Get your greens

Who says nothing is free? Maine is offering seniors $50 worth of fresh organic fruits and vegetables this season. The program works in conjunction with participating growers, one of which is the Bridgton Farmers Market’s own Rippling Waters Organic Farm.

The Senior Farmshare will deliver your locally grown, pesticide-free harvest right to the Farmer’s Market at the Depot Street Green Saturday mornings from 8-noon, from June until September. Farmer’s Market maven Carmen Lone said, “This is a statewide effort to get healthy, organic food to older Mainers. The cool thing about Rippling Waters is that they bring the produce right here on Saturdays, so it’s really convenient.”

The Farmshare is also available at the Naples Farmer’s Market, so if that is more convenient you can pick your veggies there. All you have to do is call 642-5161 to register, and you will receive an application in the mail. So go on, get your greens!

A Matter Of Balance

One of the greatest fears of the elderly who live alone or are unsteady on their feet is of falling. This fear often leads them to restrict their activities and socializing, thus isolating them further. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and social network is important for seniors, and learning simple exercises to increase strength and balance can maintain mobility.

Local coach Brian Thomas and other volunteers are presenting the award-winning series “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls” at the Bridgton Community Center at 15 Depot St. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 13 and running through June 10, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The program cost is $20, which also includes a workbook and refreshments.

We all worry about our parents as they age, and helping them remain strong and independent is vital. If you are a senior, or have an elderly parent, please call Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116 to register or for more information.

Just breathe

Have you even seen a woman with perfect posture, and easy grace and a contented, healthy glow? In Bridgton, this woman would have to be Jen DeRaspe. She epitomizes the good life; she is vibrant, adventurous and nurturing. I hear that she is currently in the Caribbean, scouting out an island for a nature/yoga retreat next year. She has spent years as a practitioner of Hatha yoga, and is introducing a new spring yoga series this week.

Beginning Tuesday, April 29 and running for seven weeks, join Deraspe at either 3:45-5:15 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center for Hatha yoga classes.

Hatha is a gentle, low-impact yogic form that uses breathing, meditation and stretching to enhance focus and deepen relaxation. Yoga helps to open the body and relax the mind. New students get the first class free. Walk-in rates are $15 a class. Sign up for the seven-week series and save $2 a class ($91). Companion discounts also available; bring a friend and both take $5 off. For more information, contact Deraspe at www.ntnretreats.com or call 452-2929.

Summer sports

Now is the time to start thinking about how to keep the kids busy this summer, and Bridgton’s Recreation Department has a list of options to choose from. From swimming lessons at Woods Pond to youth soccer and softball, the town provides many supervised opportunities for your children throughout the season.

One of the most popular events is the Teen Adventure Program, which last year included trips to play laser tag and Whales Tale Water Park as well as rock climbing at the Big Adventure in Bethel and an overnight whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec River.

There is limited availability for all of these teams and programs, so sign up early and reserve a spot by calling 647-8786 or e-mailing rec@bridgtonmaine.org.

Happy trails

It is always sad to see a community leader move back to Massachusetts, particularly one as vital and vibrant as Rotarian extraordinaire Katherine Rauf.

Recently honored by Rotary International for her efforts in fundraising and outreach, Rauf is relocating to Swampscott after a return trip to Poland, where she is delivering a truckload of donated toys to the orphanage there that she visited last year.

Although she has sold her house here Rauf said, “You can’t get rid of me that easy. I’ve already rented a place here for August so I can visit all my friends. Bridgton is a truly special town and I will always come back to it.”

She plans to continue her philanthropic work through Rotary International while maintaining her local ties with the Lakes Region Rotary, and let us hope she realizes how much she misses Bridgton and moves back for good. Thanks for all your great work over the years Katherine; we will miss you at the Great Fourth of July Duck Race.