There are many cherished highlights of June in Bridgton. The Farmer’s Market opens, the lilacs bloom, the black flies leave and our summer friends return. Welcome back, friends! I hope we all have a safe, sunny, hot and happy summer…

Town hall vote

One of our oldest landmark buildings faces a structural crisis, and registered Bridgton voters have a say regarding what to do with the historic Town Hall on North High Street.

In a non-binding referendum on Tuesday, June 14, selectmen are asking for public input on four options for the building. One: Complete basic maintenance estimated to cost $400,000. Two: Implement Option 1, plus renovate siding and roof for $750,000. Three: Disassemble building, replace with a new one at a cost of $600,000-$750,000, or Option four: Close it and tear it down for $50,000-$100,000. Voting will be at the Town Hall so stop by and have a look at the grand old building before its fate is sealed.

Sunshine for the soul

We wait for the sunny days of summer all year, to warm our skin and soothe our soul. Here are two wonderful opportunities to do both this month:

“Tai Chi in the Park” is a summer tradition in Denmark, and dozens of devotees meet at the Route 160 Bicentennial Park every Monday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. It is a beautiful sight to see the graceful, fluid movements of the ancient art being practiced by all ages at the head of Moose Pond. It is free and open to everyone. In case of rain they meet in the Denmark Arts Center. FMI call 452-2239.

“Yoga By the Lake” is a new offering from Indigo Lotus. Bring your yoga mat, water and an open heart to the Highland Lake Beach every Tuesday morning from 7 to 8 for an hour of meditative and calming yoga. This class is open to all ages and levels and costs $10. For more info, contact Suzanne Silvermoon at www.indigolotusyoga.com.

Create Hope

The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing is hosting a Water Color Class at the Bridgton Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room. This free class is open to patients, survivors and caregivers and is on Wednesday, June 15, from 2-4 p.m. Materials will be provided and you can bring your own, too. Please pre-register by calling 795-8250 or go to www.dempseycenter.org.

Diabetes clinic

The Bridgton Hospital is also hosting a four-part Diabetes education program on Monday and Tuesdays June 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Certified Diabetes Nurse Educator Elaine Drew will be joined by staff pharmacists, dietiticians, occupational therapists and optometrists to discuss exercise, healthy meal plans, hypoglycemia signs and symptoms. Medicaid and insurance cover course registration fee; call Linda Russell at 647-6062 for sign-up info.

Summer swim

With a lake in every direction, Bridgton’s children are blessed with a wealth of water. Start them off with strong swimming skills by signing up for the Summer Swim program. Sign-up forms are now available online on the Town of Bridgton website www.bridgtonmaine.org/recreation.cfm and also at the front desk of the town office. This American Red Cross Certified program is for ages 3 and 4 and swim levels 1-6. Forms must be in for the first session by June 17. The first session runs from June 27 to July15. The second session deadline is July 15, this session runs from July 25 to Aug. 12. Call Recreation Director Tom Tash at 647-8786 for more information.

Calling All Cinderellas

You’re cordially invited to attend the Fairytale Ball! Youth Services Librarian Annika Black welcomes you to the Bridgton Library’s “Mother Goose” story hour on Friday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m.

Dress up as a storybook character and enter into a world of fantasy. At this elegant event we’ll journey to the lands of Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After. Everyone is invited, whether you are a Princess or a Pauper. Call Annika at 647-2472 for more information.

Hot Dog Waggin’

Have you seen the shiny new food cart at Highland Lake Beach? Fred Perry and Linda Hamilton have opened a hot dog stand there for the summer. The “Waggin'” will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. until everyone is fed. Along with classic red dogs they have grilled Kielbasa, special combos, ice cold drinks, chips and snacks for the hungry beach-goers, boaters and passersby. Good luck with this great idea!