November 3, 2022

Final chapters

$11.9M project includes demo

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — A com mittee member dispelled rumors that historical build ings such as the museum and the grange hall would be torn down in order to build the proposed community center and town hall.

This is not true, accord ing to Bob Caron II, the chairman of the Naples Community Center Exploratory Committee (NCCEC).

The only historical build ing that would be torn down is the gymnasium and town hall, which is more than 70 years old, Caron said.

Last week, the committee hosted the last of three infor

mational meetings about the proposed construction proj ect that will be decided at the polls on Nov. 8. The project is being presented to voters as Article 2 of the municipal referendum items.

People on the commit tee paid for a informational postcard to be mailed to residents. That mailing was from Citizens for a Better Naples.

“As hard as you’ve tried to educate people, people have said the singer center is going to be torn down or the museum,” someone from the audience said.

Many people have asked why cannot the town just rebuild the gymnasium and hold off on replacing the

town hall or upgrading to a community center until a more favorable economic time.

Part of the answer came from an engineer’s report that showed that the gym was structurally unsound. The roof cannot take any additional weight.

Lavellee Brensinger Architects provided an assessment of the existing conditions that was com pleted in June 2020. The report revealed a number of deficiencies, including prob lems with the electrical and heating mechanisms, which are located in the gym.

In fact, four of the town offices require portable heat ers and select outlets are

being used so as not to trip the breaker.

Also, the two bathrooms are not ADA compliant because “they lack the turn ing radius, grab bars and fixture height necessary for compliance,” the study said.

People asked if other options had been explored.

“Did the committee look at just putting a gym on a different spot to get us what we need for a more reason able price for the town,” res ident Samantha Hayes said.

Committee member Martina Witts went over the options that were offered prior to the group settling on the $11.9 million project.

To build exactly the same

PO locked into lease on Naples lot

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — Keeping the post office in the Naples Village Green is something citizens say they find con venient.

A straw poll held on the same day as the Primary Election in June showed that the majority of people preferred a community cen ter with a post office.

However, dropping the post office from the pro posed plans dropped the

price by about $1 million.

Then, the Naples Community Center Exploratory Committee learned that the Town of Naples was locked into a lease with the United States Post Office — for another five years.

Therefore, when vot ers go to the polls this upcoming Tuesday, they will decide on municipal referendum article two.

That $11.9 million project includes a separate building

for the post office.

In the future, either the post office will continue to rent the space from the town or if the USPO decides to move elsewhere, the town will have the extra space.

Martina Witts, who served on the Naples Community Center Exploratory Committee (NCCEC), commented on the post office lease.

“I learned in April that we had this contract with the post office that was con

tinued. It was poorly nego tiated contract,” she said. “What good can come out of it? I’ve heard people ask ing, ‘Do we have enough space?’ This post office building will open up space. Now when re-negotiate, we will have a way to get out after five years. We will have an extra space that we will get rent for,” Witts said.

NCCEC Chair Bob Caron II clarified that the town and the selectmen

Proposal needs higher solution

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Destin Pinkham figured 721 Portland Road would be a good location for his cannabis caregiver retail store, considering most marijuana operations in Bridgton exist along that Route 302 corridor.

But, the proposed Higher Solution store is within 1,000 feet of Willis Park, which is designated as a “safe zone.”

Through a legal opin ion, the Bridgton Planning Board informed Pinkham Tuesday night he will need to go to the Board of Appeals to seek a variance.

Pinkham submitted his application in September, and just over a week before it was scheduled for review by planners, he learned from Code Enforcement

Officer Brenda Day that the storefront would fall in the “Drug Free Safe Zone.”

In a letter to the town, Pinkham raised the ques tion whether Willis Park is even a park.

The law reads, “In order for a municipality to designate an area a safe zone, it must be an area frequented by minors and consipcuously marked using wording provided by the Commissioner of Public Safety.”

“Willis Park is not an area that’s frequented by minors, regardless if it’s considered a park or not.

At the time of my appli cation, there was no sig nage present at the loca tion,” Pinkham wrote to the town. “In the town Safe Zone Ordinance, it states

Naples ballot

To build, or not to build?

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — On this Election Day, Naples resi dents will decide whether or not to build a new gym, community center and town hall.

It is considered a major decision because it will start the ball rolling to build infrastructure that will serve the town for decades to come. Also, it means the town will take on a debt and the mil rate will go up at least $1 per thousands for property-owners.

Definitely, voters will have to weigh the pros and cons to determine if such a facility is something for which they want to pay.

An engineer’s study shows that the replacement of the existing building is a necessity rather than simply a desire to build something bigger and better, accord ing to Naples Community Center Exploratory

One engineer’s study revealed that the gym roof is hazardous and any weight of snow or rain water must be removed, Caron said.

A more complete engi neer’s report revealed that the mechanics which oper ate the heating and elec tricity and fire suppression system for the entire build ing are housed in the gym nasium and have reached the end of their lifespan, Caron said.

During the month of November, three meetings were held to inform citizens about the proposed project. People on the committee did a presentation and then opened the floor for ques tions.

The public meetings were held on three consecu tive Wednesdays from Oct. 12 to Oct. 26. The atten dance was 20 on Oct. 12;

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES— It is easier to support the purchase of something when it does not impact the pocketbook.

On Election Day, Naples residents will be deciding on the purchase of 2.7 acres located between the Naples Town Hall and Naples Fire Station for $270,000.

The money to be used for the real estate purchase will come from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund, according to Naples Town Manager John Hawley. Therefore, the pur

chase will not impact the mil rate.

Using the TIF fund is allowable under certain cir cumstances.

“Because our TIF is designated for economic development and growth,” that money could be used, Hawley said.

“Because we are hold ing property that could be developed for our own pur pose or it could be sold, there is potential for eco nomic development by owning that land,” he said.

The proposed land buy

TRUNK OR TREAT was the winning lineup on the sports field at Casco Community Park on Halloween night. Children, teenagers and their families showed up in droves to grab candy from the back of decorated vehicles. In addition, the walking path was converted into a Haunted Walk that was appropriate for younger children. The Casco Recreation Department hosted the event. This is the second year that the trunk or treat has taken place at the sports field off Route 11 instead of in Casco Village. (De Busk Photos)

Committee Chairman Bob Caron II.

Grant to fund summer program

The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity has been awarded a grant to provide scholar ship funds to area children.

The museum has received a $2,700 grant from the George A. Ramlose Foundation, Inc. that will enable 10 Cumberland County low-income chil dren (K-6th grade) to attend Camp Invention®, a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame®.

This annual camp will again be held at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton in the summer of 2023. The museum is proud to be a continued sponsor of this enriching program for area youth.

Donations to the Camp Invention® fund can be made at any time (www. rufusportermuseum.org).

The George A. Ramlose Foundation, Inc. was found ed by the late George A. Ramlose of Hingham, Mass. in 1956. Ramlose was in the food handling business and was instrumental in devel oping and selling conveyor belt systems for super mar ket checkouts.

Hazen donates $10K to Hawthorne project

RAYMOND — Steven Kelsey Hazen of California, a longtime seasonal resi dent of the Casco-Raymond area, presented on Tuesday, Oct. 25 a donation of $10,000 to the Phase 2 fun draising campaign being conducted by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home in Raymond to fully repair and restore the beloved, historic home.

Previously, Mr. Hazen donated a total of $11,000 to Phase 1 of the fund raising effort, including

$10,000 in memory of Clyde Stanley Murch (a founding member of the Hawthorne Community Association) and his wife, Edna Pearl Ames Murch.

His new donation is offered in memory of his mother and father, Prudence Eleanor (Kelsey) Hazen and Franklin Graham Hazen, both of whom were ardent supporters of the Hawthorne Community Association. Clyde Murch and Mr. Hazen both trace their ancestry to Sally

(Dingley) Murch, whose sister Susan (Dingley) Manning was married to Richard Manning, who build the Hawthorne House for his sister, mother of Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The Association was formed in 1922 and still oversees care of the build ing.

“In offering this gift, I wish to congratulate the residents of the Casco/ Raymond area for their wonderful support for this

HAZEN, Page 3A

$11.9M project includes demo

size gym came in at $4 mil lion. The second option of building a slightly bigger gym in same footprint was $5 million. The third option, which was a gym with com munity center as a separate buildign from town hall would have cost $7.25 mil lion, Witts said.

NCCEC member Jennifer “Jen” Kenneally explained that the cost was $7 mil lion for gym and community center. For another $4 mil lion, a total of $11-plus mil lion, a contractor could take down the building and add new town hall, she said.

According to the pro posed sketches, the new

gym will be built where the playground is, on the oppo site end of the building from where it exists now. The gym will be middle school size, which will allow tour naments to be held.

If the proposed project is accepted by voters, ground breaking might not start until 2024.

Someone joining the meeting via Zoom asked about the day-to-day opera tions of the town while construction is taking place.

“The building will be in operation. This building would still be in play. The post office would be in play until it is torn down,” Caron said. “That is all in the plan.”

FA names new Head of School

FRYEBURG — Sometimes, the best candi date is the one you already know.

Fryeburg Academy Trustees didn’t need to look too far to find their next Head of School.

The Board announced last week that Joseph R. Manning has been appointed as Fryeburg Academy’s next Head of School. The Trustees’ unanimous decision result ed from a rigorous search process by the Board’s Search Committee, which worked closely with inter nationally renowned search firm Carney Sandoe and Associates, based in Boston, Mass.

Joseph Manning

The Committee and consultants conducted a stake holder survey, met on campus with over sixty stake holder groups, authored a report on the next Head of School’s necessary traits, and engaged with Manning through extensive interviews.

“Joe Manning has been at Fryeburg Academy for 19 years; few school leaders have his degree of familiar ity with every aspect of school operations,” said Chris Gordon, president of the Board of Trustees. “He’s held the roles of teacher, coach, dorm parent, assistant admissions director, academic dean, advisor, and most recently as the Associate Head of School, oversee ing admissions and marketing, campus facilities, the school’s food service, I.T., and working closely with the current Head of School, Erin Mayo. He has exhibited success at every level.”

Manning has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Environmental Science from The George Washington University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine. He’s been a key developer and champion of experiential learning initiatives at the Academy. In recent years, Joe’s community engage ments have included terms on the board of directors for Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation and the Tin Mountain Conservation Center.

“Maria and I are extremely excited about this oppor tunity,” reflects Manning on his appointment. “As long time community members, we know the Academy’s incredible impact on so many students. I am honored to have been chosen to serve as Fryeburg Academy’s next head of school and look forward to leading in its next chapter.”

The following eight months will be used as a plan ning phase to ensure an organized leadership transition, with Manning stepping into the new role at the begin

HEAD OF SCHOOL, Page 3A

DONATION PRESENTED — Steven Kelsey Hazen (in checkered shirt) presents a check for $10,000 to members of the Hawthorne Community Association. (Photo courtesy of the Hawthorne Community Association)

Local writer pens

Frederick Barstow of Bridgton would likely make Maine’s master of horror, Stephen King, proud.

Out of nearly 5,000 submissions to Dictionary. com’s 2022 Haunting Hooks Scary Story Opener Writing Contest, Barstow was selected as one of three finalists. He went on to cap ture 1,215 online votes to claim first place. The sec ond-place finisher received 1,075 votes, and the thirdplace writer had 995 votes.

“For our second annual edition of the contest, we again challenged contes tants to write a captivating opening to a scary story in 50 words or less. This year, there was a theme: scary scifi,” according to Dictionary. com. “Your enthusiasm for sci-fi horror exceeded

our wildest expectations — we received more than double last year’s entries!

Competition was extremely stiff, but Dictionary.com editors were able to narrow it down to three finalists, and we left the rest up to the scariest contingent of humans we could think of: the Internet public.”

The contest celebrates Dictionary.com’s mission to inspire creativity in a world powered by words.

Dictionary.com noted that Frederick’s winning entry “immediately creates vulnerability.”

The editors wrote, “There’s a chilling matterof-factness to what the nar rator is saying. Some people simply refuse to die when they’re supposed to. Right after the narrator says that,

they reveal that they are not just an observer, but an active participant in correct ing the timeline. It immedi ately creates vulnerability, making the reader feel as if they’re going to spend the rest of the story on the run from an inescapable fate, even though — and per haps especially because — they’ll be experiencing the action from the perspective of the agent of that fate. Yes, we feel the dread. And yes, we feel the need to read more.”

Here is Frederick’s chill ing time-travel hook: Time travel is a compli cated business, especially when it comes to correct ing the timeline. Anomalies occur throughout history, “glitches” that would oth erwise keep events from

Hazen donates to project

(Continued from Page 2A)

fundraising effort, and to convey my sincere hope that others with ties to the region and/or to the Hawthorne House will be able to fund the remaining portion of the restoration project, so it can be completed in 2023,” Mr.

Hazen said.

How to Support the Fundraising Campaign To help fully repair and restore Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Boyhood Home in Raymond, please consider a much-appreci ated check or online dona

tion. Please make checks payable to Hawthorne Community Association, PO Box 185, South Casco, ME 04077. Credit card, debit card, and/or Paypal donations may be made online at: https://www.haw thorneassoc.com.

proceeding as they have been ordained. For exam ple, some people simply refuse to die when they’re supposed to. That’s where I come in.

On composing the win ning entry, Frederick told Dictionary.com, “I think what many people fear most about mortality is the unknown — not just of what’s on the other side, but also not knowing when, where, or how their death will happen. It’s also scary to me to think of death as an unstoppable, inevi

table force, like in ‘Final Destination,’ where no mat ter what you do or how you try to avoid it, it comes to you all the same. Then, I thought to personify that force as a kind of timetraveling hitman or assassin whose job it is to navigate the timeline and hunt down people who didn’t die when they were supposed to, in a

cold, ‘strictly business’ sort of way. Then that begs even deeper questions: Who is paying them? Who decides when a person is ‘supposed’ to die? How do they decide? I think it would be very interesting to hear a story from the point of view of one of these time-traveling killers and maybe find out the answers.”

SWEDEN — The Sweden Community Emergency Fund and Sweden Fuel Fund were created by the Sweden Community Church in 2008 to help Sweden residents with emergency needs. They are administered as charitable organizations with accounts separate from other church funds.

Sweden residents who do not meet the state crite

ria for General Assistance may apply for assistance from these funds, which are paid directly to a fuel company, doctor, electrical company, etc. Applicants do not receive funds.

Over the past years, many people have gener ously given gifts of cash and stocks making it possible for the Sweden Community Emergency Fund and Sweden Fuel Fund to help

Head of School

(Continued from Page 2A)

ning of the Academy’s 232nd year of operating on July 1, 2023.

He, his wife Maria, and their four children will reside on campus and continue their full engagement in campus life.

Founded in 1792 and located in the Western Maine foothills of the White Mountains, Fryeburg Academy is an independent, co-educational secondary boarding and day school that serves a widely diverse population of students from the local area, across the nation, and around the world.

Sweden residents facing emergency situations.

Donations to support these funds may be made to the Sweden Community Church and sent to Alberta Ridlon, 113 Ridlonville Rd., Sweden, ME 04040. Please write Sweden Community Emergency Fund or Sweden Fuel Fund on the check memo line.

Any Sweden resident experiencing an emergency should contact Kay at (207) 647-3970 or Alberta at (207) 647-9086 to discuss their needs. The identity of any recipient is strictly con fidential.

INTERESTING CHARACTERS were stalking the park in Casco on Halloween Night...actually, they were harmless and quite friendly. (De Busk Photos)

Here is why -

Paul LePage absolutely opposes mandating Covid-19 vaccination of children or barring them from school. Janet Mills won’t commit before the election. Yet we know, in Sweden, the one country that did not lock down schools or require vaccination, not a single child died from Covid or contributed to a teacher’s Covid death.

Republicans believe in parents’ rights to direct their children’s medical care.

Republicans tried to make it illegal to do any of the following to children without their parents’ consent: physical examinations, surgical procedures, administering or injecting them with drugs or vaccines.

Democrats voted them down! (See LD 1292, roll call vote #366)

Democrats tried to stop judges from making sure criminals’ addictions were treated! And they actually passed a bill so judges couldn’t make it a condition of probation. Joining Republicans’ objections in support of a veto, the Governor said it would “eliminate an essential means of both protecting public safety and helping individuals to refrain from self-destructive behavior.” (See LD 844, roll call vote #421)

Democrat lawmakers actually passed an increase in property taxes!

