Keep the scene green

The locally-owned businesses that line Main Street contribute so much to Bridgton’s unique, small town vibe year-round, but they never look more festive than during the holiday season. Our friends and neighbors who own these shops put their hearts and souls into their work, offering thoughtful and unique gifts and employing local workers.

Did you know that by buying local you can keep up to three times more money in our local economy than if you spend it at a chain store? Portland’s “Buy Local” campaign just completed an economic-impact study that showed the results of our spending habits and how much it helps to keep our money local.

I am one of the many people in Bridgton who work for a family-owned local business. We all appreciate the regular customers who come in year after year for the same consistent service by the same familiar faces. How and where you choose to spend your money really does make a big impact. Vote with your dollars and keep our scene green!

Let it snow

Baby, it’s cold outside. There does not seem to be any turning back now; the chill is in the air and the heater is cranked. It might as well snow. The more the merrier, because we all know that the white stuff brings the people to town with wallets full of green stuff. As the snow begins to fly, our local ski resort has some awesome upcoming events lined up.

For the fifth year running, Shawnee Peak is offering free season passes for families with military personnel serving overseas. These passes are available to both the spouses and dependents of deployed soldiers, and when the soldier comes home, he or she will also get a complimentary pass. The mountain is also offering $19 lessons for those who might need a refresher or have not skied before.

“During this time of international conflict, it’s important to recognize the sacrifices of each soldier’s entire family unit,” said Chet Homer, owner of Shawnee Peak. “While our men and women are defending liberty and democracy overseas, it’s important for the private sector to contribute to the well-being of those family members left at home. This is the best way we know to say ‘thank you’ to the members of the Armed Services.”

Shawnee Peak is also offering free snowboard lessons over the weekend of Dec. 20. This class is for anyone age eight or older, and will be a great way to pick up tips on boarding and spare you the indignity of a face-plant on the slopes.

If you have questions about either of these programs please call Shawnee Peak at 647-8444 for more information.

The cat’s meow

The generosity of the Lyman Pope, Jr. Foundation has helped fund vital programs at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter before, and they have come through again. The organization just announced a generous grant of $5,000 to be earmarked for adoption advertising for the cats and dogs the shelter houses.

The Foundation has also granted funds so that Harvest Hills can aid a shelter in northern Maine by taking their dogs when they are full. The grant will cover the significant costs of veterinary services and transportation.

Harvest Hills is a no-kill shelter that depends on volunteers, donations and grants to survive. Every monetary donation or bag of dog food is needed and appreciated. If you are considering a donation, please consider the following: dog and cat food (dry and wet), kitten and puppy food, treats, toys, cleaning supplies, litter, bleach, towels, blankets, office supplies and, as always, gift cards.

If you have been lucky enough to get a shelter rescue as a pet, you have surely felt the love these animals can give. Harvest Hills has too many precious dogs and cats who need good homes and people to love them. Stop by and say hi, and just take a look!

We are the world

OK, so Maine is the second “whitest” state in the country. That does not mean we are a cultural wasteland, or that we spurn ethnic diversity. It is simply a combination of geography and immigration patterns rather than a collective xenophobia. The more we learn about other cultures the more tolerant and welcoming we will be when we do meet people from “away.”

The third annual Community Cultural Celebration will be held March 14 at Lake Region High School, and will continue the mission of promoting understanding of worldwide cultures on a local level. By expanding our cultural horizons and embracing different cultures, the CCC mission states, “we all can benefit from understanding other cultures, through their language, food, music and customs.”

The past two celebrations featured speakers, musicians and world travelers whose performances brought us closer to the rest of the big world “out there.” This year the Cultural Celebration will have more programs than ever, with demonstrations of native dances, art and food. There will also be a wide selection of ethnic delicacies prepared by cooks from around the world, which was one of the highlights of last year’s event.

On Sunday, Dec. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. there will be a Cultural Diversity Party at the Bridgton Community Center. Anyone who wants to help plan the March Celebration is invited, and asked to bring a appetizer or main meal to contribute to the potluck dinner. This will be a great opportunity to get involved in an exciting, growing project and expose your children to the cultural wonders all across our planet … because we’re all on it together. If you need more information visit www.cccofmaine.org or call 890-0866.