Welcome to our Winter Wonderland. I hope those of you praying to the snow god Ullr are happy, because it looks like he heard you loud and clear. In fact, it was so cold (how cold was it?) that Shawnee Peak actually closed the slopes early last weekend because temps were so low skiers were in danger of frostbite. Yikes!

The ski season is off to a great start snow-wise though, and when these temps moderate there will be perfect conditions to hit the slopes. Snow and winter sports brings big bucks to our local economy, and we love when our friends from away come to town for skiing, snowmobiling and ice-fishing. Dress warm, be safe and have fun! Believe it or not, it won’t last long…we’ll be swatting at black flies in no time.

Heating Help

At least most of us have a respite from the bitter cold inside the warmth of our cozy homes. Sadly, there are many more people in town than you would probably imagine who do not have the money to stay warm. Unfortunately, a large percentage of them are elderly. This is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Fortunately there is an amazing local program designed to help.

The Bridgton Heating Collaborative provides emergency fuel assistance to low-income locals who have applied for help and are proven to be below the poverty line and of the greatest need. Because of the ungodly cold this winter, the fund is nearly depleted. Please help this cause by making a tax-deductible donation to the fund at the Bridgton Community Center, or call Carmen Lone at 647-3116 for more information. Thank you.

Sixteen Candles

I’m going to date myself here but I was a child of the 80s, when Taffeta, day-glo neon and John Hughes movies defined our fashion tastes. I had feathered hair, shopped at Benetton and had a sweet collection of scented Swatch watches. So cool…

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that today’s prom queens would be horrified by my dress collection, and I wouldn’t blame them. For the rest of you with better taste, there is a great local cause that wants your help. If you have any old and gently-worn prom, formal or semi-formal dresses and accessories just cluttering up your closet, please donate them to the Maine Event Prom Project. Your dress might help a needy student feel confident, beautiful and excited to attend prom. All through January you can donate your dresses to the Bridgton Library at 1 Church St. Please make sure they are in good shape, clean and not made of electric blue taffeta.

Shake It Off

These winter blahs may be helped by whiskey and wine, but the weight will sneak up on you just as fast as bathing-suit season does. There are two new programs that will help you stay fit and trim, and boost your mental well-being at the same time.

Womanspace, a local support group for women, is kicking off the New Year with their first hike of the year on Sunday, Jan. 12. Hikers should meet at noon at Tri-County Mental Health at 32 N. High St. (next door to the old Town Hall). The group also meets weekly on Tuesdays from 3:45-5:15 p.m. at the center. To register for the hike and for more information, call 523-0700.

After you get the blood flowing from the hike, you can get a total body workout in one hour at the old Town Hall. These free exercise classes will be offered on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and Thursday, Jan. 16, from 8-9 a.m. In a friendly, judgment-free environment you will learn how to build muscle, burn more calories, promote strength and flexibility and have a good time doing it. Please bring a yoga-style mat and 2- to 5-pound dumbbells (if you have them) to the class.

Cops and Coffee Shops

No, this is not the beginning of a lame joke. The Bridgton Police Department has kicked off its annual Special Olympics fundraising with a program that gives you a great deal on Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and raises money for the Games.

When you buy a DD Community Coffee Mug for $20 you are entitled to a free coffee (hot or iced) every Sunday through 2014. The Special Olympics is worthy of all the help we can give them, and kudos to our local officers for being involved with it over the years. And do the math; this is a majorly good deal. In fact, I’m going to put on my muck boots and slog over there as soon as I file this column and buy mine. See you there on Sundays!

Local bar and restaurant owners collaborated to raise $1,500 for the Bridgton Heating Collaborative. From left, Michelle Hapgood of Campfire Grille, Sherry Flanigan of Beef and Ski, Carrye Castleman-Ross of the Depot St. Tap House and Janine Francisco, bartender at the Black Horse, celebrate after donating a check to the fund. Not pictured are Spiro Hronarakis of BHOP, Nick Klimek of the Black Horse, and Will Holmes of Standard Gastropub.