December 15, 2022

Big opening nights

Town-owned Tricky Pond lots to be sold

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — In an about-face, the Naples Board of Selectmen decided to honor the wishes of the land-owners around Tricky Pond and to sell two lots on the pond, rather than retain the land for public access.

A motion to table the matter was mentioned but never seconded. As the discussion continued, the selectmen resolved to go the route of selling the two waterfront lots.

During the meeting, several people had mentioned how appropriate it would be to sell the land and put the money in the town’s coffers.

On Monday night, more than two-dozen people who have homes on Tricky Pond showed up at the town hall. Many of the property-owners expressed concerns about creating a second access point, especially since the Naples Public Boat Launch off Route 114 has become a place where people drink alcohol; purchase, sell and use illegal drugs; and make fire pits to stay past dusk.

Some residents said they didn’t want the same activity to be repeated at another side of the pond. Neighbors testified taking it upon themselves to put out fires and pick up unsavory trash.

The pieces of property in question are two, undeveloped lots with waterfront access.

“Two parcels on Mayberry Landing are owned by the town due to non-payment of taxes. Per our tax-acquired property policy, we first need to offer it to the previous owner with conditions. In this case, the previous owner is deceased,” according to Naples Town Manger John Hawley.

A few weeks ago, the Naples Land Use Committee (NLUC) was asked to evaluate the property for retention. This month, the committee formally voted to advise the town’s elected officials to keep the land.

“Land use came back with a recommendation to keep it. That was why there was so much opposition. All the abutters were dead

Foundation in for 48 unit housing project

Construction has started by Developers Collaborative (DC) at Harrison Ridge, a new development of affordable apartments for low-income, 55-plus residents located at 15 Harrison Road in Bridgton.

Construction will take approximately 13 months, and the development is expected to open in December 2023.

The project timeline aligns well with the Town of Bridgton’s ongoing investments in the expansion of its municipal wastewater system.

“Bridgton is excited to welcome its first affordable housing development served by the LIHTC Program in our downtown area,” said Victoria Hill, Community Development director of the Town of

Bridgton. “Developers Collaborative has been a great partner in contributing to the town’s mission of creating a vibrant and walkable downtown for all ages and economic backgrounds.”

The housing development is located in a quiet wooded area within walking distance of downtown Bridgton. The building

Director, Board weigh how Rec should evolve

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

If there is a community need, Gary Colello will find a way to fill the void.

As Rec Director, Colello has stepped to the plate during his tenure and developed a program that goes far beyond the “traditional” idea of public recreation.

“We are more than kids’ baseball, softball, soccer and basketball,” he pointed out. “Far more than lining fields and offering swim lessons.”

Indeed, Bridgton Rec reaches across all ages and interests. Colello listens to what the community wants to see — be it more gym time for pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the country

to arranging field trips.

When COVID-19 closed schools and other programs, many parents scrambled to find a place for their children. Options were limited. So, Bridgton Rec stepped in and developed a before/afterschool program that includes enrichment activities.

Program growth, however, comes at a price. More staff is needed. The town recently approved a van to assist rec officials with transporting children, as well as equipment to either athletic sites or special event locations. And, there is the continuing discussion about constructing a new Rec Center.

Feeling Rec is reaching a financial crossroad,

Colello and Deputy Director Leslie Hayes sat down with the Bridgton Select Board to discuss direction of the department and how it might evolve in the future.

Colello gave a powerpoint presentation, outlining what programs Bridgton Rec offers, what the current employee set-up looks like, and how he sees things moving forward.

“Certainly, I welcome direction from the Board,” Colello said. His questions to the Board included what are the town’s priorities, what programming should be developed (or reduced), what is desired/wanted at the Ham Complex, which the town recently took over manage-

ment from the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG), as well as how should the increase in financial aid requested from residents be addressed (projected loss of $35,000)?

Some points of interest:

• The Rec Department has four main leaders — Director, Deputy Director, Programmer and Enrichment/ Childcare Supervisor.

• Rec oversees 20 to 30 athletic volunteer coaches, and 10 to 25 town events.

• According to the Maine Recreation and Parks Association, Rec Departments often provide 47 possible activities and programs; Bridgton Rec provides 34.

• From 2018 to 2021, Bridgton Rec has seen a 63% increase in people participating in rec events/programs.

Colello noted that his plate has become fuller in recent years because the

number of volunteers continue to dwindle, and popular events once handled by outside groups are now under the Rec umbrella.

“The problem is what it

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — The town manager announced that he will move forward with submitting grant requests to build bathrooms at the Casco Community Park, and to purchase a 14-passenger van for the seniors’ programs.

In December, Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward touched upon the fact that the grant deadline was approaching and he was following through with plans to submit the required paperwork.

“As previously discussed at the last board meeting, I will be submitting two grant applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program,” he said.

“The pre-applications are due” this Friday, Ward said. “In Speaking with

Cumberland County, they believe both projects are viable projects. Their recommendation is if we have the interest, submit both. If they approve both, great. They might come back and say, ‘Which one is a priority for us?’”

“I am already looking at some options for matching funds, funds that would be needed from the town if we get the grant(s),” he said.

On Dec. 6, Ward updated the Casco Board of Selectmen on the CDBG process, saying he was adhering to the deadline. The board could discuss matching fund sources — if the town’s grant request is approved, he said.

During the Nov. 15 meeting, Ward went into more detail about how CDB grants could be used. Also, on that date, the board voted to support moving forward with

the application process, and to be willing to use matching funds should the grants be awarded.

“We have used it in the past to build the playground up at community park. We haven’t taken advantage of it as much as we potentially could have,” Ward said.

“I met with some of the staff and had a dialogue about which areas of the community would qualify for this grant and about potential projects,” he said.

“Again, before doing the grant application, I obviously want the select board’s support. I don’t want to waste staff’s time, your time or the review committee’s time,” Ward said.

The two possible projects are: purchasing a large van and building a bathroom facility.

One of the grant appli-

cations is for “the purchase of 15-person bus for the seniors’ program. This would be an opportunity if we want to apply for seniorbased grant. If you look at 14-passenger vans right now like everything else, inflation is hitting hard. What used to be $60,000 right now at minimum is now $115,000. A wider, more traditional coach-style seating, you are looking in range of $125,000. If you are looking at one that is ADA-compliant with wheelchair lift, it’ll cost about $135,000,” he said.

Owning a small bus would give the town the ability “to pick up seniors who have transportation issues,” Ward said.

“The other grant project is to actually build restrooms at the community park. Right now, we have one that is for

SNOW ON THE SLOPES — Snowmakers continue to blast powder onto the trails at Pleasant Mountain Ski Resort, which according to its website is targeting this Saturday, Dec. 17 as its opening day. (Rivet Photo)

SMILE, YOU’RE AN ELF NOW — Lia Chase of Raymond has her photo taken while visiting Bridgton Rec’s Winter Wonderland at the town’s indoor ice rink behind the Town Hall on North High Street. It runs through next week.

Naples to sell Tricky Pond lots

set against the town keeping the land,” Hawley said.

In fact, in the 24 hours prior to Monday’s meeting, more than 20 emails were written in opposition of the keeping the land.

The board almost tabled the issue “to consider the parks and land use recommendation a little bit further,” Hawley said.

Nobody seconded the motion to table it, and the selectmen’s discussion continued.

“Land Use didn’t have a proposed use for the parcel. Because they didn’t come back with firm recommendation for use, the board voted to not retain it. The select-board voted to sell the parcel.”

The next step is to research the fair market price. Also, as required by the town’s tax-acquired land policy, the abutters will be offered the chance to purchase the lots first.

The selectmen do not meet again until Jan. 9, 2023.

People testify during Naples meeting

The NLUC Chairman David Garcia shared his thoughts via Zoom. His comments kicked off the discussion about this agenda item.

“After talking with Loon Echo and the selectmen and members of our committee, our conclusion is that the town should retain that property. We should keep it as green space,” Garcia said, adding, “Most people won’t even realize that the Town of Naples owns it.”

Arleen Shepherd, the newest member of the NLUC, explained why she voted against keeping the land.

“Tricky Pond is one of the most beautiful lakes in Naples. It has a boat launch that is free. It has a fabulous trail,” she said. “We already have public access to Tricky Pond. Everyone goes there for free.”

The town does not have the manpower to regularly maintain or police it, “but the town tries its best” and volunteers shoulder much of the work, she said.

“This town needs money. We have the opportunity to make $400,000 to $600,000. Let’s sell it and run with it,” Shepherd said.

One the people who agreed with selling the lots was Larry Anton.

“It is not suitable for swimming at all. As a public access to the lake, it stinks. You cannot be removing rocks and putting in sand to create a beach. It is just a poor decision. If you want a new town office, sell these two pieces of property and put the money toward that,” Anton said.

One Tricky Pond neighbor, who did not provide her name when she stepped to the microphone, has a view of the boat ramp from her home. As a milfoil boat inspector, she spends some time at the recreational spot. However, the recreational activities people engage in are not confined to boat-

ing and swimming. She has called law enforcement to report couples having sex on the boat ramp. On a daily basis, she picked up the trash left behind: used condoms, wine bottles, cases of beer,

hypodermic needles. Since there are no Porta-potties, people defecate on the premises.

“The reason I have seen this increase in activity is

TRICKY POND, Page 3A

Grant targets

concession stand and Porta-Potties,” he said.

“It would require a redesign of our septic system. We have to check our water capacity there,” he said. “We have someone internal who can help with septic design. Then, it would come down to getting prices associated with that project.”

There would be a financial commitment tied to getting the grant approved, and that commitment could be anywhere between $15,000 and $150,000 or more, Ward said.

He mentioned these were matching funds.

He said the board could consider using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds or it could plan the town’s share of the bus cost into the upcoming 2023-24 budget.

The selectmen expressed enthusiastic interest in these projects.

“The van would be a great asset to the seniors’ program,” Selectman Scott Avery said.

News briefs

Casco all in favor didn’t

vote for plow contract increase

CASCO — Everyone agree with adding $24,000 to the winter-time road maintenance contract however a vote was never taken.

On Dec. 6, the Casco Board of Selectmen officially amended the contract between the Town of Casco and C. Pond Plowing and increased the amount by $24,000.

C. Pond entered the fifth year of the 7-year contract with the town. Until this time, the annual rate has been flat with no increase. The approved increase was only for this winter season

A very thorough discussion occurred between Pond and the selectmen a few weeks ago during the Nov. 15 meeting.

It appeared the board thought the flat fee was a fair price, and preferred the flat fee to a fuel surcharge.

