Summer Reflections

Now that summer has passed into September, I can safely say it was one of the best in my 16 years of living in Maine. So much sunshine, enough rain to keep the gardens happy, fabulous days on the lake with friends and a big blue moon to send August off in style. Bridgton seemed filled with visitors, the farmer’s market was busy every Saturday, and downtown bustled every weekend. It’s bittersweet to think that soon we’ll be bundled up and burning firewood.

Trek 2012

The mountains of Maine are beautiful in September, with crisp fall air and vibrant foliage. What better way to see it than on a bicycle, whizzing through the valleys and passes, all for a great cause?

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

On Saturday, Sept. 15, 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. As an added bonus, hikers and bikers are treated post-race to free food, Allagash beer and massages by HealthSource.

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.

Old School

It’s never too late to learn something new, and the Bridgton Senior College has announced its fall semester course line-up.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 17, through Oct. 26, the college will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Bridgton Community Center.

Course offerings include poetry and creative writing, classic orchestral and chamber works from the Western Canon, travel to historic places and Lake Region Ecology. Classes are taught by current and former educators, and everyone is welcome to join regardless of age or educational background. Registration is ongoing until each class begins; membership in Senior College is $20 for the academic year and $15 per class. For more information and class schedules go to the website at www.seniorcollegeatbridgton.org or email seniorcollegebridgton@gmail.com.

Karate Kids

Bridgton Rec has released its schedule of after-school activities, and the popular karate program is back. Open to all kids in grades K-6, the class is guaranteed to wear them out while teaching them discipline and self-confidence.

The class runs every Thursday from 3:20-4:20 p.m. at Stevens Brook School, with the first session running from Sept. 13-Nov. 15. Class fee is $80 (uniforms available at 1st class for $30) and will be taught by a trained karate instructor. Forms are available at Bridgton Town Office and online at www.bridgtonmaine.org under “Recreation” and at www.bkdfitness.com.

Gonzo Gadgetry

The Mad Science afterschool program is also wildly popular, and for good reason. Remember the first time you created an explosion in chemistry class and your partner’s lab coat caught on fire? Well, things probably won’t get that crazy but it’s never too early to inspire a budding scientist.

All kids in grades K-6 are invited to join the class every Tuesday from 3:15-4:15 p.m. at Stevens Brook School. The first session runs from Oct. 30-Dec. 11 (no class Nov. 20), and this year’s theme “Engineering Mania!” explores circuits, building bridges, how airplanes fly and much more. Session fee is $60 per child.

Registration forms are available at the Bridgton Town Office and at

www.bridgtonmaine.org under “Recreation.”

Whittle Away

In my seven years as a columnist I’ve never written about wood carving, which is refreshing after all the craft fairs, quilting bees and Ladies’ Sewing Circles. There’s finally something for the men to sit around and do together.

The Wood Carving Group begins on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Bridgton Ice Rink behind the Old Town Hall at 26 North High St. Experienced wood carvers are invited to join the group to carve, discuss and share woodcarving techniques, and beginners are welcome to watch and learn. The program is free and will meet each Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. Bring new or ongoing projects to work on and enjoy light refreshments with other area wood carvers. FMI, contact Tom Tash at 647-1126.

Everything Apple

The statewide Maine Apple Sunday is always the second weekend of September, and this year you don’t have to travel far for your fill.

The Bridgton Community Center is throwing an applecentric bash on

Depot Street, and it promises to be smashing.

The “Everything Apple” day is a fundraiser for both the BCC and their vital Senior Transportation Program, which provides the elderly with year-round mobility. For $7 you can sample a wide variety of apple recipes from cookies and crisps to soup, cheesecake and apple-ripple ice cream. There is also a scarecrow contest, which requires registration and set-up on Saturday for Sunday judging, and an “apple catapult” sponsored by the Boy Scouts. “Everything Apple” runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at the BCC on Depot Street. For more info and to resister your scarecrow call Lorraine at 647-3116.

Heart Smart

Bridgton Hospital is hosting a free public educational program, “Pump It Up,” with sessions addressing different aspects of the serious condition.

On Thursday, Sept. 13, the topic is “Medication and Heart Failure, Respiratory Health and Prescription Assistance”. Staff therapists and pharmacists will lead the discussion on treatment options. Then, on Thursday the 20th, the session is “Diet and Heart Health,” which is all about prevention and making smart eating and exercise decisions. Dieticians, nurses and physical therapists will be on hand to help you live better with heart failure.

Both sessions will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Hospital’s Physician Group Conference Center. For information, call 647-6050.