Republicans oppose higher property taxes, especially with recession looming. But Democrats almost succeeded in increasing taxes on most high value properties. Republicans rallied to make sure it was vetoed. (See LD 418, roll call vote #245)

Republicans care about local farms struggling to survive.

Local farmers strongly opposed the bill for unionizing workers on small farms that would have put them out of business. But Democrats passed it anyway! Even a few Democrats joined Republicans to sustain the bill’s veto. (See LD 151, roll call votes # 414, 494, 487)

Democrats attempted to decriminalize possession of large amounts of hard drugs. These included cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. And they almost succeeded! The bill only narrowly failed. (See LD 967, roll call vote #473)

Thinking. STRAIGHT Talk. No LEFT turns.

Facebook: Vote.Mark.Walker

MarkWalker4ME@gmail.com

“I think I have to vote Republican this time.”

Bridgton Planning Board notes

the town had found that Willis Park is frequented by minors. I was unable to find any finding of facts to sup port that statement.”

Pinkham noted that fol lowing the Oct. 4 Planning Board meeting, at which time this issue came to the forefront, a sign — “Willis Park, Safe Zone, Drug Free” — was posted at Willis Park.

“It still does not com ply with the state law, as it’s not worded correctly,” Pinkham wrote. “When I noticed the sign was added, I checked to see if the town had cleaned up any of the dumped trash on the loca tion, which was not picked up. This goes to show the only reason the sign was added and taxpayer dollars were spent was to attempt to stop our business from

operating.”

Pinkham, a lifelong Bridgton resident, also noted that the Comprehensive Plan lists five town parks. Willis Park, he said, is “not actually denoted as a park, just town-owned land.” He concluded that Willis Park has no trails or amenities “to be considered a park.”

Town attorney Aga Dixon of Drummond Woodsum noted that “because the pro

posed medical marijuana retail store is located within 1,000 feet of the lot line of Willis Park — a desig nated safe zone and thus a “sensitive use” pursuant to the Land Use Code — the proposal does not meet the setback requirement. Dixon added that the Planning Board’s waiver authority “is limited” and “should not be applied here.”

Thus, planners instructed

Pinkham to seek a setback variance from the Board of Appeals.

Planners tabled action on Pinkham’s application. When Pinkham asked board members whether they had any other “red flags” regarding his proposal, Planner Rolf Madsen felt Higher Solutions “is consis tent with what we’ve seen from other places in that area.” Madsen suggested to Pinkham take a close look at conditions that warrant a variance before meeting the Appeals Board.

“Thank you for putting forth and understanding demeanor,” Planning Board chairwoman Deb Brusini told Pinkham.

In other meeting action: • Mountain Road park ing woes solved. Every winter, several vehicles either are ticketed or towed due to illegal parking next to the ski resort.

To address the problem, Shawnee Peak Holdings plans to construct a parking area on 2.2 acres off Route 302/Mountain Road — pres

Naples: To build or not to build is question

(Continued from Page 1A)

between 10 and 16 people at the Edes Falls Community Hall on Oct. 19; and 22 people in person and six joining via Zoom last week.

These meetings were offered as an opportunity for folks to learn more about the specifics of the proposed project, to ask questions and to express opinions prior to going to the polls.

Article Two ask voters whether or not the town should take out a $11.9 mil lion bond to cover the esti mated cost of demolishing existing buildings and con structing a new structure in the footprint slightly behind the existing town hall. The construction would occur over the period of two years.

“Harriman came up with the final price of $11.9 mil lion. This is soup to nuts, tearing down the old build

ing and construction of the new building, all the exca vating, the parking lot, the landscaping. There is a onemillion-dollar contingen cy,” according to committee member Jen Kenneally.

Estimated Cost & Tax Rate

Depending on the per son’s viewpoint, some peo ple say the project will cost $11.9 million while others claim the cost is $17.8 mil lion.

Harriman, the archi tectural firm hired by the committee, provided the estimated cost of $11.9 mil lion. The $17.8 million fig ure is when the interest of 3.5 percent over a period of 20 years is added on. The 3.5 percent interest rate was offered by the Maine Municipal Bond Bank as recently as September. According to calculations,

the total interest is $5.9 mil lion.

The town can only bor row the amount of the prin cipal, which is $11,905,138.

Therefore, the interest is

During the public meet ing last week, some people in the audience said the entire number — princi pal plus interest — is what should be considered.

Samantha Hayes, who sits on the Naples Budget Committee, said when pur chasing a home, she would take into account both the base cost and the interest to be paid on the loan.

Other people said the principal is the main cost to consider.

No one says they pur chased a vehicle and cites both the base cost and the interest as what they paid for it, according to Martina Witts, who serves on the

Budget Committee.

She made that comment last week in response to Chairman Jim Grattelo say ing the cost is $18 million.

Resident Colin Brackett, who also serves as a select man, suggested since the project wouldn’t start for a few years, the town could start setting aside the inter est. Brackett expressed a concern that another muni cipal building might need replacement — bumping up his taxes again.

Kenneally pointed out that some of the town’s debt will be retired, lowering the amount of bonds being paid off.

Lowering the project cost is something that could happen, both Caron and Kenneally said.

If voters approve the bond for $11.9 million, and the bidders come back

PO locked into lease on Naples lot

(Continued from Page 1A)

were not responsible for the lease. Instead, it is done by third parties.

“The town does not negotiate directly with the post office,” he said.

The contract ends in 2027, Caron said.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley confirmed what Caron said about the lease agreement ending in 2027.

“So, we don’t have a new lease. The existing lease was scheduled to expire in August of this year. In that lease was an automatic renewal for five years that the post office could take advantage of,” Hawley said.

“The town was not aware that we didn’t have the abil ity to get out of the lease. Only the post office has the ability to get out of the

lease,” he said.

“There is leasing com pany that negotiates on the behalf of the post office. This is a professional leas ing company representing the post offices,” he said.

“They will remain in the existing space until 2027 unless we end up building a new space and moving them into new space,” he said, referring to the passage of Referendum Article 2.

with a higher number the town can always reject that, according to Caron.

Committee member Kenneally felt confident that some contractors might be willing to work with the town on the cost. Also if the project is approved, then the town can move for ward with seeking grants to help out with the expense. Unfortunately grants can not be lined up beforehand so the committee members have no idea how much money might be generated through grants.

The current tax rate is $8.25. If voters approve the

construction project, the tax rate would increase to $9.26.

As far as the mil rate is concerned, the calcula tions are based on $250,000 property value. The total annual tax bill would be $2,315.

In other words, the increase in the tax bill for a home valued at $250,000 would be $253 more a year or $21.08 more a month.

A postcard mailed to residents provides a list of tax exemption programs for which taxpayers might quality.

TIF dollars

(Continued from Page 1A)

will be presented as a municipal referendum, article one.

The three parcels, which total almost 3 acres, are situ ated uphill of the Naples Veterinary Clinic and abut the lot referred to as the Begin Estate. There is a .73-acre parcel, a parcel that measures .9 acres, and a third lot that is 1.07 acres in size, according to document supplied to the Naples Board of Selectmen earlier this year.

For 2022, the tax assessed valued the combined lot at $33,250. However, after a property revaluation was done, that combined price dropped to $156,536.

The land is owned by Norway Savings Bank. The bank purchased the land for possible expansion because the bank’s branch was being leased rather than owned.

If the land is purchased by the town, the annual taxes would no longer be paid on it. That is a loss of $1,291 per year, Hawley said.

“Because it is undeveloped land, it is assessed as land only,” he said.

Bridgton – Beautiful like-new 4-5 bedroom home with four and a half baths, 3,000 s.f. of well-appointed living space with beautiful windows offering abundant natural light, stunning views of Mt. Washington with Westerly sunsets. The home also offers a finished daylight basement with two bedrooms, a large family room, a full bath, and a second washer and dryer. Granite counters and stainless appliances, radiant heat on first floor and garage, three propane fireplaces, central AC, stunning cherry wood flooring through out, master suite, theatre room, central vac, wraparound deck with Trex decking, attached two-car garage, paved drive way, potting shed, fruit trees, lovely landscaping, and more. Large two-story shed in the rear to store all your extra things, and a whole-house generator.

MUST SEE! $845,000

Bridgton – 1828 farmhouse on 7+ acres. 5-6 bedrooms, sunny living/dining area, new kitchen with large granite bar, stainless appliances, two pantries, new sliders adding tons of light, pro pane heat stove, fireplace, and exposed beams and brick. First floor office, den, bedroom and full bath. Upstairs offers 3-4 bed rooms, two full baths, extra room that could be another bedroom or a gym or a craft room, along with a large sunny space over the twocar garage. New heat pumps with AC and also a new FHA propane system, new Efficiency ME foam insulation, new roof, new hot water heater, garage doors and more. Half mile to the golf course, gazebo and fire pit in the rear, sheds, paved driveway and more.

MUST SEE! $645,000

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Multivehicle crash in Casco

CASCO — Three peo ple were injured Monday afternoon following a fourvehicle crash at Watkins Flats in Casco.

At approximately 12:59 p.m., the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center received a call for a motor vehicle crash in Casco on Roosevelt Trail (Route 302). Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies, detec tives, Raymond Fire, Casco Fire, Naples Fire, Maine DOT, and LifeFlight responded.

Police say Craig Aderman, 69, of Naples was driving his blue 2015 Ford F150 eastbound on Roosevelt Trail. For reasons not yet known, he crossed the center line and struck three other vehicles, CCSO reported. Aderman was

transported to the hospital for apparent minor injuries.

The first vehicle struck was a black Jeep SUV oper ated by Megahnn Sullivan, 37, of Naples. This vehicle received minor damage and the operator was not injured.

The second vehicle struck was a white 2010 Chevy Malibu, operated by Sadie Tirrell, 18, of Naples. Tirrell’s vehicle was forced off the roadway into a ditch where it rolled over an unknown number of times causing significant damage. Tirrell was transported to the hospital for serious but non-life threatening inju ries.

The third vehicle struck was a brown 2013 Chrysler

200, operated by Eric Farstad, 49, of Naples. This collision caused significant damage to Farstad’s vehicle. Farstad had to be extricated from his vehicle and was then taken by LifeFlight to the Maine Medical Center for serious, life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division in conjunction with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, and Sherriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team.

The roadway from Tenney Hill to State Park Road was closed for several hours.

Bridgton Police blotter

These items appeared on the Bridgton Police Department blotter (this is a partial listing):

Monday, October 24

8:26 a.m. Man causing a disturbance at a Portland Road business; subject issued a trespass notice.

9:08 a.m. Sex offender registration.

11:51 a.m. Assist fire department at a reported structure fire at Sanborns Grove Road.

12:53 p.m. Assist State Police with a call at intersec tion of Harrison Road and Worster Way.

7:49 p.m. Attempt to locate subject who left hospi tal “against medical advice.”

Tuesday, October 25 1:25 a.m. Traffic detail on Portland Road.

8:23 a.m. Mental health event on Iredale Street.

3:08 p.m. Request for a female to be trespassed from a Main Street business.

3:11 p.m. Responding to a report of a subject “pos sibly under the influence” at a Portland Road business, police arrested the female on a warrant.

3:11 p.m. Two-vehicle crash at the intersec tion of Portland Road and Lumberyard Drive; minor damage, no injuries report ed.

3:19 p.m. Caller informed police of ongoing harass ment issues.

4:10 p.m. Welfare check on Cross Street.

4:41 p.m. Civil matter on Highland Road.

6:57 p.m. Report of a male looking in windows of several properties on Hospital Drive and South High Street; suspect fled in a white SUV prior to police arrival.

11:23 p.m. Dispute between family members on South Bridgton Road.

Wednesday, October 26 2:30 a.m. Traffic detail on

Bridgton Planning Board notes

ently the open field space adjacent to Sportshaus.

Jim Seymour of Sebago Technics outlined the plan for 259 parking spaces on a gravel surfaces, along with eight handicap spaces as well as an oval, paved pickup area for shuttle service to Pleasant Mountain.

Seymour noted that the

project’s stormwater plan is before Maine DEP.

The lot will include a chain to prevent access dur ing off-hours. The board discussed whether to side with a gate or a chain with PB member Dan Harden suggesting a chain, which is easier to maneuver during snow plowing.

Brusini noted abutters

Voters go to school

CASCO — Preparing to vote can be quite an education.

In Casco, voters will be casting their ballots in a place designed for education: the Crooked River Elementary School.

This is the second autumn election that the polling place will be in the school’s gymnasium.

The polls will be open Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We expect that it will be an extremely busy election day,” Casco Town Manager Tony Ward said.

Signs will be put out along Route 11 to alert people about the polling place, he said.

Also, the Casco Town Office will be closed on Election Day because the staff will be working at the polling place, he said.

A few weeks ago, Selectman Grant Plummer asked if the election disrupted classes or distracted the students. Quite the opposite, Ward said. The school principal used the election as a spring board to discuss voting, he said. — DD

requested “warm” light ing (yellow) be used rath er than white. Seymour said the LED lighting can be programmed to lessen the tone at desired times. Planners asked that the tone be reduced an hour after the resort closes or a special event concludes.

Brusini gave high marks to adjustments made in the landscaping plan to provide a natural buffer between the lot and several abutters. Planners asked for signage regarding handicap spaces, as well as no overnight park ing permitted. There was a brief discussion regard ing buses idling in the lot, so a sign will be installed encouraging minimizing idling.

Another concern was keeping an existing snow mobile trail. Seymour said another part of the field would be used for the trail.

• New health club com ing. Thinking it is time to get into better physical shape or looking for a place to work out? Sole*Ful Health Club could be your answer.

Planners voted 5-0 to

approve the health club, which will be located at 5 Sustainable Way, adjacent to Lakes Luxury Spa. Sole*Ful will be equipped with stateof-the-art fitness equipment, as well as air filtration sys tem. The club will feature over 30 brand new exercise equipment, including car dio pieces that have leading edge touch screen consoles with interactive exercise programs. Hours of opera tion will be from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

“Our mission is to help bring more health and well ness to the community,” said owner Justin McIver. “Memberships will provide clients with a welcoming, safe, calm and clean space to confidently improve their everyday strength, condi tioning and flexibility.”

• Hearing on condo plan. Planners heard partic ulars regarding a proposed Mountain Road condo proj ect. Since they received a letter from an abutter object ing to the proposal, planners decided to schedule a public hearing. Date to be deter mined.

Harrison Road.

7:52 a.m. and 12:19 p.m. Dispute between neighbors on Edgewater Lane.

2:27 p.m. Two vehicle crash at the intersection of Swamp Road and Smally Way; no injuries reported.

6:09 p.m. Caller reporting harassment/blackmail.

7:27 p.m. Mental health check on Willis Park Road.

Thursday, October 27 8:17 a.m. Traffic detail on Portland Road and Frances Bell Drive.

8:26 a.m. Single vehicle crash on North High Street; no injuries reported.

9:38 a.m. Police searched for a female, who was to be served a trespass notice from a local business.

3:15 p.m. Attempt to locate vehicle operating “erratically” on Portland Road; unable to locate.

Friday, October 28

7:17 a.m. Mental health event on Willis Park Road.

8:05 a.m. Assist agency on Kimball Road. 9:07 a.m. Assist agency on Muirfield Drive. 10:37 a.m. Report of a runaway juvenile; police made contact with juvenile, “de-escalated” the situation, with the juvenile returning home.

12:32 p.m. Sex offender registration.

10:56 p.m. Domestic situ ation on Sunset Road.

Saturday, October 29 6:20 a.m. Police cruiser and deer collided on Portland Road; no damage.

5:39 p.m. Bobcat seen in Wildwood Road home’s back yard.

11:21 p.m. Report of a disturbance on North High Street.

Sunday, October 30 10:28 p.m. Mental health event on Portland Road. Monday, October 31 3:27 a.m. Traffic detail on Portland Road.

Fryeburg Police log

These items appeared on the Fryeburg Police Department log (this is a partial listing): Monday, October 24

4:03 p.m. Assist citizen on Lovewell Pond Road.

6:20 p.m. Assist agency on West Fryeburg Road. Tuesday, October 25

5:34 a.m. Assist county deputy on Knights Hill Road in Bridgton.

1:31 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

3:02 p.m. Criminal trespass complaint at Bridgton Road store.

Wednesday, October 26

8:11 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Leach Road; unfound ed.

1:50 p.m. Drug complaint at Jockey Cap.

5:34 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Lovell Road and Fish Street.

7 p.m. Late accident (River Street) report filed. 8:02 p.m. Officer served a warrant at Main Street loca tion.

