Buy Local

I mentioned the demise of Bridgton Gas and Convenience last week, and how sorry I was to see another locally owned business close. The same goes for Trailside Restaurant, which also had a friendly staff along with great food and fair prices. It too closed recently. Many seem surprised and saddened by the loss of these and other businesses in town, and wonder what happened since they both “seemed to be pretty busy,” as one person said to me.

Well, “pretty busy” might not cut it in this economy, which makes “Buying Local” more important than ever. If you want Bridgton to continue to have its unique, diverse array of shops and businesses you have got to vote with your dollar, and support the ones you want to keep afloat. According to “The Economic Impact of Locally Owned Businesses vs. Chains: A Case Study in Midcoast Maine,” Sept. 2003, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city’s tax base. For every $100 spent at a national chain or franchise store, only $14 remains in the community.

Buying local makes a difference, so please support our dedicated, hardworking business owners and locally owned shops. Because if the response to the closing to BG&C and Trailside is any indication, you WILL miss it when its gone.

Fright night

Now that I’ve scared you about the state of our local economy, here’s something really terrifying. It’s almost Halloween, which in Bridgton means the front lawns of Maple, Elm and Bennett streets are filling with graveyards, ghosts and ghouls, all anticipating the onslaught of hundreds of trick-or-treaters. The innocent residents of Bridgton’s Middle Village are descended on by little goblins on a sugar high, and my neighborhood is one of the busiest of all. I spent more than $100 last year on candy and still ran out before the night was over. Now that’s frightening.

Fields of fear

My favorite kick-off to Halloween Week is always the Night of Jack O’Lanterns at Narramissic Farms on Ingalls Road off Route 107 in South Bridgton. On Saturday, Oct. 22 from 4 p.m. ‘til dusk the fields of the historic farm will be filled with glowing pumpkins. This is a great family-friendly tradition and is free for everyone.

Middle school mayhem

The following Saturday, Oct. 29, brings a “Pizza and Ghosts” party to the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street, behind the Magic Lantern.

All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited to this free event, which will have games, prizes and the spooky stylings of DJ Mitchell Lisowski. You are welcome to come in costume. Call Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116 for more info.

Haunted house

Bridgton’s annual Halloween Party will be held on Monday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall on North High Street. Co-sponsored by Bridgton Rec, the Community Center and Landmark Human Resources, this is where the minions of trick-or-treaters gather before they take to the streets.

The Halloween Party is free and open to kids of all ages. There will be games, food, entertainment and a super-spooky haunted house in the ice rink. If you are interested in volunteering or have any question, please call Rec Director Tom Tash at 647-8786.

Desperate ?for donations

Carmen Lone, advocate for the elderly and director of the Bridgton Community Center, is asking anyone with the financial means to please step up and help the Bridgton Fuel Collaborative.

For the past three years, the Collaborative has assisted families in Bridgton with heating emergencies, the cost of which has averaged $12,000 per year. Anticipated cuts in federal funding for LIHEAP makes this program even more important than ever to Bridgton’s elderly and low-income population. Currently the BCC Fuel Collaborative only has $1,660 in its account.

Any amount you can donate will help. Please send a check to the BCC Fuel Collaborative, c/o Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009. The BCC is a not-for-profit corporation and your donation is tax deductible. For more information please contact Carmen Lone at the BCC 647-3116.

Juggle-Lit

Our fabulous local library has a full schedule of diverse events for curious kids and book lovers of all ages. Whether you are a bona-fide bibliophile or a mom with an energetic child who needs an artistic outlet, there’s something for you.

I checked out the October schedule and among the awesome offerings are an all-ages juggling class on Tuesday, October 25th at 4 p.m. and the Bridgton Bookies Adult Book Group on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. The website has all the information you need to plan a full month of fun. Look into it at www.bridgton.lib.me.us.