I hope you are reading my column in the clean, well-lit comfort of your own home, now that the power has been restored and life in Bridgton is back to “normal.”

Nothing like a good tempest to blow us out of our end-of-summer revelry and remind us of how much worse it could have been. Of course, that is small comfort for the many people who lost power for days, and the CMP linemen who descended on the Lakes Region to fix it.

During the storm’s aftermath I met workers from all over Maine and New England, even a crew of 16 who came down from Nova Scotia. Not only were they pulling 10 and 12-hour shifts to restore power but they contributed to our local economy by booking up all the hotel rooms and filling local restaurants each night for dinner.

It’s little consolation for the tourists whose vacations were upended by the ill-timed storm, but at least we made some of it up through CMP. Thanks guys, and as nice as you all were I hope we don’t see you again for a long time!

Trek 2011

September is a fantastic month to hit the trails for some fresh air, and what better way to do it that by helping a great cause at the same time?

It’s time for Loon Echo’s annual “Hike and Bike” day at Shawnee Peak. This trek for land conservation is one of the big fundraisers for the organization, which protects local mountains and forests from development.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, you can participate in either a 6-mile hike over Southern Maine’s highest peak, Pleasant Mountain (which is protected in perpetuity by Loon Echo), or saddle up for your choice of a 25, 50 or 100-mile bike trek through farmlands, lakes, and the White Mountain National Forest’s Evans Notch. There will be musical entertainment throughout the day, a BBQ or vegetarian lunch after you return from your trek, and Blizzards Pub at Shawnee Peak will be open for you to “rehydrate.” Family members and non-participants are welcome to attend all the festivities, and if you would rather volunteer than hike or bike, there is plenty of opportunity for that, too.

Loon Echo does a great job protecting our greenspaces, and your support helps them continue saving our local natural treasures for the future. You can help them out and enjoy a fun day with your friends and family at the mountain. Check out www.loonecholandtrust.org or call 647-4352 for information on registration costs and scheduling.

To market, to market

The Bridgton Farmer’s Market is always filled with fabulous finds, and when fall’s bounty starts rolling in there’s no place better for fresh, healthy veggies.

This has been a phenomenal season for gardens, with hot and sunny days and a few really good wet spells. Perfect weather for tomatoes, corn, eggplant, herbs, gourds, and the dreaded “z” word. Our local growers are bringing all these and more to market, along with homemade pies and cakes, artisanal cheeses, free-range meats, perennials and handicrafts.

Please support our hardworking farmers and keep your money in town. The Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday through fall from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Commons beside the Magic Lantern on Depot Street.

Art galore

The natural beauty of Bridgton is an inspiration to visual artists, many of whom fill the walls of local galleries with their works. Gallery 302, our local artist cooperative, is hosting a lovely exhibit by Pat Chandler through Sept. 29.

Chandler’s ethereal paintings blur the lines of her interior walls and the world outside, using vivid colors and perspectives. You can visit the Gallery daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and through 5 p.m. on Sundays. FMI, check out the newly revamped website at www.gallery302.com.