Winter blues

I hate to admit this, but I was starting to go a little batty over these past couple of weeks. I love winter, and I love Bridgton; however, my usual walking routine was feeling stale, and I was missing my snowshoes and cross-country skis. Yeah, we’ve had a couple little “storms” and even some hail (!), but there just hasn’t been enough snow for me.

Public skating at Bridgton Academy on Sunday afternoons has swelled from the usual 10 to about 40 people. It seems like everyone is looking for stuff to do indoors since our outdoor winter activities have been delayed. Now that we have a decent amount of snow, I am starting to feel a little better.

Just last week I was lucky enough to finally use my snowshoes, during a scenic hike along the Farm Brook Trail at Bald Pate in South Bridgton. I am also vowing to venture off to some new places (maybe even outside of Bridgton). As it turns out, the library has a handy little booklet called “17 Easy Walks in the Lakes Region.” It can be found in the upstairs hallway, right outside the circulation desk. I encourage you to get one for yourself and check out some new trails that you might not have known about. It’s time to embrace this winter, even if it has been less than perfect.

Shelter news

On Saturday, Jan. 23, staff and animals from Harvest Hills Animal Shelter will be at Paris Farmers Union on the Portland Road for a pet adoption from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The annual Freezin’ for a Reason dip into Highland Lake will take place on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Sign up now and get your pledges. Will you be the swimmer who raises the most money for the animal shelter this year?

Real estate questions answered

There will be a free Homebuyers’ Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School. The class is free and is being sponsored by Lake Region & Fryeburg Area Adult Education. A variety of topics will be discussed, and participants are encouraged to bring questions.

Get out your sweatpants

Do people still say “sweatpants?” When I was a kid, we called them “jogging pants.” Maybe now they are referred to as “athletic wear” in an attempt to sound less stinky. Either way, Project S.W.E.A.T. isn’t afraid of a little stink. Classes have returned to Old Town Hall on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. Come prepared with comfy clothes, sneakers, water and a PMA (positive mental attitude).

Looking ahead

It’s already time to sign up for Bridgton’s “4 on the Fourth” road race. Registration opened on Jan. 15 and will stay open until all 2,300 slots are filled. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the race, so if you want a T-shirt, register as soon as possible, as only the first 500 registrants will receive one.

In addition to the 4-mile race, this year there will also be a kids’ fun run, which will take place on Sunday, July 3, at 5 p.m. It will be open to children ages 3 to 10 and includes quarter-mile, half-mile and 1-mile courses. Registration for both races can be done at www.fouronthefourth.com.

Family art days

Gallery 302 is graciously offering free family art classes during the next few months. Classes take place on Sundays from 1-3 p.m. and include the following: Feb. 7, Create one-of-a-kind Valentines; March 13, Zentangle (doodle) your way to a relaxed way of life; April 10, Making small books from a single sheet of paper. Classes are appropriate for adults and children in third grade or older. Advanced registration is required by calling the gallery at 647-2787, online at www.gallery302.com or in-person at 112 Main St.

Library changes

I missed one week of going to the library, and when I returned, everything was different. Luckily, all of the familiar faces were there, but the layout was changed. The children’s room has been moved back to its original location downstairs, and now the computers and DVD collection are back upstairs.

In more interesting news, there is a new club taking place on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. called Needlecraft Club. Whether you are a sewer, cross-stitcher, knitter or one who crochets (I don’t think “crocheter” is a word), you will be welcomed with open arms. This is a great way to start up again on those neglected projects you’ve been meaning to finish for the past 10 years.

On a final note, the drawing for the handmade duvet has been moved up a month and will take place on Friday, Jan. 29. That means you still have time to purchase tickets. Support the library!

Talent show

The semifinals of Lake Region’s Got Talent will take place on Sunday, Jan. 24, at the Magic Lantern Theater at 1 p.m. A variety of acts including singers and dancers are sure to entertain you. The following week, Jan. 31, the final acts will compete for over $1,000 in cash and prizes. Tickets are $5 for semifinals and $10 for finals and can be purchased at the door. Proceeds benefit Lake Region Community Theatre.

MUSH!

Just a reminder, the Down East Musher’s Bowl is this weekend at Five Fields Farm, 720 South Bridgton Road, South Bridgton. The dog sled and skijoring events take place on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 23 and 24.

A midwinter’s scene at Shorey Park after last weekend’s snowfall.