More snow, please

Things are looking pretty dismal around here. Just last week I saw two snowmobiles and even a snowblower for sale. Have the owners completely lost hope that it will ever snow again?

Reny’s and Food City both have displays of flower and vegetable seeds for sale. The gardener in me felt her heart leap for joy when I saw them; however, the winter-lover in me felt her heart drop into her stomach. Then again, retail is always way ahead of the game. After all, they are also selling Easter candy at Reny’s right now, and as of the writing of this, it is still January.

Even still, when I walked past Ricky’s Diner and saw a sign advertising that they had air conditioning, I almost cried. Then I remembered that they always have that sign up, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Minutes later, I overheard a man (bless his heart) saying to his friend, “It’s supposed to snow a week from tomorrow.” I cannot put too much stock in a forecast that is so far away, but the dreamer in me is holding out hope. There is always hope.

Free wine!

J. De?cor, located on Main Street across from the William Perry House, will be hosting a wine tasting on Saturday, Feb. 13, from noon-5 p.m. Come sample some fine wines and pick your favorite to purchase. With Valentine’s Day falling the day after the tasting, this could be a fun date with a loved one or a chance to buy something nice for a romantic dinner. If you don’t know much about wine, proprietors Julie and Rick have a wealth of knowledge on the topic and will be delighted to share it with you so that you can pick out a wine that suits your tastes.

Scholarship available

The Bridgton Art Guild is offering a $500 scholarship for a Lakes Region-area high school student attending Fryeburg Academy, Lake Region, Windham, Bonny Eagle or Poland high schools and planning to study visual arts at an accredited university, college or art institute.

Applications are available at each school’s art or guidance department, at Gallery 302 on Main Street or on the web at www.gallery302.com. For more information, call the gallery at 647-2787.

Massage deal

On Eagle’s Wings Wellness Center, 236 Portland Road, is offering a special during the month of February. Receive a two-hour session of massage and reflexology for only $75. If you bring a friend, you each receive $5 off. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 803-8025 to schedule an appointment. Not only is this an amazing deal, but the center provides free services for people who are undergoing treatment for cancer, thanks to the proceeds from services provided to the public.

Fun for kids

The Bridgton Public Library has many celebrations planned in the children’s room for the month of February. The fun kicks off with a Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 3:30 p.m. Mask-making, story time and a parade will all be part of the festivities. Then on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 10:30 a.m., there will be a Valentine-making workshop, complete with stickers, lace and glitter. If you’re lucky, there might be paste. I love paste. Especially on toast.

The month wraps up with a Chinese New Year Lantern Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 3:30 p.m. The kids will listen to a story, learn about Chinese New Year and make their own paper lanterns.

Skate Fest

I’m glad I went to the Patriots parade last year after they won the Super Bowl, because it’s certainly not going to happen this year. But, almost as good, the Bridgton Academy Ice Arena is hosting a Super Bowl Skate Fest on Sunday, Feb. 7, from noon-2 p.m. There will be free skating, including rentals, hot dogs, chili, hot cocoa and macaroni & cheese. The event is being sponsored by Harrison Recreation and Harrison Youth Boosters. It sure is swell of them to do this.

New shoes

Bridgton Hospital is hosting the biannual Super Shoes fundraiser in the main entrance on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds support the Employee Emergency Assistance Fund. In addition to shoes, there will be boots, handbags, accessories, nurses’ attire and work wear.

P.S.

Keep wearing your jammies inside out so that it snows. Mother Nature will know if we all do this, and she’ll give us what we want. If you are a snow-hater who refuses to participate, I suggest you move. I mean that in the nicest possible way.