Let the sun shine

It’s official, summer is here. Yes, that glorious season of wedding crashing, road-race dashing and tourist bashing (just kidding) has arrived in all its splendor, and is already off to a busy start. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Retro-rific

Although I am more likely to be a member of the “Not-So-Young Professionals” group, I have many friends among Bridgton’s Young Professionals. This motivated coalition of under-40 business owners, volunteers and activists are dedicated to making positive change in our town, and their newest project might really put Bridgton on the map.

In conjunction with Economic Development Director Alan Manoian and Mody Botros, the YPs have unveiled the design of the proposed roadsigns welcoming travelers to town. Intended to be placed at the town lines by Fryeburg, Naples and Denmark, they definitely up Bridgton’s “cool” factor.

With a nod to the iconic mid-century postcards, the signs evoke a classic “Vacationland” vibe but with a modern, progressive twist, and are sure to give other Maine town planners a major case of “sign envy.” I have driven across the United States many times and never seen a more eye-catching, memorable design. Hopefully, the town forum held Wednesday to get public input went well, because if we don’t choose this design you can be sure another town will, and we’ll regret it.

Keeping the

scene green

Loon Echo Land Trust is partnering with the Trust for Public Land to organize the “Lake Region Community Greenprint” project, which includes Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Naples, Raymond and Sebago.

The goal of this project is to develop a “Greenprint,” which will help define community open space, park, recreation and conservation goals and spotlight the Lake Region’s “quality of place.”

Bridgton residents are invited to an open forum on Wednesday, June 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevens Brook School on Route 302. Community input is critical to the project, as it will create a lasting blueprint for greenspace and conservation in our town. Please check out the complete proposal at www.lelt.org or call Director Carrie Walia at 647-4352 for more information.

4 on the 4th

The starting gun for the 34th annual road race will go off at 8 a.m. on July 4th, and thousands of runners will head for “the punisher,” otherwise known as Pond Road. As you run up the seemingly endless hill, just remind yourself that the race is for many great causes, including vital funding for local nonprofits and community programs. Registration forms can be found at the Bridgton Library and businesses all over town, or you can sign up online at www.fouronthefourth.com.

Roadtrip!

The Bridgton Community Center is putting its new van to good use this summer, with several fun day trips planned.

Gardeners will love the Old Sheep Meadows Nursery in Alfred, which is hosting its 23rd annual Rose Open House on Friday, July 2. The five-acre display garden will be a riot of super-fragrant roses and is on the top of the list for serious gardeners in New England. The cost of $10 per person includes round-trip transportation and entry to the gardens. The van departs the BCC on Depot Street at 9 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m. Please register by June 30 by calling Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116.

On July 9, the van heads to the big city for the “Free Admission Fridays” at the Portland Museum of Art. The state’s flagship museum has famous works of classic masters, Maine artists and a stellar collection of contemporary American art. This trip departs Bridgton at 3:45 p.m., with return to be announced. The cost is again $10 per person, with registration by July 7.

Helping hands

Another summer tradition is the annual “In Honor Of You” fundraiser for Connected Touch, the local therapeutic massage nonprofit. Denise Morin and her awesome volunteer therapists offer free massages for patients suffering from cancer and other terminal diseases.

The two-mile walk starts at Bridgton’s Highland Lake Beach at 9 a.m. on June 26, and is an easy stroll up Dugway Road and back. The fundraiser is done in memory of friends and family who have passed from cancer, and the money raised helps fund Connected Touch’s outreach throughout the year. Sponsor sheets can be picked up at The Printery in Bridgton, across from Dunkin Donuts. They can also be obtained by calling Denise Morin at 576-4090.

Super summer dodgeball tournament

On Tuesday nights at 6:30 from June 22 to Aug. 24, the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group is running a summer-long Dodgeball Tournament in the Town Hall. Teams that pre-register for the 10-week season not only get team T-shirts, but they can compete for the new Dodgeball Cup, not to mention bragging rights.

Walk-ins are always welcome too, whether they’re entire teams or individuals, but only official teams of six or more can compete for the cup. Check out www.todaysbrag.com for more details.

Buy local

For those of you on vacation or new to town, be sure to check out the Bridgton Farmer’s Market on Depot Street (behind the Magic Lantern Theater) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are lucky to have many dedicated farmers, bakers and artisans whose hard work and green thumbs have made our market a great Saturday tradition.

Thanks for supporting our many locally owned businesses, and for keeping your money in town. See you there!