However, a motion was never made to increase the amount of the plow contract.

On Dec. 6, that was remedied with a 5-0 vote. — DD

DA to charge owner with Dog at Large violation in Casco village

CASCO— This winter, an incident involving a mixed breed dog being loose in Casco Village has resulted in a Dog-At-large violation.

During the course of the summer, there had been a few complaints about a dog that had been loose and allegedly attacked other canines. The people involved came before the Casco Board of Selectmen.

No charges were filed since the District Attorney did not have enough evidence.

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward reported that the DA is moving forward with another violation

“Just to follow up on the complaints about the pit bull: The owner of that dog has recently been summonsed by [Animal Control Officer Jessica] Jackson for a Dog-atLarge,” Ward said.

“Again, it ran across the road and startled a resident. This one time, it was caught on video, so it was there an easy to prove,” he said. “ACO Jackson met with the District Attorney. A Dog-at-Large was all they were willing to prosecute for. But that was at least is showing a response to the numerous complaints we’ve got.” — DD Casco workshop to prioritize policy updates

CASCO — Some of the policies on paper for the Town of Casco are showing their age.

“Most of our policies are 10, 20 or 30 years old,” according to Casco Town Manager Anthony Ward.

In the course of the past year, about 13 policies have been updated, he said.

“Trying to do all the policies all at once would be daunting task,” he said.

He asked the Casco Board of Selectmen to go through the list and prioritize which policies need to be addressed first.

He had already asked the same questions of town staff. Mary-Vienessa Fernandes suggested having a workshop to really delve into the topic. — DD

SANTA CLAUS comes to town! Santa made his rounds in the Town of Naples, escorted by the Naples Fire and Rescue Department. Santa was joined by the Grinch, and the two spent about three hours visiting local children outside their homes before making an appearance at the Naples Village Green. When Santa arrived, a crowd was waiting and the tree lighting occurred. Children from Smarties Early Learning Center treated Santa to some Christmas carols. The Naples Recreation Committee and other volunteers helped with activities such as making magic reindeer food, decorating cookies, crafting tree ornaments and writing a letter to Santa.

(Photos courtesy of Naples Community Activities Director Brian Crockett)

PUBLIC ACCESS to Tricky Pond is allowed via Naples Public Boat Launch. However, this area has become a place where people party. (De Busk Photo)

End of line for Naples gym roof

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The fate of the gym roof was up in the air.

The Naples Board of Selectmen have been trying to figure out a way to shore up the roof after it was discovered upon removing the tarp that the roof had sunk as much as 4 inches.

At this point in time, the gym is off limits. It is closed to both the public and the staff.

On Monday, the board decided against hiring an engineer to inspect the roof.

“Ultimately, the board decided not to hire the engineer. We don’t need an engineer to tell us that the building (gym) is basically condemned and should be slated for demolition,” according to Naples Town Manager John Hawley.

In fact, the next move will be getting cost estimates for demolishing the building and putting that as a warrant article before voters at town meeting this spring, according to Hawley.

The tricky part will be re-routing all the electrical and heating mechanisms

that are housed in the gym for the town office.

“The utilities that are out in that portion of the gym need to be moved. It comes in from the front corner of the building. It needs to be moved. There are heating pipes that need to be dismantled and re-routed,” Hawley said.

The town will put together a budgetary proposal for the demolition of the gym to be ready in time for town meeting.

Even though town meeting is held in late April, a solution for the gym will have to wait another six months fro now. If the funding is approved at annual town meeting, it won’t be available until the new fiscal year, which starts July 1, 2023.

Last month, the board had asked Hawley to get a cost estimate for an engineering firm to provide a new assessment of the roof and come up with some recommendations.

After discussing the options during the meeting last night, the selectmen decided it was best to spend money getting rid of gym, instead of trying to save it.

Tricky Pond lots

because the north end was finally shut down. So all the illegal activity moved here,” she said. “The problem with you retaining it: All these same issues are going to happen there.”

She ended her very descriptive testimony by saying, “I don’t think people know what is going on.”

Chairman Jim Grattelo responded by saying, “They do now.”

The argument for retaining the lots included preserving the green space and protecting the water quality. But neighbors argued that the people who use the public access do plenty of damage and a future homeowner would be more conscientious.

Chairman Grattelo asked, “How many people from Tricky Pond would like to see the land put up for sale?”

More than a few dozen hands went up.

Tory Ryden, a landowner on the pond, shared her thoughts.

I am against holding onto the property. Are we at West Palm Beach? No. We are a very poor town,” Ryden said.

“This building is falling in on itself. The lake has plenty of access. We need to do the right thing and put this money toward something that will be lasting,” she said.

“We all love our pond. The people who buy that property and build a house will love it, too,” Ryden said.

Good lake practices

Lakes Environmental Association serves as the regional sponsor and administrative Hub for the statewide LakeSmart program. The program educates property owners about best practices to reduce or eliminate erosion and storm water runoff into their lakes and ponds.

Property which is particularly lake-friendly receives the LakeSmart Award, with accompanying signs for display at the shore and at the end of the driveway.

LEA is proud to

announce the 2022 recipients of LakeSmart Awards in its regional Hub area. LEA thanks each of these individuals and families for helping to ensure that the beautiful lakes and ponds of this region stay pristine for generations to come:

Woods Pond Susie Albert and Andy Pond, Dick and Etta May Bates, Bob Spiwak and Maureen Debrot.

Moose Pond Lee and Bill Bearse, Cindy and Mitch Coddington, James

Dillon, Alice and Gary Gold, Jenny and Shawn Hagerty, Gail and Matt Hoffman, Bill and Linda Monroe, Terri Koehler and Ed Nikonowicz, Kenneth Sharples, Laurie Vance.

Keoka Lake Alan and Patty Graves, Charlie and Antoinette Tarbell, Wilma Johnson Realty Trust.

Kezar Lake Steve Gates, Mike Gildesgame, John Niejadlik, Kevin Rooney, Linda Wallace, Moira and George Yip.

Five Kezars Margaret and George Chapman.

Why is the water tea-colored?

Have you ever wondered why some bodies of water are tinted brown or tea-colored?

The answer isn’t always polluted water or excessive sediment from runoff. Frequently, water in streams and rivers becomes tea-colored from naturally occurring tannins. Tannins are a chemical found in many plants around the world. These tannins can leach out of plants and plant debris and into groundwater, lakes, rivers, and streams. Although they can make the water more acidic, it’s important to note, tannins are not harmful to fish and wildlife.

This process occurs in many waterways that run through wooded areas and wetlands. Stevens Brook is an excellent example of this process happening. It originates as the outflow of Highland Lake in Bridgton. It passes through downtown Bridgton and joins with Willett Brook as it flows through Pondicherry Park. It then passes under Route 302 and races down to Long Lake. On its way, it passes through mostly forested areas and two slower-moving wetland areas.

Wetlands have high levels of plant mass and organic matter. Because there is always water flowing through these areas, tannins leach into the water, making it appear tea colored.

Willett Brook is the

outflow of a massive wetland complex in southwest Bridgton. As a result, it frequently has high levels of tannins in its water. This makes the water in Stevens Brook much more tea-colored below the Willett Brook junction. The addition of Willet Brook, combined with the two slower-moving wetland areas that Stevens brook flows through itself, turns the water tea-colored. This is most easily viewed during high-flow times when there are increased levels of water going over the dams. The two pictures accompanying this article were taken on the same day this past October. Notice how different the water looks just a mile and a half downstream!

Article and photos courtesy of Lakes Environmental Association.

BE LAKESMART — Susie Albert and Andy Pond hold one of the LakeSmart Awards made this year.

PROUD RECIPIENTS of the LakeSmart sign are Marilyn McGoldrick and Ken Sharples.

HOLDING his LakeSmart sign is James Dillon.

BPD blotter

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

Monday, December 5

2:17 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Street and South High Street.

6:28 p.m. Suspicious activity on South High Street.

11:49 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked behind the Town Hall on North High Street.

Tuesday, December 6

7:48 a.m. Agency assistance at Bridgton Hospital.

8:48 a.m. Harassment order served, on behalf of the Wells PD, to an individual on South Bridgton Road.

9:34 a.m. Mental health event on Stonehedge Drive.

1:30 p.m. Police came upon a vehicle idling on Dugway Road. The driver was asleep at the wheel. He was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, possession of drugs and operating while his license had been revoked (habitual offender). Police say other charges are pending, alleging that the vehicle had been reported as stolen and it was “full of stolen property” out of Cumberland County.

Wednesday, December 7

1:39 p.m. A wallet was found on South Bridgton Road.

2:13 p.m. Attempt to locate vehicle traveling erratically on Kansas Road; unable to find the vehicle.

4:51 p.m. A female on Green Street was arrested on two active warrants and also charged with trafficking in prison contraband.

4:55 p.m. Vehicle off the road on Church Street.

6:38 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Heathersfield Drive.

8:35 p.m. Child custody dispute on Smith Avenue; parties separated.

Thursday, December 8

3:26 a.m. Mental health event on Willis Park Road.

10:14 a.m. Male on South High Street was arrested for violating conditions of release and operating a motor vehicle after suspension.

5:39 p.m. Suspicious activity on Misty Meadow Lane.

Friday, December 9

12:15 a.m. Citizen assist regarding eviction process.

2:59 a.m. Assisted returning intoxicated man to his residence in Naples.

7:01 a.m. Two subjects were arrested on B Street for violating conditions of release, possession of drugs, burglary and criminal trespass.

1:09 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Church Street and Fowler Street.

2:39 p.m. Citizen assist on D Street regarding theft of property.

8:27 p.m. Weapons offense on Sweden Road.

9:02 p.m. Welfare check on Portland Road.

Saturday, December 10

12:01 a.m. Welfare check on South High Street.

8:37 p.m. Attempt to locate erratic vehicle on Waterford Road.

8:43 p.m. Assist state trooper with a traffic stop at the intersection of Harrison Road and Rocky Top Lane. 8:48 p.m. Following a stop at the intersection of Middle Ridge Road and Dugway Road, a male was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.

Sunday, December 11

2:14 a.m. Attempt to locate male on Main Street who was involved in an incident on Conway, N.H. 11:24 p.m. Citizen assist on Dragonfly Lane regarding alleged threats made by a subject met on a phone app. 4:05 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of South Bridgton Road and Ingalls Road.

Home demolition update

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — In just two weeks, much has happened with two buildings that were declared dangerous.

The building, located 475 Poland Springs Rd., was scheduled to be demolished if the property-owner or other stakeholder did not step forward. Prior to this, communication with the owner had been scarce.