Thursday, October 27

11:33 a.m. Sex offender registration.

5:29 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at Frog Alley. 11:46 p.m. Assist citizen at Main Street store. Friday, October 28

5:54 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call at Bunting Lane. 4:28 p.m. Sex offense (Bridgton Road) report taken. 5:50 p.m. Assist fire department on Main Street. 6:30 p.m. Suspicious activity on Main Street. 7:05 p.m. Complaint filed on Wicks Road.

8:15 p.m. Animal complaint on Portland Street. Saturday, October 29

3:11 p.m. Peace officer detail on Portland Street. 7:51 p.m. Radar detail on Main Street. 11:15 p.m. Alarm at Bridgton Road building investi gated.

Sunday, October 30

12:24 p.m. Traffic complaint on Haley Town Road. Monday, October 31

12:12 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on West Fryeburg Road. 4:24 a.m. Radar detail on Bridgton Road.

1:44 p.m. Death investigation on Main Street. 4:07 p.m. Traffic complaint on Portland Street. 8:34 p.m. Assist citizen on Portland Street.

BA Tracks

(Continued from Page 10A)

finds.

To date, some of the items that have been donated to the Holiday Auction include golfing opportunities, a Nantucket vacation home stay, premium New England sports tickets (both major and minor league), shopping and dining gift certificates, hotel accommodations, and even retired Bridgton jerseys from your favorite Wolverine team. A complete auction catalog will be hitting inboxes in the coming weeks, showcasing many available items.

Bridgton’s Holiday Auction is one of our most important fundraising events of the year, supporting the Academy’s mission and work. That means success is dependent upon you, alumni, parents, and friends. The auction certainly offers something for everyone and we hope you will participate in the festivities!

If you’d like to donate a product or service to our auction or learn more about sponsorship opportuni ties, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement (alumni@bridgtonacademy.org /207-647-3322, ext. 2).

TWO LEFT IN SERIOUS CONDITION following a multi-vehicle collision on Route 302, in the Watkins Flat area, Monday afternoon. (Photos by CCSO)

Regional Sports

Raiders unable to put brakes on CE express

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

CAPE — Mike Foley and Nick Laughlin didn’t need to dig into their bags of tricks to prank or spook Fryeburg Academy in a Halloween Night football special.

Their speed haunted the FA defense as each rushed for over 100 yards and combined for six touch downs as Cape Elizabeth crushed the Raiders in the Class C South quarterfinal, 46-8.

Laughlin torched the FA defense for 162 yards on 14 carries including touch down runs of 28 and 60 yards.

Foley wasn’t too shy about putting up some gaudy numbers of his own. He rushed for 103 yards, completed 5-of-6 passes for 78 yards, and even took time on the CE kickoff squad.

The game was sched uled for Friday night, but a COVID outbreak at Cape forced the cancellation of school and athletic events — pushing the football playoff to Monday.

Unlike most late season trips to The Cape, the eve ning was warm and there was just a slight breeze. A perfect night for football, just not for the Raiders.

Just two minutes in, Fryeburg quarterback Cohen Carter looked to zip a quick pass to the right sideline, but the ball was picked off by a Cape cor nerback, who returned it to

the FA-21.

Two Laughlin bursts of 7 and 8 yards set up Foley, who followed his bruising linemen into the end zone from a yard out. Raider lineman River Pullan made a strong charge and blocked the extra point try.

FA gained one first down on the next posses sion, but were forced to punt.

Using a hurry-up approach, the Capers ran the ball six times with Foley rumbling off tackle for 11 yards to the FA-28. Laughlin found a seam, turned on the jets and raced toward goal line. The ball popped free. After officials talked it out, the head ref eree signaled touchdown.

The explanation to FA Coach David Turner one official was “confused” regarding the number of painted lines on the field. What he thought was the goal line was actually 5-yards deep in the end zone. It was yellow. The goal line is white. Thus, Laughlin had crossed the goal line before the ball was jarred loose.

Foley’s PAT pass try was knocked down by FA corner Caleb Micklon. With 2:52 left in the first quarter, the Capers were up 12-0.

Fryeburg’s answer to stopping the CE running game was to keep the ball away from the Capers. FA’s frontliners dug in

and finally carved out some running lanes. Owen

Galligan found daylight on a sweep play, gaining 25 yards. Gunnar Saunders bulled ahead for 5 yards, and senior Haden Fox showed amazing leg drive and heart as he barreled into two Cape defenders to gain a couple of yards on fourth down to keep the drive alive. But, he wasn’t done. He moved a growing pile of black and burgundy another eight yards to the CE-23.

A penalty threatened to stall the drive, but Saunders (who took over at quarter back) snagged a high snap with one hand, and bolted for a 10-yard gain. Gaining confidence, the Raiders

continued to ground-andpound with success as Micklon picked up 6 yards on third down, giving FA a first-and-goal.

Cape stiffened and forced the Raiders into a fourth-and-goal at the CE-3. Saunders went right, and scored with 5:58 left until halftime.

After flagged 5 yards for illegal procedure, FA tacked on two-points as Carter rolled right, and fired left — a perfectly placed ball to Micklon, who beat the Cape defend er to the pylon.

Good news, FA trailed just 12-8, and found they could run against a stingy Cape defensive front.

The bad news, 5:50 is a

Exclamation on fine

Laker duo punch tickets to NE race

CUMBERLAND —

On a “notoriously diffi cult” course, Lake Region cross-country runners had a memorable State Meet running experience Saturday.

When you ask Lake Region varsity foot ball Head Coach Mike Meehan to describe soph omore quarterback Brock Gibbons, he uses one word, “special.”

Coach Meehan feels Gibbons has all the traits — athleticism, size, speed, feel for the game, a true team player, lead ership, coachability and “amazing work ethic: — to develop into an elite quarterback.

Coach Meehan’s praise is backed up by Gibbons cracking the National Boys Football 2022 Passing Yards stat list, ranked #17 amongst sophomore quarterbacks in the 6/8/9-man team size category (two weeks ago, Gibbons was 13th). His stat lines: 1,353 yards 193.3 yards per game 86-of-180

15 TDs, 6 INTs National leader is Payton Mills of CutterMorning Star, 2,122 yards, 353.7 yards per game, 129-of-212, 23 TDs, 10 INTs.

Overall, Gibbons was ranked 80th amongst all quarterbacks.

“We are extremely proud of Brock’s relent less hard work and ded ication, on and off the football field,” Coach Meehan said. “This boy

When it comes to remembering past cheers, dances and tech niques, Lake Region varsity cheering coach Janine Rocca-Chaine heads to her “go-togirl,” Madison Richard.

“We always say, don’t worry, just ask Maddie! She quietly steps up to lead where and when it’s needed while always staying humble,” Coach Rocca-Chaine said.

“I rely on Maddie on and off the mat to help guide our squad in being successful. Maddie has stepped up to be a natu ral leader, and our sea sons would not be the same without her!”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, deter mination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Madison is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a spe cially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player Profile Name: Madison Richard Year in School: Senior

For the first time since 1984, the Laker girls’ and boys’ squads each qualified for the Class B Finals, held this year at Twin Brook Rec Facility in Cumberland.

“It was such a huge achievement for them to qualify for the meet and extra special to have both teams competing. Our run ners really worked hard to earn their place among the best in the state,” LR Coach Laura Pulito said.

Out of the 12 teams competing in the Class B race, the Laker boys placed sixth. Only 6 points separated third place from sixth place, which is an incredibly close race!

Sophomore Sam Laverdiere placed sixth

in 17:34, earning a medal and qualifying for New Englands (the state sends the top 25 fastest times combined from the class A, B, and C meets; Sam was 24th).

Junior Carter Libby of Gray-New Gloucester set ting the winning time at 16:50, just ahead of senior Sam York of Mt. Desert Island, who crossed the finish line in 16:51.

Laker senior Grady Kemp was just 8 seconds behind Sam and placed ninth, also earning a medal.

“We were happy to see Grady finish his senior season on such a strong note. He’s worked hard this year and earned his place among the top 10 in the state,” Coach Pulito said.

Junior captain Bhavnish Tucker, one the most consistent runners on the team, placed 28th with a time of 18:18.

lot of time available, even for a run-first team to drive the field and score.

Fryeburg needed a stop. Cape kept running, gaining 4 to 5 yards a pop. Linebacker Joshua Wake and lineman River Pullan combined to record a negative run play, stuffing Laughlin for a yard loss. But, Foley erased that brief moment of FA defensive triumph, flipping the ball to Laughlin, who beat outside containment for 10 yards. With the FA defense eyeing the next run, Foley flicked a pass deep down the middle for Laughlin, who secured the catch before Micklon took a hard swipe at knock ing the ball free — play

fall

“It was also just released that Sam and Grady earned First-Team All-Conference recogni tion based on their per formances at the Regional

meet, while Bhavnish earned Second-Team AllConference recognition,” Coach Pulito noted.

Senior captains Tristan

GOTCHA — Fryeburg Academy’s Gabe McKenney corrals Cape runningback Nick Laughlin by the shirttail, getting some help from teammate Joshua Wake during Monday’s Class B South quarterfinal. Cape prevailed 46-8. (Rivet Photos)

PAVING THE WAY — FA runningback Haden Fox ties up a Cape defender to open up some running room for teammate Caleb Micklon.

Hancock Lumber’s PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Madison RichardBrock Gibbons

ABBY ROBERTS placed fifth overall in the Class B State Meet, and earned a spot in the New England Championships. (Photo by Cassie Lalemand)

GIVING IT ALL HE HAS — Lake Region senior Grady Kemp (right) reaches deep as he runs in the Class B State Meet. (Photo by Cassie Lalemand)

STAYING AHEAD of a pack of runners Saturday at Twin Brook Rec Facility is Laker junior Bhavnish Tucker. (Photo by Peter Serunian)

Dynamic duo too much for FA to handle

was good for 24 yards to the FA-5 with 39.8 seconds left.

Foley found room off tackle and scored, and with the extra point kick, Cape upped its lead to 19-8.

A good kickoff return started the FA drive at the

39. Carter completed three quick passes for 33 yards to the outside to Colton McCarthy. At the CE-37 with no timeouts left, Carter dropped back and tried to survey the field, but was sacked before he could make a deep toss.

No FA rally, CE dominates second half

Whether the Raiders were going to make a run at Cape would be decided if they could stop the run as the host received the ball first to start the second half.

FA fared well on the first two runs as Gabe McKenney stopped Foley for a yard, and Myles Garland and Owen Galligan combined to halt a run for 3 yards.

But, Cape delivered twice on key third downs.

Foley hooked up with Laughlin on a 36 yarder down the sideline. The Cape quarterback bounced a run to the outside, and was rustled down after 9 yards. But, FA was whistled for a horse-collar tackle, mov ing the ball to the FA-3.

Foley finished it off from there, added the PAT run, and turned the lights out on the Raiders.

FA gained one first down on a Fox 6-yarder and a

Carter 9-yard scramble, and then punted.

Cape answered with a six play, 60-yard drive with Foley rushing for 20 yards and then scoring from 4 yards out. The PAT kick was good, Cape up 32-8.

Fryeburg again picked up one first down on a 14-yard hook-up from Carter to Galligan, but then had to punt.

Laughlin showed his sprint ability, taking a sweep play and beating two FA defenders to the sideline, where he shifted into warp speed for a 60-yard TD. The PAT kick was good, CE up 39-8 with 1:15 left in the third quarter.

Fryeburg went 3-andout.

Cape’s first unit ended their work night with a 13 play (all rushes), 68-yard drive with Foley scoring from a yard out with 6:19 left in the game. The PAT kick was good. CE 46, FA 8.

First Downs: 13

Penalties: 3-15

Turnovers: None Rushing: 45-317 Passing: 5-6-78

CAPE ELIZABETH 46

Total Offense: 395 FRYEBURG ACADEMY 8

First Downs: 10 Penalties: 7-55

Turnovers: Interception Rushing: Haden Fox 5-20, Caleb Micklon 5-18, Gunnar Saunders 8-36, Owen Galligan 1-25, Cohen Carter 3-3, Jagger Helwig 2-29, Michael Malia 4-14, Haruki Takagi 1-minus 7; total 29-138

Passing: Cohen Carter 8-16-61, Gunnar Saunders 1-1-5; Haruki Takagi 0-3; total 9-20-66

Receiving: Saunders 2-10, Micklon 1-3, Colton McCarthy 3-33, Galligan 2-15

Total Offense: 204

ing four times for 14 yards, while Jagger Helwig dis played good burst gaining 12 and 17 yards on backto-back carries to move the ball to the CE-16. But, FA was unable to reach pay dirt as a bobbled snap and two incompletions resulted in the clock running out.

Fryeburg finished 4-5.

Cape moved to 7-2, and heads to Wells for the semifinals Friday night.

Brock

from Page

has a bright, bright future. Our staff could not be more excited for him and our pro gram.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, deter mination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Brock is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is rec ognized for his/her dedica tion (does more than what

BROCK, Page 9A

The Raiders’ second offensive unit looked good with Michael Malia carry

ROLLING OUT to avoid the Cape Elizabeth pass rush, FA quarterback Cohen Carter looks for a teammate along the sideline.

FINDING SOME RUNNING ROOM and running from a CE defender is senior Caleb Micklon (#5).

TRYING TO SHAKE FREE after a catch near the Raider bench is Fryeburg Academy’s Colton McCarthy, who had three straight receptions near the end of (Rivet Photos)

Lakers turn in fine States effort

Cormier and Ezra Gronlund were LR’s remaining scor ing runners. Tristan has been working hard and steadily improving all season, and placed 72nd with a time of 19:51. Ezra also improved on his Regional meet per formance, placing 79th with a time of 20:07. Senior Alex Frietas had one of his best races of the season, placing 82nd with a time of 20:25, and sophomore Ethan Kutella placed 92nd with a time of 21:11 after battling a cold all week.

“Grady, Bhavnish, Tristan, Ezra, and Alex all ran their fastest-ever times on the notoriously difficult Twin Brook course,” the coach said. “This was an awesome way for them to end their season, particu larly for the four seniors.”

Freeport won the team title with 35 points, fol lowed by York (93) and Greely (142). The Lakers tallied 148 points.

The Laker girls’ race also featured 12 teams, and the Lakers placed 7th, improving on their 8thplace seed. Junior Abigail Roberts had the highest finish of the day for the Lakers, placing 5th with a time of 20:17. She earned a medal and comfortably qualified for New Englands (she had the 12th fastest time of the day between all the class A, B, and C races). Abigail earned First-Team All-Conference recognition.

Senior captain Carly Dyer was the second Laker to cross the finish line in 45th place at 23:17. She was followed by her co-

captain and fellow senior Micaela Reed, who ran one of the best races of her career to finish as LR’s third girl in a time of 24:02.

“She just kept on mov ing up, and I am so proud of the confidence that she has gained as a competitor over the past few years. It was really special to see Carly and Micaela compet ing in this meet, as they are the only two senior girls who have been on the team for four years,” Coach Pulito said. “When they were freshmen, there were not enough girls on the team to score at Regionals. To think that they went from that to competing at States as seniors just makes me so happy for them; they truly deserved it.”

Juniors Sadie Plummer

and Susie Butler rounded out the scoring Laker run ners, placing 70th and 73rd (24:40 and 24:52).

Senior captain Caitlin Lees and senior Lizzie Brewer placed 94th (30:20) and 96th (32:05).

“I cannot speak highly enough of these two girls. They are two of the kind est, most dependably ath letes on the team. Lizzie ended up having to fill in for another runner who was ill that morning, and did so without complaint; in fact, she offered to step up and race. We are so grateful for her,” Coach Pulito said.

Abigail and Sam will compete at the New England Championships on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Ponaganset High School in North Scituate, R.I.

Player Profile: Madison Richard

Hometown: Bridgton Parents: Kristina Parker and Christopher Richard Sports you play: Cheering

Q. Why did you choose cheering? When I first started, I just wanted to try something outside my comfort zone.

Q. Complete the fol lowing, “I know I’ve had a good showing if…” Everyone is happy with their performance.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big game? I run through everything I need to do to help our team succeed.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? Take a second to catch my breath, and regroup, think about all the hard work we’ve all put in.

Q. How has sports

changed you as a per son? It definitely brought me out of my shell and gave me a way to express myself.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? The community and fam ily it builds.

Student of the Month: Rachel Lake

(Continued from Page 10A)

and Social Studies.

