be leading a special digital camera course at the Bridgton Community Center on Tuesdays for six weeks beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, March 17. From 1:30 to 3 p.m. each week he will teach you how to zoom, focus, correct exposure and simply take great pictures.The cost is $45, and there will be a weekly review of student’s photos. Call 647-3116 to register or for more information.