“Yesterday [Dec. 5], we received notification from the owner, the owner’s daughter, and their realtor,” according to Casco Town Manager Tony Ward.

“The owner admitted to ignoring it and hoping that it would go away,” he said.

“Her daughter and the realtor are working together to either do a sale or the demolition of it,” he said.

This development means that the home may not have to be demolished at a cost to the town, Ward said. At the same time, the owners are working to resolve the issue of leaving an unsafe structure standing, he said.

Town Manager Ward reported the turn of events during the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday night.

The other building, which

Fryeburg Police log

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

Monday, December 5

10:07 p.m. Assist county deputy on Brownfield Road in Denmark.

Tuesday, December 6 2:46 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Portland Street and Water District Road.

Wednesday, December 7 12:27 a.m. Unwanted subjects on Cobb Street.

3:42 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Charles Street. 6:10 a.m. Disturbance on Pequawket Lane; unfounded. 11:53 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Pine Street and Bradley Street.

12:15 p.m. Shoplifting complaint at Main Street store.

8:06 p.m. Subpoena service on Fair Street.

Thursday, December 8 7 a.m. Welfare check on

West Fryeburg Road.

1:21 p.m. Complaint on Main Street.

9:14 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Smith Street.

10:05 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Charles Street.

Friday, December 9

11:32 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

1:59 p.m. Peace officer detail at Molly Ockett Drive.

4:20 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Morningside Drive.

5:24 to 7:02 p.m. Four motor vehicle stops (Bridgton Road, 2 Portland Road, Pine Street) resulted in warnings issued.

8:06 p.m. Assist other agency at FPD headquarters.

11:21 p.m. Traffic complaint on Pequawket Trail. Saturday, December 10

7:03 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Lovell Road. Sunday, December 11

4:44 a.m. Report of

vehicle sliding off Bridgton Road, near Harvest Hills Animal Shelter.

7:30 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Bridgton Road.

12:26 p.m. Alarm sounded on Portland Street.

2:29 p.m. Alarm triggered on West Fryeburg Road.

2:55 p.m. Harassment complaint on Woodland Street.

3:40 p.m. Unwanted subjects at Main Street church.

is located 466 Poland Springs Rd., is adjacent to the park in Webbs Mills Village, could be demolished before the month is up — weather depending.

The board awarded the bid to Watkins Property Service for a price of between $4,200 and $4,600.

Two weeks ago, the board gave the town manager the go-ahead to solicit bids for the demolition.

“I reached out to three contractors. One said he’d get back to me and two gave me prices,” Ward said.

He cited Watkins price, which was between $4,200 and $4,600 to demolish building and to cover the shipping fee to get rid of hazardous

materials.

The other bid was almost three times the amount at $15,000.

“Watkins price won’t be beat. They have done two projects for us to do date. They were under-budget or at budget, and very prompt services,” Ward said.

After the bid was awarded, resident Sam Brown asked if there was a plan for how the site would appear after the demolition.

Ward answered.

“It is loam and seeded for the winter,” he said, referring to the contractor’s finished product.

As far as how the land will be integrated into the park, that is part of a bigger plan.

Housing project

features 48 one-bedroom apartments, and resident amenities include a community room and an outdoor patio with raised garden beds. The building design employs universal design principles.

A diversity of funding sources totaling $13 million covers the project’s total development costs. Evernorth, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and community investments in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, provided a tax credit equity investment of $4.3 million.

The project will be the first in Bridgton to utilize equity from the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocated by MaineHousing. MaineHousing is also providing construction and permanent loan funding. Additional funding was provided via Cumberland County HOME funds and a Credit Enhancement Agreement with the Town of Bridgton through an Affordable Housing TIF District.

Developers Collaborative, a leading real estate developer in Maine, is the developer of the project. DC employs a community and listeningbased approach to planning to create developments that enhance their surrounding neighborhoods and address community needs.

The project team also includes Portland-based Archetype Architects as the project architect and Falmouth-based Penobscot General Contractors as the Construction Manager.

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — The red barn received a new roof for Christmas.

The Casco Days Association has been moving forward with improvements to the red barn, according to Tom Mulkern.

“The big news is: we had a new roof installed on the red barn,” he said. “We are keeping that building in shape for future generations.”

On Tuesday, Tom Mulkern updated the Casco Board of Selectmen about the red barn — past and future.

CDA has “reinvested in the red barn” by funding several upgrades and making necessary improvements, he said.

Mulkern listed some of the changes done to the

interior before describing what was done to the exterior of the barn. Essentially, the interior was remodeled to improve the flow, he said.

“We improved the outside. The whole decking on the outside that wraps around the building is new. We added an additional door to outside to get in from that side,” he said.

Replacing the roof could be considered the crowning jewel. But, the improvements won’t stop at roof level. There’s more on the horizon: The construction of a storage shed.

“The next big thing

because of the changes we made on the inside, we are terribly short on storage space,” Mulkern said. Therefore, the CDA will bring forward to the Casco Planning Board its plans to build a storage shed “that would sit behind the tennis courts,” he said.

He met with the Casco Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) John Weissman and discussed the plans. Weissman said he did not foresee any problems with putting the building there, Mulkern said. Once pre-

PREPARING DINNER — St. Peter’s Episcopal Church sponsored the Dec. 8 Kettle Dinner at the Bridgton Community Center. Pictured left to right: Nancy Gilpatrick, Kathy and John Cordts, Jennifer McClure, Tom Stone, Steve Peterson, Elna Stone, Sherm and Pat Lahaie, Steve Secord and Pat Bradshaw. Not in the photo was Norm Nicholson. A special thank you to all who joined for a wonderful meal.

Board, Colello discuss how should Rec evolve?

used to be volunteers help run this and that are not there. For example, the Festival of Lights, not as many community members help set up like they used to. To get things done, you have to just do it,” Colello explained.

Colello is a strong believer that if the town opens its facilities to the public, a staff member needs to be on hand — again, a cost is attached.

“If we open the ice rink and town hall, we need someone there in case of an emergency and to be sure it runs efficiently,” he said.

One big item added to the Rec Department is management of the Ham Complex. Colello noted that staff time is required to organize and oversee baseball and other tournaments held there.

He also conducted a public online survey asking residents what types of activities they would like to see there. Over 100 people responded, and the Top 5 uses included music concerts, festivals, youth programming, walking club and pick-up rec programs such as adult softball.

Board chair Carmen Lone asked Colello what is the biggest short-term problem he is facing?

“Staffing time to do all these things efficiently, especially spring and summer amps up 100%. Overtime is high because we don’t have the staffing

to cover,” Colello said. “We had a COVID outbreak during summer camp which required some staff to quarantine.”

Lone felt it would be useful for the committee to look at the BRAG Field and figure out what can and can’t be done; and what is available for space to do things in the future.

Colello felt reaching out to various departments, and receiving feedback from different people would be sufficient, rather than forming a committee to study it.

Town Manager Bob Peabody said the complex is not finished (concession stand work is left to be completed), but would be done by spring.

“The fields are a go, and are fully adaptable to put on concerts, non-sports events; as for seating, people can bring their own chairs or sit on ground,” he said. “We have electricity in two different places; site stage, first field plenty big for their needs; two fenced in fields for overnight camping.”

Money brought in through special events like concerts (the Chamber’s BrewFest is headed there this year) will offset the cost of managing and maintaining the facility.

Selectman Paul Tworog wondered if the board was straying somewhat for the workshop’s goal of zeroing in on a general philosophy for rec rather than specifics.

Colello said Rec’s approach has been to address voids “no one else is taking on.”

“I wonder how far taxpayers go providing rec services for everyone; don’t take this wrong, applaud during COVID stepped forward fill gap like child care that disappeared; increasing town program might be discouraging new childcare businesses from opening up,” Lone said. “I am concerned about our ability to fall in line with rigid state guidelines, liability when something goes wrong. I realize things do go wrong…I do worry about over reach.”

Selectman Paul Tworog echoed the thought, “If available by town why start as a business? The Rec program does this, so I guess I don’t have to volunteer… The Rec Department is doing a great job, organize things that won’t get organized; child care doesn’t seem like rec to me.”

Selectman Bob McHatton’s take, “I believe rec in any form should be provided for as many as people as possible from youngest to oldest; not afraid jump into areas new to us. We have to get up to date how to handle situations; day care is one aspect, we’re helping working parents, it costs so much money on the outside, which cuts heavily into their paychecks each week. I have no problem providing children as much as we do, I’d like see more adult education; rec is just as important to the town and families as a fire and police department, town office; rec is just as important, used to be backyard thing, not that important, today society it is that important.”

Tworog raised the question whether Rec is spreading its resources (staffing) too thin and what ramifications from a tax standpoint might the town face if staffing grows too big?

“The Select Board needs to set priorities; the role of the Select Board is to decide limits,” he said.

Select Board member Carrye Castleman-Ross wondered what folks attending the session thought.

Kirsten Wears, via Zoom, impressed upon officials the need for youth programming in wake of the growing opioid epidemic. “It’s

our responsibility to steer kids in the right directions.”

Susan Guthro of Opportunity Alliance noted that it is “100% reasonable” for a rec department to fill the void of a before/afterschool program, which is done across the state when communities lack other options like Boys-Girls Clubs.

Maggie Lynn, a member of the town’s CDC and employed at Loon Echo Land Trust, said any time there is a collaboration between LELT and the Rec Department, “our programs are better and more people have access to them, I fully endorse collaboration with the town when we can.”

“Putting my community member hat on, child care is attractive to keeping parents in the community,” she added.

Lone said she is not against before/afterschool programs.

“I believe in child care programs as well. I know how hard it is for parents and grandparents raising children,” she said. “The question is the state regulations. How tight they are, and how difficult it would be for us to be a licensed day care.”

“We’re not looking to be a licensed day care,” Colello clarified.

The town is looking into a state program which could bring back money from families who seek out scholarships to take part in Rec programming.

“It allows those families to access benefits they are entitled to, and money comes back into the town vs us not getting anything due to scholarships,” Colello said.

As for programming, Colello said, “I’d be happy to provide more programming, but we’re handcuffed.

We can’t do certain things because of space, resources, staffing and training. At the end of the day, we can’t add more things if we don’t have the resources; the volunteers are not there.”

“We need a new rec facility, not the town hall,” Selectman Ken Murphy chimed in.

The task of looking at a Rec Center will likely land in the town manager’s lap.

Peabody applauded the

“comprehensive package” Colello developed for the Select Board’s review.

The bottom line, Colello said, is “what’s the value we are trying to accomplish?”

