Begonias blooming in Bridgton on Veterans Day. Perri Black / For Lakes Region Weekly

Ladies’ Weekend Out

It’s that time of year again. Get into the holiday spirit with the always popular Ladies’ Weekend Out on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20. All kinds of businesses around town will be offering discounts, giveaways, raffles and other special surprises to kick off the festive season. It’s a great time to gather some friends together and go out on the town to get a head start on some holiday shopping, and maybe pick up a few treats for yourself.

BCC Fuel Bank

Winter is fast approaching, heating fuel prices are rising, and many local families are facing difficulties trying to stay warm. Fortunately, the Bridgton Community Center has an emergency fuel assistance program to help those in need. The Fuel Bank is funded completely by private donations and is available until its money runs out. Last year, 53 local families were assisted and demand is expected to increase this year. The BCC is encouraging people to donate to the fund to ensure it can meet the fuel needs of families this winter. Donations may be made by a check payable to the Bridgton Community Center Fuel Bank or online at bridgtoncommunitycenter.org/program/bcc-fuel-bank.

Free Thanksgiving dinner

The Morning Glory Diner on Portland Road will once again serve up a free, home-cooked community dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24. The restaurant’s regular menu will be offered until 10:30 a.m. and then turkey with all the fixings will be offered at no charge from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. All are welcome to come by and enjoy a delicious meal and good company to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Stuff the Truck

On Saturday, Nov. 26, the Bridgton Food Pantry will host its second “Stuff the Truck” challenge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Food City on Main Street. The goal of the challenge is to stuff a pickup truck with various items to help food pantry patrons make it through the winter. In addition to nonperishable food items, people are encouraged to donate household items such as paper goods, laundry and cleaning supplies, and trash bags. Food City or Hannaford gift cards, checks made payable to The Bridgton Food Pantry, and cash are also welcome and can be donated the day of the challenge or sent to The Bridgton Food Pantry, P.O. Box 207, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Chili and chowder

For those who want a change from turkey leftovers after a big Thanksgiving dinner, try out the chili and chowder dinner at the Masonic Hall on Harrison Road (Route 117) from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27. The chili and chowders will be served with biscuits and corn bread, soft drinks, and cookies and the price is $10 per person.

Bridgton resident Perri Black can be contacted at perrilb@gmail.com.