I hope you all are celebrating this Summer Solstice week “Bridgton-style”, with a Saturday visit to the Depot St. Farmer’s Market, a fresh lobster roll from Ken’s Kove or a dip in one of our 11 pristine lakes and ponds. Did you know that the highest temperature in the state of Maine was recorded in North Bridgton, in the 1930s, when it hit 105 degrees? Let’s hope it doesn’t get that hot this year, but at least there’s plenty of cool swimming options if it does…

He aced it

Congratulations to Bridgton Highlands Tennis Director Bob Kimnach, who was honored as the USPTA New England Tennis Pro of the Year last week in Newport, R.I.

I’ve mentioned how much I love his Monday morning clinics in the summer; Bob is a patient and fun coach who clearly loves tennis and teaching. It’s great that he’s been recognized for his dedication to the sport.

If you want to get on the court this month, come join us. The Ladies’ Beginner class starts at 9 a.m., with the Intermediate following at 10:30. For more info on the entire weekly schedule, check out www.bridgtonhighlands.com.

Rufus on the rooftop

Our nationally acclaimed Rufus Porter Museum is presenting a new exhibit spotlighting Maine and New England-made weathervanes.

“Folk Art On High” opens on June 22 and features 36 weathervanes, including two vanes in the museum’s collection attributed to James Lombard, a Bridgton native whose wooden vanes of roosters with flamboyant tails have long been famous in the folk art world. Curated by Julie Lindburg, the exhibit kicks off with a Preview Party on June 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the museum, to which the public is invited.

As this is a fundraiser to support the preservation of newly donated murals by Jonathan Poor, tickets are $35 per person. Call 647-2828 for reservations, or tickets may be purchased at the door. Appetizers and refreshments will be available.

Down East day trip

Here’s your chance to ride in style to the beautiful coast of Maine and let someone else do the driving. The Bridgton and Sebago recreation departments have partnered to take a trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park on Friday, June 24, in an air-conditioned coach shuttle. The trip is open to the public and will include visits to Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond House, Thunderhole and downtown Bar Harbor.

The cost is only $30 per person for Bridgton and Sebago residents and $35 for non-residents. Forms are available in the Bridgton and Sebago town offices and spaces are limited and filling up quickly. Contact Rec Director Tom Tash at 647-8786 for more information.

Healing hands and helping horses

Whether you prefer running or walking, there are two wonderful ways to get out in the fresh air and help out two great causes on Saturday, June 25:

Denise Morin of Connected Touch is holding her annual “In Honor Of You” walk to honor loved ones with cancer. The event raises money for Denise and other volunteers to continue their vital work offering free therapeutic massage to patients fighting serious illnesses.

The 2-mile walk begins and ends at Highland Lake Beach, and is a reverential to memorialize and celebrate our loved ones. It starts at 9 a.m. Check out www.connectedtouch.org for more info or to make a donation to this wonderful nonprofit.

The Ring Farm 5K also kicks off at 9 a.m., and is the second annual fundraiser for Equine Journeys, a therapeutic driving and farming program for individuals with disabilities.

This scenic 5k route begins and ends at Ring Farm on the top of Upper Ridge Road. Water and T-shirts are available for all entrants, with prizes for divisions, including largest family group participating on race day. The entry fee is $15. FMI, call 647-8475 or mvr@roadrunner.com.

Kids katering

Our local community center provides year-round classes, meals and social outreach on a recession-sized budget, so it counts on the generous work of volunteers to keep it running smoothly. One of the most popular summer programs is “Kids Katering,” which provides free lunches for children at Highland Lake Beach.

If you have some free time, Carmen and the BCC crew would love for you to join them from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. any and every weekday from June 29 through Aug. 30. You may volunteer for one day or more as your schedule permits. They need three volunteers per day and one must be able to drive. Tuesdays slots are already full but the rest are up for grabs. Please call Carmen at the Bridgton Community Center 647-3116 to sign up.