“You and your team have done an excellent job. Most youth have something productive to do; you are raising good citizens,” Lone said.

“I strive be the best rec director in the state,” Colello responded.

Stacy’s Service Center, Rusty Stacy would like to sincerely thank all past and present customers for 35 years of business. My loyal & delightful customers will be missed.

Russell C. Stacy Stacy’s Service Center 2T49

ALL ABOUT BOOKS with Waterford author Robert Spencer will be held this Saturday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Waterford Library, 663 Waterford Road. Set in southern Maine during the first decade of the 20th century, “Francena Hallett’s Heart” is the third and concluding volume of Spencer’s Lizzie Millett Series. In this novel of romance and revenge, dressmaker Francena Hallett sacrifices her own search for love, happiness, and professional success by becoming the main caregiver to her best friend Lottie. Join us for what will be a lively discussion! The program is free.

SPECIAL EVENTS such as the creation of a Winter Wonderland inside the ice rink is one of several Rec sponsored activities. This exhibit was created by the local American Legion.

SBES students hear ‘local stories’ from makers & elders

Wall murals, the making of cross-country ski trails, living in Bridgton when the doctor came to your home, this year Bridgton history was explored in a creative way by third graders at the local elementary school.

For the second time, Stevens Brook Elementary School hosted the Local Stories Project in partnership with the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity.

Two third grade classes researched local history, and created a permanent mural and a performance piece based on that research. Students were guided by classroom teachers Karen LePage and Lori Demarest in collaboration with visiting artists Laurie Downey and Gretchen Berg in this multi-disciplinary, integrated arts project.

Students heard presentations by local makers as well as town “elders,” provided by the Rufus Porter Museum, who shared their firsthand experiences and memories. They heard stories from artist/muralist Kate Erwin, cross-country

Beth Cossey and Deb Fitts.

There

ing accomplishments. Students kept project journals of writing and drawings based on the stories they heard and saw.

On Monday, Nov. 28, the third-grade students unveiled the mural that has been months in the making, in a celebratory event at the school that was open to the community, where they also presented their performance piece. The mural has been hung as a permanent installation in the hallway of the school near the mural that was created during the previous Local Stories Project in 2014.

“Ingenuity: Then and Now” is one of an ongoing series of Local Stories projects in Maine elementary schools. For more information on the Local Stories Project, visit https://www. localstoriesproject.org/.

To see a video of the mural unveiling and the performance, visit the Rufus Porter Museum’s channel on YouTube.

This project was financially supported by the Rufus Porter Museum thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Bank provides financial literacy tools

NORWAY – Norway Savings Bank has announced that it will renew a three-year agreement to provide free financial literacy education to students at Lake Region High School, Lake Region Middle School and Crosby Kennett Middle School in Conway, N.H.

Seven other schools in Maine will also have access to these tools.

“We are pleased to renew our agreement with our financial literacy partner, Banzai,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “Financial education provides foundational knowledge that helps kids to be more successful adults. With fun, interactive and ageappropriate online tools and workbooks, Banzai makes learning very enjoyable.”

“In my personal finance class, students really enjoy taking the Banzai Plus course and then playing the online game to simulate real life financial decisions and manage their budget,” said John Mayo, teacher at Lake Region High School. “This gives students a chance to practice managing finances and experience the challenges they may face in their own lives. It’s really important for kids to develop these skills so they can be more successful adults.”

Students from Lake Region High School have shared what they’ve learned from using Banzai. Some of their feedback included:

• “(I learned) how hard it can to budget with real life situations over the course of years with so many unex-

pected expenses. The true cost of these expenses as well was a big eye opener.”

• “It showed me how to understand exemption on taxes better.”

• “I learned responsible ways to deal with certain circumstances and money.”

The seven other schools in Maine that will have free access to Banzai’s tools for the next three years are: Brunswick Junior High School, Gorham Middle School, Kennebunk High School, Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, Lewiston High School,

Telstar Middle School and Loranger (Old Orchard Beach) Middle School.

Lions’ Student of the Month

Carly Dyer of Naples has been selected as the Student of the Month for December by the Naples Lions Club.

Each month, area Lions Clubs recognize a Lake Region High School senior based on academics and volunteerism in school and community services. The recipient is honored at a Lions’ dinner meeting and is presented a monetary award.

Parents: Dani Longley and Chris Dyer.

Activities: National Honor Society, Class President, XC, Basketball, Lacrosse, Math Team, Student Council.

Hobbies: Running, going to the gym, fishing, and cooking.

Future plans: I plan to study Marine Biology at a four- year university outside of Maine.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good student? Three keys to being a good student are good time-management skills, keeping your priorities straight, and knowing when to take a break.

Q. What is your favorite class and why? My favorite classes are science classes. I like that there can be several correct answers and interpretations. I also enjoy conducting experiments and finding solutions to the problems.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher and why? My

favorite teacher is Mr. Coady. His teaching style is exciting and interactive, while extremely effective and informational. Above all, Mr. Coady is a good person and cares about his students.

Q. If you could change one thing about your educational experience, what would it be and why? If I could change one thing about my educational experience, I would have learned better timemanagement skills earlier than I did.

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and why? I am most proud of my acceptance into the Keller BLOOM program at Bigelow Laboratories. I was one of 16 individuals selected from across the state to partake in the program, which focused on marine sciences. Our close-knit group conducted rigorous experiments and analyses. I am grateful to have been a part of this exclusive opportunity.

Want to be a pilot?

A private pilot ground school will begin at the Oxford Regional Airport on Saturday morning, Jan. 7, 2023.

It is a 12-week course covering all elements of general aviation. Classes will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Interested in becoming a pilot? This is where you start. Contact Mary Build at mary.build@gmail.com for more information or call to register at Mosher Aviation 207-539-6056.

The flight school at the Oxford Airport has a Cessna 150 and a 172. Both planes are used frequently, and carefully monitored by the well-known maintenance department of Moser Aviation.

Mary Build’s flight credentials include Commercial Single-engine land plane (SEL), Single-engine Seaplane (SES), Multi-engine Land (MEL), Instrument, Tailwheel and Seaplane. She is a former FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and a Gold Seal Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument, SEL, SES, and Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI). She is taking new students. Rate: $75/ hour. Contact her at 207-838-3548, or e-mail: mary. build@gmail.com.

Scholarships for flight training

Have

Eastern New England Chapter of The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots is offering $8,000 in scholarships for 2023.

Applications are due by Jan. 15, 2023. Download an application at www.women-

pilotsene.org

The scholarships include:

• $2,000, The ENE 99s Trish Sauve Honorary Scholarship for women and men who have soloed.

• $2,000, The William Bridge Scholarship for women working toward an advanced rating.

• $2,000, The Jeanne Ohnemus/Cynthia Hurvitz

Scholarship for women who have soloed.

• $1,000, The ENE 99s Takeoff Scholarship for women student pilots — including pre-solo. Two individual scholarships will be awarded!

Applicants must be residents of, or studying in New England. See the application for additional requirements.

ski trail steward Roger Lowell, craftsman Andy Buck, Shannon Nelligan of the Lakes Environmental Association, and “elders”

was a field trip to see original murals at the Museum, and to learn about Porter’s wide-rang-

Carly Dyer

ROGER LOWELL, who created a warming hut and cross-country ski trails, was one of the guest speakers.

SHANNON NELLIGAN of Lakes Environmental Association talks to Stevens Brook Elementary School students at the Local Stories Project.

ANDY BUCK, a local craftsman, talks about his work to SBES students gathered at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge in Pondicherry Park.

Regional Sports

FA survives Greely comeback bid, 54-49

Raider scoreboard

Idan Or netted a pair of 3-pointers

VARSITY BOYS: Westbrook 71,

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG — For Coach Dan Thomas, it was easy to point to the top item on the Raider basketball team’s next practice list.

After watching his squad nearly squander an 11-point lead over the final 2:01 of Friday’s season opener at Wadsworth Arena against Greely, Coach Thomas planned to drill home pace and shot selection to his players.

One play typified the Raiders’ approach down the stretch. Off an inbound pass, rather than take some time off the clock and search out a high percentage shot or a foul call that would have sent FA to the free throw line, up went a corner 3-ball that was off the mark.

Greely pushed the ball down the court and scored, cutting into Fryeburg’s cushion. Fortunately, the Raiders bailed themselves out with hustle and tenacious defense in the closing seconds, along with a pair of clutch free throws by Bryce Richardson to secure a 54-49 victory.

the

42 Fryeburg had no answer for Aiden

night as he scored a game-high 20 points and hauled down 11 rebounds to lead the Blue Blazes (2-0) over the Raiders in Westbrook.

Westbrook got off to a fast start, 30-10. FA chipped away at the deficit with a 17-9 run in the second. But, they were unable to keep the momentum going as Westbrook dominated the fourth with a 17-4 run.

Joao Orlando paced the Raiders with 15 points, while Gunnar Saunders added 10, Bryce Richardson tossed in 7, Boone Douglass 5, Camden Johnson 3 and Jordan Dutton

Like

Until, the final stanza.

Lake Region captured an opening night win last Friday at Nutting Gym by going on a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to pull away from Poland. The Lakers outscored the Knights 30-16 to nail down the victory.

Center Jackson Libby scored a game-high 24 points to pace the Laker attack, while senior Jacob Chadbourne tossed in 23 points, including three 3-pointers. Ian Brogan also had a good shooting night, scoring 14 points while point guard Evan Duprey added 10 points. Other scorers were: Jack Bueler 2 and Brock Gibbons 1.

Up next: The Lakers host Yarmouth on Friday at 7 p.m., then travel to Mountain Valley on Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. game. It’s back to Nutting Gym on Friday, Dec. 23 for a 6 p.m. game against Traip Academy.

GIRLS: Lakers 55, Poland 34

New Head Coach Doug Banks had to like what he saw in his Laker girls as they opened the basketball season Friday with a convincing 55-34 victory on the road against Poland.

“It wasn’t the shot we were looking for at that moment. We haven’t had practice time to work on late game situations. We’ve had five official practices, so we worked on what we could work on. Late game scenarios wasn’t something we got to, and you can guarantee it will be on the next one,” Coach Thomas said. “I thought we handled the pressure well, the problem was we beat the pressure and then took a bad shot. We have a lot of senior guys who I think just gave in to the moment tonight. We didn’t have this problem last year, we understood the situation. First game. Big crowd. Everyone wanted to hit the home run dagger. We need to be more disciplined than that. That’s on me. We’ll work on it.”

Junior guard Gunnar Saunders netted 15 points to lead a balanced Raider attach that had nine different players score.

