Welcome to the Snow Globe

After a quiet start to 2015, it looks like winter has finally rushed in. Just as I was beginning to feel sorry for the plow drivers and ski bums, they’ve all suddenly got more powder than they know what to do with. Snow doesn’t slow us down though, and even in the deep freeze of February the promise of spring is never far. Yes, the snow banks are close to obscuring my kitchen window, and I might have a touch of cabin fever, but I could swear I saw a robin on my back porch.

For those of us who aren’t snowbirds, Bridgton’s four-season beauty is a big part of its charm. Hope you are warm and cozy, and if you do want to venture out this week, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Freezin’ Frenzy

It seems like only yesterday I was standing on the shores of Highland Lake watching dozens of friends braver than I am jump in the water for “Freezin’ For a Reason.” But the years roll on, and it is swimming time again.

This annual fundraiser is a winter tradition in Bridgton, and this year marks the 13th 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, Feb. 14, 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. I am thrilled to be sponsoring 8-year-old Jackson Libby, who is jumping for Team “Arm the Animals.” Way to go, Jackson. You rock!

Winter Carnival

Valentine’s Day is more than just hearts and flowers in Bridgton…locals know it is also the kickoff of our Winter Carnival. Sponsored by the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, the list of festivities and number of spectators grows every year. From the popular kid’s ice fishing derby, magic show, Carnival Dance and Freezin’ For a Reason to the horse-drawn carriages, snowmobile and sled dog rides, the town will be bustling with hundreds of revelers. There’s so much more than I can list here, so please go to www.mainelakeswintercarnival.com for the complete schedule, and join us on the lake!

Birdsong

One of the highlights of the Winter Carnival is the “Music Above the Lake” concert series, held at the historic Noble House Inn. Innkeeper Cindi Hooper is pleased to bring Alan Williams back to town for an encore performance from his Birdsong at Morning ensemble. This event is the kickoff of the weekend’s festivities, and starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12. Hooper has staged this music series for the past three years, and the intimate concerts have become a monthly highlight. Please RSVP to innkeepers@noblehousebb.com or call 647-3733 to reserve your spot.

Lace Up Your Skates

The Bridgton Community Ice Rink is now open, and the theme for the season is free, free, free! The rink, located behind the old Town Hall at 26 North High Street, offers free skating, free rentals for all ages and free hot chocolate. The rink is open all winter, and hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, contact Rec Director Gary Collelo at 647-8786.

Snowy Sentinel

If you’ve driven over the Moose Pond causeway this month you’ve surely seen “IC” standing sentinel on the inlet, where observers report the ice is more than 1 foot thick. The snowman will remain there until the ice melts, and if you guess the day you can win money and support our awesome Community Center.

The 8th annual Ice Out contest is in full swing, and the $2 you spend on the 50/50 tickets could win you hundreds. Tickets are available at the Black Horse Tavern, Campfire Grille and the Bridgton Community Center. Mother Nature is full of surprises, with 2011 being the earliest Ice Out date ever and last year’s one of the latest. So make your best guess, buy your tickets and support the BCC, which counts on this vital fundraiser.

Tax Talk

It’s almost tax time, and if you are low-income and need help filing yours, help is here. The Bridgton Community Center is continuing its annual collaboration with local retired accountants to offer free income tax preparation.

From Friday, Feb. 6, through Friday, April 10, professionals will be ready to help between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. You must make an appointment by calling the BCC at 647-3116, and they will handle the rest. Just bring your 2014 tax forms and ID and let the CPAs handle the math.

Sensational

The Magic Lantern, our local gem of a movie theater, has long supported Maine filmmakers, small indies, and charitable causes. Now they are reaching out to those people who live with autism, ADHD and other sensory issues.

Join them the last Wednesday of every month for a “Sensory-Friendly Feature” at 10 a.m. Much of today’s CGI, 3-D and wraparound sound can be terrifying for those with certain conditions, so these movies will be shown in a comfortable environment with the lights turned up slightly and the sound lowered. Please check their website at www.magiclanternmovies.com or call 647-9326.