The summer folks may have stored their boats and closed up camp, but life in Bridgton doesn’t slow down much after they head home. Those of us who call it home year ‘round know winter can be filled with festivity, fun and quality time with friends. Shawnee Peak brings skiers from Portland and beyond, the lakes turn into snowmobile trails and Pondicherry Park is a beautiful in-town haven for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Until the snow flies, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving and ask that you remember those less fortunate by donating to our local food pantries and outreach programs.

Warm Hearts, Cool Tunes

With winter setting in, it is time to think of our elderly and low-income neighbors who are unable to cover their heating bills and spend the dark months cold and alone. Sorry to sound morose but the sad truth is there are many in our midst, and they should not suffer in silence.

Fortunately, our town has many compassionate citizens, and support for the Bridgton Fuel Collaborative is strong. Many thanks go to the volunteers who raised $3,200 from the 1st annual Pleasant Mountain Music Festival. The list of local sponsors is long, but thanks go to Bob Mawhinney, Jan Lee, Angela Falso and Megan Harmon for conceiving of the festival and lining up such great talent. They presented the check to Community Center Director Carmen Lone last week, ensuring that at least some of our neediest will be warmer this winter. Donations to this locally funded program are always needed though, so please stop by the BCC anytime to make your tax-deductible donation.

Chamber Chatter

If you are a local business owner or simply a resident curious about area goings-on, the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce has two upcoming events open to the public.

Their monthly “After Hours” will be on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5-7 p.m. at Harry Barker’s II, in the beautifully restored William Perry House, a.k.a. Bridgton’s original hospital. Located on Main Hill by Highland Lake, this exceptional example of Italianate architecture was saved from decrepitude by local resident Richard Stevens, and the barn now houses Harry Barker’s. Stop by and see the dozens of vendors who display there, and learn more about their mission, which is to support the great work done by Harvest Hills Animal Shelter.

Then on Friday, Nov. 21, the Chamber hosts its annual Awards Dinner at Shawnee Peak, with dinner, drinks and entertainment by the talented (and cute) Chad Porter. The festivities start with cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., and the guest speaker will be Jack Sours, VP of Oxford Casino. Tickets are $45 each. This event is a fun kickoff to the holiday season and always sells out, so get your tickets soon. Please call the Chamber at 647-3472 to reserve yours.

Game On

As an avowed game-a-holic who has stayed up ’til dawn playing Sequence, Scattergories and Catchphrase, I’m thrilled to learn there’s actually a National Gaming Day. Finally, a chance for all of us nerds to unite.

Join The Bridgton Library and Youth Services Director Honor Smith on Saturday,

Nov. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. as she instills a love of the game in our younger players. They will have board games galore for every age and level, and contestants can go bowling, play baseball, or practice their backhand at doubles tennis on the Wii. Toddlers can enjoy matching, bean bag tossing and other storybook games. Prizes will be awarded. Please call Smith at 647-2472 for more information.

’Tis the Season

Thanks to the wonders of Pinterest and Houzz, our collective taste is getting better. Yes, Popsicle turkeys and god’s eyes still exist, but the humble offerings of old-time craft fairs have been elevated. Fortunately the food is still as good, and when it is baked by church ladies you can bet it’s going to be the best.

Two annual craft classics are on deck this weekend, and you can easily hit both since they are right in town. The Bridgton Methodist Church’s Sleigh Bell Bazaar runs Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and the St. Joseph’s Women’s Guild is having their Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will find everything from “White Elephant Treasures” to locally made artisanal soaps, handcrafted jewelry and all kinds of artworks. Get your holiday shopping out of the way so you can celebrate the season as you should; eating, drinking and buying yourself the gifts you really want.

Ladies’ Day Out

Bridgton has a strong tradition of locally owned businesses working together, and it shows in the vibrancy of our healthy downtown. One of the most popular events was founded by Firefly’s Jessica Jones, and has grown into a November tradition.

Join Jess and dozens of downtown shops for Ladies’ Day Out, an extravaganza of specials, snacks and giveaways all day on Saturday, Nov. 22. Almost every store in town is participating, so get your crew together and hit the streets. While you’re out, please stop by recent Bridgton arrival Nadine Caron’s new shop, Vintage Souls, at 3 Pleasant St. Specializing in shabby chic, home de?cor and repurposed items, Caron will be offering refreshments at her Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, the 22nd and 23rd, and again during the Thanksgiving weekend. Stop by and welcome Nadine and her family to town, and thanks for supporting our many creative and unique local businesses!