“I am really proud of our effort tonight. Guys 1 through 9 really played huge minutes for us. We are going to get more guys

out there this year because I think our depth is our biggest strength,” Fryeburg Coach Dan Thomas said. “That’s a really good Greely team. We’re going to see several really good teams this year so to get a win right off the bat is really good for us.”

Guard Camden Johnson found his scoring touch early, knocking down consecutive 3-pointers to give FA an 8-2 lead.

Playing in-your-face defense, Saunders tipped a ball away from a Greely player and raced the other way for a lay-up. FA defenders showed that type of grittiness all night, especially on the defensive boards, which was a question mark entering the season.

“We worked on rebounding in practice. You lose a

6-foot-9 Will Hallam and his brother, Bobby Hallam, who were our two leading rebounders last year, someone is going to need to step up. Our point guard Gunnar Saunders had 9 rebounds, which was huge at his position and our new 6-6 power forward Joao Orlando had 10 boards and 4 blocks. He is stepping into that rim protector role that we were missing with Will Hallam gone. Definite a concern of ours but tonight I liked what I saw.”

Coach Thomas really liked seeing Orlando, whose minutes were being limited coming off an injury, perfectly trail a Greely shooter to then elevate and block his shot. The ball went quickly the other way with Saunders scoring the layup.

“I told the guys every

day at practice let your defense create your offense.

I was really proud how our guys defended tonight, minus the last four minutes or so,” the coach said.

RAIDER GIRLS, Page 8A December 15, 2022 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

If one had just watched the game and hadn’t looked at the scoreboard, it felt as if the Raiders had a 12 to 14-point lead at the break. They dominated in the energy department, but led just 22-17 at the break mainly due to taking too many off-balance or highly-contested shots which missed.

“We talked at halftime how we were passing up good looks from 3, which we take a lot of 3s at practice for this reason, I’d rather take the open shot than the contested shot. We settled in and started to take better looks in

Bears cash in on LR turnovers

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Coach Ryan Martin knows his team will experience growing pains this year with eight sophomore and freshmen on the varsity roster.

But, he likes the promise and tenacity these rookies possess.

The Lakers battled a good shooting, aggressive Maranacook team throughout Tuesday night’s game at Nutting Gym. In the end, too many turnovers were too tough to overcome in a 68-62 loss.

“Maranacook does a great job in pressuring us, making us uncomfortable, switching up their defenses. For us, we need to stay under control, communicate what we are running on offense. Turning the ball over, they scored a lot on transition. It all started with us not taking care of the ball,” Coach Martin said. “We’re a young team. This is all part of it. You can’t expect them to come in, not playing a lot of varsity basketball, and understanding how to read a varsity trap. It is all part of the growing process. The guys are coachable, and that’s the first step of us being a better team.”

Sophomores Brock Gibbons and Ian Brogan got the Lakers off to a fast start with Gibbons canning a 3-pointer and Brogan sweep-

ing through the Black Bear defense for a reverse layup, a foul and a made free throw for a 6-2 lead.

The Bears, however, closed out the quarter with a 12-5 run, showing soft shooting touches on drives and pull-ups in the lane.

LR senior Jacob Chadbourne closed the gap to 21-17 when his quick shooting trigger launched a 3-ball swish as the buzzer sounded.

The teams played a pretty even second frame with Chadbourne and Jacoby Barsley knocking down treys while 6-foot-4 sophomore center Jackson Libby gave the Black Bears fits in the lane because of his high motor and determination to score. His baseline jumper and a pair of Brogan foul shots tied the game. But, the Bears closed out the quarter with a baseline drive bucket by center Nick Wilson and a corner-3 by Wyatt Folsom.

Maranacook found their next gear offensively in the third, running the court well and either converting in the lane or zipping the ball to a shooter behind the arc for clean look hoops.

Meanwhile, the LR offense sputtered due to turnovers. Libby kept the Lakers within striking distance, scoring 8 of the team’s 12 points.

“The best thing about Jackson (game high 23

points) is that he pursues the basketball. If he misses, he knows where the ball is going, and he goes after it. He works so hard,” Coach Martin said. “He is a bull

underneath. He’s strong, physical. He loves basketball. He has a lot of potential. He has a good sense where the ball is going, and he out

the

JUST OFF THE MARK — Fryeburg’s Bryce Richardson looks to block Greely’s Jackson Leding’s shot during first half action Friday night.

TIPPED AWAY — Raider forward Lorenzo Catana Vallemani tips away a Greely shot attempt late in the fourth quarter. Fryeburg saw an 11-point lead nearly disappear as Greely pulled within 3 points in the closing seconds.

Laker scoreboard

JV BOYS: Raiders 39, Greely 35

Jagger Helwig connected for three 3-pointers in the third quarter and scored a game-high 15 points to lead the Raider JV boys’ basketball team to a 39-35 opening night win over Greely.

in

first quarter and finished with 10 points. Michael Malia also recorded a trey and went 2-for-4 from the foul line to add 5 points. Other scorers were: Andre Dimolfetta 3 (trey), Cody Boyd 2, Matthew Kim 2, Quinten Moore 1 and Toku Takura 1.

Raiders

Taylor Tuesday

STRONG TAKE TO THE HOOP — Lake Region guard Evan Duprey looks to finish a drive, but was fouled on the shot attempt. (Rivet Photo)

BATTLE FOR THE REBOUND — Lake Region’s Jackson Libby was tenacious and persistent all night, tracking down 10 rebounds. (Rivet Photo)

BOYS: Lakers 74, Poland 60

most Laker-Knights match-ups, this one was tight for most of the night.

T-overs sting Lakers

works other teams. He wants the ball so bad, and he finds a way with his strength, size and athleticism. He is not use to double and triple teams, but will get a lot of practice playing against it this year. I think he’ll get better being under control and passing out of the double teams to make our team better, and make him more effective.”

Down 53-42 entering the fourth, the Lakers dogged the Bears with an aggressive press that changed the game’s flow and got the home team back into the contest.

Guard Evan Duprey made a nice steal, and Bardsley converted a missed layup for 2 points. Gibbons drained a straightaway 3-pointer and Chadbourne converted a baseline jumper to make it 59-54 with 2:52 left.

“These guys keep battling. Down 12 with three minutes in the game, they kept working, forced turnovers just by working hard, and did a great job competing until the end,” Coach Martin said. “I heard the guys talking in the locker room that they want to play

every possession like it is a tie game.”

Maranacook, however, didn’t panic. Keagan McClure coolly drove the lane and sank a soft shot.

The play that seemingly short-circuited the comeback was a missed rebound after the Bears made one of two foul shots. Jacob McLaughlin made the catch, shot quickly and scored, to push the lead to 64-56 with 1:04 left.

The Bears made 4-of-6 foul shots to ice the victory.

One major difference was the Black Bears experienced depth pieces, while the Laker subs were rookies trying to get a feel for varsity play.

“They need to learn sometime. They’re going to learn quick against a team like Maranacook, they harass you and make you uncomfortable. It was great for kids to get minutes in that game. We turned the ball over a lot, but when we play them again, we’ll be better,” Coach Martin said. “The two keys coming out of this game are being better fundamentally boxing out and rebounding, and giving up too many second chance points against a team we could have out rebounded. Obviously, the turnovers. We need to continue to work being strong with the basketball. A lot of times too, people see a turnover by a guy with the ball, but the other guys are leaving him out to dry sometimes too.

We need to do a better job helping the guy with the ball, sprinting to the right spots.”

Box Score: Aiden Roberts 1-0-2, Jacoby Bardsley 2-05, Evan Duprey 2-1-5, Ian Brogan 1-5-6, Jackson Libby 11-1-23, Brock Gibbons 2-06, Jacob Chadbourne 6-0-14. FT 7-of-10.

FA survives late Greely comeback try, 54-49

second half. We’ll continue to work on what we do rather than give in at the moment and take tougher shots than what we want,” Coach Thomas said.

After a slow start, Greely shooters found the range and knocked down three 3-pointers in the third quarter to keep the game close. Orlando ignited the FA crowd with a dunk, and fans had lots to cheer about when Austin Warren drained back-toback 3-pointers to give FA a 36-30 lead. Saunders point an exclamation point on a more productive scoring quarter with a nifty baseline drive and scored with 12.5 seconds left.

FA had found a nice rhythm, and it continued over the first 6 minutes of

the final quarter. Orlando scored two buckets in the paint, Saunders drove through the Greely defense for a pair of layups, and Boone Douglass scored on a baseline drive.

Home 50, Visitors 39 2:01 left on the clock

With FA misfiring, Greely chipped away at the lead. Seamus Raftice buried a pair of 3-pointers.

Jackson Leding swished a baseline jumper.

Hayden MacArther converted two foul shots.

A 10-2 run had the Rangers in striking distance, 52-49, with 16.8 seconds left.

Fryeburg seemingly left the door open to overtime when guard Gunnar Saunders was trapped, knocked down and lost the ball out of bounds (no foul

called). Greely ball. Rather than become unglued by the last play, the Raiders instead dug in defensively. Greely skipped the ball to a player in the left corner, but the pass zipped through the shooter’s hands, out of play.

FA iced the win when Richardson was fouled with 4.6 seconds left, and the senior guard converted both foul shots.

Coach Thomas liked the mental toughness his club showed with the game on the line.

“We preach next play mentality. You turn the ball over or air ball a shot, next play. It is too quick a game to worry about, especially in this situation when it is a 3-point game and seconds left. I had the guys on the floor who I knew would lock in on defense, and they

Raider girls drop pair

(Continued from Page 7A)

2. Richardson, Douglass and Johnson each had a trey.

GIRLS: Greely 59, Raiders 45

For three quarters, the Fryeburg Academy girls gave host Greely all they could handle. The Raiders enjoyed at 31-26 halftime lead, and entered the final quarter tied 37-37. Then, it all unraveled.

The Rangers closed the game with a 22-8 run with three players finishing with double digits.

Mina Milosevic pow-

ered the FA offense with 21 points, including 13 from the foul line. Sydney Shaw tossed in 12 points, while Jilyan Byrne contributed 8 points, six from the charity stripe. Fryeburg had a 22-11 points made from the foul line advantage over Greely. Alysa Grawe netted a 3-pointer for the Raiders, and Ally Southwick sank a foul shot.

Westbrook 59, Raiders 39 Westbrook (1-1) used a strong first (18-8) and last (15-5) quarter Tuesday night to roll past the Raiders

at Wadsworth Arena.

Sydney Shaw was top gun for the Raiders (0-2) with 13 points, while Mina Milosevic fired in 12 points, including four from the foul lin. Other FA scorers were Alysa Grawe 5, Jilyan Byrne 3, Maya Mahan 2, Carla Pintor Gali 2 and Gwen McDougall 2.

