Scenery and Sidewalks

There was an impressive turnout at Saturday morning’s “Picture and Plan Portland Road” community meeting. The events room at the Municipal Building was filled with locals interested in helping steer the Commercial Development guidelines along the Route 302 Business Corridor.

Bridgton’s Economic Development Director Alan Manoian and Portland City Planner Stephanie Carver presented a fascinating slideshow of the current aesthetic and functionality shortcomings of Portland Road while suggesting future upgrades. As much as we all travel the main streets of Bridgton, there’s nothing like a street-side Power Point perspective to show how dismal current conditions are, and how much potential lies waiting to be utilized. The crumbling sidewalks, unkempt medians and non-existent crosswalks do nothing to enhance the natural beauty of Bridgton. It will be exciting to see the Comprehensive Plan put into action, and watch as we open Route 302 up to responsible and attractive growth.

The public is invited to all of the upcoming planning sessions, and I was surprised by how interesting much of the presentation was. The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 19, and I will include details in my next column.

BRAG Swag

Our new public Sports Complex is closer and closer to completion, after recently receiving a grant from Major League Baseball. Now the boosters are making a final push toward the summer construction season with a Chinese Auction.

The fun starts with a preview at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, at Stevens Brook School, with the auction kicking off at 1 p.m. There are many gift certificates and items from businesses all over the Lakes Region, and a few live auction items too. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Refreshments will be served, and all proceeds go to fund projects at the BRAG fields on Route 302. For more info, call Lyn at 627-7380.

Growing gardens

Our Community Center has offered free raised-bed plots for town residents to grow flowers and veggies for several years, and this summer’s bounty will be better than ever. BCC Director Carmen Lone has received a grant through Western Maine Community Gardeners to expand and improve the gardens.

The rich, sunny yard of the Community Center is the perfect place for gardeners who don’t have space at their own homes to plant. Last year’s reap saw huge tomatoes, squash, peppers, herbs and flowers, and coordinator Cathie Pinkham of Cottage Garden Consulting of Sweden envisions even more, larger beds this season. She and Lone will work with liaison Bria White of Communities Putting Prevention to Work to plant the seeds of a healthy harvest.

If you are interested in joining the community of gardeners this summer call the BCC at 647-3116 to reserve your space.

Sure, I’ll marry you

An engaged couple walks into a bar… What sounds like the beginning of a joke has culminated in my becoming a certified Maine Wedding Officiant. When my friends Jay Milo and Angelica Plante announced their engagement we laughed about having me perform their vows, being both never-married and slightly jaded.

Well, watch what you say because after a month of paperwork and exams I indeed did the honors at their beautiful wedding on Sunday. It was so fun I want to do it again, so if you are looking for an Officiant for a lakeside wedding or at a local Inn, let me know. I can’t do it in a church, but that’s probably for the best.

Veggie volunteer

Speaking of gardens, our awesome Farmer’s Market opens for the season on May 7. A summer staple in town, the Market runs along the common ground between the Magic Lantern and the Community Center on Depot Street.

As it continues to grow bigger with each year, the vendors are looking for a volunteer Community Liaison to help promote the market and expand its visibility throughout the area. There are also a few vendor spots open, so if you are interested in either of these opportunities call Sonya at 998-2196. Also check out the new website at www.bridgtonfarmersmarket.com.

Pitch, Hit, Run

Batter Up! The baseball season is in full swing, and with it comes the annual Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run competition. Youth residents of Bridgton are all invited to the free event on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. until noon.

This nationwide initiative gauges the skills of both girls and boys ages 7 through 14, charting their abilities in the three components. The competition goes from local to sectional, team championship and national finals and is designed to encourage early participation in baseball. Registration forms are available at the Bridgton Town Office, and if you need more info call Rec Director Tom Tash at 647-8786.

EFG Books

I mentioned with regret last month that our fabulous independent bookstore, EFG Books, is closing. Owner Geoff Gronlund has settled on a mid-May finale, and until then there are some sweet deals to be found on the shelves.

Gronlund’s extensive collection of biographies, classic novels, poetry, contemporary fiction and rare folios are all discounted to 50 percent of retail price. I went in last week and bought a new copy of Faulkner’s “The Sound and The Fury,” Eudora Welty’s seminal treatise “On Writing,” and a William S. Burrough’s autobiography…all for less than $20. There are many other treasures waiting for you, so stop by and support a cherished local business before it’s gone. Thanks for your passion and community spirit Geoff, EFG will be missed on Main Street.