Let the sun shine

I always like to start my column with good news, so why wait? This Sunday, March 14, marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time! Soon we will be packing our snow boots and scarves away, and the sounds of peepers and songbirds will fill the air. So don’t forget to “spring forward” at midnight Saturday, as if you need a reminder.

Frosty’s clock is ticking

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”. As the scant snowfall we’ve gotten this year continues it’s rapid retreat, it is safe to say that good old Frosty might be the only “snowman” left in Bridgton. Could this year break the record for earliest thaw? FYI: The earliest recorded ice out on Moose Pond was on April 2; the latest on May 1. The average date is April 17, so hedge your bets and buy a bunch of dates in the community raffle.

But hurry, because the deadline to buy tickets is April 1, if he can even stay afloat ’til then. The Bridgton Community Center is selling tickets for the 50/50 raffle, with half the proceeds going to the winner who guesses the date of ice out and the rest to the BCC.

About 4,000 tickets have been printed, and at $2 each that means you could win a lot of cash if your guess is right. Tickets can be purchased at businesses all over town, and at the Community Center. For more information, contact Carmen Lone at 647-3116.

Don’t suffer In silence

Many women experience pain and malaise that is often difficult to pinpoint and diagnose, and is thus dismissed. The pain is real, and you can get help for it.

Dr. Nancy Rich, director of rehabilitation at Bridgton Hospital and editor of the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, is leading a seminar on fibromyalgia at the hospital. From 6 to 7 pm on Tuesday, March 17, Rich will speak about how the medical field is learning more about the illness, what causes it and how to treat it. Members of the hospital’s ob-gyn staff will be on hand also, including Dr. Deborah Surette and nurse Jill Hobbs. The seminar will be in the Cafeteria Conference Room, and light refreshments will be served. Please call soon to RSVP at 647-6055, as it will fill up fast.

Penny pinchers rejoice

The Bridgton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop on Main Street is holding its springtime “Grand Re-Opening” on Friday, March 19, at 10 a.m. After an ambitious winter construction project to enlarge the shop, they are unveiling ?the new floor plan, which includes an enlarged selling area and new boutique ?room of upscale items filled with spring and summer fashion. And in case you miss Friday’s Grand Gala, the Thrift Shop is open 10-4 Tuesday through Friday and Saturday 10 to 1. ?

The thrift shop is run solely by guild? volunteers and managed by volunteer Emily Hammerle. All? funds raised through their sales are used to support Bridgton Hospital.?

Erin Go Bragh

I’ve yet to meet an Irishman who doesn’t like a good party, so it makes sense that our local St. Patrick’s Day festivities span the entire week. In case you don’t get your fill of boiled meat this Wednesday, you can eat to your heart’s content next weekend.

The local chapter of Knights of Columbus is holding its annual Corned Beef Supper in the Parish Hall of St. Joseph’s Church at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 20. They will offer the entire traditional fare, including the carrots, cabbages and other boiled veggies that make up the famed Irish dinner. Proceeds from the supper will go to the K of C’s charitable fund, which contributes to many local projects through the year.

“Friend” me

The Community Center continues to bring diverse course offerings to residents, and here’s one that’s sure to entertain and enlighten. Local instructor Cynde LaPierre will teach the new “Master Facebook” class on Monday nights from 6-8 p.m. on March 8, 15, 22 and 29. ?The course is $30 per person, and there are only six spaces available. Call 647-3116 to register.

Collegiate collages

Our local art collective, Gallery 302, showcases many established Maine artists, but they also spotlight the emerging young talent in our state. This month the gallery is hosting the annual USM Student Art Show, and there will be a reception to fete the academic artists on Saturday, March 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. Gallery 302 is located on Main Street, just across from the Bridgton Library. For information, call 647-2787.

Ski for free

Don’t stash your skis away just yet, because the Red Cross and Shawnee Peak are giving you one last chance to hit the slopes for free.

On March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can “Give a pint and get a ticket,” during the resort’s annual blood drive. What a great chance to help save someone’s life and spend the rest of the day playing in the powder. For information, www.givelife.org or 647-2389.