Merry and Bright

…and white! It’s snowing as I write this, which adds a festive feel to the season. My neighbors on Hillcrest have bedazzled their yard with lights, which are twinkling through the snowflakes. They live on a dead-end street with only two other houses and no traffic, yet they still take the time to decorate every Christmas. I can see their house through my back windows on Bennett Street, and am happy every year when they put their lights up. Even though most people will never see it, their house shines brightly for those of us who do. It reminds me that even simple gestures can add light to someone’s life, and brighten a dark winter’s night.

Please remember the less fortunate this season, and know that it’s the little things that can really make a difference. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, and wish a very Merry Christmas to all my friends and neighbors!

Angels Among Us

There are many opportunities to donate to local families this month, and one of the most popular is the “Christmas Angel” program at the Bridgton Community Center.

Just stop by the BCC on Depot Street and choose from the many stars that hang from the tree there, on which children have written their requests for clothes, toys and treats. Buy the presents and return them unwrapped, where they will be wrapped by volunteers and delivered personally by Santa and the Bridgton Fire Department on Christmas morning. This is a great Bridgton tradition that has boosted the spirits of many less fortunate children over the years, so please help out if you can. Call 647-3116 for more information or to volunteer your time.

Murphy’s the Man

Congratulations to the tireless Ken Murphy on being named the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce’s “Community Volunteer of the Year” at last week’s gala at Shawnee Peak.

Ken has been a key player in many vital programs that have improved Bridgton’s downtown since he moved back home, including the Festival of Lights, Depot Street Summerfest and the Earth Day Cleanup.

He has also been president of the Community Center and is active in local politics. He stands as a prime example of the difference one person can make by giving time and energy to helping make our town a better place, and it is great to see him commended on all his hard work.

Congrats also go to Everlast Roofing as Business of the Year, the Maine Blues Fest as top Nonprofit of the Year and the awesome Stone Mountain Arts Center as Small Business of the Year.

Snowy Stroll

Hopefully we get some real snow soon, so we can take advantage of all the outdoor activities that December in Bridgton has to offer.

There are many fun events planned this month to get you outside in the winter wonderland, but Mother Nature needs to do her part, too. Weather-permitting, Loon Echo is leading an easy snowshoe stroll through Pondicherry Park in downtown Bridgton on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The hike will begin at the kiosk near the entrance to the Dunning Memorial Bridge at 9 a.m., located by the public parking lot behind the Magic Lantern on Depot Street. From there strap on a pair of snowshoes (some pairs available upon reservation) and walk along the Stevens and Willet brooks and through the crumbling remains of an early Bridgton village. You will learn interesting historical tidbits about the town’s settlers, and get some exercise to boot.

The walk lasts two hours, so bring a snack and dress warmly. Check www.lelt.org for more information and news on other upcoming events.

Paws and Prints

Exploring the natural world that surrounds us is a great way for kids to learn to appreciate flora and fauna with a new perspective. The Lakes Environmental Association kicks off their winter roster with a family-friendly tracking trip, which will get them out in the “wild” woods of Bridgton.

Join LEA naturalist Sarah Frankel on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 10 a.m. as she explores Holt Pond on snowshoes looking for signs of animals in the snow. Winter is the best time to look for signs of animals, and the tracks of everything from moose to bobcat to river otter have been seen on the Holt Pond Preserve. Snowshoes are provided if needed. The walk will last approximately 1.5 hours and will cover easy to moderate terrain. Come dressed appropriately for the weather with winter boots. Please meet at the LEA office at 10 a.m. For more information contact Sarah Frankel at 647-8580 or email sarah@leamaine.org.

Happy Anniversary

Hit the slopes as Shawnee Peak celebrates its 75th year as the Lakes Region’s premier ski resort. Much progress has been made in the decades since trails were first carved out of Pleasant Mountain, with wind-powered electricity, new lifts and the only night skiing in southern Maine. Generations of families have spent their winters skiing in Bridgton thanks to “The Mountain,” buying second homes, spending money locally and making memories.

Shawnee Peak kicks off their celebratory season on Saturday, Dec. 15, with lots of fresh snow and groomed trails. Call 647-8444 or check out www.shawneepeak.com for special events and pricing on season passes.

And the Winner is…

Congratulations to everyone involved in making the 10th annual Festival of Lights – the biggest and best yet. There’s something magical about seeing all of the parade floats lit up at night, covered with Christmas lights and loaded with revelers. All of the floats looked fabulous and festive, and the winners are:

Most Beautiful: Rolfe Construction, with second place to Santa and Mrs. Claus and third to Hayes True Value.

Most Entertaining: Bill Bailey’s Repairs of Stow, second place to the North Bridgton Library and third to the Bridgton Girl Scouts.

Most Creative: Everlast Roofing, second McHatton’s WaterOut, and third place to Shawnee Peak.

The Rolfe Corporation’s “Christmas Crew” won the “Most Beautiful” float in the Festival of Lights Parade, held in Bridgton Dec. 1. Float crew included Amy Mains, Kelly Johnson, Casey Scribner and Norman Lenard as Santa.