Spirits and Spooks

What a lovely and colorful October we’re having! After the slow start we got to summer it seems Mother Nature is rewarding us on the autumn end…as of press time I haven’t had a frost on Bennett Street, but the cool nights and warm days have been perfect for foliage.

The spectacular array of orange, yellow and blood red paint a perfect backdrop for sightseeing, Sunday driving and photographing the always stunning lakes and mountains that surround us.

Front porches lined with pumpkins, yards festooned with Halloween decorations and early sunsets remind us that the Witching Hour is approaching…if you live in the village prepare for the yearly onslaught of trick-or-treaters. I’ve seen snow, torrential rain and howling winds on Halloween and still have over 300 little ghosts and goblins at my door. Nothing comes between kids and candy, and in the sugary spirit of Halloween, I’ve already scarfed half a bag of Snickers that I bought for them. Hopefully your will power is stronger than mine and you’ll have something left to give the little ghouls who come knocking. Get ready, because with Halloween falling on a Friday, the whole week is going to be a wicked whirl of spooky celebrations.

Neon Night

One of the highlights of the Halloween season is the annual “Neon Night” in Pondicherry Park. Held by the Lakes Environmental Association, this family-friendly event is designed to “light up the night” and judging by the turnout at the last one, it indeed does. More than 200 people turned out for a neon-lit walk along the trail, exploring the secrets of the Maine woods after dark.

Join the revelers at 7 p.m. on Friday the 24th as everyone dons neon necklaces, tiaras, bracelets, rings, and glow-in-the-dark balloons as they enter the park from the kiosk at the Dunning Bridge behind the Magic Lantern, then proceed along the pathways to the old homestead for a moment of silent appreciation. The glow will create a magical illusion in the dark park, and you and your family will love it. This event if free and open to the public, and donations will be accepted to support the work of LEA throughout the year. Please bring your own neon accessories!

Free Frights

Halloween is so fun that the Bridgton Recreation Department is getting the party started early. Their annual spookfest will be on Friday, Oct. 31, at the Town Hall on North High Street from 5 to 7 p.m.

This event is free and geared to kids preschool to sixth grade, but everyone is welcome. There will be games, prizes, cotton candy and popcorn, and a jump house. At 5:15 there will be a costume contest for newborns to 5 years old, then another at 5:45 for ages 6 to 12. Here’s a great chance for your kids to wear their costumes twice and get their sweet tooth nice and primed for the main event. Please call our Rec Director Gary Collelo if you have any questions or want to volunteer; his number is 647-8786.

Help out at Holt

Crisp fall days are the perfect time to tighten our yards up for winter, but imagine if your “yard” was a huge nature preserve. You’d appreciate all the help you can get.

Please join the LEA for a day of trail work and boardwalk repair at Holt Pond on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Volunteers will meet at the headquarters on Main Street at 9 a.m., or you can join in directly at the preserve if that’s more convenient. Project Director Adam Perron asks that you try to sign up ahead of time with him by emailing adam@leamaine.org.

Death With Dignity

No one likes to think of losing our loved ones, but end-of-life care is an important issue as we, and our parents, age. Fortunately, we have dedicated hospice and home health outreach in our area that is committed to making the transition easier for all.

Join staff from Androscoggin Health Care as they screen the film “Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject.” This special showing will be at the Magic Lantern on Monday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. There will be a panel of experts on hand after the movie to lead a question-and-answer from the audience. For more information, please call Karen Flynn at 795-9405.

Suppers and Such

Why cook when the church ladies and service clubs can do it for you? Plus you’ll be supporting their community projects and social outreach.

A Pancake Breakfast sponsored by Oriental Lodge No. 13 will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at their Lodge on Route 117, a.k.a. Harrison Road. The menu also includes eggs, bacon, toast, juice and coffee, and costs $7 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call Michael Gavett at 899-6526.

Then on Sunday the 19th you can join the South Bridgton Congregational Church at their bean and casserole supper, which will be served at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For reservations, call Sandy at 647-2800.