Q. Who is your favor ite teacher and why? My favorite teacher is Teal Carlson. She is the art teacher at the high school. She is my favorite because she always super positive

and very passionate about art. She gives me great ideas and always encour ages me to try new things.

Q. If you could change one thing about your educational experience, what would it be and why? This probably isn’t

surprising, but I would definitely change the fact that our class missed out on a lot because of COVID. I would have liked to have a normal sophomore year.

Q. What accomplish ment are you most proud

of, and why? I am really proud of the senior photos I have taken this year. It was really cool to take photos of my friends, and other people in my class. I am looking forward to seeing them in the year book.

Brock Gibbons

is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player Profile

Name: Brock Gibbons

Year in School: Sophomore

Hometown: Naples Parents: Mary and Jim Gibbons

Sports you play: Baseball, football, basketball

Q. Why did you choose to play football? I chose this sport because ever since I was little I would go to my dad’s friend’s house and watch football every Sunday. That’s when I was like, ‘I want to play this game.’

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good game if…” at the end of the game the scoreboard showed we had more points than our opponent. It’s not about if you had a good game, it’s if we won. I would rather have the worst game of my life and win, than have my best game and lose.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big game? Honestly, not much. I try to keep it chill, listen to some music, and watch some film.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? I try to make a big play for the boys to get the momentum on our side.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? Sports have changed me as a person because you realize how to appreciate things. Some people don’t get to do the stuff you’re doing, and just appreciating everything you’re able to do is a big thing for me.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from compet ing in sports? The biggest reward for me is building that brotherhood with your team and just going out and having fun.

FINISHING STRONG is Lake Region’s Carly Dyer, who was the team’s second runner to cross the State Meet finish line. (Photo by Cassie Lalemand)

Honoring the 2022 Hall of Fame Class

Seven alumni and one former faculty member were inducted on Friday, Sept. 30 into Bridgton Academy’s storied Hall of Fame. These eight indi viduals were honored for their life achievements, outstanding service, and the ways that each of them has made a difference in their corner of the world.

As guests that eve ning heard the inductees’ remarkable stories, a com mon thread was woven through their words: their time in North Bridgton has

positively touched many aspects of their lives.

The ceremony can be watched on the BA YouTube channel (c/ BridgtonacAdemy1808)

The newest additions to the Hall of Fame include:

Robert Axtell, Ph.D. ’71

Leonard Hathaway ’58

Kevin Jones ’81

Jean-Claude Katende

’79

Timothy Morris ’79

Richard Mullins ’88

Bradley Smith — Faculty 1991-2010 John Volckmann ’54

Marcella Scholarship

Between 1986 and 2021, many Wolverines benefited from the coaching, mentorship, and investment of Rick Marcella. Rick remains a champion for all his play ers, even as their jour ney takes them beyond Bridgton to college, careers, and parenthood.

Upon Rick’s retire ment from coaching in the spring of 2021, several individuals stepped for ward who were interested in helping the Academy to create a recognition for Coach Marcella that would exist in perpetuity.

A few short weeks ago in Chapel, Head of School Marty Mooney shared news that funds had been successfully raised for the establishment of the Richard R. Marcella Scholarship Fund.

This new endowed award will be presented annually beginning in the next enrollment cycle. The scholarship will be awarded to an incoming football player with dem onstrated financial need, who displays characteris tics attributed to Coach Marcella such as honesty, compassion, and the pur suit of excellence in all endeavors.

The Head Football Coach will play a key

role in helping to identify potential candidates to be considered for this schol arship.

Bridgton Academy is incredibly grateful to the core group of donors who helped to make the Richard R. Marcella Scholarship Fund a reali ty. Additional donations to further grow the Marcella Scholarship are welcome at any time. If you would like to be involved in sup porting this fund, please contact Jessica Priola, director of Institutional Advancement, or go to bridgtonacademy.org.

Baseball Brings Championship Home

For the first time, the Wolverines baseball team won the Showcase League Championship!

It was an impressive day for the Wolverines, highlighted by the pitch ing staff. Dan Nineve (Plainville, Mass.) was outstanding, escaping a bases-loaded jam with back-to-back strikeouts to leave the tying run at third base and help the Wolverines advance to the finals with a 3-2 victory.

In the 2-1 champion ship game victory, Gabe White (Essex Junction, Vt.) was dominant on the mound, eventually exiting the game with a 2-1 lead and handing the ball off to Noah Grant (Brownfield), who threw a perfect sev enth inning and earned the save.

The team achieved its first major collective goal by winning the Showcase League and is now focused on the off-season strength and conditioning program before ramping back up for the spring season.

Gearing Up for BA’s Holiday Auction!

Mark your calendars! In less than a month, Bridgton Academy’s Holiday Auction will open! On Friday, Nov. 25 (Black Friday), the bid ding fun begins, giving you the chance to land some amazing holiday

Lions’ Students of the Month

Melissa Mayo of Bridgton has been select ed by area Lions Clubs’ as Student of the Month for September.

Each month, area Lions Clubs recognize a Lake Region High School senior who has excelled academically. The recipi ent is honored at a Lions’ dinner meeting and is pre sented a monetary award.

Parents: John and Amy Mayo

Activities: Varsity soc cer (captain), basketball, and softball (captain), National Honor Society (treasurer), Math Team (captain), Class of 2023 Treasurer, Varsity Club (vice president of Special Events).

Hobbies: Athletics, volunteering, being with family and friends.

Future plans: I plan to go to college and pursue a math related major, as well as continue my ath letic career.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good student? I believe three keys to being a good student are having a strong desire to succeed, good time management skills, and having the will ingness to work hard.

Q. What is your favor ite class and why? My favorite class is Statistics because I like to analyze

Rachel Lake of Naples has been selected as the area Lions Clubs’ Student of the Month for October.

Each month, area Lions Clubs recognize a Lake Region High School senior who has excelled academically. The recipient is honored at a Lions’ dinner meet ing and is presented a monetary award.

Parents: Jeff and Beth Lake Activities: I am the secretary of National Honor Society and a member of ASTRA Club. I play girls’ lacrosse in the spring. I help coach youth lacrosse. I also volunteer at holiday activities at the Naples Fire Department.

Hobbies: I really enjoy portrait photogra phy. I have taken many people’s senior photos and family photos.

Future plans: I plan to attend a four-year col lege and get my degree in Psychology. I will then get my master’s so

Melissa Mayo

and interpret data. Mr. Snow makes this class fun and relevant to the world.

Q. Who is your favor ite teacher and why? My favorite teacher is Mr. Coady because he chal lenges us in class and wants us to reach our true potential as students and people.

Q. If you could change on thing about your educational experi ence, what would it be and why? One thing I would change about my education experience was doing online learning dur ing COVID. I feel like I missed out on building relationships with my classmates, and it made learning less enjoyable.

Q. What accom plishment are you most proud of, and why? I am most proud of my ability to maintain a high GPA (grade point average) while challenging myself to take high-level classes.

I can become a therapist.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good stu dent? Definitely paying attention in class, trying to get ahead when you can, and if you need help or a break ask for it.

Q. What is your favorite class and why? My favorite core class is Humanities. It very interesting to get the combination of English

Rachel Lake RACHEL, Page 9A

Bridgton Academy Head of School Marty Mooney (left) and long-time coach Rick Marcella, who a new scholarship bears his name.

NEW Bridgton Academy Class of 2022 Hall of Fame members.

Opinion

Letters

Pass the test first

To The Editor:

Attending a recent Rotary Club meeting, I dutifully recited one of the premises of the organization, the FourWay Test:

“Of the things we say and do…

1. Is it the Truth?

2. Is it Fair to All Concerned?

3. Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships?

4. Will it be Beneficial to all Concerned?

With this in mind, I won dered what if this test were applied to all political ads before they could be aired on television?

Of course, you would first have to define what truth is when there always seems to be alternative facts. Generally, today, it is held that outside of mathematics and certain physical laws, there are no central truths, only contending versions of what passes for truth. So, politicians can legally present their “facts” as truths, while their political counterparts can present their conflict ing facts as truths. However, under oath in a court of law, these same politicians might have to redefine their “facts” as their facts must agree with verified, irrefutable evidence or face legal consequences.

Is that fair? Do you feel you are being duped? I guess this is okay. We all know that truth and fairness are most elusive where passions are engaged, and few things engage passion more readily than politics, Left/Right, lib eral/conservative, Democrat/ Republican — each side in the political debate encapsu lates a version of virtue. And therein lies the rub. Attack my politics and you attack my virtue, and I am going to dismiss your message out of hand if it is not consistent with what I already know/ feel. So, in that context, no harm/no foul.

But, what about the third part of the test? Are the ads likely to build goodwill and better friendships? In fact, it seems they more likely polarize positions to the point where voters break the norms of decency where they are unwilling to accept outcomes of elections. Ironically, these extreme behaviors aren’t because of extreme commit ment to ideas, but of extreme commitment to political tribes.

Certainly, it would be overly simplistic to attribute the polarization of society today to questionably truth ful political ads. But, truthful ads based on verifiable facts would be much more benefi cial to all concerned. If politi cal ads were subject to the Four-Way Test before they could be presented, maybe I could enjoy watching televi sion each fall knowing that those ads presented every 10 minutes are really helping me make the right decision for the upcoming election.

David Barker Bridgton

Words that mask

To The Editor:

Today is October 31, Halloween, a day of frighten ing ghosts, goblins, and other specters creating a playful sense of fear and danger.

Another case of fearful specters is presented by cur rent rhetoric accompanying our midterm election. These specters are neither ghosts nor goblins. They are words — communism, socialism, destroyers of democracy — that are incorrectly used to mask real issues of the com ing election.

Simply put, our politi cal parties have two distinct ways of looking at our econo my. One party puts emphasis on tax cuts to groups likely to invest in our economy, cre ating jobs, consumer goods and consumer income to pur chase them; “supply side” economics. The other party seeks to emphasize putting

Comment

funds into the economy to promote jobs and other pro grams that increase or main tain consumer income needed to fuel demand for goods and services and the industries that fabricate them; “demand side” economics.

Neither of these economic approaches is particularly dangerous to a democratic republic, the political system by which we govern our selves. What is dangerous is the idea that one party is going to destroy our demo cratic traditions. This will happen only if the political body accepts the angst and fear that some candidates and political commentators are promoting.

Our children know that behind the zombie mask and under the ghostly sheet is someone who should not really hurt them. We must know that under all of the frightening talk there are real ideas and approaches that deserve intelligent evaluation and not fearful reaction. WE, after all, are the adults.

Dee Miller Bridgton

Many thanks!

To The Editor:

It’s difficult for me to write a letter that is not politi cal, but the response from our many friends in the com munity to me and my lov ing, extended family during this difficult time makes one quickly realize how inconse quential politics can be.

This note is one of sin cere appreciation to every one who sent notes of con dolences and brought so many gifts of love and kind ness. A special thanks to the Bridgton Police Department, United Ambulance personnel and the doctors and nurses at Bridgton Hospital who provided the loving care at Judy’s passing. It made our loss a little more bearable.

So many thanks especial ly to Pastor Emily Goodnow and entire faith community at Bridgton Congregational Church, Judy’s beloved Ladies Guild, the organist, the choir, Michelle Hapgood and staff at the Campfire Grille, my many friends from St. Joseph Church, the Bridgton/Fryeburg Knights of Columbus, Bridgton Lions Club, The Bridgton Snowmobile Club, Judy’s Bridge Club, and the Lakes Region Republicans. I cannot possibly list everyone who attended and apologize lest I’ve forgotten to anyone else who showed so much love and respect to this beautiful and wonderful Judy — beau tiful in body and spirit!

To have known Judy was to know a good friend who deeply loved everyone. We must all thank our Creator for the time on Earth that we could share Judy’s life and love.

Bob Pelletier West Bridgton

Wants to learn

To The Editor: I have had the honor and privilege to get to know and spend time with Christine and Barry Powers.

Barry (who is running for House District 84) is very open to our needs for our towns and our state.

He listens, asks questions and won’t hesitate to give you his honest opinion. He is always interested in your thoughts and if you have ideas on how to make things better. He also is very open about his ideas.

Listening to him in several different meetings, he wants to learn and gosh what a refreshing thing that is. I find him honest and very knowl edgeable. I will certainly be casting my vote for this man. His wife, Christine is very much like Barry, they enjoy meeting people and are very gracious wherever they go. You do not hear them knock ing people and calling names, they are bigger than that.

The most important thing to me is that no matter what party you are, you vote for the person who you think can do the best job. Stop calling

Helpful tips from gardening websites

This autumn has been wonderfully warm and calm. It is the first year in quite a while that I do not feel rushed to com plete outdoor chores as I can plan to complete just one chore each day. This week, I will bring the hoses in the garage, clean the gardening tools, cover the raised garden beds, and put the wheelbarrow away.

I am a member of the “Leave the Leaves” campaign so that the insects and other critters can spend the winter pro tected under a blanket of leaves.

After a productive summer and fall, I actually look for ward to hot chocolate and good books to read.

My goal this winter is to lighten my load. By this I mean that I am going to spend time in my basement going through every single container and asking myself if I really need the contents. A few friends who have seen my basement have wished me luck with my task. Of course, I have many expla nations (excuses) for the amount of stuff that has accumulated in my basement. My friends do not believe me when I say that there are gremlins that bring in items when I am away from home.

On a recent rainy day, I opened one container and found some elementary school items, including a report I wrote about Winston Churchill, and an autobiography that I wrote to complete an assignment from my seventh grade teacher. It was very funny to read, and I vow to not let anyone else read

Down the Garden Path

by Nancy Donovan, Ph.D., PT Master Gardener Volunteer

it. Indeed, I may shred that one.

I also found the presentation about the usefulness of graphs that I gave at a state mathematics competition. For some indefensible reason, I decided to keep it. However, I did decide to dispose of my third-grade spelling exams. I no longer have need to prove my spelling ability as we now have spell check.

I am committed to bringing all my physical therapy research journals to the recycling bin at the transfer station due to the fact that every one of them is available for no cost online. It continues to amaze me how much is immedi ately available with just a few finger taps on the computer. However, there is both good (reliable and credible) and bad (unreliable, untrustworthy) information online. Indeed, as

HELPFUL TIPS, Page 2B

The Blast Heard Round the Country In Ye Olden Times

Howdy neighbor!

We have a treat today, with a column that I got the idea for a while ago and had originally intended to run some time next May, but recent circumstances have led me to print it now. It concerns the history of the old Gambo mills in Windham and Gorham, where the Presumpscot turns and falls in a 16-foot drop which, so near to the limitless reservoir of Sebago Lake, afforded our early settlers a nigh-perpetual source of motive power for early sawmills, that essential resource for every early commu nity. But in 1824, a new sort of industry arrived at Gambo falls, which would define the coming century of local history, and play a large role in determining our nation’s own history, as well.

Because in 1824, the old sawmill at Gambo was converted into a powder mill by Lester Laflin of Massachusetts, who with his cousins had filtered out across the country to establish gunpowder manufacturing facilities in various states. Grandson of Matthew Laflin, that hero of the American Revolution who had manufac tured and supplied gunpowder for General Washington’s army, Lester had come to Maine to continue the family business while his cousins had gone to New York and Chicago for the same purpose, where they would eventu

names and get to know the people who are running for office, it’s a tough job and some of the things I hear, it’s unconscionable. This is the United States of America, let’s unite and get the people in office who can make us proud.

Sue Bowditch Sebago

The lesson

To The Editor:

What have we learned from the violent attack on Speaker Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi?

If you want our govern ment run by violence and criminals, vote Republican.

On the other hand, if you want America to be run by the majority will of the peo ple, vote for Democracy, vote Democrat.

Ted Davis Sebago

So Why Are The Dams Closed?

To The Editor:

The two dams, Highland Lake and Woods Pond, in Bridgton managed by the

Public Works Department are currently mostly closed. The standard practice throughout Maine is the “winter draw down” Oct. 15, for the sum mer the closing of the dams is May 1, on or about. In the past two weeks, 4.60 inches of rain fell close to the average for the entire month. Highland Lake winter drawdown level is 5.4. Woods Pond is 3.5.

While both lakes remain close to town policy levels, one at the other above. As I am very familiar with Woods Pond water levels and dam manipulations will speak about those. The west gate of the dam was opened on Oct. 14, the level 3.7, by then the rains had started. By Oct. 17 with 3.75 inches of rain and the level was 4.0, the dam was fully opened. As expected, the level dropped to 3.6, above but within proper policy guide lines. Unexpectedly and need lessly, contrary to town policy and a waste of taxpayers’ dol lars, the dam was fully closed on Oct. 24. The level rose, hovering at 3.8, which is not in compliance with policy. The upper gate was slightly raised to appease criticism, again a useless gesture. The lake went up instead of down, and the criticism continues.

