Swamp tales

The Lakes Environmental Association is continuing its lunchtime book discussion series Monday, March 10. This series spotlights authors who write about the natural world and our relationship to it, and this week’s selected work has a regional connection.

“The Swampwalker’s Journal” is a collection of essays by New Hampshire naturalist David Carroll, who writes of his experiences slogging through various swamps and wetlands across New England. He accompanies his writing with elegant watercolor scenes, and takes the reader on a fascinating ecological journey.

Soon we will be hearing the cacophany of spring peepers, and the spotted salamanders will emerge from hibernation. If you are interested in the diversity of our local bogs, fens and vernal pools you will love this book. It is available at both the library and Bridgton Books, so bring your copy and a sack lunch to the association building on Main Street at noon Monday. For more information call 647-8580.

Poet society

The Bridgton Poetry Group is continuing its bi-monthly readings at the Bridgton Public Library, after several ill-timed snows caused cancellations. On Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. join fellow lovers of poetry to read and listen to original works by local writers.

Local poet Mike Daley attends regularly and told me it is a great forum for poetry lovers to share their works in a supportive and fun setting. All are invited, either to debut your poems to a receptive audience or to simply listen to others read theirs. If you are going to read aloud, you are asked to bring a few copies for the others to have, and there is a copier on site. For more information call 647-2472.

Blades of glory

This winter has been perfect for outdoor sports, and there is still plenty of time to get some ice skating in before the great spring meltdown. The Bridgton Ice Rink is open behind the old Town Hall on North High Street through March and free to the public. L

Linda Goldrup and the Bridgton Public Works department have somehow managed to find time to keep the rink groomed to a mirror shine while also plowing hundreds of miles of roads every three days. Lace up your blades and go carve a few pirouettes before the ice melts. The rink is open Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This is racing

When Mary Allen lost her brave fight against breast cancer in October 2005, her husband Wayne vowed to honor her memory. That winter at Shawnee Peak, Wayne Allen, a local firefighter, organized the “Mary’s Firemen Race for a Cure.” Mary Allen had worked for many years and the two met at the resort. In conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the race has raised thousands of dollars to support research to fight the cancer that strikes so many women.

On Saturday, Mar. 8, be a part of the solution by joining firefighters from across the state as they compete in various skiing races, all dressed in full firefighting gear. The grand finale is a sight to see, with teams of firefighters skiing in tandem, all gripping fire hoses as they careen down the slopes at full tilt.

Whether competing, sponsoring or watching the races, this event is both a beautiful way to remember Mary Allen and support loved ones who are also facing the fight of their lives. The races begin at 10 a.m. and continue through the day. Ski specials are available to those who donate to the race.

On display

Gallery 302 at 112 Main St. is hosting a special art opening this weekend. March is Youth Art Month, and the Bridgton Art Guild is sponsoring a month-long exhibit dedicated to local student artists.

The opening reception for the fifth annual student show is Saturday, March 8 from 1-3 p.m. The show features a wide variety of artwork from high school students from Lake Region High School, Oxford Hills High School, and Fryeburg Academy.

Neisha Bruns is one of the artists representing Bridgton, and is participating in two important statewide exhibits this month. Not only was her work “Old Sparky Meets a Brave New World” selected for display at the Portland Museum of Art, she also has four mixed-media works in the local exhibit.

Bruns hopes to study graphic design and visual art in college next year, and credits Lake Region art teacher Cindy Worster for her support of student artists. She said Worster “not only recognized my talent but helped me fine tune my skills, and also helped me put together a strong art school application.” To see Bruns’ work, and that of many other fine local artists, join them at the Gallery for the opening. It is free and open to the public. For more information call 647-2787.