It looks like we are having a good old-fashioned winter, unlike last January’s warm washout. This is great news for sportsmen (and women) who love to ski, snowmobile, ice-fish and in my case, snowshoe.

As tempting as it is to just hibernate in my cozy house and watch the new seasons of Downton Abbey and Portlandia, there’s something special about taking to the woods in winter. I’ve found trails all around Bridgton that are easily accessible and well groomed. One of the most convenient and beautiful is Pondicherry Park, where even after last week’s deep snowfall the trails were quickly trodden. It’s a scenic ramble through old tree stands and abandoned homesteads, and even though it is right in the middle of town sometimes the only other creatures you’ll see are birds and squirrels. Winter in Bridgton is beautiful, enjoy it!

Mitten Minibooks

If being holed up at home with your children is giving you all a case of cabin fever, book it to the Bridgton Library. The new Youth Services librarian has filled the calendar with lots of fun and creative programs for kids of all ages.

On Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 3-4:30 p.m., join Caroline for a “Make-Your-Own Mitten Minibook” party. She will help you choose and design your own mitten-shaped book of favorite winter stories for you to read to your family. This project is a great way to encourage your youngster to be creatively expressive, while fostering early literacy skills.

For more information call 647-2472 or check out the website at www.bridgton.lib.me.us/.

Bergen’s Ballfield

The Bridgton Rec fields might be under 2 feet of snow, but spring and softball season will be here soon. The family of Laurie Carter Bergen are very close to their goal of dedicating one of the fields to her memory.

They have planned several special events this year to raise the remaining $11,000, beginning with a Chinese Auction being held on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Town Hall on North High Street in Bridgton.

There will be tables filled with donations from local and New England businesses and friends, and all proceeds go to the fundraising efforts. Previews begin at 11 a.m. and the auction starts at 1 p.m. For more info or to make a donation to this great cause, contact Lyn at 16 Katheryn Blvd., Casco 04015. All contributions are tax deductible.

Crazy for Cats

Can it already be a year since the last Winter Carnival? It seems like only yesterday I was standing on the shores of Highland Lake watching dozens of hardier souls than myself jump in the water for “Freezin’ For a Reason.”

This annual event is a January tradition in Bridgton, and this year marks the 11th for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. Whether you’re one of the dozens of jumpers or hundreds of spectators, it’s quite a spectacle. Last year’s event raised more than $20,000 for the local shelter, which finds homes for hundreds of stray dogs and cats each year.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Highland Lake beach, and the jump goes off at 1 p.m. You won’t want to miss it. And get there early because it will be packed. If you would like to participate or make a donation to the shelter, please call Harvest Hills at 935-4358.

Mushing ’n’ Schussing

If flailing around in ice-cold water isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options during the Winter Carnival and Musher’s Bowl weekend. This annual event brings thousands of revelers to town for professional dogsled races, cross-country skiing, snowmobile rides and dancing.

There are dozens of events planned for the entire weekend of Jan. 25 through 27, including horse-drawn carriage rides, a table-tennis tourney, broomball and the Mid-Winter Massacre Dodgeball Classic. Winter Carnival buttons which give you admittance to the many events, are available at businesses all over town, and check out the Great Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber’s website at www.mainelakeschamber.com for a complete listing of all the weekend’s activities.

Boogie Shoes

If you like to dance, then you should just park it at the Town Hall on North High Street during Winter Carnival weekend, because there are two consecutive dance parties there.

The Meltdown Party kicks it off on Friday the 24th, with two bands, a cash bar and great food for only $15. I don’t have all the details yet, but Michelle Hapgood and the volunteers always put on a great show. Last year’s was a blast and featured local chef specialties, Maine microbrews and the crowning of the Winter Carnival King and Queen. I will update you in my next column on the bands that will be there and more particulars as I get them.

Pickin’ and Grinnin’

The next night at the Town Hall is a fundraiser for the Lakes Environmental Association, and there’s nothing like a night of blazing bluegrass to shake off the winter blahs, especially when it’s helping a great local cause. The 9th Annual Deep Freeze Bluegrass Festival is on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. and features the Hemingway Brothers from Harrison, Squash and Gourds Family Band and Davey Sturdivant & Jeannie Lubier. You are welcome to BYOB, and tickets are $10 each and only $20 for the whole family and are available at the LEA office, Running With Scissors Salon, Bridgton Books and at the door. Call 647-8580 for more information.

Welcome, Wilfredo

Bridgton’s first baby of the New Year is Wilfredo Rafael Villanueva, son of Jennifer (Negron) and Rafael Villanueva of Naples.

Wilfredo was born on Jan. 2, 2013 at 2:47 p.m. His auspicious arrival earned his family a basket of gifts from local businesses, and the lifelong label of being born lucky. Between that and his mellifluous name, Wilfredo is definitely off to a good start. Congratulations to the Villanueva family!

New Year 2013’s First Baby is Wilfredo Rafael Villanueva. He was born on Jan. 2 at Bridgton Hospital. Wilfredo is pictured with big sister, Jeyleanne, and his mom and dad, Jennifer (Negron) and Rafael Villanueva, of Naples.