Up next: The Raiders travel to Freeport on Friday (6:30 p. m.) and Leavitt on Tuesday (6:30). The next home game is next Thursday, Dec. 22, at 6:30 p.m. against Waynflete.

LR girls crush Knights

(Continued from Page 7A)

“Nice start,” the firstyear coach said.

Then, he added, “It was good, but we really didn’t shoot the ball that well. And, there are certainly some things we need to work on — all fixable things.”

Coach Banks liked the hustle and work ethic LR players put forth — the same intensity and focus the group has shown in practices.

What Banks feels will be key to the success of this year’s Lakers will be their willingness to learn from mistakes, play for each other and give it their very all.

“We’re about team,” Coach Banks said. “When I was talking to a player after the game, I asked her if she knew how many points she had scored. Her answer was she didn’t care. What was

important, she said, was that the team had won.”

The team approach was on full display in the opening quarter as the Lakers blitzed the Knights with a 19-2 run. Five different players scored.

While Carly Dyer was out due to injury, the Lakers welcomed back senior Melissa Mayo, who missed the entire season a year ago due to a knee injury. Mayo knocked down four 3-pointers and went 5-for-7 at the foul line for a game-high 19 points.

“Having Melissa back is huge. First, her talent is obvious, but it is her ability to make her teammates better is just as important. Her presence enables some other players, who had to step in last year and maybe weren’t quite ready to take on full responsibility of some things, to play with a little more confidence

because Melissa is out there,” Coach Banks said.

Center Ava Smith chipped in 13 points, while Kasey Johnson added 7 (including a trey), Abby Lavoie scored 7 (going 5-of-6 from the foul line) and Bella Smith netted 6 points. Other scorers were Olivia England 2 and Margo Tremblay 1.

The Lakers canned five 3-pointers to just two by Poland. LR shot 12-of-23 from the foul line.

Thea Thornton was the lone Knight to reach double digits, scoring 11 points. Poland went 6-of-20 from the foul line.

Up next: The Lakers went to Maranacook yesterday, Dec. 14. Their first home game is this Friday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m. (varsity only) against Yarmouth. The Lakers then host Mountain Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

did just that, forcing a big turnover,” he said. “Big kudos to Bryce Richardson, senior, knocking down two big free throws to finally close out the game. I was proud of his and many others’ efforts tonight. We escaped with a victory. It didn’t seem that way for a while, but that’s Greely for you. They are going to fight until the end. We’re going to have to be ready for a fight the next time we see them. All negatives aside, it’s great to get a win against a team like Greely.”

Game 1 is in the books, full of many positives and a few things that still need to

be ironed out.

“We just need more time to work on a few things. We have a couple of guys (senior captain Geri Daiu, knee injury) that are banged up or sick right now,” Coach Thomas added. “I played less guys tonight than I had planned. We have a lot of depth on this team. I liked what I was seeing defensively from the guys on the floor so I stuck with them. There’s going to be guys who are going to go in this year who didn’t get in tonight. They just need to continue to trust the process and get a few more varsity practices under their belts.

We’re going to keep guys fresh, which will be our big advantage in the fourth quarter.”

Scoring: Lorenzo Catana Vallemani 2-2-6, Camden Johnson 2-0-6, Gunnar Saunders 7-1-15, Bryce Richardson 1-3-5, Joao Orlando 3-0-6, Austin Warren 2-0-6, Sean Davis 0-2-2, Jordan Dutton 1-2-4, Boone Douglass 1-2-4. FT 12-15.

Up next: The Raiders host Freeport on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Leavitt on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. FA hits the road next Thursday, Dec. 22 to Waynflete for a 5:30 p.m. game.

TIMING A BLOCK — Lake Region’s Jacob Chadbourne elevates to stop a Maranacook shot.

TOUGH MORNING ON THE MAT — Fryeburg Academy wrestlers Haden Fox (top), Gabe McKenney (bottom left) and Zachary Rich (who is a post-grad who is eligible to wrestle in exhibitions and JV action) endured some rough sledding in the season’s opener against Windham/Westbrook. (Rivet Photos)

Opinion & Comment

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

A Christmas Riddle to solve

Howdy neighbor!

It’s beginning to look a lot like snowplow season, at least in this neck of the woods. Regular morning dustings of snow are now common, some of whom are starting to decide to stick around, and I hear that by the time we go to press, we’ll be due for a proper squall come tomorrow.

All this last week, one can’t seem to go anywhere in the village without seeing Christmas trees set up in myriad windows, and at least one lashed down to the roof of passing autos. We got ours last weekend; a Fryeburg tree it is, our family custom, from Weston’s farm stand on the marge of the Saco. Did you know they were one of the first major Christmas tree farmers in New England, and that once they sold them by mail all across the country?

Which brings to mind the Christmas shopping season, and all the work we’ve all been doing getting ready to ensure a wealth of presents to put under all those trees in all those windows. A message for the holidays, this year especially; shop local if you can, there’s more than enough Christmas cheer to be purveyed by the merchants of our town and vicinity, and in sincerity it beats out any to be found in the malls of Portland or peddled by the faceless giants of e-commerce.

Which brings me to the subject of today’s column, an advertisement from The Bridgton News of Dec. 5, 1884, proclaiming the advent of the Christmas season at the apothecary shop of F.H. Hazelton. He sends his holiday greetings by way of that old Yankee merchant’s custom, the ‘drummer,’ a term formerly used to describe travelling salesmen but which, by the 1880s, had shifted in definition to refer to large printed ads or flyers. I do think it works especially well in a holiday context; for it was followed by a series of other ‘drummers’ in latter papers, and while he didn’t reach 12 by Christmas day, he certainly seems to have tried. His drummer brings a message, a Christmas riddle which, if you managed to decipher, earned your household the prize of only the finest present on the market, fit to adorn any stocking hung by the fire with care; a box of branded dominoes!

I’ll leave you now with Hazelton’s old-fashioned, if a touch long-winded ad. I must admit it makes one wish his store was still in business this holiday season; he certainly has just about everything a family could want!

“Our Drummer”

You will notice perhaps I am somewhat of a stranger among you, but by some instrumentality or other means at about this season of the year I make my accustomed call on all friends and acquaintances.

My express purpose today is to most respectfully introduce myself as the representative of F.H. Hazelton & Co., Apothecaries, Booksellers and Caterers for the Holidays, and to pass with you pleasant greetings in anticipations of a Merry Christmas, the waning year, and to salute you in hopes of a literally prosperous Happy New One. I am aware that I shall meet many who, like others, are burdened with some untimely grief, calamity, or other event, during the year, whose hearts almost shrink from the duty of participating in any festivities of the day either public or private; but methinks there exists a consciousness that ‘whatever is is right’ and ‘that the universal course acts not by partial but by general laws.’ Therefore, I again wish you one and all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Who Am I? Conventionally I am called a ‘drummer’ but my real name is Mr. Llarof Stneserpsraey Wendna Samtsirhc.

RIDDLE, Page 2B

Inspired by column

To The Editor:

Cynthia Stancioff’s Earth Notes piece about the value of dead trees in the Dec. 8 Bridgton News reminded me of a dead tree visible across the lake from my kitchen window. In summer, it stands in contrast to the leafy shades of green all around it, and for a long time, with every storm, I hoped it would fall. But in recent years, I have come to have new respect for it and last summer I wrote this little poem:

Ode to the Dead Tree Blessings and honor to you, dead tree You are weathered and old, just like me. Standing tall on the shore of the lake, Daring the world your freedom to take.

Braving the cold and not minding the heat, You’ll stand where you are until life is complete. Then, you’ll fall like a stone and they’ll say, “Oh, it’s gone!” We really will miss you, but life must go on.

Miriam Smith Wetzel Casco

Select Board problem

To The Editor:

Penny wise and pound foolish is the best way to describe the problem which may have an adverse impact on Naples for some time. Until recently, Naples has had some real successes. The first one that comes to mind is the purchase of Kents Landing, which tripled the size of the town beach giving the town an excellent recreation area with bathrooms, picnic facilities, and a wide stretch of land right up to the Village Green and Town Hall. The next is the total upgrading of the Causeway by MDOT plus the new rerouting of the 302/35 intersection and updating of the traffic signals. One also has to mention the Casco/Naples recycling center which is the envy of all my friends from away (Bridgton, Raymond, Windham).

Then, we entered the pound foolish phase. Prime commercial locations on the Causeway were converted to residential homes and then left empty for all but a few weeks out of the year. The miniature golf/arcade behind the Casino was closed because (I heard) the lights bothered the resident owner for the one week the residence was occupied (now sold and empty). Then, the golf course was sold and converted to homes. It wasn’t Pebble Beach, but was enjoyed by many

Recycling for Gardeners

One of the many reasons I love living in my home State of Maine is that it has four distinct seasons (five if you count mud season). While I am most active during the warmer seasons because of gardening activities, I am not unhappy when the winter season begins. One reason is that my body needs a bit of a rest from moving wheelbarrows full of soil and mulch and the kneeling and standing up that is less easily done than it was when I was younger.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing require just moving my body weight while in an upright position, except for the occasional fall that usually results in laughter from myself or friends. The other reason is that the winter season encourages more quiet reading time. Accessibility to so much information contained in websites and YouTubes often results in my delaying household chores. I am very thankful that retirement allows more procrastination, or what I conveniently label as education time.

Recently, I was reading some information about composting, and I came upon a site that used the term “green garbage” (www.gardeningknowhow.com). I had not thought about cutting the tops off carrots and radishes and turning them under the soil to feed the microorganisms in the soil. The website also describes washing eggshells of all debris and placing them into an open container to dry and then mashing them into a powder. Since the eggshells

Down the Garden Path

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

are a source of calcium carbonate, they are beneficial to the strength of cell walls in plants. Also, they can prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes. The website also outlines the benefit of using chopped banana peels in the soil to provide potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur to the plants.

I believe that most people have heard about composting. While a complete description about how to compost is beyond the scope of this current column, great directions can be found at both the Maine and New Hampshire Cooperative Extension websites. Each website offers great guidance regarding how to make garden compost. (https:// extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/composting and https://extension.unh.edu/resource/composting-home-gar-

RECYCLING, Page 3B

Reviewing a darkest day Guest Column

Let’s review what happened 10 years ago, on Dec. 14: A 20-year-old white Connecticut man murdered his mother, then drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown to shoot to death 20 first graders, six educators, and himself.

