Early morning fresh snow awaits for skiers and snowshoers. Perri Black / For Lakes Region Weekly

Highland Ridge Nordic Trails

Now that we finally have some snow, get out and enjoy it! Local residents Rob Knowles and Roger Lowell tend miles of Nordic (cross country) ski and snowshoe trails on their property and generously allow the public to use them at no charge. Their goal is to get people outside and enjoying the winter. There are about 16 miles of groomed trails – five of them opened just this year – and a new warming hut called the Dollhouse, built to honor Lowell’s wife Chris, who passed away in 2019. Lowell even lends people skis and boots for free to allow them to try Nordic skiing without investing a lot of money in equipment; just email him at roglowell@gmail.com stating your shoe size and the day of your ski trip. For directions and more information about the Highland Ridge Nordic Trails, as well as other trails in Bridgton, check out mainebyfoot.com/bridgton-highlands-nordic-trails-bridgton/.

Seeking new market vendors

Bridgton Farmers Market is accepting applications from new vendors for its 2021 summer season, which starts May 1 and runs, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October. The market offers a wide range of locally produced vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products and baked goods, as well as locally roasted coffee, artisanal soaps and candles, and fine handicrafts. Anyone who wishes to sell their goods at the market should submit an application by March 1. Candidates will be interviewed by current market members with final decisions made in early April. For more information and to obtain an application form, go to facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact BrennaMae Thomas-Googins at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com.

Diabetes education

A three-part outpatient course on diabetes self-management is offered at Bridgton Hospital starting Thursday, Feb. 18. The program aims to educate and inform diabetes patients about living healthily while managing the disease. Participants will learn about all aspects of diabetes including complications, medication, treatments and nutritional management, as well as setting goals and solving problems that may arise. Classes will be  held in the hospital’s Professional Group conference room from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 18, 22 and 25. To learn more and sign up for the program, call 647-6064.

Rotary provides kids’ face masks

After distributing 5,000 adult face masks to local community groups, Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club donated 750 children’s face coverings to local food pantries, thanks to the generosity of New England Rotarians and the Rossi Foundation. The Rotary has provided health and wellness products to several area food pantries that serve dozens of area communities and reach nearly 1,000 families. Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club food pantry project leader Carol Madsen, pictured, reminds everyone to “Wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance. Together, let’s keep our communities safe!” Contributed / Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club

Perri Black may be contacted at perrilb@gmail.com.