BRAG receives major league support

BRIDGTON —  The Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG) is happy to announce it has received a $5000 grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust, to aid in the construction of the community recreation complex on BRAG Way.

Bridgton resident and MLB pitcher Dave Bush (husband of BRAG board member Carrie Bush) applied for this grant on the group's behalf.

The Players Trust is a nonprofit organization created and administered by active Major League baseball players. Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities.

For over a decade, members of the Bridgton community have volunteered their time and treasure to BRAG in order to provide future generations with a state of the art recreation complex that will host the town’s many programs. For example, there are 12 baseball/softball teams competing for one town-owned field.

Great strides were made in 2010 under the direction of Project Manager Jim Quinn. The 21-acre site has been cleared, drainage installed, retention ponds built and complex layout determined.

As soon as conditions allow, screened loam will be spread followed by grass seed and fertilizer, all topped with mulch hay to aid in better germination. The site will be mowed over the summer and fall with base paths being cut in before winter, weather permitting.

BRAG will be doing several fundraisers in 2011. On Saturday, April 30, a Chinese Auction will be held at Stevens Brook Elementary School. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the auction beginning at 1 p.m. BRAG is currently accepting items for the auction and if you would like to donate, please call Lyn Carter at 627-7380 or Bill Macdonald at 647-3304 to arrange pickup.

The board of directors would like to thank the many citizens and businesses that have contributed to this wonderful project thus far, but there is still a lot of work to do. Families can purchase paver blocks with their name, granite memorial benches or field naming rights. For more information, visit www.todaysbrag.com or info@todaysbrag.com.