So why are the dams still closed? There has been no response from the town. They

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

ally find the famed gunpowder company Laflin & Rand. But here in Maine, Lester Laflin established what he called the “Gorham Powder Works,” and began manu facturing black powder in various grades — an industry he started here but not one, ultimately, that he would long oversee. For in 1827, he was drowned in an accident on Sebago Lake, together with his business partner and mill overseer, and the powder works was soon purchased and expanded by Oliver Whipple in 1828, a former employee of Laflin’s father’s mills down in Massachusetts.

With the Cumberland & Oxford Canal then under construction, and lying along company land beside the mills, Whipple was soon able to purchase and import

THE BLAST, Page 2B

have received ample memos detailing the erratic dam man agement behavior. If there is a logical reason, then surely the issue could be under stood. As the town is asking its taxpayers to increase their taxes, surely the town wants to assure voters it is not doing another “make work” project and spending tax dollars wise ly, prudently for a meaningful purpose.

Closing and opening the dams during winter draw down is as useful and waste ful as plowing snow in July, as destructive as the strong winds and rainstorms dur ing October, November and December.

Barry DeNofrio Bridgton

He has the background

To The Editor:

Even if you never met Barry Powers, just reading his responses in the recent Bridgton News article, “On the Ballot. We asked the Candidates,” would tell you most of what you need to know. He has the needed back ground in business, the empa thy of a husband and father, the concern for his commu nity of someone who gets involved (Sebago’s Budget

Committee, the Lions and the Branchducker’s Snowmobile Club) and the desire to work with others involved in gov erning to reach good decisions that benefit all.

In addition, he is just a really nice man. He has been busy reaching out to anyone and every group he meets to find out what their needs are.

At a family barbeque kick off to Sebago’s school year, I watched him seek out the new principal and superintendent, asking what they needed.

We are a bipartisan cou ple, one of us a registered Democrat and one a regis tered Republican. But, we will have no trouble voting alike in support of Barry Powers (for House District 84). We hope you do too.

Claudia and Phil Lowe Sebago

Elect a teacher

To The Editor: I urge the voters of Fryeburg, Lovell, Brownfield, Hiram, and Porter to sup port Nathan Burnett to rep resent Maine House District 82. A math and computer science teacher at Sacopee Valley High for 11 years, he is both forward-looking and

SMOKE ON THE WATER at Mill Pond in Denmark.

(Photo by Mick Early)

level-headed, with an excel lent sense of the needs of our young people. He is commit ted to working on the practi cal goals of improving internet connectivity, upgrading ener gy efficiency, and support ing our youth in overcoming pandemic-induced educational gaps. Given his years of expe rience as an educator and com municator, combined with his focus, critical thinking skills, and heart for community ser vice, I’m convinced he will make a positive contribution in Augusta.

This is his third run for this seat; I am in awe of his persistence and hard work. In his effort to connect with voters and their concerns, he has knocked on over 3,700 doors so far and had conversa tions with almost 2,000 vot ers. Spending many hours and traveling many more miles canvassing our district, he has distributed all the 4,000 bro chures he ordered in May, and has had to fall back on his campaign materials left over from 2020. This extraordinary personal outreach effort amply demonstrates his willingness to serve and faithfully repre sent our towns.

Given the way the U.S. Supreme Court seems to be handing major issues over to the states, the qualifications and maturity of our state leg islators have never been more crucial. Like his campaign signs say: Elect a teacher.

Katherine Rhoda Hiram

Feisty with wisdom

To The Editor:

I am writing in support of Barry Powers running for office in House District 84. I recently met Mr. Powers when he came to my house to intro duce himself as a candidate. Barry is a breath of fresh air, young enough to be feisty yet old enough to have developed some wisdom. He arrived at

my house ready to listen and gave me plenty of opportunity to share my thoughts.

Mr. Powers represents a new generation that does not fear change, but maintains a healthy respect for the labors of those who came before him.

Jerry Holt Sebago

The inflation bug-a-boo

To The Editor:

The president and his spokespeople keep going round and round with explanations about inflation. Putin caused it, or Trump caused it, or there is zero inflation, and when all else fails, Putin did it.

President Biden knows that one of the keys to taming infla tion is to increase the output of oil, natural gas, and coal (fos sil fuels). However, Biden is chained into his embrace of the religion of “Climate Change” to which he has become a convert. This conversion to the First Church of the Fickle Climate and Discount House of Worship enabled Biden to sat isfy his lust for the presidency (a tip of the hat to Don Imus).

Biden’s climate change war riors insist that America cease producing fossil fuels and switch to not ready for primetime electric vehicles, leaving the economy in shambles.

Of course, Biden also knows that slowing the rate of spending will slow inflation.

Unfortunately, President Biden has tithed the climate church agenda and doubles down on spending creating even more inflation.

That leaves the Federal Reserve Bank to raise inter est rates in order to cut infla tion. Unfortunately, this will slow the economy and further hurt the American people. It’s a bit like driving a tack with a sledgehammer.

The Biden crew of welleducated imbeciles could really put a dent in the upward infla tion spiral by a few strokes of the pen to permanently rescind the anti-fossil fuel regulations

Opinions

Helpful tips from gardening websites

a physical therapist, I have seen, and continue to see, both evidence-based information, and something I term voodoobased information, written by individuals whose credentials have not been evaluated. It is very important for each user of the Internet to take the time to investigate the author, or source, of the information. The author’s credentials are easy to find, as is the experience they have documented as evi dence of their expertise in the field. I believe that to be valid and reliable, the best information must be research-based.

In the previous column I wrote, I listed a few of my favor ite gardening books that I have in my personal library. But… books do cost money. For this column, I am listing a few of the websites that I go to for gardening and landscaping information:

https://www.nwf.org

This is the website for the National Wildlife Federation. On this site is information about wildlife, conservation issues, threats to environment and habitats.

https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/

One option I find especially useful on this website is that a person can enter a zip code and a list will be generated of plants native to that area.

https://www.nativeplanttrust.org

On this website, you can search for plants clicking the topic “For Your Garden” and scrolling down to “Garden Plant Finder.” You can search under categories of plant type, flower color, season of bloom and many additional characteristics of the plant.

https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org

Get

This site there is a “simple key” that assists the user in identification of “over 1,200 common native and naturalized New England plants.”

https://www.ecolandscaping.org

This is the website for the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

On the site there are articles to read for free, such as Northeast Native Plant Primer by Uri Lorimer, and events and webinars that are available to register for at a cost for non-members. For example, on Nov. 16 there is a webinar titled “100 plants to feed the monarch butterflies” and the cost for non-mem bers to register is only $10.

https://www.humanegardener.com/

The content on this website is mostly written by the author of one of the books I cited in the previous column (The Humane Gardener by Nancy Lawson). Examples of articles include: The Frogs are Calling, Will We Listen?, Lessons from the Trees, Let Plants Choose Destinies https://www.pollinatorgardens.org

This website was created in 2011 by Dr. Annie White, who has a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Vermont. The goal of this website is to provide information about the best plant selection for pollinators in the northeast. Dr. White is well-known for her research comparing “true” native plants versus cultivars with respect to the ability to attract and support pollinators. https://www.audubon.org

TIPS, Page

TOWN OF BRIDGTON Bridgton Recycling Committee

PAY-PER-BAG ORDINANCE

The Select Board of Bridgton Recommends a ‘YES’ Vote On Question 1: Pay-Per-Bag Ordinance

Here’s Why You Should Vote ‘Yes’ on Pay-Per-Bag:

Pay-Per-Bag will save our town thousands of dollars by encouraging recycling and reducing the amount of household trash brought to the Transfer Station.

Bridgton pays over twice as much to get rid of household trash (“Tipping” fee: $79.50 per ton) as it does for recyclables ($35.00 per ton).

Pay-Per-Bag will help reduce the cost to our town of operating the Transfer Station by approximately 37%.

Pay-Per-Bag is FAIR. Each household pays only for the trash it generates. The more you recycle and compost, the fewer bags you need to buy. Everyone including ‘haulers’ and visitors who use the Transfer station will be required to purchase and use designated bags for trash.

Recycling is FREE. There is NO fee to discard recyclables, no bags required.

Composting is FREE: There is NO fee to discard compost, no bags required.

Recycling and composting more and reducing household trash will save money for the town and every household.

Recycling and composting make sense for the beautiful environment we all treasure.

Opinions

Helpful tips from gardening websites

Most people know this website for the information and local event about birds. There is also a place for a person to input zip code and get a list of native plants for that area.

https://wildseedproject.net

This website provides abundant information about plants and trees, etc. native to Maine. There are articles about how to choose and how to plant native Maine seeds. The seeds from plants gathered here in Maine are sold by the project. You can click on the category “Shop” and choose “native seeds” where there are pictures and information about each plant.

At the very bottom of the page there is a nice spreadsheet that shows the season in which the plant will bloom (spring, summer, fall). This is especially useful for planning a garden for pollinators because pollinators need food throughout each season.

https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/pollinator-gardencertification/

This site has the application to have a garden certified as a Pollinator Friendly Garden Certification. The application lists plants by season to allow the applicant to check-off the plants in their own garden. To be certified, a garden must have three plants for each season and there must be a cluster of at least three plants of each species. So, to be certified a garden must include a minimum of nine different species of plants native to New England region and 4 different caterpillar hosts.

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-pollinatorsestablishing-wildflower-meadow-seed-fact-sheet

This website has great information regarding how to cre ate a wildflower meadow.

https://extension.unh.edu/agriculture-gardens/yard-garden/ new-hampshire-master-gardeners

This website contains great information for many aspects of gardening.

https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/

This is the website for the Maine Cooperative Extension Service that focuses on gardening issues. The website allows you to ask a gardener questions, get assistance for diagnos ing a problem, provides a listing of webinars, assistance with insect pests and plant diseases, and much more.

So, for now I will put my gardening clothes in contain ers and store them in the basement. It is time to begin the mystery tour of what is in each container and being honest about if the item is really needed, or determining

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

Bridgton Town Office OFFICE CLOSED

The Town Clerk’s Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 8 for staff administration of the Election. 2T43

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON Public Hearing VARIANCE APPLICATION

The Harrison Board of Appeals will meet Thurs., November 17, 2022 at 6 p.m., at the Harrison Town Office, 20 Front St., Harrison for an Application for a Variance submitted by William Holden, Tax Map 45 Lot 105, Depot St., Harrison. 2T44

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 61 INVITATION TO BID FIRE ALARM SYSTEM UPGRADE BID #12.1.22

Lake Region Schools/MSAD #61 is conducting a com petitive bid process for the Fire Alarm System Upgrade at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton, Maine. Bids will be opened and read aloud at 2 p.m. at the Super intendent’s Office, 900 Portland Rd., in Bridgton, Maine at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022.

The detailed Notice to Contractors is on the Bureau of General Services website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bgs/business-opportunities and Lake Region Schools website: https://www.lakeregionschools.org/en-US/ superintendents-office 1T44

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Waterford

SALE OF CASE 580M SERIES II TURBO BACKHOE LOADER

The Town is accepting sealed bids for a 2006 Case 580M Series II Turbo Backhoe Loader. (SER #N6C401556 with 2,215 hours showing on the meter). Unit is sold AS-IS/ WHERE-is with no warranty implied. Unit can be viewed at 516 Waterford Road (Town Garage). Bid packages are available at the Town Office, 366 Valley Road and on the Town’s website (www.waterfordme.org).

Bids are due Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., and will be opened at the Selectmen’s Meeting that evening.

The Town reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, and to waive any and all informalities, and to negotiate sale terms with the Successful Bidder, and the right to disregard all noncomforming or conditional Bids.

Bids must be received at the Town of Waterford Municipal Office in a sealed labeled “2006 Case Loader”.

Payment for full amount must accompany the bid in the form of a certified check or money order. Any bid, which does not contain the full bid amount will be rejected. The highest bidders’ payment will be retained by the Town to complete the transaction; unsuccessful bidder funds will be returned.

what the item is and what does it do? Wish me luck! In the past, my friends did not believe me when I told them that I throw stuff away, but gremlins bring it back. Note to self… Purchase a remote camera to document the gremlins in my basement

Letters

and restrictions. Also, stop spending on the Green agenda.

The Biden Team won’t do either of these common-sense solutions, but a Republican House, Senate and State Houses will stymie the spend ing and be able to pressure the president to rethink his unsus tainable position on fossil fuel.

In November, we need to vote a straight Republican tick et to bring back sanity to our local, state and federal govern ments.

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Walter will listen

To The Editor:

Whether you’re a “D” or an “R” or “none of the above,” politics is a hard game to play these days. As we approach another Election Day, I think it’s important to discount the negative advertising and the demonizing of the opposition and focus more on those things

that bring us together rather than drive us apart.

What kind of people do we want to represent us in Augusta? For me I want a steady, clear thinking, open minded, consensus builder, who will practice inclusion and cooperation, spend our tax dol lars wisely and do the hard work of serving all the people in the district. For me, that per son is Walter Riseman.

I’ve known Walter for many years and serve as the treasurer in this campaign. Yes, I am biased, but I have great respect for Walter’s embrace of the Independent label as a way to show his disdain for hav ing to check with party leaders before expressing an opinion. He deserves credit for taking that road less traveled and he serves his constituents better because of it.

Here is what I have seen in the two terms that Walter has served in the legislature: he seeks to cooperate with adver saries, not antagonize them; he works to clarify issues, not obfuscate them; and he takes ownership of the positions he does take. He practices fair ness and honesty, not deceit and deflection; he finds ways to help others and is not focused on “what’s in it for me,” and he

Legals

Public Notice

TOWN OF DENMARK Board of Selectmen Meeting

The Select Board will be meeting on Tuesday, No vember 15, 2022, in lieu of the regular scheduled meeting on November 8 due to State Elections.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON Winter Parking Ban

Notice is being given that from November 15, 2022, to April 15, 2023; parking on all public streets, roads, and parking lots is prohibited during snowstorms. Vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. This is being done to facilitate the plowing of snow.

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 61 INVITATION TO BID UNIT VENTILATOR UPGRADE BID #11.21.22

Lake Region Schools/MSAD #61 is conducting a compet itive bid process for Unit Ventilator Replacement at Lake Region Middle School in Naples, Maine.

Bids will be opened and read aloud at 2 p.m. at the Super intendent’s Office, 900 Portland Rd., in Bridgton, Maine at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022.

The detailed Notice to Contractors is on the Bureau of General Services website: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bgs/business-opportunities and Lake Region Schools website: https://www.lakeregionschools.org/en-US/ superintendents-office 1T44

TOWN OF BRIDGTON 3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Bridgton and Cumberland County Community Development Block Grant Program 2023

Please be advised the Town of Bridgton is soliciting applica tions for the TOWN OF BRIDGTON AND CUMBERLAND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM for fiscal year 2023. Applica tions will be released on the Town of Bridgton website on November 7, 2022. Applications shall fall under the following types of projects/programs: Public Service, Public Infrastruc ture/Facility, Housing, Downtown Revitalization, or Econom ic Development. Applications must meet one of two national objectives: serving those with low to moderate income or for the elimination of slum and blight. Applications will be reviewed by staff and forwarded to the Community Develop ment Advisory Committee (CDAC) for a recommendation, and then forwarded to the Selectboard for approval.

Applications are due January 6, 2023, before 4 p.m. Ap plicants are encouraged to attend a public workshop with CDAC staff to review requirements and project eligibility. The workshop will take place December 14, 2022, at 9 a.m. Any questions may be directed to Victoria Hill, Community Development Director for the Town of Bridgton via e-mail to vhill@bridgtonmaine.org or by calling 207-595-3560.

treats others as he would want to be treated — the golden rule. Walter is also a strong believer in our democratic institutions and supports efforts to protect our right to vote and keep our democracy safe from those who would attack it or turn their back on it.

Politics can be a pretty rough and tumble business and you may not agree with every position Walter takes, but you can always count on him to be thoughtful, fiscally responsible, caring, open minded and inde pendent — not looking to party leadership to tell him how to vote. Walter will listen to you. I like that. We need that. That’s why I encourage you to vote for Walter Riseman (House District 83) and return him to the state legislature for another term.

