Happy New Year! When I think about being halfway through the “teens” of the 21st century, it is like pondering the endless universe, or trying to understand physics: abstract and surreal. How is it possible? Where does the time go? In my seven years of writing this column I’ve reported on the demolition and rebirth of the wonderful Magic Lantern, the acquisition and gifting in perpetuity of the jewel that is Pondicherry Park, the dedication of the stunning Bob Dunning Bridge (and his passing), the resurrection and loving restorations of both the original Bridgton Hospital and Pharmacy buildings, the awesome, all-organic Bridgton Community Gardens, the free Community Kettle suppers at the BCC every Thursday, and the ongoing revitalization of our beautiful downtown.

I am so happy and grateful to live in Bridgton, where the locals are friendly and the visitors love and appreciate what makes it so special here. It is a treasure, with easy access to the mountains and the sea, lakes and ponds galore, four seasons of natural beauty and a truly walkable and amenity-filled downtown. Don’t take these things for granted, because they are rare and worth celebrating. I am looking so forward to the new projects on the horizon in the upcoming year, and will share them with you here in my column. Here’s to a prosperous, healthy and happy 2015, and a toast to being able to celebrate it in a town as lovely as Bridgton. Cheers!

Pedal Power

BIG news! The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has announced that they have chosen Bridgton as one of the overnight stops on their summer tour, which means 400 hungry, thirsty and deep-pocketed cyclists will be camping out on Depot Street next fall.

The back 40 of the Community Center will host a traveling circus of cyclists, and crews from the Coalition will roll in early to set up massage and first aid tents, porta-potties and a beer garden. The BCC’s commercial kitchen will be used by chefs to prepare Maine-grown food for the riders, and organizers encourage local businesses to reach out to the participants. Last year the event brought cyclists from 34 states and five foreign countries, and dropped almost $400,000 into local communities along the route. Check out www.bikemaine.org for more information as the full marketing campaign kicks off in February.

Starry Starry Night

The winter sky is a thing of wonder, with the crisp nights offering stellar views of the stars, including the fierce hunter, Orion, and his belt. Bundle up, dust off your snowshoes and join the Lakes Environmental Association for their Constellation Walk.

Stargazers will meet on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at LEA’s downtown headquarters on Main Street and carpool to Bridgton Highlands for an evening of constellation hunting, hot cocoa and community spirit. Led by amateur astronomer Leigh Hayes, participants will learn to identify the winter constellations and hear about the history and myths behind them. This event is sponsored by the Caplan Family Environmental Education Series and is open to all ages. A donation of $5 is requested for non-LEA members; please contact Mary Jewett at mary@leamaine.org or 647-8580 for more information.

Keep the Scene Green

EcoMaine, southern Maine’s recycling and waste-to-energy leader (now there’s a marketing term somebody should get a raise for coming up with), has awarded more than $400 in grant money to Stevens Brook School to assist in their sustainability efforts.

The grant will help purchase compost bins and educational materials to teach students about recycling and why it is so important. Director Erik Street says, “This isn’t just about being green, this is about changing the game.” Wow, their whole PR department should probably get a raise for all these clever slogans. But yes, waste is bad, recycling is good, and grants are great. You can quote me on that.

Winter Welcome

The slopes of Shawnee Peak are white with snow, and the resort is kicking off their ski season with the annual Winter Festival on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The party cranks up as the sun sets, as DJ Don Reid and the crew from WHEB will have lots of fun giveaways in Blizzards Pub. Then at 7:30 p.m. the beautiful Torch Light parade will commence, with skiers promenading down the mountain bearing fire and asking the snow gods to bring lots of powder to town. The parade will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display, which can be viewed from both the lodge and the shores of Moose Pond. For more information on the festival and other upcoming events, check out www.shawneepeak.com.

Food For All

I love the Community Kettle dinners at the Bridgton Community Center, where local businesses and nonprofits prepare a free, homemade meal for anyone who attends. Every Thursday night, year round, you’ll find happy crews of cooks in the kitchen, whipping up feasts like roast pork loin, lasagna, hearty soups and stews, fresh salads, stuffed chicken breasts, and hot fudge sundaes.

The supper starts at 5:30 p.m. and is a wonderful way to share a meal, meet new friends and not have to cook. One of the delicious meals of December was prepared by the staff of Food City, our locally owned grocery store right in downtown Bridgton. The employees volunteered their time and brought their culinary skills to the center, and cooked dinner for more than 70 grateful diners. Thank you all for your dedication and time, and for those of you interested in participating, please stop by the BCC. They always need volunteers!

Employees of Food City recently volunteered at the Bridgton Community Center’s Community Kettle, cooking dinner for 75 satisfied diners. This free supper is held every Thursday at the Community Center, and all are welcome.