The spirit is here

I am so in the Christmas spirit this year. Maybe it’s because we actually got snow, or that I’ve been on the receiving end of the kindness of strangers (and friends) lately, but there’s something in the air.

Ever since I got back from Nashville I’ve had some truly wonderful moments that remind me of why I love it here so much. There’s just no better feeling than the genuine love and

fellowship of true community. Whatever your beliefs are, I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday, and spend some time with those near and dear to you this month.

A sweet surprise

I had a hankering for fresh Maine seafood last weekend, so I thought I’d stop in to a local diner for a quick, low-key lunch on Saturday. Having spent the morning cleaning house after the two-week frat party my cats had apparently thrown, I was bedraggled, frazzled and covered with cat hair. I looked like I’d just crawled out from under a bridge after losing the battle with a feral Maine coon.

Of course, the place was packed. I should know by now that in a small town, the one time you go out looking like an eccentric cat lady is the one time you’ll see everybody you know…and they all wanted to hear about my trip. I crawled to a corner and tried to make myself disappear. After ordering with abandon, I ate my fill of clams and asked for the check so I could run up to the gym to work it off.

The server said “There’s no check, the owner bought lunch for you.” I asked to thank him, and she said, “He’s already gone.” It was such a perfect “Welcome Home” moment, and the first of many reminders of why Bridgton is such a special place. I was telling a friend my tale of the “generous diner owner” and she said “Come on, he obviously felt sorry for you because you looked homeless.” And that is why I love my friends so much.

Welcome Lila

Congratulations to Jen Rollins and Brady Damon, who welcomed their first child, Lila Joanna, on Saturday, Dec.8. We’ve been waiting for months to finally meet her, and Jaimie MacDonald told me that she’s as beautiful as her mom and was sucking her thumb just hours after delivery. Best of luck to the whole family and here’s to a Merry first Christmas to Baby Lila!

Stone Mountain Live

The gang up on Stone Mountain has lots to celebrate this Christmas, as they mark another incredible year of bringing world-class entertainment to all of us. If you have been there for any of the Cabaret-style shows Carol Noonan throws, you would know that the local musicians and Stone Mountain staff have plenty of talent themselves.

Starting this Friday, Dec. 14 and running all weekend, the Stone Mountain Live Variety Show features music, skits, surprise guests, and holiday cheer. Arts center hostess Carol Noonan herself will perform with the Stone Mountain Boys, led by guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry. The concert hall is decked out in high style and the entire crew invites you to ring in the season on the mountain. Shows Dec. 14 and 15 begin at 8 p.m. There is a matinee Sunday Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. Call to reserve tickets at (866) 227-6523.

Tin Mountain Benefit at Shawnee Peak

Last week’s big snow was an early Christmas present for local skiers, and Shawnee Peak was able to open a week earlier than planned. When you head for the mountain next week, grab a few cans of food and help yourself and the environmental while you are at it. The Tin Mountain Conservation Program offers in-depth environmental education courses at local schools, including Fryeburg Academy. It also run field trips and a popular summer camp for students in Maine and New Hampshire; giving kids a fun way to learn about sustaining and protecting the environment.

The owners of Shawnee Peak are also avid supporters of the environment, having recently become one of the first ski slopes to buy energy offsets through wind power. Now they’re giving skiers a great chance to help Tin Mountain, and get a sweet ski deal to boot: From Dec.18 through 20, bring three canned food items to the resort and ski for just $15. For more information, call 647-8444.

‘Tis the season for getting crafty

Haven’t wrapped up your holiday shopping yet? Still looking for that perfect gift for someone special? Check out the Bridgton Historical Society’s Craft Fair Saturday Dec. 15, beginning at 8 a.m. Eight local organizations have gathered their finest crafters and artisans in one huge event for the easiest “one-stop shopping” you will find this side of the Maine Mall. There will be Christmas ornaments, gifts for children and adults, a food table with breads, jams, jellies, cookies, candy, quilt squares, calendars and a book by the South Bridgton Church mouse. Plus the Bridgton Community Center will be serving lunch from 11:30 -1 p.m. If you have any questions call Lorraine Goldrup at the Bridgton Community Center at 647-3116.