Jonathan Whitney Waterford

It’s up to us

To The Editor: I started writing letters to the editor in defense of the United States Constitution back in March, 2020. This year, I wrote some 22 letters to date. I want to thank — first, the editor of The Bridgton News for pub lishing those letters. Second, I want to thank those people who read my letters. Thirdly, I want to express my apprecia tion to those who take the time to respond to my letters.

My letters are not about me with the exception of this one. My letters are in defense of the Constitution of the United States. I love the United States. My paternal and mater nal grandparents came to this country not even able to speak English. Two generations later, I served my country honorably

LETTERS, Page 4B

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Office Closures

The Naples Town Office will be closed as follows:

• Friday, November 11, 2022, in observance of Veterans’ Day.

• Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 24, 25, and 26, 2022, in observance of Thanksgiving. 3T43

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Public Hearing

Liquor License Application

The Naples Select Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 6 p.m. It will take place at 15 Village Green Lane. On the agenda: • Liquor License Application for the property found on Tax Map U04 Lot 01 located at 12 Lakes Plaza Drive (also known as Annette’s Country Skillet Diner). The public is welcome. 2T44

Public Notice

TOWN OF SEBAGO

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Sebago Planning Board will hold the following Public Hearing on November 17, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Sebago Town Office Building. Amendments to the Land Use Ordinance Use Tables Proposed by the Ordinance Review Committee. Copies Available at the Town Office 1T44

Public Notice

TOWN OF DENMARK BOARD OF APPEALS Notice of Public Hearing

To continue prior Public Hearing from 8/11/2022 for: Zoning Ordinance, Section 5.15.6. of the Wire less Communication Facilities & Communication Towers Ordinance. Specially, it states “At its base, the tower shall be no wider than 4'. No individual member of the tower may have a diameter or thickness larger than 4".

By Vertex Tower Assets and John H. Khiel, III RE: Map 009 Lot 002 65 Bull Ring Road Denmark, Maine 04022

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022 Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Denmark Municipal

TRANSYLVANIA TRANSPLANT— This still rooted red oak has crimson-colored leaves that look like a vampire in a cloak or a bat taking flight. (De Busk Photo)

Obituaries Opinions

Donnalene MacDonald

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Donnalene (Merrill) MacDonald, 66, of Bridgewater on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, after a long illness.

She was born on March 6, 1956, in Portland, to Don and Elaine Merrill. She graduated from Windham High School.

She enjoyed the many years that she volunteered at Casco Rescue. She loved her dogs and loved spending time with family and relatives, always up for an adventure, loved the outdoors and the holidays, especially “Holloween.”

She will be remembered for her love of family and animals, especially elephants.

She is survived by her husband, David MacDonald; her two children, Mathew and Jessica LeMay; her father, Donald Merrill; her sister, Laurette Barron; her grandchildren and great-grandson; and former husband, Robert LeMay.

She was pre-deceased by her mother, Elaine Merrill.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022 at the Murch Cemetery in South Casco.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Donnalene’s memory to an animal shelter of your choice.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco, where condolences and tributes may be shared at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

John A. Graustein

FALMOUTH — John Archer Graustein, 80, died peacefully at home on October 23, 2022. He was born October 30, 1941, in Cam bridge, Mass., a son of Archibald Robertson Graustein Jr. and Doris McGee Graustein. They resided in Arlington, Mass.

John and his older brother Bob moved to Fryeburg in 1947 with their mother and stepfather, David R. Hastings II.

John attended Fryeburg grade school and then Fryeburg Academy for three years, from 1955-1958. His senior year he attended Mount Hermon School in Mt. Hermon, Mass. He graduated in 1959 and went on to Bowdoin College in Brunswick. John was the James Bowdoin Scholar senior year, 1963. Diploma in hand, he spent the summer working various jobs in Fryeburg before attending Harvard Law School from fall of 1963 until graduating the spring of 1966. He then clerked in a Portland, Oregon, law firm for a few months, finding time to ski at Mount Hood.

He went on to spend two years in the U.S. Army, one year in Korea on the DMZ at Camp Rose. John was in the First Bat talion, Second Armored Division and was promoted to Captain while in Korea.

John returned home to Fryeburg in his fancy new red XKE Jaguar. Not knowing what to do next, he looked up his old sum mer romance, Barbara Bradley, a recent graduate of Oberlin Col lege who had been teaching third and fourth grade in Evanston, Ill., before spending a year teaching in Beirut, Lebanon. They got together and decided it was high time to get married. The joyous wedding was August 2, 1969, just six weeks after their reunion.

John and Barbara moved to Portland, Maine, where he began his law career with Drummond, Wescott, Woodsum Law Firm, now Drummond Woodsum. Barbara got a teaching job at North School, Portland.

Their sons Andrew (Emily Clasen) and Bradley (Laura Ol sen) were born in 1978 and 1982. Now John and Barbara have four grandsons: Aiden Henry and Owen Fess of Albuquerque, N.M., and Connor Clasen and Ryder John of Seattle, Wash.

He was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather, a brother, LCDR Robert S. Graustein, and a nephew, Kent S. Graustein.

In addition to his wife, sons, daughter-in-laws and grand children, he is survived by his siblings, David R. Hastings; Ann E. Hastings and many nieces and nephews including one greatgreat-niece in Hawaii.

As John said many times the last two years, “We have had a good run.”

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m., on No vember 6, 2022, at Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Fal mouth Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105. A reception will follow at the church. Burial will be in Fryeburg at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Bowdoin College, Falmouth Veterinary Hospital or a charity of one’s choice.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign John’s on line guest book.

JoAnne Greene Merritt

JoAnne was raised in an ac tive 4-H family in Sebago. She attended Sebago Elementary, Pot ter Academy and graduated from Bridgton High School. She was able to travel and see parts of the world (as a military wife) where she studied at Monterey Peninsula College in California, lived in An tigua, Newfoundland, Argentina and Labrador before returning to Sebago.

She volunteered over the years in Sebago, was an independent flo ral designer and worked for National Semiconductor, and Irwin Industrial Tool. She had a love of NASCAR, camping, hunting, fishing, baking, crocheting, music, babies, and her mom.

She was predeceased by her parents Leona and Dwight Greene and her brothers Robert and Theodore as well as her infant sister Nancy. She is survived by her daughter Krystina Messer of North Carolina, four grandchildren, cousins, a niece, nephews and their families.

Graveside service will be held at the North Baldwin Cem etery on Route 107 on Saturday, November 26 at 1p.m.

Robert E. McDermott

DENMARK — Robert E. Mc Dermott, 96, longtime resident of Denmark, Maine and previously of Dedham, Mass., died peace fully at his home on Oct. 25, 2022. He was born on Jan. 17, 1926, in Boston to Francis J. McDermott, a veteran of World War I, and Astha Andersen, originally of Oslo, Nor way.

Robert was proud of many things in his life, among them his service to the nation in World War II and his 45-year career with the railroad. A few months before he was to turn 18, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served faithfully in the Pacific during the war and for over a year after the war during the Occupation. He was a radio operator on a minesweeper, the U.S.S. Seer, and was deployed in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Strait of For mosa, and the Japanese Inland Sea. In the early days of the new Cold War, his unit was sent to Shanghai, China, after which they returned home. After his honorable discharge from the military, Bob returned to his job with New York Central Railroad as a brakeman and remained employed there until his retirement.

On Jan. 30, 1954 Robert married Helen M. Newell, of Millis, Mass. They were married for 55 years. Helen predeceased him in 2009. Robert is survived by five of his children: Ann Castle, Jim McDermott (Gayle) of Aguilar, Colo., Maureen (Larry), Karen, and Tom (Annmarie). In addition, he is survived by his son-in-law, Richard. Robert is also survived by ten grandchil dren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen, and two sons-in-law, James and Vincent.

Bob was self-reliant and very independent in mind and spirit. He thought for himself. He read the newspapers daily and cared about what happened in the world. He understood the notion of sacrifice for the larger good and contributed to coun try, family, and community in honorable ways. He may have considered himself a more solitary type, but if you got him out among people, you’d never know it. He could tell stories and regale a small audience.

Since November 2016 Bob was the proud steward of the Boston Post Cane, an honor that was so wonderfully bestowed on him by the selectmen of the Town of Denmark — such a spirited affirmation of his value as a citizen of great age.

Bob was so lucky to live in a very caring community full of kind people who looked out for his welfare. He had an amazing support person, Maria, who was devoted to his care and who provided extraordinary comfort to him in his final days. We also give very special thanks to the Stacy Brothers of Denmark, who supported our father through decades of attention, and who most importantly encouraged him to do the Honor Flight Maine. That trip to Washington, DC with his son Tom in June of 2018 was one of the great events of Robert’s life. We also express heartfelt thanks for all Bob’s neighbors and everyone at the Denmark Town Office, who provided so much support and encouragement.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Bridgton, on Sat. Nov. 12, 2022 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are being made by Chandler Funeral Home in Bridgton.

Please see: https://www.chandlerfunerals.com/obituaries

Letters

from Page 3B)

in the Navy. I worked and lived around the world, attended col lege, earned a doctorate from Boston University and worked in education for over 30 years. Only in America! I taught about the Civil War; I taught about Autocracy/Fascism in Europe and the United States. I watched the events of Jan. 6, 2021 unfold before my eyes. My heart is broken. What is the cliché — those who don’t con sider history are condemned to repeat it!

One might think some insti tutions like Congress, the DOJ or whatever, will rescue democ racy in the United States. Well, that dog don’t hunt! It is up to us — “We, The People…” — to save our Constitution.

I have not heard one syllable of defense of Donald Trump’s character. I have not heard one syllable of defense of Donnie’s conduct before, during and/or after the Nov. 3, 2020 elec tion. Donnie is an autocrat, who formulated a big lie and is perpetuating that lie to this very day. There is not, nor has there ever been, a shred of evidence supporting Donnie’s big lie. Furthermore, I have not heard one syllable of defense for Donnie’s calling the mob to Washington, inciting that mob to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6,

2021, then going back to the White House to watch the sedi tion on television.

I hear conspiracy theories, talking points, and Tucker Carlson rants, but nothing that suggests any defense of our Constitution. So here we are, five days before Election Day. We all must take a seri ous look in the mirror. Do we vote for the party? Do we vote for the least of two evils? Do we vote on a favorite issue, or do we vote to “protect and defend” the Constitution of the United States? Make no mis take, without the Constitution of the United States, there are no other issues! I am an Independent voter, and will vote for candidates who have condemned the Jan. 6 sedition in public. I urge all reading this letter to demand the candidates they vote for to demonstrate their condemnation of Jan. 6, in public; then go to the polls and vote to save the Constitution.

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

Inflation, Taxation and the Economy

To The Editor: Inflation is a global prob lem that is hitting us all in

LETTERS, Page 5B

Timothy Symonds

CASCO — Timothy Symonds peacefully passed away from pan creatic cancer on October 31, 2022, with his family at his side in Casco, Maine. He was born on February 19, 1943, to Merton G. Symonds and Alberta L. (Shane) Symonds. He grew up on Winslow Road in Casco and had a wonderful child hood filled with adventure, friends, and family.

He was educated in Casco and graduated in 1961 as Salutatorian of his class. He went on to be edu cated at the University of Maine. He married Linda Johnson and became a father of four. He often said fatherhood was the most important role in his life, in addition to being a grandfather and great-grandfather.

He started his wood working career with his beloved grandfa ther and grandmother, William and Mildred Symonds. There they would craft wooden handles and later branched out to make doors and windows. He went to work for his father, M G Symonds & Son and learned the craft of building and restoring homes and cottages in the lakes area. He built several homes valued over millions of dollars, but his greatest pleasure was restoring homes. He loved his customers and cherished them as friends and family.

From 1965 through 1970, he raced at Oxford Plains Speed way. At one point being nicknamed, “The Casco Kid.”

From 1978 through 1980, he held the position of Casco fire chief. He procured the land and built the Central Fire Station with the help of donations and many volunteers.

In August of 2003, he married Rose Andrews-Symonds. He thought of her family as his own. They began working together as T & R Builders & Home Management. They built homes, cot tages, and maintained properties.

He became curator for the Raymond/Casco Historical Soci ety Museum in 2017. He also finished the Quaker School House interior where he helped his cousin Philip Shane lay the granite stairs.

Tim was an avid outdoorsman in various forms all of his life. As a younger man he loved to hunt with family and friends, but in more recent years, it was hiking that drew him outside. Some times two to three times a week he would make a mountain or trail in Maine or New Hampshire his destination.

He battled for more than 10 years with cancer, macular de generation, and Meniere’s Disease. These slowed his career, but not his spirit. He was always working to make life better for his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Rose; brother Gary Sy monds; children Theresa Cosgrove, William Symonds, Robert Symonds, Angela Moen and their spouses; as well as stepchil dren Lynda Mann and Amy Andrews. He is also survived by grandchildren Sarah Jones, Jonathon Cosgrove, Katherine Cos grove, David Cosgrove, Thomas Symonds, Emily Jones, Lydia Symonds, Daniel Symonds, Chantale Symonds, Nathaniel Sy monds, Rebekah Symonds, Samuel Symonds, Cody Moen, Ben jamin Moen, Robert Mann, Ashley Hanscom, Joshua Mikolay and Matthew Mikolay, as well as several cherished great-grand children.

Visiting hours for Tim will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at the Hall Funeral Home on Quaker Ridge in Cas co. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 4. Condolences and tributes may be shared with Tim’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Obituary Policy

To run at no charge, The News will include: who the person was pre deceased by (i.e. parents, siblings, spouse, children), or survived by (i.e. spouse or significant other, children, and parents). Names of spouses of surviving relatives will not be included.

Names of grandchildren will not be included, but the number of grandchil dren or nephews and nieces will be used. If the deceased individual’s only connection to the area is a nephew, niece or grandchild, that person will be listed by name.

Obituaries to run “as written” are paid obituaries, a price quote and proof will be provided. The News reserves the right to edit all obituaries including length if necessary.

The Bridgton News P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 tel. 207-647-2851 | fax 207-647-5001 e-mail: bnews@roadrunner.com

Letters

Maine. If a politician tries to tell you that he or she alone can fix it, especially a state politi cian, be on guard. As State Representatives, though, we can help ease the pain of rising costs. I applaud the bipartisan action of our State Legislature in providing much needed inflation relief to all but the highest income Mainers with $850 relief checks this sum mer. We can do big things when we act as Mainers first instead of Democrats or Republicans and need more of that in Augusta.

With 3.3% unemployment, we need to keep creating good jobs, as well. That said, those at the top of the income pyra mid didn’t need $850 as much as those who are on Social Security or working two jobs

Obituaries & Opinions

just to feed their families.

Targeted, income-based relief in the form of tax cuts to those who need it most are necessary until inflation is reigned in.

In addition, I would ana lyze the impact of rolling back the LePage era sales tax increases from 5.5% to the old 5% rate to provide direct relief to Maine consumers. Heading into the winter months, heat ing assistance needs to be streamlined as well to help provide immediate relief to those most in need. With a record Rainy Day fund and a 2022 budget surplus of close to $600 million we can afford to do more.

If you choose to send me to Augusta on Nov. 8, I would work across the aisle with my colleagues to get policies like these enacted into law.

Barry Powers Candidate for Maine State House, District 84 Baldwin, Naples, Sebago, Standish, Steep Falls

Obituaries

Clifton E. Hall

WESTBROOK — Clifton

“Clif” E. Hall, 93, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, at the Stroudwater Lodge Senior Living Facility in Westbrook. Born in Gray on May 17, 1929, Clif was the last of four children born to Merton S. and Sarah (Field) Hall. He attended Pennell Institute in Gray and graduated in 1947. From there, he attended Gor ham State Teachers College (GSTC) in Gorham, graduating in 1951. In later years, Clif obtained his Master’s Degree in Educa tion at the University of Maine in Orono. Prior to his college education, Clif was invited in 1947 to spring training in Vero Beach, Fla., to tryout for the Brooklyn Dodgers professional baseball team. From there he was assigned to a Dodgers minor league team in Valdo sta, Ga., where he played for one season. Deciding that base ball was not going to be a full-time career, Clif returned to Maine (GSTC) to attend college where he obtained a degree in Industrial Arts Education. It was here at GSTC where he met the love of his life, his wife, Anne, whom he married in 1951 and remained married to for 71 years. After college, Clif went into teaching at Dixfield High School in 1952, and then in 1953, went into teaching at Bridgton High School where he remained for 17 years. In 1969, he was named director of Vocational Education at Lake Region Vocational Center in Naples where he remained until his retirement in 1987. In re tirement, Clif had a myriad of interests in including traveling the U.S. with his wife Anne. Many trips were made to their favorite locations in Florida, New Mexico, and Arizona. Also at this time, Clif and Anne started their own antique business, Family Tree Antiques from which they derived many years of pleasure. A lover of sports, Clif played baseball and basketball at both Pennell Institute and Gorham State Teachers College. He was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame for baseball.