On that black Friday, one of the darkest days in U.S. history, Adam Lanza fired 155 bullets in less than five minutes: 154 from a Bushmaster .223-model assault rifle. The final bullet, from a Glock 10mm handgun, he used on himself.

Those are “just the facts, ma’am,” as Det. Joe Friday used to say on the 1950s TV police drama, Dragnet. Ten years since the Sandy Hook massacre, and hundreds of mass shootings later, there are no Det. Fridays to investigate why these mass shootings keep happening. At least none flagging the murderer’s predictable profile: white, male, under 30.

As soon as we hear about a mass shooting, we automatically think male. Because a mass shooter is invariably a gunman, why bother mentioning his gender. Maddeningly, the national conversation continues to emphasize improving mental health services and a bit on better regulating guns. That’s only part of the story; the gender of the shooter tells the rest.

locals, as well as visitors that didn’t want to fight the crowds at larger golf courses. Dave Smith, a significant shareholder of the course, told me they didn’t make a lot of money, but they never lost money. It was a big loss of prime green space and a dramatic change in use. I have no idea if these events could have been prevented, but we could have at least tried.

The Naples Town Hall is the pending disaster. In full disclosure, I was in the first class graduating in 1948 when they closed the one room school houses. Miss Pitts was principal, 7th and 8th grade teacher, and a great basketball player. Use has changed dramatically. It’s now the Town Hall with gym/community center and Post Office. Our municipal compound now also includes the Grange Hall, Naples Museum, a historic church, the first Town Cemetery, Kents Landing, and a short distance away our fire station, public works facility and Sheriff’s substation. The town library and another historic church are only 600 feet south of our main municipal facilities. All within walking distance. It’s a wonderful grouping of municipal buildings that could be lost as the town needs more space in the future.

Our existing Town Hall is 75 years old and has reached the end of its useful life. This has been evident for 10 years. The gym/community center is not repairable, the municipal employees are crowded, the Post Office is a disgrace. A committee was formed and felt that the old town hall should go. Naples should also purchase 2.6 acres of newly available land near the fire station so the town could control all the land from the fire station down to the existing municipal complex at the Town Hall. There shouldn’t even be a question on this recommendation.

In November’s Election, the first item up for a vote was — did the voters want the town to buy the 2.6 acres land between the fire station and the current Town Hall. That vote failed by 6 votes, a disaster. Kudos to John Hawley, our town manager, who may have saved the day.

The second item was — did the voters want to build a new Town Hall that met all the town’s needs for the foreseeable future and would cost an estimated $12-plus million. That vote also failed, by a wide margin, primarily through the efforts of the Select Board Chairman, Mr. Grattelo. He sent a flyer to Postal Patrons

by Rob Okun Editor/Publisher of Voice Male magazine

If we are ever to radically reduce, if not prevent, this almost exclusively U.S. phenomenon, the murderer’s gender must move from the periphery to the center of the discussion. If we refuse to turn our attention, resources, and political muscle to asking why the killers are almost always men, we will be doomed to a never-ending cycle: murder, outrage, mourning, repeat. We must dig deeper.

April 20, 2023 will mark the 24th anniversary of the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, where two young men, 17 and 18, murdered 13 and wounded 21.

Imagine if we had started back then, a quarter of a

DARKEST DAY, Page 2B

1 1/2 business days before the vote headlined, Vote No on #2.

The timing was at best slippery, and in my view, not allowing sufficient time for the committee to respond. It was a flagrant attempt to manipulate the vote. It goes on to say a majority both of the Select Board and Budget Committee voted not to pass. True. But it’s also true that the vote failed by one vote or for that matter Mr. Gratello’s vote.

I e-mailed Mr. Grattelo under the subject caption “Resign Now.” His response was, “The data was 100% accurate.” I disagree, read on. He welcomed my response, but said he would respond if I didn’t get my facts about him accurate and correct. Each of the following is correct: The measure was defeated by one vote in both the Select Board and Budget Committee; Mr. Grattelo’s vote defeated the vote on the Select Board. Infers a different meaning then Mr. Grattelo’s “the majority of both the Select Board and Budget Committee voted not to pass”; which is also accurate. As Mr. Grattelo says, “don’t be fooled!”

In the next section, we find that Question #2 was “The Wrong Size, Time, Place”; but no information as to what the

right answers are. The don’t be fooled section in my view simply says “when we form a committee, they should come up with the answers we want.”

The Post Office gets into the pound foolish category. We want the Post Office for the lease revenue, for potential expansion space in the future, and most importantly, the residents likely prefer one stop shopping and don’t want to go to Edes Falls or down Route 114 for their postal needs. By the way, taxpayers and postal patrons pay for all Post Offices.

Ten years ago, we knew the Town Hall was getting long on the tooth. Penny wise and pound foolish stopped us from adding to the mil rate and building a capital reserve toward repair or replacement of the Town Hall. On top of that, Mr. Grattelo feels very confident in his municipal bond interest rate forecast of 7%. One has to ask why we didn’t borrow $5 million last year when rates were 2% to establish a capital reserve for the repair or replacement of the Town Hall?

Mr. Grattelo’s final nail in the coffin was the giant print at the bottom of his flyer which said “17.8 million is way too much”; $5 million more

WINTER WONDERINGS — The Songo River Queen II, a floating landmark in Naples, remains on Long Lake gift wrapped in plastic and safely tethered in Mast Cove at the Colonial Mast Campground. (Photo by Suzanne Richard)

A Christmas Riddle

I rather surmise you think this a queer name and give it a foreign appellation at once. But such is not the case. Its unfamiliarity disappears at once if you read contrary to custom habit, and then and not till then will you appreciate its charms and embrace its opportunities. For if on or after the 10th inst. anyone will bring to our stores in person my name literally anglicized, they will receive all that it pledges. It is a standard game, played by our mammas and papas, and neatly enclosed in a wooden box with a sliding cover. I must limit, however, the present – one to each family. You can get them at either store, Harrison or Bridgton. I have been advertising my remarks more particularly to the children, but will now call the attention of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, ladies and gentleman. My firm are caterers for the Holidays, in every sense, and practically this year our stock is all fresh from the latest markets. If you will kindly indulge me for a few moments, I would call your attention to their stock of Family Bibles, Testaments, Photograph Albums; Ladies’ and Gents’ Dressing Cases; Work Boxes, Writing Desks, Paper Racks; Handk’r and Glove Boxes; Scrap, Card and Autograph Albums; Hand-painted Brass Plaques; Cards, Barometers, Thermometers; Souvenirs and Novelties; Christmas and New Year Cards; Smoking Sets, Cigar Cases; Vases, Cups and Saucers; Bill Books, Wallets and Portemonnaies; Card Receives for Wall or Table; Calendars, Mirrors, Wall Pockets; Building Blocks, Banks, &c., down to a 25c Musical Top that is really quite a piece of ingenuity. Also, Books.

It is a generally admitted fact that we carry a large stock of books — selected for the sedate and ludicrously inclined, both old and young — secular or sectarian. We order and ship in bindings specialized, any books not in stock, at publishers’ prices, and in many instances less.

Our Writing Desks are in Plush, Walnut, Paper and Leather. Our Photo Albums are in Alligator, Plush, and Morocco bindings. Our Dressing Cases in same.

Prices this year rule still lower than last, while wages and produce compare favorable with the ‘good times’ of ’82. So that in our mind there can be no good reason, unless it be ‘man’s inhumanity,’ why everyone who is diligent should not be favored with a seasonable remembrance of ’84.

The audible cry of ‘hard times’ is simply apprehension — not actual — a delusion that should be precipitated from the minds of the inhabitants of our interior towns. A lack of ‘confidence’ is the prime cause of ‘corner’ predictions. With that established, there will be no anticipated depression even; and as we presume to practice our theory, we have made quite elaborate arrangements for our formal opening on the 10th inst., to which we most cordially invite you, your friends, and acquaintances to attend – where, among the beautiful, useful and instructive, one is sure to find something to improve or satisfy the sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch the size of the pocket-book.

But I must away, so thanking you for your generous attention and trusting to meet you at our grand open-

RIDDLE, Page 4B

(Continued from Page 1B)

Lettersthan the committee estimate.

It, more than likely served to scare voters away from voting to buy the adjacent land which Mr. Grattelo didn’t comment on in his flyer. Including future interest as a cost of the project is called Voodoo accounting. When you buy something with borrowed money, the interest

cost over the next 10 to 20 years is the cost of borrowing, not the cost of the project.

This brings us back 10 years to penny wise and pound foolish. The thought process may have been if we put money into capital reserves for repair or replacement of the Town Hall then we may have to increase the mil rate (taxes). $5 million is the cost of bad accounting decisions in the past and has nothing to do with the cost of the project but has to be paid for over the next 10-15 years. If we had put away $3 to $4 million over the past 10 years in a capital reserve fund, knowing that we had some big expenses down the road, the numbers would have looked more attractive but that’s history. In Mr. Grattelo’s final paragraph, he resorts to some wild scary numbers. The typical non-water front property in Naples is not valued at $450,000, with our newly updated assessments (X waterfront) “a lot of people will not be paying $1,000 more per year”; easily climbing to 14-18%; all numbers pulled out of the cloud. Luck and happenstance has given us a chance to have an idyllic municipal compound, in a beautiful setting for the next century, seldom available to older communities. The Select Board should

Annie B. Douglas

TWIN FALLS, IDAHO — Annie B. Douglas passed away peacefully on December 5, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was born in Sebago on March 8, 1944, the daughter of Norman and Olive (Jefferson) Douglas.

She graduated from Potter Academy in Sebago and later received her nursing degree and license in 1994 in the state of Nevada where she lived and worked until her retirement.

She was predeceased by her first child Matthew Parker, father and mother, and brother George E. Douglas. She is survived by her two sons, James Parker and his wife Trudy of Twin Falls, Idaho, and David Parker and wife Rachel of Pownal; stepson Chris Hannon and his wife Angela of Vermont, seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bruce Douglas and his wife Cindy of Sebago, and Richard Douglas of Idaho, his son Jeff Douglas and Heather of Naples, Maine.

At Annie’s request, there will be no funeral services.

Craig E. Adams

STONEHAM — Craig Edwin Adams, 74, of Stoneham, died unexpectedly early Tuesday evening Dec. 6, 2022, in the comfort of his own in Stoneham.

He was born on April 24, 1948, in Norway, a son of Howard E. and Barbara A. (MacKenzie) Adams and attended local schools. Craig was in the first graduating class of the newly combined Oxford Hills High School, at the time.

