Happy trails, Bridie

I begin this column with thanks and farewell to two local leaders whose energy and compassion have made lasting marks on Bridgton and the Lakes Region.

First, Bridie McGreavy, dedicated environmentalist and conservation director of the Lakes Environmental Association, is leaving this fall to begin a coctoral program at the University of Maine.

If your child has ever come home from a nature walk excited to tell you about a spotted salamander or tree frog, chances are she just spent a day in the woods with Bridie. Between summer field trips to Holt Pond, winter animal-tracking treks in Pondicherry Park and the annual spring “Big Night” amphibian vernal pool spawns, McGreavy introduced Bridgton’s children to the wonders of nature and the importance of ecology and preservation. Good luck Dr. McGreavy, and here’s hoping you come back to Bridgton someday.

And Phil!

If you or your child have ever coached a game or swung a bat at the Lower Main ballfield, picnicked at one of our clean public beaches, skated at the Town Hall Ice Rink or learned to swim at Woods Pond in Bridgton, you can thank Phil Gutekunst.

After 20 years as the town’s recreation director, Gutekunst is stepping down to spend more time with his family. The lessons he has shared of sportsmanship and friendly competition have influenced thousands of local children and athletes, and his emphasis on fun exercise and sports have helped keep generations of them fit and healthy. Thank you both for your dedication!

Highland Lake swim

One of Gutekunst’s final official duties was presiding over the annual Bridgton Rec Highland Lake one-mile swim with Corinne Davis. Coco Davis and I were there representing Team Black Horse, and although I survived it wasn’t easy.

The last time I swam a mile was in college, and that was in a pool. Well, times have changed. It took me as long to swim one mile as it took to run four miles in Four on the Fourth. Not to mention I got lapped by a bunch of tweeners…But it was for a great cause and came with a free T-shirt, which is as good a reason as any to do it, right? Congratulations to Cilana Cuthbert who finished in 26 minutes. Impressive.

Of birds and islands

EFG Books is hosting another top-notch art exhibit, this time by Portland-based artist Lisa Dombek. The mixed-media series “Crows & Monhegan” opens this week and runs through Sept. 18.

Prior to her showing in Bridgton, Dombek exhibited in Austin, Texas, in Omaha, Neb., and most recently in Los Angeles at the Thomas Moser Gallery. Her work is varied and vivid, with bright colors and abstract images of nature and figures. Check out www.efgbooks for more information and showing schedule.

Reading is fun

Continuing its mission to bring free books to young readers, the Portland Altrusa Club came to Bridgton last Friday. Patricia and Trish Maxim distributed over 50 brand-new books donated by patrons of Borders Booksellers.

Making stops at the Kid’s Katering lunch at the Community Center and the Highland Lake Beach, both the Maxims and the books were received with great enthusiasm.

BBQ, blueberries, fashion, fun

The 2nd annual Depot Street Festival had all that and more, and the crowds came out on a sunny Saturday to celebrate summer in Bridgton.

Thanks to Ken Murphy, Carmen Lone, Sue Lastra and all the volunteers who pitched in their time and skills. We had a great time; the girls (and one brilliant boy) rocked the catwalk in the fashion show, and Tammy Scott of Kargos provided cute outfits for back-t0-school stylings.

Hopefully you stopped by the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group tent, where volunteers were selling their ticket books again. For a $20 fee, which goes to the ballfield fund, you get coupons to dozens of locally owned businesses that can save you thousands of dollars. I used mine last year at Beth’s Cafe, Trailside, MacDonald Motors, etc…and this year’s is bigger than ever. You can order yours at www.todaysbrag.com, because a clever Mainer knows a great deal when they see it.

Dancing Trees fundraiser

The local nonprofit outreach group Dancing Trees is holding a fundraiser at the Magic Lantern on Saturday, Aug. 28. Their “Staying Warm” program distributes winter boots, blankets and firewood to locals in need.

The “Memories of Music” festival features three stages with nine bands playing throughout the night, including local favorites the Afterburners, featuring Rick Albert, Chris Searles and Karl Fried. Along with a spaghetti buffet and cash bar, there will also be an Amateur Talent Show at 10 p.m. The price of admission is only $15, and the Magic Lantern has donated the theater to the cause for the evening. All proceeds go to Dancing Trees, which directly impacts our neighbors who need a helping hand. For information, call 539-2670.

Trash or treasure

The Bridgton Hospital Yard Sale will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 11 at the main hospital campus on North High Street. This event is an “American Pickers” dream come true, with dozens of tables filled with finds.

There will be baked goods and refreshments available, and funds go to the Employee Financial Assistance Fund. You are welcome to donate anything worth selling except computers or electronics, and you can call to have items picked up. Your donations are tax deductible. Call 647-6000 for a pickup or more information.

Puppet show

The Bridgton Public Library is hosting a special puppet show on Friday, Sept. 10, from 3:30 to 4 p.m.

Presented by the Children’s Museum of Maine in conjunction with Unum, the “Kids On The Block” are traveling the state in a fun, all-ages-appropriate show. Check out the library’s website calendar for more information on this and the many other free events they have scheduled throughout the month at www.bridgton.lib.me.us.