Fryeburg Town Column: MWV Skating Club classes to begin Jan. 7

Along with the numerous winter sports available to us in the Mount Washington Valley, learning to skate is at the top of the list. I grew up on Cape Cod and skated with friends on the flooded cranberry bogs. It was always tricky, as the cranberry vines often froze sticking up through the ice causing us to trip and fall, often. Nevertheless, we skated as often as we could. You can sign up for lessons with the MWV Skating Club beginning on Sunday, Jan. 7, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Kids age 3 and up, as well as adults, are invited to go to the Ham Arena early and skate at no charge, after they register. Online registration is also available at mwvsc.coursestorm.com.

Harvest Hills Animal Shelter is gearing up for its annual Freezing for a Reason Fundraiser. The jump into the frigid waters of Highland Lake in Bridgton, Maine, will take place on Feb. 17. Anyone interested in taking the plunge, is encouraged to download a sponsor sheet from the shelter’s website, Harvesthills.org or to pick one up at the shelter. You can join the fun with a group or on your own and the money raised will help to pay for a new roof for the Shelter. Let’s hope the temperatures warm up before Feb. 17.