Baby, it’s cold outside

Well, we’re in it now. Winter, that is. It’s off to a good start, with a solid snowpack and some sweet skiing conditions. Whether your tastes run from a contemplative walk through Pondicherry Park or a wild ride down Shawnee Peak, you don’t have to go far to find yourself deep in the heart of a winter wonderland.

Bridgton is blessed with miles of open fields, pristine woods and prime snowshoe, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. As a native Southerner who has now spent 15 years in Maine, I can promise you that winter goes by far faster if you have a fun outdoor sport to look forward to. Check out the groomed snowshoe paths up at the Highlands, the cross-country trails at Five Fields Farm, or join the Bridgton Snowmobile Club. And, of course, don’t forget the best part- Apres Ski! See you on the slopes.

Here’s your soapbox

I’m sure my fellow bartenders in town are breathing a sigh of relief, because the local politicos finally have someone else to share their opinions with. Sen. Susan Collins has announced office hours in Bridgton, when her State Office Representative Jennifer Duddy will visit on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 1-3 p.m.

Office hours will be held at the Bridgton Municipal Complex, where constituents will have the chance to voice concerns, discuss policy issues and gain assistance with federal issues and agencies, such as Social Security, Veterans Affairs, and Citizenship and Immigration.No appointment is necessary. For more information call Senator Collins’ office at 780-3575.

Our daily bread

While we all hope for better days ahead, times are still tough for many of our friends and neighbors. Having food on the table is something most of us take for granted, but if you need a little help right now, it is out there.

The Good Shepherd Food Bank raised $100,000 in its holiday food drive, which will help distribute 1.5 million meals to hungry people all across Maine. In our town, The Bridgton Food Pantry is held every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Methodist Church on Main Street. You are welcome to stop by and get a box of basic staples, brought to you by huge-hearted local volunteers and the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

If you have questions, want to donate or volunteer, check out gsfb.org or call the Bridgton Food Pantry at 647-4476.

Wax on, wax off

Maybe Mr. Migaye was on to something…the meditative, rhythmic movements of Tai Chi have been practiced around the world for years, and students claim to enjoy better health, flexibility and mental agility.

Bridgton has an active Tai Chi community made up of volunteer instructors. They are starting a beginner’s class on Tuesday, Jan. 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. at their studio, just behind Ricky’s at 41 Depot Street. Classes are held weekly, and are based on a donation system. Check out their Web site at maine@taoist.org or call 647-8142 for more information.

Then salute the sun

After you’ve gained flexibility from your tai chi class, why not continue on the path of self-improvement with a little free yoga? Jen Deraspe’s Nurture Through Nature yoga studio offers a clean, green, solar-powered environment to revisit your self-care intentions, lose stress and kick the winter blues.

And to help you meet your goals, Nurture Through Nature is kicking off its 2010 yoga schedule with free classes for anyone new to yoga during the week of Jan. 18. The studio offers a peaceful space to relax and find more balance both on and off your yoga mat.

Join Jen every Tuesday, 4:30-5:45 p.m. for Yoga Basics, Wed mornings 9-10:30 a.m. for Hatha Yoga Flow I and Friday mornings 9-10:30 a.m. for Life Long Yoga. For complete details and directions, call at 452-2929 or go to www.ntnretreats.com.

First baby born

The first baby born at Bridgton Hospital in 2010 is

Liam Paul Reinbold, first born son of Lisa (Tolin) and Jeremy Reinbold of Brownfield.

Liam Paul was born on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and weighed 7 lbs. 3 ounces. Maternal grandparents are Jerry and Arlene Tolin, of Woodbridge, Virginia. Paternal grandparents are Paul and Cathy Reinbold, of Portland.

Both baby and mom were presented a number of gifts from hospital friends and area businesses. Gifts included a $50 savings account from TD Banknorth, a gift certificate for hair styling and manicure for mom at Elegance Beauty Salon in Bridgton, a floral bouquet from the employees of Bridgton Hospital and Bridgton Hospital Physician Group, a baby gift-filled bag from Village Gift Barn in Norway, a $25 gift certificate from The Market Basket in Harrison, “Mothering the Mother” gift certificate from Carole Tubbs of Naples, $25 gift certificate from Discovery Toys and Michelle Brenner in Casco, and a gift check from the Bridgton Hospital Guild.