How can it be that both the Maine Lakes Brewfest and Fryeburg Fair are already rolling around again? It has been easy to be in summer denial with all of this beautiful weather, but fall is truly upon us now. Every gust of wind blows more leaves onto my back porch, and the pumpkins are turning golden in the garden. There is still plenty of outdoor fun to be had in Bridgton though, so let’s get to it!

Budding Botanists

Do your children love catching frogs, splashing around in puddles and exploring the wonders of nature? If so, the Lakes Environmental Association has a great new program for them.

Watershed Naturalists is an after-school program for students in grades 6 through 8 that runs every Thursday from 2:15 to 4 p.m. starting on Oct. 4. They will spend time outside exploring and learning about the natural world through field trips to the parks, preserves, lakes, ponds, streams, bogs, vernal pools, forests, fields and mountains of Bridgton, learning about the changing flora and fauna at each site. Students will journal, use microscopes, lab equipment, computers and hands-on models to better explore the natural world.

This enrichment program reinforces important science concepts and skills students learn in school, and the guided seasonal explorations throughout the year will foster a love of nature and science to last a lifetime. By the completion of the program the students will be certified junior watershed naturalists.

The course costs LEA Members $125 and non-members $150, but scholarships are available on a first-come, needs-based level.

Students will take a bus from Lake Region Middle School to LEA after school every Thursday. A healthy snack will be provided, followed by outdoor explorations, field trips, science activities, and leadership opportunities. LEA’s Director of Education, Sarah Morrison, will lead the class, and is an experienced educator with a B.S in Environmental Science. To apply, contact Sarah at 647-8580 or e-mail sarah@leamaine.org.

Field of Dreams

After years of fundraising, the Bridgton Rec Complex is ready for its grand debut. The new athletic fields are finally primed for games, and the public is invited to the BRAG Family Fun Day on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The morning roster kicks off with youth soccer, nine-square and kickball, followed by free food and drinks and live music from Tux Burke. The afternoon games will include a home run derby and fall baseball leagues, with raffles held throughout the day. Bring lawn chairs and games, because the fields are perfect for frisbee and touch football.

This is a triumphant pinnacle of the tireless efforts of many local volunteers and businesses, and congratulations to everyone involved for realizing such a huge project for the young athletes of Bridgton. The BRAG complex is on Rt. 302, past the Drive-In heading south.

Avesta Update

After a contentious and controversial slog through local and state ordinances, it looks like Avesta still has its sights on the Bridgton housing project. A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 5 to 6:30 at the Bridgton Community Center to update taxpayers on its plans to build a retail and living center for elderly and disabled clients.

The nonprofit housing developer has plans for a $4 million, 21-unit project at the long-abandoned grocery next to Ricky’s Diner on Main Street in Pondicherry Square. Project Manager Matt Peters will facilitate the public forum, with current design plans for the 30,000 square-foot lot that meets the voter-mandated requirement that the first floor be used for retail, professional or office space. He invites everyone to come with questions, and welcomes input by reaching him at 553-7780, ext. 300 or emailing mpeters@avestahousing.org.

Will Walk For Food

Food pantries are a vital network for needy families in the Lakes Region, and they are always looking for creative ways to meet the increasing demand. To help locally, the Bridgton Alliance Church hosts its annual “Rise Up and Walk For Hunger” event on Saturday, Sept. 29.

This 6-mile sponsored walk starts and ends at the church on Route 117, and you are invited to walk some or all of the route. All of the money raised goes to the Good Shepherd Good Bank, where every dollar raised equals $8 in food. The funds are split up between its centers throughout the Lakes Region, and the food goes straight to friends and neighbors who need extra help.

Refreshments will be served after the walk, and individual prizes awarded, including a trophy for the team that raises the most money. For more info call 647-2027 or check out www.bridgtonalliancechurch.org.

Community Kettle

Another great local food outreach service is provided every Thursday by our Community Center. The Community Kettle is a free dinner open to everyone in Bridgton, with hot, healthy meals served from 5 to 6 p.m. Each week volunteers raise money, prepare and serve dozens of diners, offering not only sustenance but much-needed community connections and social interaction. The Thursday, Sept. 27, Kettle is being orchestrated by Berkowitz and Krieg, which sounds like a big-city law firm but is actually two of our local public servants. Fitting that they will be serving dinner! Thanks to everyone involved in this wonderful program. If you have questions about the meal or would like to volunteer, please call the BCC at 647-3116.

Ladies Room

As part of its commitment to offer outreach to all segments of society, the Bridgton Community Center is also sponsoring a new support group for women with substance abuse issues.

“WomanSpace” is a free, informal and safe haven to unwind with peers, promote healthy living and self-improvement. It will be facilitated by counselor Linda Hamilton, and is free to any woman who would like to participate. The group will meet every Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the BCC on Depot Street starting Sept. 20. For more info, call 647-3116.