A walk in the woods

It must be true what they say about time flying the older you get. Where did winter go? I know it has been cold and snowy, but after last year’s endless blizzard this season has been a walk in the park.

And speaking of parks …

Bridgton is a lovely little town in winter, and the trails in Pondicherry Park have been kept groomed and are perfect for snowshoeing and hiking. It is a fine sight to see locals and visitors alike bundled up in their bright winter gear, strolling Main Street amid the festive storefronts and snowflake lights and hopefully spending some money to boost our local economy.

So grab a hot chocolate from Beth’s Kitchen, some fleece mittens from the Cool Moose and a pair of warm Sorel boots from Reny’s and hit the trails. Pondicherry Park can be accessed from the field behind the Magic Lantern, where you will enter a peaceful wonderland mere feet from the bustle of town. Enjoy it while you can, because we will all be fleeing from mosquitos in a few short months …

Frosty floats

If you have driven across the Moose Pond Causeway this winter you have seen Frosty the Snowman waving from his perch, where he will stay until Ice Out. The Bridgton Community Center is selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle, with half the proceeds going to the winner who guesses the date of ice out and the rest to the BCC.

For the raffle, 4,000 tickets have been printed, and at $2 each that means you could win a lot of cash if your guess is right. Last year’s winner was Fred Hammerle, who purely by coincidence also happened to have engineered Frosty’s float. He generously donated his winnings back to the Center, but what you do with your prize is up to you.

Tickets can be purchased at businesses all over town, and at the Community Center. The earliest recorded ice out was April 2; the latest, May 1. The average date is April 17, so hedge your bets and buy a bunch of dates. Obviously, the size of the prize depends on the ticket sales.

The Bridgton Community Center is a great organization that provides multi-generational programs and meeting facilities for the greater Bridgton Community. If you would like more information about the Community Center or Ice Out, contact Director Carmen Lone at 647-3116.

Penny pincher paradise

In these days of recession and restriction it would seem that thrifty is the new black. Smart shoppers know there is no shame in saving a buck, and we have a fabulous store right here in Bridgton that makes that possible every day. Even better, all proceeds go to charity. So not only are you helping yourself but by doing so you are helping others, which sounds perfectly altruistic to me.

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop is on Main Street in downtown Bridgton, next to Reny’s and across from TD Banknorth. They have all manner of trash and treasure, and I have found both a classic vintage handbag and sparkly cocktail ring on visits there. The price is always right, and it is about to get even better.

Through March 7, the Guild is holding has their half-price sale on everything in the store. Clothes, shoes, books, household goods, the store is stuffed with bargains. In addition, from March 17 through 21, they have their annual “Fill a Bag” frenzy for just $1. After that they will close to recover from the madness and reopen Wednesday, March 25 with all their spring and summer stock.

The Bridgton Hospital Guild is a not-for-profit organization, and their fundraising efforts, including the Thrift Shop and the Coffee Shop on the hospital campus, are run by volunteers. All funds ultimately benefit Bridgton Hospital.

A sad farewell

Condolences are due to the family of Todd Ingram, who passed away last week of cancer at only 41. As many fellow local gardeners know, Todd was a happy, helpful presence all summer long at Mark’s Lawn and Garden. He was always there to give advice on suitable plants, make recommendations on landscaping projects and, most appreciated, help haul heavy loads of soil and shrubbery to the car for me.

There will be a Memorial Service in the spring at Mark’s to celebrate Todd’s life, but for now in lieu of flowers a fund has been established to help his son Andrew, a junior at LRHS, with his future education. Donations can be sent to: Andrew Ingram, c/o Mark’s Lawn and Garden, 688 Portland Road, Bridgton, 04009.