Welcome

Welcome to town, skiers, and a Happy 2012 to all. Bridgton had lovely weather for Vacation Week, with lots of sunny days and cold nights perfect for making snow on the mountain. Shawnee Peak is beautiful in all seasons but I love it most in winter, when the trees are bare and the lighted ski runs glow in the snow. Hopefully the Scandinavian Snow God Ullr heard the beating of the drums at the Winter Welcome part in his honor Wednesday night and will bring lots of powder this January, since he seems to have gotten off to a pretty sluggish start so far.

Pray for snow, and see you on the slopes!

Tracks in the snow

Even though many animals hibernate in the winter doesn’t mean you have to. Bridgton is filled with exciting outdoor activities in January, culminating in the Musher’s Bowl and Winter Carnival. Until then, though, there are lots of awesome events to get you out in the woods.

The Lakes Environmental Association hosts a series of programs throughout the year sponsored by the Kaplan Educational Fund. On Friday, Jan. 6, at 9 a.m. join them for “An Introduction to Animal Tracking,” which includes a one-hour interactive introduction followed by a two-hour field trip into the woods of Bald Pate. Dress appropriately for an extended trip in the cold, including wool or synthetic layers, warm winter boots, snow or wool pants, a hat and gloves or mittens. Participants may bring their own snowshoes or borrow from LEA.

Next up is “Exploring Seasons in Maine – January: A Month of Snowy Tracks” on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. As you explore the snowy landscape, you may find the tracks of a fox, coyote, or bobcat. But most often you find the tracks of LBTs, otherwise known as little brown things (mice, voles, lemmings, moles and shrews). The program will include a short indoor presentation, as well as an hour-long outdoor exploration at Holt Pond. Again, please come dressed for the weather. FMI on either of these excursions check out www.mainelakes.org or call 647-8580.

City kids hit ?the slopes

In an effort to get more kids from inner-city neighborhoods introduced to the sports of skiing and snowboarding, Shawnee Peak is hosting a FREE Learn to Ski or Snowboard day for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorcester, Mass. on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The mountain is providing free lift tickets, lessons, rental equipment and subsidized food for 150 kids ages 8-15. The kids roll in at 9:30 a.m., get a one-and-a-half-hour group lesson, have lunch, then ski and snowboard for the rest of the afternoon. At 5 p.m., buses will take the children and their chaperones home to Dorcester. For more info on this and other events at the mountain check out www.shawneepeak.com/calendar.

Wax on, wax off

As Bridgton Rec’s ongoing series of fun and games continues into the new year, the Afterschool Karate Program is back. This is a great way for your kids to learn discipline and confidence while burning off some pent-up energy. Black Belts of all ages (and beginners, too) are invited to the free class every Thursday from 3:20-4:20 p.m. at Stevens Brook School.

Sign-up forms are available at Bridgton Town Office and on the Bridgton Town Rec Center website. FMI, call the Town Office at 647-8786.

Spin and Zumba

And for adults who might need to burn off some extra energy (and extra calories) after the holiday eat-a-thon there are several fun classes starting up. Fitness maven Vicki Toole brings her high-energy Zumba program to Bridgton on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall on North High Street. Check out her facebook page “Zumba with Vicki” or e-mail her at lrcjv@fairpoint.net for more information.

If you really want to feel the burn, join me at Spin class with Kyle Conforte at Lake Region Fitness. Even though my thighs scream in pain for the first few sessions I always end up loving it, and amaze myself by how much endurance it builds. Kyle is a fun and patient instructor who leads by example…this guy is fit. Classes run through March every Monday and Friday mornings at 6 and on Wednesday nights at 6. Sometimes we go out for beers afterwards, so there’s usually something to look forward to when we crawl off the bikes. Call Kyle for more info at www.lakeregionfitness.com or call 647-5556.

Beecher’s Blog

Our local Superintendent of Schools has created a blog designed to give parents, students, community members and educators of SAD 61 an online forum. Kathleen Beecher will post two or three pieces a week with news and issues related to the school district, and she welcomes any feedback.

The link to the website is http://msad61superintendent.blogspot.com/, and comments can be posted either with your name or anonymously.