Autumn is definitely on the horizon when the population of North Bridgton increases with the incoming class of boys at Bridgton Academy. This year, the 209th in the Academy’s history, over 150 young men from 16 states and 11 countries will spend their year tackling both academics and athletics on the road to higher education and a fulfilling future. We welcome them all to Bridgton and wish them an enjoyable and successful year in our town.

Big weekend outdoors
This weekend, Sept. 16-18, is the 10th Great Maine Outdoor Weekend featuring over 130 outdoor events taking place all over the state. Activities range from classic hiking trips in some of Maine’s most scenic areas to canoeing and kayaking tours, bike treks, trail clean-up and work days, and the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. I know it will be is a bit short notice by the time this article appears, but I’m sure you can still find something to suit your taste over the weekend.

Some of the activities will take place in Bridgton, including the 2016 Loon Echo Bicycle Trek on Saturday, Sept. 17, beginning at Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton at 8 a.m. I wrote about this in my last column but if you want more information please go to loonechotrek.org.

Family Day at Holt Pond it Bridgton, sponsored by the Lakes Environmental Association, is also part of the GMOW. Spend the morning from 9:00 a.m. with educator Mary Jewett exploring the trails and unique boardwalks through the woods. Go out onto a floating moss mat with pitcher plants and maybe even see beavers working on their dam.

To learn more about these and other events scheduled for the weekend go to www.greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org

The apples of your pie
You know fall is on its way in Maine when the swamp maples and apples start turning red. I saw the first notice this week for “Pick Your Own Apples” at Five Fields Farm, Route 107 in South Bridgton, and no doubt other orchards in the area will be picking apples, pressing cider and hosting “apple days” soon, if they haven’t started already. Five Fields Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. until dusk, and they are advertising Paula Red apples for picking right now, and MacIntosh and Cortlands coming soon. Apple picking is a fun outdoor event for the whole family so get out there, pick a peck, and make some pies and applesauce.

Flu shot clinics
Winter is coming – don’t risk getting sick! Rite Aid Pharmacy is offering public flu shot clinics during senior meals at the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. (behind Reny’s), on Wednesdays, Sept. 21 and 28, from 11:15 a.m.-noon, and on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 4:15-5 p.m. Flu shots are available for anyone above the age of 7 and the fee is covered by most insurances. If you need more information, call the Community Center at 647-3116.

Land use ordinance hearing
The Bridgton Planning Board will hold a final public hearing on a proposed land use ordinance prepared by the Land Use and Zoning Committee on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the downstairs meeting room (Iredale Street entrance) at the Town Municipal Building, 3 Chase St. Everyone is welcome to attend and contribute to the hearing.

The main issues in the ordinance include creating four new districts for properties abutting Route 302 and an advisory committee to monitor new construction and/or renovation of structures within these districts. Modifications to the site plan review will also be discussed. The current draft of the ordinance can be found on the town website under Ordinances/Codes and Policies at www.bridgtonmaine.org

‘Being Mortal’ film screenings
Bridgton Hospital and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, in partnership with the Hospice Foundation of America, are coordinating a public awareness campaign on the importance of talking about end-of-life preferences with loved ones and medical professionals. To promote this cause and encourage discussion, the Magic Lantern Theater, 9 Depot St., Bridgton, will offer two free screenings of the film, “Being Mortal,” which is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Dr. Atul Gawande.

The film will be screened on Monday, Sept. 19, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and on Monday, Sept. 26 from 6-8 p.m. To register to attend either of these free showings, please RSVP by calling Laurie McGilvery at 330-7463.

Morgan displays at gallery
Gallery 302 in Bridgton will hold a wine and cheese reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, in honor of its new guest artist, Sam Morgan.

Morgan, who lives on the Maine coast of Maine, spent time as a landscaper and on the water, both of which reinforced his love of the outdoors. He uses color unconventionally. His paintings will be displayed at the galler, 112 Main St., Bridgton, froom noon-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends through Oct. 23

Sam Morgan, whose painting is shown here, will be the guest artist at Gallery 302 through Oct. 23.