Get out and vote

Before my next column comes out we will have gone to the polls to elect a new president and others to represent our country, state and town. We also have a number of referendums to be decided. The campaigns on all sides, at all levels, during this election cycle have been rather unpleasant, divisive and, I believe, often counterproductive. I, for one, will be glad when it is all over, whatever the outcome, so we can begin picking up the pieces and figuring out a way to move forward.

Which brings me to my main point: Get yourself to a polling station on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and vote. Even if you don’t like any of the candidates, please exercise your right and privilege to mark an X on a ballot and have your say. If nothing else, casting your ballot gives you the right to complain about whoever gets elected. I refuse to listen to anyone complain unless they at least made the effort to vote.

Maine actually has a very good record of voter turnout. However, if you face difficulties getting to your local polling station, there is help. Ask a friend or neighbor to drive you, or volunteer to drive others; make a party of it and carpool with friends, vote, then go out to lunch; or check with your church or other local organizations to see if they offer any transport services to polling stations. If none of those options work out, the Bridgton town clerk’s office will be open on Thursday, Nov. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. to accept voter registrations and conduct absentee voting. This day is the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot, unless the voter completes a special circumstances application. To learn more contact the Bridgton town clerk at 647-8786.

Ring Farm Family Fun Day

Don’t forget to join the fun this Saturday at the Ring Farm, 551 Upper Ridge Road in Bridgton, to benefit its therapeutic riding and driving programs. Pony rides, face painting, hayrides and more will be on offer from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., so stop and see the horses and have your picture taken with the John Deere.

On Halloween night

Ghosts, goblins and gregarious gremlins await trick-or-treaters at the Bridgton Health Care Center, 186 Portland Road (Route 302, across from Dunkin’ Donuts) on Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Treats will be handed out but you’d better come early before the resident candy fans gobble up all the goodies.

After visiting the folks at the Health Care Center on Halloween night, stop by the trick-or-treat party at the Bridgton Fire Department Central Fire Station, 7 Gibbs Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m. and learn about fire prevention while collecting some seasonal treats.

Bridgton holiday shopping events

Yes, it’s that time of year again. The holidays are quickly approaching and advance planning is always a good idea. The town-wide Early Bird Sale will take place this year on Saturday, Nov. 5, with bargains, discounts and sales at many participating businesses in town. Get to Bridgton early to catch the best deals on Main Street and beyond. Check out the sales and get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Coming up on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20, is Ladies’ Weekend Out, an indulgent shopping extravaganza featuring sales, giveaways, raffles and complimentary treats provided by numerous Bridgton-based businesses. Mark the dates on your calendar, and I will provide you with more information in my next column.

Craft fair season

Of course, the holiday season in towns of the Lakes Region would not be complete without numerous craft fairs offering a wide variety of locally made, handcrafted items suitable for festive decorations and gift giving. The Bridgton Congregational Church Ladies Guild is putting out a call for crafters to set up a table and sell their wares at their craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 12. For information about space and costs, please call Pam King at 647-2564.

Veterans Day dinner

Many of us start focusing on Thanksgiving, Solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas this time of year, but we should not overlook the significance of Veteran’s Day. It is important, especially in an election year, to take time out and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who served, and continue to serve, in the military and other organizations to protect the rights and privileges we hold as Americans.

To honor our veterans, the volunteers at the Bridgton Community Center will be hosting a complimentary (free) Veterans Day dinner at noon on Friday, Nov. 11, in the dining hall of the Oriental Masonic Lodge, 166 Harrison Road (Route 117) in Bridgton.

All veterans and their families are cordially invited to join in the fellowship and to feast on a ham dinner with all the fixings to honor those who have served in our country’s armed forces. Please come and connect with old friends and create new ones. For more information call 647-3116.

Lake Smart Awards

And finally, congratulations to David Crowell, Marion Rabe, the Highland Point Association, Peter Lowell and Jean and Bill Preis for receiving a LakeSmart award for their efforts to help preserve the quality of Bridgton’s Highland Lake for future generations. These individuals, families and organizations have voluntarily undertaken lake-friendly conservation practices to preserve the quality of the lake and its surroundings and have been recognized with the award by the Lakes Environmental Association of Bridgton.

The Chickadee Quilters group has donated this quilt to be raffled at the Ring Farm Family Fun Day on Saturday in Bridgton.