Ahhh autumn

Fall is in full effect, and last week’s tempest blew almost every leaf on Bennett Street into my front yard. I’m going to toss them in the compost pile where they’ll become next summer’s soil. We have split and stacked the firewood and are hoping to make it to November before cranking the heater. I adore these cool, bright days, when everyone is outside cleaning up the gardens, bringing tender plants inside, and carving pumpkins…

Bridgton’s Middle Village is the place to be on Halloween, and if you live in my neighborhood you have probably already stocked up on candy. We will get more than 300 trick-or-treaters, so you do the math. I should probably start a savings fund just to cover candy costs each year. Make sure you take your little ghouls to Elm Street, because there are some seriously scary “haunted” houses.

Spirits of South High

Our tireless and creative Economic Development Director Alan Manoian is leading a fascinating stroll through the history of Bridgton. Join him on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. for the first Lantern & Candlelight Historic Walking Tour of the South High Street cemetery.

Manoian will spotlight architecturally significant headstones and tomb art as well as paint a picture of some of our more well-known and illustrious early settlers. Exploring graveyards is a reverential and solemn affair, serving as both a memento mori and a celebration of life. This will be a very special event, I hope you can make it. There is no cost to participate, and everyone is welcome.

Free frights

Halloween is so fun that the Bridgton Recreation Department is getting the party started early. Their annual spookfest will be on Saturday, Oct 30, at the Town Hall on North High Street from 5 to 7 p.m.

This event is free and geared to kids preschool to sixth grade, but everyone is welcome. There will be games, prizes and refreshments. Here’s a great chance for your kids to wear their costumes twice and get their sweet tooths nice and primed for the main event. Please call our new rec director, Tom Tash, if you have any questions or want to volunteer; his number is 647-8786.

Spooky Salem

If you want some real thrills and chills for Halloween you can’t get any more authentic than Salem, Mass. I went last year and it reminded me of a witchy Mardi Gras, with broomsticks instead of beads. The people-watching is horrifyingly fabulous.

Dea Dea Robbins of the Bridgton Health Care Center is leading a day trip on Saturday, Oct. 30, departing from the center at 7 a.m. and returning at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Call Robbins at 693-3408 for more information and to sign up.

Santa’s little helpers

Yes, Christmas is still a few months away, but it’s not too early to pick up your applications for the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund.

This wonderful group has distributed toys to needy children in Maine for over 60 years, and anyone with children from infancy to age 18 who qualifies will be served. The Bridgton Community Center is the contact for our area, and they have applications there. Please call Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116 or stop by the office on Depot Street behind the Magic Lantern.

Step it up

The annual Step Into Fitness indoor exercise program is starting up again at Lake Region High School, so you can maintain your workout routine through winter in a safe, warm environment.

This popular program is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 – 6 p.m. It is open to all ages and abilities, and is sponsored by the Bridgton Community Center and the high school. As BCC Director Carmen Lone says, “It’s fun, it’s fit, and best of all it’s free!” Call her at 647-3116 if you have any questions.