Ahhh, the smell of balsam

I’m a tree hugger, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Every so often, sometimes daily, I’ll take a walk in the woods, find a great big tree, and wrap my arms around it. Then I’ll give it a squeeze and continue on my way. You might think, then, that seeing all these Christmas trees tied to the roofs of people’s cars would upset me. But the truth is that I love every minute of it. The way I see it, Christmas trees are grown on farms for the purpose of harvesting them, in the same way that vegetables are grown. So purchasing a real tree supports farmers, brings nature into our homes and stops an artificial tree from some day ending up in a landfill.

Here in Bridgton, we are lucky enough to have a beautiful tree farm right on Dugway Road. Trees of Joy is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, and all trees are choose-and-cut for $30. This was my first time at a cut-your-own tree farm, and I was amazed and excited by the wide variety. There were so many different sizes, shapes and styles that I didn’t have to settle for the perfectly shaped, full trees that are so popular at most lots these days. I was searching for an old-fashioned, open-limbed, European-style tree, and I found exactly what I wanted. And as I put the saw to the trunk and began to cut, I kept reminding myself, “It’s just like harvesting a head of lettuce!”

If you hate visiting farms, you can get your tree in the parking lot of Food City, where the Bridgton Volunteer Fire Department will be selling trees for $40 each. Hours are Thursday and Friday, 4-8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All trees are premium quality and are 7-8 feet tall! Be sure to have your ladder handy for placing the star on top. Or, you can just give it a toss and hope for the best.

Library news

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m., kids can come to the library to make Christmas gifts out of duct tape. The library will supply materials, including different patterns and colors (gone are the days of plain old silver), plus project ideas. My heart goes out to the mothers in town, who will not only have to wear a macaroni necklace to Christmas dinner but will also have to sport a duct tape wallet for the rest of the year.

There’s a lot of buzz on the street about a new “Star Wars” movie coming out. As a child of the ’80s, I am almost (but not quite) embarrassed to say that I’ve never seen a “Star Wars” movie in its entirety. But, apparently, people really get into these movies. I think this is sequel number 19. Or is a prequel? Anyway, the library is hosting a party for those who would know the answer to this question, on Saturday, Dec. 19, at noon. You get bonus points if you come dressed as your favorite character. I’m going as yoga.

Pajama Storytime takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 6 p.m. Come dressed in jammies and play games, read stories and sing songs. The program is geared for ages 3 to 7, but others are welcome, unless you’re really not a kid, because that would just be awkward (my note, not the library’s).

Choral performance

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there is one event every year that really helps me to recharge and relax into the beauty of the season. I look forward to the evening when I can slip into a pew at the First Congregational Church on South High Street and listen to The Promise Singers present their annual Christmas concert. This year it will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Snow date (if we ever get any) is Dec. 16.

On the move

The Rufus Porter Museum held a holiday open house last weekend at Bridgton’s Festival of Lights event. It was a good opportunity for townspeople to see the many improvements that have already been made to the Webb House at the corner of Main and Church streets, but there’s still much to be done. The museum committee is raising money so that they can move the Nathan Church House Museum from its current location on North High Street to the new location on Church Street. Once moved, the two buildings will be joined, which will offer much more space for the museum’s collection to be exhibited. They are asking the public to assist in making this plan a reality by making donations of $10 to purchase a “foot” of the 3,500 feet that the building needs to go. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 544 Bridgton, ME 04009.

Warm hands, warm hearts

Central Maine Power and WMTW-TV are partnering up for the 12th annual Community Mitten Drive. Donations of new or handmade mittens, hats and scarves are being collected at all Reny’s locations and Androscoggin Bank branches. Donations will be distributed to children who live throughout CMP’s 11,000-square-mile service area.

Open house

Lakes Environmental Association will be hosting an open house at the new science center Friday, Dec. 11, from noon-4 p.m. The center is located within Pondicherry Park, off the Willet Trail. There will be a tour of the new facility, and refreshments will be served. The parking area to access the trail is on Willet Road, off Route 302, near Hannaford. Please call 647-3318 for additional information.

There’s something for everyone, including columnist Julia Marino, at Trees of Joy on the Dugway Road in Bridgton. Hugging is optional but encouraged.