Greening Up

As I write this, I am looking out the window, and all I see is different shades of green, decorated with tall red tulips and yellow pansies in my neighbor’s yard. The last time I was writing this article, the landscape was still mostly bare branches. It’s amazing how quickly the changes are taking place, especially now that we’ve have a couple of weeks of warm weather.

Another noticeable change is in the Bridgton Farmers’ Market. At the market last week, I was happy to take home some salad mix, a few overwintered apples and handmade soap. But this week, my basket was overflowing with spinach leaves the size of my hand, arugula, 100-percent grass-fed London broil, micro-greens, radishes and fiddleheads! I also had the chance to meet some of the new farmers we have this season. The market is more than just a place to get my week’s groceries; it’s also where I go to see good friends and to make new ones.

Since I go to market every week, I get to know the people who grow my food, and I enjoy speaking with them. And once I’m there, I almost always see friends from town. On Saturdays that I can’t get to the market (which are rare), I feel as if I’ve missed out on an important part of my week. I also feel apologetic to the farmers and vendors! We are extremely lucky to have a farmers’ market right here in town, and I want to do my part to make sure it stays. Go check it out for yourself, if you haven’t done so already. Not only will you get delicious and healthy food, but you might make a new friend or see an old one.

Beans, Beans…

I love seeing signs on the side of the road, advertising community suppers. It reminds me that I live in a place that values the simple things, like sharing a good meal with neighbors. This weekend, there will be a baked bean and casserole supper on Saturday, May 16, at 5 p.m. at the Bridgton Alliance Church, 368 Harrison Road. Be there, or be square.

Spring Concert

The Lake Region Community Chorus is presenting a spring concert at the Twitchell Memorial Chapel on the Bridgton Academy campus. Show times are Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, at 3 p.m. While most choral concerts seem to take place around the winter holidays, it is nice to know we can hear live entertainment in the spring, too. At this lovely time of year, all of our souls are singing!

Chinese Auction

The first time I went to a Chinese Auction, I had a blast placing my little tickets into the cups, in hopes of winning a prize. I must have had beginner’s luck, because I remember that my number was called five different times. Oh, the excitement! Come try your luck at the Bridgton Community Center on May 16, from 3-6 p.m. Community H.E.L.P. is hosting a fundraising open house with a Scentsy consultant, followed by the Chinese Auction.

Put On Your Singing Pants

Punkin’ Valley Restaurant is having their annual karaoke contest, with $600 in cash prizes and Seadogs tickets up for grabs. The next qualifying dates are May 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. The final competition is set for June 6. For more information, go to www.punkinvalley.com or call 647-2784.

Chamber News

There are few things I love more than a good day of “junkin’”. Yard sale season is officially here, and the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a multi-table event on Saturday, May 23, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in their parking lot on Route 302, next to Hannaford. Reserve your spot for $20. Bring your own table and chairs. Call the chamber office to reserve your spot at 647-3472. Rain date is Sunday, May 24.

The Chamber is also looking for office volunteers. If you are interested, please contact the same number for more information.

Summer Rec

When I was a kid, I was too shy to participate in most of the recreation programs that my town had to offer. Now, looking back, I feel that I’ve missed out on a lot of fun times, and I wish that I had gone to camp. Don’t let that happen to your kids! Bridgton Recreation is offering a summer camp (unfortunately, I don’t meet the age requirements) this year for school-age children. The program will run for eight weeks from June 29-Aug. 21. The cost for residents will be $60-$100, non-residents $75-$125, depending on drop-off and pick-up times. Registrations are available on the town’s website, www.bridgtonmaine.org or by calling Gary Colello at 647-8786. Crafts, reading, swimming…sounds like heaven!