Clif is predeceased by his parents, brothers Donald and Arnold Hall, and sister, Arlene Burnham. He is survived by his wife Anne (Bridges) Hall, son David and his wife Jean of Buxton, son Thomas of Raymond, and daughter Patricia Kohler and her husband, David of Raymond, four grandchil dren, Amy, Brett, Anne, and Jay, and four great-grandchildren, Kevin, Ivy, Oliver, and Evelyn.

The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Stroudwater Lodge Senior Living Facility for their almost three years of kindness and care.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, November 9, 5-7 p.m. at the Windham Chapel of Dolby, Blais & Segee, 434 River Road, Windham. Private burial will be in at the Gray Village Cemetery. Condolences to the family may expressed at www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com

PPB really a tax

To The Editor:

Pay-Per-Bag is simply a tax increase, disguised as an environmental goal to tug at citizen’s heart strings. It is an admirable goal for all of us to recycle more and to improve our impact on the world around us; the harsh reality is PPB will do almost nothing to reach these recycling goals… it is just a tax increase.

I would encourage all of my fellow citizens to read Murray Rothbard’s “Anatomy of the

Jon Chappell Bridgton

The Blast Heard Round the Country

quantities of the necessary materials to make gun powder – Sulphur imported to Portland from Sicily, Saltpeter manufactured in India, and Charcoal burned from the valuable timberland of the upper stretches of the Sebago Lakes route, including Bridgton, Naples and Harrison. By this extraordinary supply chain, Whipple began producing and selling gunpowder by the keg, up to 25 pounds per barrel, and exporting shipments of up to 250 barrels at a time, all sent down the canal for sale in Portland.

Ultimately, following the death of Whipple’s brother and son in an explosion in 1855, the company was sold to Gilbert Newhall of Salem, who re-organized it as the “Oriental Powder Company,” under which name it con tinued into the early 20th century. Exporting vast quanti ties of powder to European armies for use in the Crimean War, by the 1860s, the Oriental Powder Company was one of the four largest producers of gunpowder in America, and it is estimated that upwards of 25% of all gunpowder used by the Union Army in the Civil War, was originally ground out right here on the Presumpscot

William J. Berger 1950-2022

William J. Berger, of Bridg ton, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris on September 24, 2022, from end-stage Parkinson’s disease. He was 72 years old.

William (Bill) was born in Flushing, N.Y., on January 24, 1950, to William F. Berger and Dorothy (Belowski) Berger. He was raised in Williston Park, N.Y., and was a graduate of St. John’s University before joining the Unit ed States Marine Corps where he served for 26 years. After retiring from the military, he was a govern ment contractor doing logistics work in the Washington, D.C., area before obtaining his master’s degree and becoming a spe cial education teacher in Virginia.

Bill moved to Maine in 2006 and spent nine years teaching special education and science for Oxford Hills High School. He volunteered with St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bridgton, teach ing religious education and helping with the parish food pantry.

Bill was a lifelong Yankees fan and thoroughly enjoyed lis tening to the Beatles.

He is predeceased by his parents, William and Dorothy, his sister AnnMarie and his son Billy. He is survived by his wife Beatrix (Bridgton), daughters Gabrielle (Bridgton) and Heidi (Hiram), son-in-law Jason (Hiram) and grandson Jacob (Hi ram).

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing staff at Maine Veterans Home in South Paris where Bill resided for the past 3 ½ years. Their kindness and care to both Bill and his family throughout his stay, are appreciated beyond words.

A memorial service will be held on November 19th at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bridgton followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine Vet erans Home in South Paris.

River in Gorham.

This fact brings us to the subject of today’s column. In the midst of the Civil War, the federal government was purchasing as much gun powder as the Oriental mills could produce, at approximately 1,250 tons per year; that’s a lot of black powder to handle, all being compounded in great vats, dried out into cakes, and then ground down by mill-wheel into refined powder. Such mills, when grinding down any substance into powder, already face an elevated risk of fire and explosion from the particulate hanging in the air, which can catch and ignite ordinary substances as docile as flour. When you consider that in this case, the actual substance being produced was itself explosive, and intended by its very chemistry to ignite violently at the merest spark, then it is not perhaps surprising to learn that in this era accidental detonations of the powder mill, its product, and often its workers along with it were horrifyingly common.

Powder was ground in multiple warehouses, and workers were not allowed to wear shoes in summer, and wore wooden clogs in winter, to avoid the risk of acci dently striking a spark. They loaded powder with wooden shovels into entirely wooden wheelbarrows, and packed it in kegs made of oak and bound without any nails or iron bands, instead using bent willow hoops to bind the barrels. Accidents can always happen, and in such cir cumstances even the slightest mistake could mean catas trophe. Over the course of its century of operation, the Gambo mills exploded at least 32 times, claiming over that period some 46 lives. These explosions ranged from small detonations, claiming only a canal boat and a few hands, to large blasts that jumped the river and leveled mills and warehouses on either side, sending up hundreds of barrels of powder at a time. The blasts, transmitted as earthquakes, were often felt in Portland, and the shock waves that regularly rattled Gorham, as morbid as it may seem, came to be known in that locale as a signal which was often responded to by two separate groups; one, the bands of rescuers and fire-fighters ready to respond to the latest tragedy, and two, an eager group of unemployed locals, immediately seeking work to replace those unfor tunate millhands vaporized by the blast.

Today’s featured column took place in May of 1862, when one of the largest blasts in the company’s his tory ripped through the mills on both sides of the Presumpscot. The reason I am telling this story, is that is has a Bridgton angle. As reported in the Republican Journal of April 9, 1862;

“The Explosion of Powder Mills at Gorham and Windham. The Advertiser has full particulars of this explosion, from which we learn that the first explosion took place in the glazing mill on the Windham side of the Presumpscot River. Next a mill on the Gorham side immediately exploded. Then, almost simultaneously, two more mills on the Gorham side, and four more on the Windham side blew up – making eight mills in all. The machinery was thrown to a great distance from the mills. There were about 200 barrels of powder in the mills. The origin of the explosion cannot be accounted for. The glazing mill, where it occurred, was considered the safest running mill in the country. There was no person in it at the time.

Fortunately, not a person was injured by the explosion. About five minutes before it took place, all the hands had left the mills to prepare for supper. A few minutes dif

Page 6B

Opinions

The Blast Heard Round the Country

ference might have resulted in a lamentable loss of life.

The explosion was distinctly heard and the smoke seen at North Bridgton, a distance of 23 miles, and also at Ossipee, N.H. Four separate reports were heard, and the explosion was so heavy as to jar the doors and windows in the former place.”

How great an explosion this must have been, to be heard and felt to such a degree even here. But even this, was not enough to prevent the immediate reopening of the mills; like ants rushing to re-build a hill carelessly knocked down by a giant, the Oriental Powder company did as it always had and immediately began to rebuild. There was a war to win, and Union always needed pow der. Ultimately, the company would find new clients when the war was won, and move on to furnish powder in bulk to Europe for the Franko-Prussian War, followed by the Russo-Turkish War, just as it had for the earlier Crimean War. As other powder mills in Maine began to close during the 1870s, the Oriental mills bought their equipment and continued business, and when the C&O canal failed in 1875, the company switched to rail – a deeply concerning development – and began exporting powder on the Portland and Ogdensburg railroad.

In the 1880s the demand for black powder declined as smokeless powder was formulated and adopted by the Dupont Company, and by the 1890s Oriental had switched to smokeless powder as well, soon to be fol lowed by forays into the manufacture of nitroglycerine and dynamite as well. The actual production of explo sives at Gambo ceased in 1904, when the last explosion on record killed four employees, after which the mills were purchased by the Atlas Powder company, who used them to grind wood flour, a component used in making dynamite sticks, into the 1950s.

It is awe-inspiring to consider how much gunpow der was manufactured here in Maine, just a few miles from our major population centers, and more-so when we consider how little evidence remains of it today. Wars were won and lost, history written, and tens of thousands of men loaded, aimed, fired, and were killed, some half a world away, by means of that miraculous little powder churned out by the barrel in Gorham and Windham, Maine.

Today, that same river flows on tranquilly whose surface once resounded beneath the hungry shock wave of immeasurable fire balls, and trees grow thick and green were once indus try stripped them bare, where charcoal was burned and Sulphur ground to dust.

It is a nature preserve now, and a historic landmark,

and occasionally a tin flask or wooden keg of Oriental powder turns up in local estate sales or dump stores, and folks look at the labels which more often than not say “Boston, Mass” on them, sometimes “Portland, Maine” but never Gorham or Windham, and they don’t even rec ognize them for what they are — dear pieces of a faded but monumental local industry.

An excellent book on the subject was written several years ago by the late Maurice M. Whitten, which I highly recommend to all our readers. I also understand that, by the time we go to press, a new documentary film on the subject will have just premiered over in Gorham, the product of Gorham Community Access Media, which I imagine will circulate for some time on local cable. I have shared this story today, in the hopes that it will find a ready and supportive audience in our region. For the more adventurous, who might seek to hike the woods along the Presumpscot, I will share that if one knows where to look there can still be found the remains of powder mills and cracked foundations in the vicinity of the old factories, some of which are now below the waterline; but it is a more curious thing I believe, to also stumble upon the remains of those great granite grinding stones, now broken and lying askew in the woods far from the river, and not in the vicinity of the old factories at all – there left to lie forever where they had been flung in a single, roaring instant by the terrific might of those awful explosions, so long ago. They are a haunting sight to see.

Till next time!

Letters

(Continued from Page 5B)

State.” It is a short 60-page synopsis on why govern ments never reduce their size or impact on their popula tions under normal condi tions (barring revolution).

Government’s very nature is to simply grow on and on forever, demanding ever more in taxes and further negative ly impacting our daily lives.

We have it pretty good in Bridgton with a relatively competent municipal govern ment, at least as compared to what we are subjected to by our state or federal levels.

My prediction on PPB

is that the cost will start to increase almost immediately. Before long we will all be paying $5/bag just to drop off our trash, and then the qual ity of the bags will decrease (like everything, government promises us). Once the bags start to break, we will all still have to buy the good qual ity trash bags at Hannaford or Food City and then put the “city approved bags” around our bags before we are allowed to drop them off.

I implore all the voters to vote against PPB, it is a tax increase, will do nothing to improve recycling, and will be another way for them to extract more of your hard earned (after tax) dollars.

Sean Morgan Bridgton

game solutions

Grateful Lions

The Lovell Lions are grateful to the 30 volunteers who worked a total of 104 hours during the eight days of the Fryeburg Fair. Because of their tireless dedication we were able to raise funds to provide scholarships for high school seniors and adults returning to school to further their education. The Lovell Lions Club looks forward to selling their delicious food items at next year’s fair. Pictured are King Lion Bryan Molloy, Secretary Gary Heroux, volunteers Kathy and Buffy Millett and Treasurer Bob Danforth. Thanks go to the following volunteers: Bob Danforth, Gary Heroux, Bryan Molloy, Mike Clark, Kelsey Earle, Trent Giles, Buffy Millett, John Bacchiocchi, Everett Danforth, Vickie Hatstot, Steve Armington, Beth Armington, Cliff Brown, Kirsten Brown, Reilly Brown, Gus Fillebrown, Andrea Fillebrown, Karen Bacchiocchi, Bryce Thurston, Rachelle Thurston, Landon Earle, Kai Earle, Kathy Dunham, Richard Dunham, Kathy Millett, Kelly Locke, Jake Thurston, Charles Earl, Lucas Molloy, Chad Terold and Allie Moerke.

Free breakfast for vets at Diner

In 1983, Gloria Perreault opened the Morning Glory Diner to serve up comfort food in a friendly atmosphere, to locals and visitors alike. Almost four decades later, Gloria’s children, grandchil dren and great-grandchildren are still serving up her recipes and keeping her infectious

spirit alive.

Each Veteran’s Day, they invite veterans to stop in for a complimentary breakfast and to thank them for their service.

On Thanksgiving Day, the MGD team serves up a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner at no charge to folks

that would like to stop by.

The regular menu will be offered until 10:30 a.m., the dinner will get underway at 11 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.

Thank you to Hatch Excavation, K. Tarr Construction, Robert Murphy Construction and Galen Burke Construction for their generous support. Pies are being prepared by family and friends of the Diner, includ ing the famous pumpkin cheesecake!

Any donations collected during these days will for warded to a local charity. Since 2015, the Diner has directed thousands in cash and nonperishable food dona tions to the local food pantry, and also provided heating oil to local veterans.

The Perreault family would like to take this oppor tunity to thank their many loyal patrons, volunteers and dedicated staff and to wish everyone a joyous holiday season!

Events calendar

What’s happening at the Bridgton Community Center (Depot Street):

Today, November 3

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness

1:30 to 6 p.m., Bridges of Maine

4 to 6 p.m., Vision Bridgton Group – Susie 7 to 9 p.m., Chickadee Quilters Friday, November 4 9 to 10 a.m., Chair Yoga

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Coffee and Crafts 1 to 4 p.m., Mahjong Saturday, November 5 5 to 10 a.m., Hunters’ Breakfast 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Martins Point 2 to 7 p.m., Winter Wear Giveaway

Sunday, November 6

1 to 3 p.m., Girl Scouts troop

2 to 7 p.m., Winter Wear Giveaway 3:30 to 5 p.m., Rick Hagerstrom Monday, November 7 6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness 1 to 3 p.m., Home School Program Tuesday, November 8

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Chickadee Quilters 12:30 to 4 p.m., Bridge

Wednesday, November 9

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness 12 to 1 p.m., Senior Lunch

1 to 3 p.m., Mahjong

4:30 to 6 p.m., Rick Hagerstrom

Thursday, November 10

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness

1:30 to 6 p.m., Bridges of Maine

6 to 8:30 p.m., Lake Region Republican Party Friday, November 11 9 to 10 a.m., Chair Yoga 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Coffee and Crafts 1 to 4 p.m., Mahjong 5:30 to 8 p.m., Easy Riders Snowmobile Club Saturday, November 12 5 to 10 a. m., Hunters’ Breakfast 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chickadee Quilters 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., D.A.R meeting 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Martins Point Sunday, November 13

1 to 3 p.m., Bridgton Fiber Arts 1 to 3 p.m., Girl Scouts 3:30 to 5 p.m., Rick Hagerstrom

Monday, November 14

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Benard Financial Service 1 to 3 p.m., Home School program 2 to 4 p.m., Cribbage 5:30 to 8 p.m., Lions Club

Wednesday, November 16

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Crafts with Annette 12 to 1 p.m., Senior Lunch

1 to 3 p.m., Mahjong 4:30 to 6 p.m., Rick Hagerstrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., C.A.R.E.S support

Thursday, November 17

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness 5 to 6 p.m., Kettle Dinner 7 to 9 p.m., Chickadee Quilters

Friday, November 18

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Lyons fitness 9 to10 a.m., Chair Yoga 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Coffee and Crafts

1 to 4 p.m., Mahjong 4:30 to 6 p.m., Rick Hagerstrom

Matolcsy Art Center exhibit

NORWAY — An open ing reception for the lat est show at the Matolcsy Art Center (426 Main Street in Norway) entitled, “Unrolling Vic…An Art Show,” will be held on Friday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Recently, Nikki Millonzi unrolled large col

orful canvases of her late father Victor Millonzi that were stored in her attic. Although Vic was best known for his neon sculp tures, he loved plant forms and was a consultant at the New York Botanical Garden. Nikki was amazed at how lively his plant form canvases still looked after

42 years! The colors were clear and bright and they spoke to her.

Nikki emptied the walls in her studio and tacked up his big canvases. Some were signed and she just enjoyed them as they were because for Vic they were finished. Others seemed unfinished and they started

to call to her. She started to have ideas on how to evolve them. Did she dare add paint to the canvases? Did she dare to take these unfinished pieces further? After checking in and lis tening she seemed to get an okay and started to do just that.

She added paint, then collage, and finally new works emerged. As she completed these pieces, she started to create her own canvases based on forms in her garden At first, she was apprehensive, but as time passed she began to see that her palette and approach was more simi lar to her father’s than she had ever imagined. It was a pleasant and significant realization.

