Last week’s blustery gusts were more reminiscent of March than February, and the warming sun reminds me that winter’s days are numbered. However, a little more snow would sure be nice for all the snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers among us. Crunching around on two inches of crusty old snow isn’t exactly the stuff winter dreams are made of. So here’s hoping Mother Nature throws us a blizzard or two before spring comes knocking.

Although the Musher’s Bowl portion of Winter Carnival was canceled due to lack of snow, all of the other events went off without a hitch. Even the bitter, sub-zero wind chill didn’t deter the 59 brave souls who jumped into Highland Lake for the 11th annual Freezin’ For a Reason, Harvest Hills’ Animal Shelter’s biggest fundraiser. Over $16,000 was raised, with all proceeds going to feed, house and nurture the many dogs and cats supported by this local no-kill shelter. Congratulations to fundraising winners Ali Kiger and Chris Searles, of “Team Dancing Trees”, single biggest solo fundraiser Fred Washer and teenage/youth jumpers Alyssa Janelle and Katie Rose, respectively. Thanks to all the participants for jumping so the rest of us don’t have to!

K of C Supper

The local chapter of the Knights of Columbus support many wonderful causes through their fundraising efforts, including assisting widows and needy children. Join them for a Baked Haddock Supper on Saturday, Feb. 9, at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall on South High Street and help them continue their good deeds.

Along with the fresh Maine haddock there will be mashed potatoes, veggies, drinks and dessert. The cost for dinner is $9 for adults and $5 for children, but if you order for a family of four you can get a “group rate” of $20. You can also buy advanced tickets from any Knight for a dollar off, or call 647-8440 to place your order. To-go plates will also be available, which would be great to take to a needy friend or neighbor who might be house-bound. All proceeds from the supper will be used to support a Diosecan Seminarian.

Snowfest

The concept of “snow” might be simply theoretical at this point, but that’s not stopping local land conservation nonprofit Loon Echo from celebrating winter at their second annual Snowfest. Join the staff for a day of fun and adventure on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Five Fields Farms, located on Route 107 in South Bridgton.

The event kicks off with a 5k and 10k timed cross-country ski race for beginner and intermediate levels followed by a fun snowshoe run for children (youth snowshoe run is free). For those of you that don’t want to don skis or snowshoes, there will be snowman-making contests throughout the morning. Warm up by the open fire while enjoying hot chocolate, s’mores and delicious treats. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and include trail passes, food and prizes. Equipment rentals will be available for an additional charge. For more information, contact Loon Echo at 647-4352 or info@lelt.org.

Bridgton Bruins

If your child is the next Joe Thornton or Dorothy Hamill, or if you just want to rekindle the romance with your sweetie this Valentine’s Day, the Bridgton Community Ice Rink is open! It may not be the snowiest winter on record but it’s certainly been a cold one, and the rink is groomed to perfection.

Bridgton Rec sponsors this popular program, which runs through early March. The rink is open every Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and on Saturday, Sunday and school holidays/vacation from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Aside from the rink itself there is also a warming room with wood stove, cable TV, music and hot cocoa. Skates are available, and while donations are gladly accepted, everything is free! The Bridgton Ice Rink is located behind the Town Hall on North High Street. Call Rec Director Tom Tash with questions at 647-8786.

WWII Memoir

For those of you more inclined toward history and culture than hearts and flowers, join local author Walter W. Bannon as he reads from his book, “The White Pocketbook,” on Valentine’s Day.

Bannon’s autobiography centers around his memories of fighting World War II in Belgium, and the toll it took on both soldiers and civilians. The book reading will be held at the Bridgton Community Center at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14. For more information, call 647-3116 or check out Bannon’s website at www.thewhitepocketbook.com.

February Family Tracking

If you want to get your kids out in the great outdoors this February vacation week, here’s a great family-friendly event for your whole crew. Join LEA naturalist Sarah Frankel on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. and explore Holt Pond on snowshoes, looking for signs of animal tracks in the snow.

Sarah will also share her extensive knowledge about what local plants, insects and birds do this time of year. Nature is alive and well even in the “dead” of winter, and there are amazing things happening right in your backyard. Snowshoes will be provided if needed, and the walk will last approximately 1.5 hours over easy to moderate terrain. Please meet at the LEA office at 230 Main Street in Bridgton at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, contact

Sarah Frankel at 647-8580 or email sarah@leamaine.org.

Winter Walk

The Highland ridges of Bridgton offer stunning views year-round but are particularly beautiful on winter’s nights, as the lights from Shawnee Peak illuminate the dark sky. The open fields of the golf course are perfect for a nighttime adventure, and you are invited to join the Lakes Environmental Association on Thursday, Feb. 21.

LEA Naturalist Mary Jewett leads the walk, which begins at 7 p.m. February nights are perfect for hearing barred owls during mating season, and Jewett will also spotlight the celestial constellations showing this time of year. Come dressed for the cold on a walk that will last approximately 1.5 hours, with snowshoes provided if needed.

Meet at the LEA office building at 230 Main Street in Bridgton before heading to the golf course. To register or for more information contact Mary Jewett at 647-8580 or email mary@leamaine.org.

Not For Squares

That’s right, in case you hadn’t heard, Four Square is back and all the cool kids are playing it. The 9th annual World Championship Four Square Competition is being held right here in Bridgton on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bridgton Academy’s gym.

More than 100 competitors from across the Northeast and Canada, and as far away as Florida, will descend upon our humble town for the four-square smackdown. As LEA Director and Four Square Master Peter Lowell told me, “Like Dodgeball, Four Square seems simple until you try it. It is a game of speed and skill, and we always have a great time playing. These teams take it seriously, and many are serious athletes.”

The championships are open to anyone who wants to compete or watch. Whether you are serious about competing or just want to come out and have fun for a good cause this is the event for you. LEA collects a $10 registration fee from participants to support lake protection. For more information or to register, contact Peter Lowell at 647-8580 or e-mail lakes@leamaine.org.

Helping a Friend

One of the best traits of Bridgtonians is their willingness to step up and help fellow friends and neighbors when the going gets tough. This awesome community spirit is being called upon again, as a wonderful local woman needs all the love and support she can get.

Pam Graffius, of the NAGHA/Chalmers Group family, is fighting a brave battle against ovarian cancer. Pam has always been involved with community outreach, volunteering many hours in her local food pantry – and now is the time for the community to reach out to help her. Her friends and colleagues are throwing her a big bash at the Harrison VFW (176 Waterford Road) on Saturday, Feb. 23. There will be a homemade spaghetti supper and dessert from 5 to 7 p.m., at a cost of $7 per person, with a silent auction and BYOB dance following from 8 ’til midnight. Tickets to the dance, with music by local classic rock/rockabilly band The Brewins, are $10. All the money raised will go to Pam’s medical bills.

f you have questions about this event or want to donate, please contact Vicky Phillips at vickyp@nahgaclaims.com or by calling 515-2052.