What a busy week it has been. Between getting ready for Halloween and casting my absentee ballot early so I could avoid the mad rush on Election Day, it has been quite the social whirl in Bridgton this week.

My ears are still ringing from the Shadows Of Knight show at the Town Hall Saturday, and I have had “Gloria” stuck in my head since then. The night was a great fundraising success for the Lakes Environmental Association, and the sell-out crowd helped raise big bucks for the association’s continuing efforts to conserve our open spaces.

Executive Director Peter Lowell and his staff have almost finished the Pondicherry Park trail system, which with the completion of the main trailhead and Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge next year will be a popular destination for hikers and bikers. They are still raising money for the bridge and always need volunteers, so please give them a call if you would like to contribute your time or money. The number is 647-8580, and the Web site is www.mainelakes.org.

Shoo, flu

For those who missed the drive-through flu clinic at Bridgton Hospital last week, the Bridgton Community Center is providing another chance to beat the flu Monday, Nov. 3.

The HomeHealth Visiting Nurses Association will be on hand at the center from 9 to 11 a.m. This clinic is open to both children and adults. The cost for the shot is $30, and the nurses will accept Anthem or Blue Cross and Medicare Part B coverages.

A receipt for reimbursement will be given for other insurance companies, but MaineCare is not accepted. You do not need to pre-register. Please call Carmen Lone at the center at 647-3116 for more information.

Compute this

The basic computer skills classes at the community center have become one of the most popular programs there, and a new series starts next week.

Studies have shown that people who regularly use a computer retain more active brain functions as they age, and a higher level of happiness in later life. Computers help those who might be homebound, or far from friends and family, stay in touch with each other. YouTube, JibJab, Facebook…these words might sound like a foreign language now but in just a few short days users will be surfing the Web like a big kahuna.

The class size is limited to six people and classes are paced so that everyone is the extra attention they need. Attendees do not even need a computer to take the class. The course consists of twice a week classes for six weeks; the class fee is $40 and the classes will be held Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m. The next classes are Tuesdays, Nov. 4 to Dec. 9, and Wednesdays, Nov. 5 to Dec. 10. Please call 647-3116 to register or for more information.

A good long look

Orion’s Belt is rising slowly in the night sky, signaling both winter’s impending arrival and the best season for stargazing. The constellations are dense and bright in the dark winter sky, with many easy-to-spot star clusters and planets. Did you know that the Bridgton Public Library is now offering free passes to the Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine campus in Portland?

Not only can visitors stargaze in the warm comfort of the theater, there are also special programs and viewing nights for celestial events like meteor showers and eclipses. All it takes is a visit to the library to reserve a day for tickets; the whole family can go along for free. Call Library director Holly Hancock at 647-2427 for more information.

Read books, raise bucks

One would not usually associate going to the hospital with a shopping spree, but those hoping to get a jump on holiday shopping this month need go no further than Bridgton Hospital.

As part of its fund-raising philanthropy, the Reader’s Digest Company sponsors Books are Fun book fairs at national hospitals, offering books, cards and gifts at up to a 70 percent discount from retail prices.

The sale will be held in the main lobby of the hospital Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Thursday, Nov. 6, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. A percentage of the book sale profits are donated to the Bridgton Hospital Annual Fund, which benefits all areas of patient care at the nonprofit hospital. This is a great way to keep your money in town, and at a place where you just might find yourself one day needing top quality care, or just a good book.

Get in step

Zumba is here! A combination of easy dance steps including salsa, meringue, chacha and reggae set to Latin music that gets dancers moving will be demonstrated Saturday, Nov. 1, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Ballroom Dance Studio in Harrison. To attend the free demonstration, wear comfortable workout attire and bring lots of enthusiasm – no partner required.