“Unrolling Vic” will be up through Nov. 27. It can be viewed on Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appoint ment or serendipity.

For more information, please visit Facebook.com/ WesternMaineArtGroup.

E-mail address is west ernmaineartgroup@gmail. com.

The gallery is free and open to the public.

Breakfasts & Suppers

HUNTERS’ BREAKFAST

Every Saturday, starting Oct. 29 to Nov. 26, 5 to 10 a.m., at the Bridgton Community Center.

BEAN SUPPER

The Edes Falls Sewing Circle will hold a public supper on Saturday, Nov. 5 with settings at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Edes Falls Community Hall on Edes Falls Road in Naples. The menu includes two kinds of beans, hot dogs, American chop suey, potato salad, cole slaw, homemade biscuits and a variety of jellied salads. Cost: $10 for adults, and $4 for children.

BEEF POT PIE SUPPER

A take-out only Beef Pot Pie supper will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sebago Town Hall. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6 to 11, and kids ages 5 and younger are free. The supper is sponsored by the Sebago Volunteer Association. Proceeds benefit the Sebago Day Building Fund.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

A free (donations appreciated) Thanksgiving Community Lunch will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Otisfield Community Hall, Route 121. Menu: Turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, cran berry sauce, rolls, pies, apple cider and coffee. Helpers are needed! If you can help set up, help at the lunch or clean-up, please call George Gallant at (207) 739-1065.

THANKSGIVING DINNER

Area births

Markus Jay Matthew Karuzis-Valeri, son of Emily Joy Karuzis and Patrick Jay Valeri of Bridgton, was born on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 at 5:07 p.m. at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. Markus weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Markus joins sibling Eleacea Crescent day-lyte Karuzis, age 9.

Maternal grandparents: Amanda Allen of Fryeburg and Matthew Karuzis of Bridgton.

Paternal grandparents: Barbara and Paul Valeri of Otisfield.

Novalee Olivia O’Connell, daughter of Sierra O’Connell and D’Neiro Legacy Jones of Brigton, was born on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022 at 3:16 a.m. at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. Novalee weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce.

Maternal grandparents: Kathleen O’Connell and Richard Barker of Bridgton.

Thanksgiving Baskets Available

NAPLES — The Community Resource Council of Naples will once again be providing Thanksgiving meals to families in need. If you are a Naples resident and would like to sign up, applications are available at the Naples Town Office during business hours and The Naples Food Pantry on Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church.

All applications are due back by Tuesday, Nov. 15.

If you are interested in supporting the CRC with its programs, donations can be mailed to: CRC of Naples, P.O. Box 447, Naples, ME, 04055. Thank you and happy Thanksgiving!

DON’T FORGET Fall Back!

Set

On Thanksgiving Day, the Morning Glory Diner team serves up a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner at no charge to folks that would like to stop by the restaurant, located on Portland Road in Bridgton. The regular menu will be offered until 10:30 a.m., the dinner will get underway at 11 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m.

THANKSGIVING DINNER

After a two-year absence, the free community Thanksgiving dinner is returning to St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Norway. On Thanksgiving Day, the Oxford Hills community is invited to share a meal with family, neighbors and friends. Dinner will begin with a blessing at noon and food will be served family-style by a friendly waitstaff.

Guests will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving din ner with fresh, roast turkey, dressing, mashed pota toes, squash and a variety of other vegetables fol lowed by a choice of home-made pies.

The dinner will be served in the parish cen ter at St. Catherine of Sienna Church located on 32 Paris Street in Norway. There is ample parking behind the church on Beal Street. To help with an approximate count of attendees, call Catherine of Sienna Church at 743-2606. There will be a delivery service for shut-ins. Please inform the church if you know of someone in need who will be unable to get to the dinner.

Butternut

Offering

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1.

2.

Herb Brined Turkey

a.m.

NIKKI MILLONZI will be opening a Matolcsy Art Center exhibit titled “Unrolling Vic…An Art Show,” to be held on Friday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Novel Jazz Septet at SRT

BUXTON — The Novel Jazz Septet will be swingingover to the Saco River Theatre in Buxton for a musical matinee by two of the most influential and acclaimed icons of jazz, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m.

The matinee format is perfect for those of you jazz lovers who don’t like that long drive home in the dark after a concert! Also, this will be the band’s last Ellington & Strayhorn-featured performance of their 2022 season. After this, during the oncoming long, cold, Maine winter, Novel Jazz begins assembling new Ellington & Strayhorn arrangements for their 2023 season.

Novel Jazz has been a fixture in the Maine jazz scene for almost two decades. Their mission is to share the music and stories of these two giants of jazz who wrote some 2,500 compositions over their musical careers, two percent of which represents the well-known standards and 98% of which represents rarely heard gems. They’ll perform stan dard tunes from the Ellington/Strayhorn repertoire plus newly arranged compositions that they have unearthed from the Ellington Archives of the Smithsonian Museum of American History as well as the Strayhorn Collection at the Library of Congress, Washington D.C. Novel Jazz members have dusted these pieces off, rearranged them for the septet, and given them a 21st century sound, all of their own.

General admission tickets to the performance are $15.

For more information, call the Saco River box office at 207-929-6473 or e-mail info@sacorivertheatre.org or go to https://www.sacorivertheatre.org/events.

The Saco River Theatre is located at 29 Salmon Falls Road, Buxton, ME 04004.

Classified Advertising

ATTENTION

Classified line ads are now posted on our website at NO EXTRA CHARGE! www.bridgton.com

HELP WANTED

MSAD72 SCHOOL DISTRICT (EOE) in Fryeburg, Maine has immediate openings: 7th/8th basketball coach, alpine ski team coach, custodians, van drivers, bus drivers, bus aides, substitutes. Visit www.msad72.org, call 207-9352600 or pick up an application to day at Door #10, 25 Molly Ockett Drive, Fryeburg, ME tf44

FUTURE LEADERS WANTED — Q-Team Tree Service in Naples. Visit Q-Team.com/benefits for info. tf51

WANTED

SNOWPLOWING & SANDING (a plus) for long driveway. Lakehouse Rd., Naples. Call. 6538141. 2t43x

FOR SALE

LITTLE GUYS FIREWOOD Cut, split, delivered. Prompt delivery. 603-960-2537 or 9356302. Fryeburg area $210 cord, over 20 miles add $10. 52t2x

$5 FOR TATTERED — U.S. Flag when purchasing new U.S. Flag 3’x5’ or larger. Maine Flag & Banner, Windham, 893-0339. tf46

DRIED FIREWOOD — Dried twelve months. Selling seasoned hardwood year-round. One cord $350, cut, split, delivered. Call 207-595-5029; 207-583-4113. maineseasonedfirewood.com 52t31x

CHESTNUT — 3x5 dining table, four dowback chairs. Showroom condition $275. Yardman snowblower 9hp, 28” electric start $300. Snowbear trailer 5x8. Great for hauling lawn tractors, etc. Great condition $325. Call 890-6432. 2t43x

HARMAR MOBILITY “Pinnacle” 2015 yr. stair chair lift. $2,500. Call 207-838-6282. 1t44

VEHICLES FOR SALE

JESUS IS LORD — new and used auto parts. National locator. Most parts 2 days. Good used cars. Ovide’s Used Cars, Inc., Rte. 302 Bridgton, 207-647-5477. tf30

BUSINESS SERVICES

KIMBALL PROPERTY MAIN TENANCE — Fall cleanup, Bark mulch, loam, aggregates installed. Brush removal, chipping avail able. Firewood available, call for price. Fully Insured. Call 207595-8321, 583-8010. 4t44x

DENMARK HOUSE PAINTING — Since 1980. Interior and exte rior painting. Free estimates. Call John Mathews 452-2781. tf40x

DRIVING MISS DAISY — Transportation Service… Especially for Seniors. From shopping trips, pick-up and delivery to personal errands, airport, and special requests. Call or text your request to 207-2910193. 4t42x

Local Happenings

Guild’s annual Fall Sale

The St. Joseph Women’s Guild will hold its annual Fall Sale on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. Joseph Church Hall, South High Street, Bridgton.

There will be jewelry, delicious baked goods, gently used clothing for all ages in the Boutique Section and special finds in the White Elephant display available. There will also be complimentary tea and coffee available.

Blood Drive

HARRISON — The Harrison Lions Club and the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the United Parish Congregational Church at 77 Main Street in Harrison. Please call 1-800-REDCROS or RedCrossBlood.org and enter HarrisonME to schedule an appointment. The need is great, your help is appreciated.

Coffee Café

DENMARK — The Denmark Library Coffee Café grand reopening is this Friday, Nov. 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. and continuing every Friday. The Denmark Public Library is located at 121 E. Main Street, Denmark, 207452-2200.

Windham Hill Holiday Fair

WINDHAM — The Windham Hill UCC Holiday Fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Fellowship Hall at 140 Windham Center Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be a Silent Auction (you don’t need to be present to win), wreaths and sprays, crafts, jams, jellies, costume jewelry, baked goods and candy, used books, woodcrafts, attic treasures and feline gifts.

A delicious lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to noon.

The fair is sponsored by Windham Hill UCC Women’s Fellowship

FATA looking for crafters

FRYEBURG — The Fryeburg Academy Teachers’ Association will hold its annual Craft Fair at the Wadsworth Arena in Fryeburg on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The FATA is looking for crafters to participate in this yearly event. Please contact Jennifer Richardson at jrichardson@fryeburgacademy.org for more informa tion and table pricing. The availability of tables is on a first-come first-serve basis. The Annual FATA Craft Fair usually has over 40 crafters participating.

Cottage Street Creative events

NORWAY — Elemental, celebrating air, fire, earth and water during Cottage Street Creative Exchange’s annual fundraising gala of dance and music, will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m., with a dance party following

from 8 to 9 p.m. on the top two floors of the Art Moves Dance Studio building at 13 Cottage Street in Norway.

Music by The Cobblestones and delicious fare by Kezarstone Catering will keep guests energized. Several dance groups from around Maine will be per forming, often with The Cobblestones.

The silent auction will once again take place online at 32auctions.com/csce.

Gala invitations are available upon request by sending an e-mail to CottageStreetCreative Exchange@gmail.com. Donations may be made on the Project side of artmoves dnace.com. The website and social media will be updated

COTTAGE ST., Page 10B

PREMIUM HARDWOOD

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX

PREMIUM HARDWOOD

THE NOVEL JAZZ SEPTET will be performing at the Saco River Theatre (29 Salmon Falls Road, Buxton) on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m.

PHOTO BY Hailie Giasson of Lake Pennesseewassee in July of 2022 represents CSCE annual fundraising event “Elemental, celebrating air, fire, earth and water.”

Continuations

Calendar of upcoming area events

Saturday, November 5 Christmas Craft & Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Sebago U.M. Church, Route 114 in Sebago. Light lunch.

Holly Berry Craft Fair, 9 a.m., Lake Region High School.

Craft Fair and Bake Sale, Sweden Volunteer Fire Association, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sweden Town Meeting Hall (Route 93, 147 Bridgton Road).

Holiday Craft Fair at Bridgton Arts & Crafts, 12 Depot Street, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Texas Holdem, JacksonSilver Post, 595 Gore Road, Locke Mills. Doors open 11 a.m., games begin

Letter

Support for Carrye

To The Editor:

Just a few words on behalf of Bridgton Select Board candidate Carrye Castleman-Ross, whom I have known for over 20 years.

Carrye is one of the brightest, most quick-wit

at 1 p.m. $50 buy-in, high hand option. BYOB (any one under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Beverages and meals available. FMI, Legion Office, 875-2375.

Peaceful Means will appear live at the First Universalist Church, 479 Main Street, Norway, at 7 p.m. Free, but donations welcome. Masks required.

Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 Winter Wear Giveaway. Community HELP wants to keep local residents warm this winter. A Winter Wear Giveaway will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Bridgton Community

ted people around. She can often see my points before I’ve even finished making them.

Endlessly warm and polite, she can still effi ciently discard balderdash to reach the heart of the matter.

Since her energy level is also amazing, she would bring new vitality to board discussions that can some times become tedious.

Finally, she has that spe cial spirit of service that is so desirable in an effective public official.

(In addition to her many

Cottage Street Creative Exchange

weekly until after the gala.

CSCE’s Board of Directors are Amanda Daniels, Cathy Lane, Dana Ryerson, Koley True and Artistic Director Debi Irons. Ongoing collaborators are Expansion Arts, Cosmic Creations, Casco Bay Movers, Collective Motion and The Moving Company.

CSCE’s annual fundraising event takes place on the first Saturday of each year. To know more about events, programs and mission, contact artmovesdance.com or call Artistic Director Debi Irons at 207-743-5569.

Center. Bridgton residents only . Children must be present to try items on; no exceptions will be made. Income verification forms required (available on site). Contact Laura at (207) 321-1988 if you are unable to attend on these dates.

Thursday, November 10 Harrison Maine Climate Action Group has changed its meetings to the sec ond and fourth Thursdays at 2 p.m., at the Harrison Village Library. Next meet ing is Nov. 10. This is a non-partisan group. Masks are encouraged, as the space is small. Interested but can’t attend? You can participate without attend ing meetings: join the

volunteer efforts locally, she took her Red Cross training to several recovery missions in the Gulf states in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.)

Thanks for running, Carrye — we really need you!

Charlie Simpson Bridgton

Join the USPS

Post Offices across Maine will be hosting a district-wide Job Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stop by your local Post Office and speak with a career counsellor about opportunities available within the Postal Service. Or, you can visit usps.com/ careers and search, by state, for available jobs.

The Postal Service offers competitive salary and ben efits with plenty of oppor tunities for career advance ment locally and nation wide.

Facebook group: Harrison Maine Climate Action, or e-mail Andrea at: harri sonmaineclimateaction@ gmail.com.

Friday, November 11 Veterans Day service to honor fallen veterans, pre sented by American Legion Post 67 of Bridgton, at Farragut Park, North High Street, across from the Bridgton Town Hall at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 12 Holiday Fair. The Windham Hill UCC Holiday Fair will take place on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Fellowship Hall at 140 Windham Center Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 13

The Novel Jazz Septet will be swinging-over to the Saco River Theatre in Buxton for a musical mati nee by two of the most influ ential and acclaimed icons of jazz, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, at 3 p.m. General admission tickets to the performance are $15. For more information, call the Saco River box office at 207-929-6473 or e-mail info@sacorivertheatre.org or go to https://www.sacori vertheatre.org/events

Wednesday, November 16

Blood Drive. Harrison Lions and the American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the United Parish Congregational

Church at 77 Main Street in Harrison. Please call 1-800-REDCROS or RedCrossBlood.org and enter HarrisonME to sched ule an appointment. The need is great, your help is appreciated.

Saturday, November 19 Fall Sale. The St. Joseph Women’s Guild will hold its annual Fall Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. Joseph Church Hall, South High Street, Bridgton. Sunday, November 20 Craft Fair. The Fryeburg Academy Teachers’ Association will hold its annual Craft Fair at the Wadsworth Arena in Fryeburg from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To the Good People of Bridgton, Denmark, and Harrison

he most rewarding aspect of running for House of Representatives has been meeting local people from all different backgrounds. Many of you express concerns over inflation. You are worried about having to choose between filling the oil tank and filling the fridge. You are concerned about our schools and what is and isn’t being taught. It’s clear that you are looking to community leaders to change these issues for the better.

If elected to represent the towns of Bridgton, Denmark and Harrison, I promise to Listen, to Lead, and to be Loyal to my constituents. I’m a small business owner who cares deeply about making Maine a place of opportunity. I will support businessfriendly, tax-lowering policies that allow Mainers to keep more of what they earn. I will push for a focus on education to improve our school curriculums. I will work towards policies to lower energy costs. My personal cell phone and email will always be available.

If we wish to see change for the better, we must change who we send to Augusta.

Thank you for your consideration on November 8.

Sincerely,

Donna Dodge, Candidate for House, District 83. 207-890-3005

dodgeforhouse@gmail.com

PASTOR AND WIFE HONORED — Pastor John and Leone Callina were recently honored for 20 years of dedicated service at the Stow Baptist Church. Rev. Doug and Kathy Forbes presented a plaque from the Central Congregational Church in Middleboro, Mass. to commemorate the occasion. Pictured left to right: Leone and Pastor John Callina, Rev. Doug and Kathy Forbes at the Stow Baptist Church.