After high school, Craig served in the Army from 1967-69 and did a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Shortly after his return from the service, he married Kathleen Chandler on Sept. 26, 1970 in Lovell. They made their home for a few years in Albany Township before buying a home and settling in Stoneham.

Craig was a wood mill worker virtually all of his working career. He retired from CB Cummings in Norway in 2002 after working there for 19 years.

In earlier years, he was a volunteer firefighter for the Stoneham Fire Department and really enjoyed their annual auction that he and Pete Fox rode around together gathering items for. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing and when poor health forced him out of the woods, he could often be found riding the back roads looking for deer during hunting season. He was a tremendous history and genealogy buff and helped with Lovell Historical Society.

A close second to his family was Craig’s love for classic cars, especially his 1941 Ford Coupe.

He is loved by his wife, Kathy; a daughter, Bethany Cagle; a son, Jesse Adams; five grandchildren and two great granddaughters; a brother, Brad.

He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial graveside service for Craig will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at the Hillside Cemetery in Stoneham.

Gifts may be given in Craig’s memory to the Stoneham Fire Department, 47 Butters Hill Road, Stoneham, ME 04231.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared amongst family and friends at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Obituary Policy

To run at no charge, The News will include: who the person was predeceased 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 grandchildren 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

take a drive to our northern neighbor and tour their 13 municipal facilities of which only two are located adjacent to each other. The other 11 are spread all over town, few within walking distance of each other. I assume there is a money saving having our municipal support units grouped in a municipal complex. History, happenstance, thinking long term and taking advantage of longer-term opportunities all play a part.

Naples is fortunate to have the opportunity to do it right!

Hopefully, future Select Boards will swing more toward Penny Foolish But Pound Wise. Standards of conduct for board members regarding election tampering is obviously needed.

Peter

of year his inspiration for this allegory was inspired by his co-participation in the process he was ascribing to those “critters.”

Can’t wait to see what he has to say next!

Don Vose Naples

Constitution’s 1st Amendment

To The Editor:

Hathaway,

Naples

What’s next?

To The Editor:

It would be fair to say that Mr. St. Laurent’s letters consistently portray a rather unusual thought process, expression, and perspective on life. Last week’s effort, however, produced a new (high/low?) level of inchoateness.

What a fascinating if somewhat incomprehensible message was reflected! I can’t help but wonder if given the time

In his Dec. 8 letter, Bill Preis of Bridgton joined Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and other naive actors in lamenting Twitter’s 2020 moderation decision to not publish stolen, personal naked pictures of the now sitting president’s — then private citizen — son, and also showing us how little they know in common about the First Amendment, upon which they weigh in so righteously and vehemently.

However, the First Amendment regulates government conduct. It does not regulate private actors. The text of the amendment itself says that “Congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom of speech.” That restraint on Congress has since been extended to apply to the U.S. government at all levels —

Obituaries

Sharon A. Pond

NAPLES — Sharon Anne (Shanning) Pond, 75, of Naples, passed away on December 7 at home surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer.

Sharon was born to Mildred McDonald on May 27, 1947, and grew up in West Poland, Maine. During her childhood she especially loved spending time with her beloved grandparents Albert and Gertrude Tirrell of Mechanic Falls.

Sharon was an excellent student and graduated from Mechanic Falls High School, class of ’65.

While in Naples getting her car inspected, Sharon met the love of her life. She and Richard married on June 22, 1968, and then built a home, a life, and a family in Naples.

Family has always been the priority to Sharon. She kept close ties to her family as well as made lifelong friendships wherever she went. She was a constant in her children’s lives, going on school field trips, sending homemade cookies to every school event, and even being a Girl Scout leader.

After raising her two children, Sharon returned to the work force, working “mother’s hours” as a cashier at Shaw’s for many years.

Sharon was an accomplished seamstress often making special items for her children and then for her grandchildren, including PJs, doll clothes, dance costume alterations, and even a wedding dress. She was also well known for her cooking skills with her mac n’ cheese being a staple at family gatherings. She always made sure her family had a chosen special cake for his/her birthday.

Her other big loves were for Elvis, Stephen King, and flamingos! She had tickets to Elvis’ Maine concert! She was an avid reader and owed and read every Stephen King book published. We will forever think of her when we spot a flamingo as she loved having those bright pink birds everywhere both here in Maine and in their winter home in Florida.

And if Sharon wasn’t at home, she could frequently be found out shopping or playing slots at a casino. She certainly had the golden touch, coming home often with her pockets full.

Sharon will be greatly missed by many, but most of all by her loving and dedicated husband of 54 years, Richard Pond; her children Erica Green and husband Rick, Jason Pond and wife Amy; granddaughters Samantha Pond, Madison Pond, and Erinn Green, all of Naples; her sister Donna Knightly and husband Fred of Oxford; her brother Harold (Buddy) Shanning and wife Nancy of West Poland; her many nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend Sherry Malloy and husband John of Auburn. She is predeceased by a brother, Donald McDonald.

A big thank you goes to the nurses Leslie, Lindsay, and Diane of Bridgton Hospital, and the staff of Beacon Hospice.

An open house celebration of life will be held on December 18 from 1-3 p.m. at Jason and Amy Pond’s house at 182 Casco Rd., Naples.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared with Sharon’s family and friends at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

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RED HUES of the setting sun are reflected in the half-frozen mud puddles along this dirt road in Bridgton. (De Busk Photo)

local, state, and federal. Mr. Preis accuses the Democratic party and Biden (the senior) of illegally influencing Twitter — a private company at liberty per its First Amendment right to publish whatsoever it deems appropriate (not unlike our very own Bridgton News) to not publish said stolen content, eg. images of Hunter Biden’s infamous “johnson.” Sorry guys, if it’s penis envy, but do please read the damn document.

The Democratic National Committee is a private political party, and not an arm of any government and as such there was no impropriety — as Mr. Preis and company allege — in asking (not telling) Twitter, another private entity, to not publish hacked and leaked images and e-mails potentially detrimental to their mutual interests. The Trump White House, by the way, did the same numerous times while in office as did both Trump presidential campaigns.

Stepping deeper in it, Preis cites Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and claims that he is as well critical of what happened and feels someone’s... whose? First Amendment rights have been violated by this moderation process. Quote Khanna however: “That’s the Biden campaign’s First Amendment right to flag

tweets, and campaigns do that all the time, to flag things that they think are violating platform’s policies. ... I haven’t seen anything that they were being unduly pressured by a government actor, the Biden campaign, in any way that would be inappropriate,” he said (https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/12/05/ ro-khanna-had-no-clue-hedstar-musks-twitter-files/).

Note: Musk-owned company Tesla is one of the largest employers in Khanna’s district and this information cited by Mr. Preis came about via leaked and hacked personal e-mails from the congressman’s private e-mail account.

Neither Preis, Carlson, nor Musk has weighed in with their knickers in a twist in their respective communications platforms condemning tfg for his recent remarks advocating the “suppression” of the whole damn Constitution and reinstating him — as the loser candidate — as president! Jeez guys, don’t sweat one lousy amendment you know nothing about!

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

Is America becoming Rome?

To The Editor:

“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” — George

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE

LEASE PURCHASE FINANCING BID NO. 12.22.22

Maine School Administrative District No. 61 is accepting sealed bids from qualified financial institutions to provide the District with Lease/Purchase Financing of a new ¾ ton 4 x 4 pickup truck with V Type Plow in the amount of $64,760.54. There will be no prepayment penalty and the bid is to include a non-appropriation clause. M.S.A.D. #61 will provide an unqualified legal opinion to the effect that the arrangement will be “qualified tax exempt.”

All bids must be received at the Central Office, MSAD#61, 900 Portland Road (Route 302), Bridgton, ME 04009 no later than 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Due to COVID 19, bids can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the attention of Roxanne Gagne at FAX 207-647-5682 or e-mail Roxanne.gagne@lakeregionschools.org. Bids must be in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Bid No. 12.22.22” in the lower left-hand corner. Bids received after 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022 will not be accepted.

Any questions concerning this invitation to bid should be directed to Sherrie Proctor, Finance Coordinator at the Business Office at 207-647-3048 X523.

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District Number 61 reserves the right to waive all informalities, to reject any or all nonconforming or conditional proposals, and to accept or reject (or part thereof) any bid should it be deemed in its best interest to do so. It is the intent of the Board to award bids subject to budget approval and authorization. 1T50

Santayana.

Opinions

Rome at its height had conquered most of the known world. Part of the spoils of these wars of conquest were an unlimited number of conquered people who became slaves in Rome and throughout the Roman empire.

Rome was built by its citizens who were hard working and productive. As the slaves took over the jobs that Roman citizens had been doing, Romans became unemployed and wards of the State. These once productive citizens were turned into nonproductive drags on the Roman economy. Thus, the first welfare class was born. Over time and generations, they lost their skills and even their desire to better themselves; they became the Roman mob that was manipulated by politicians for their personal gain rather than the advancement of Rome. Emperors used the Colosseum to placate the mob with displays of gladiatorial combat, executions of criminals and mock Naval battles. Spectacles, which over time degenerated into blood baths of Christians and anyone who spoke against, or annoyed the emperors.

America was at its height of power in the 20th Century and declared a War on Poverty in 1964. President Lyndon Johnson said the welfare programs he proposed were to give people in need a hand up, not a hand out.

Unfortunately, politicians discovered that they could buy

votes with taxpayer money. Inevitably, welfare became more and more like a hand out than a hand up. Generations later in the 21st Century, we are seeing America channeling Rome. We have a welfare underclass that relies totally on government for their subsistence. Ever increasing taxes on the productive sector to pay for government’s largess decreases the tax base while increasing the costs of policies that accomplish little besides impoverishing the middle class.

Will America’s political class slide us down the road to Rome’s oblivion? Will all parties to Maine’s political class be the vanguard of a Constitutional resurgence or will they follow the Roman road to socialist corruption and misery?

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Oil history lesson

To The Editor: Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he wants to restore the Soviet Union and the Russian Empire to its former glory. He has invaded Georgia, Crimea, and now the Ukraine in an effort to accomplish his goal. Joe Biden, with his “War on Fossil Fuels,” is unwittingly helping Putin reach his awful goal.

John McCain famously

LEGAL NOTICE

PETITION FOR A PARDON STATE OF MAINE

Augusta, January 19, 2023

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for a Pardon for Garrett G. Shalbey who was convicted of the crime(s) VI-2015-00079 Fail to Display ATV Registration (E), is now pending before the Governor and a hearing will be conducted on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. Please visit the following link for Hearing details: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/pardonboard 4T49

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Call for Bridgton Memorial School Ad Hoc Committee Members!

The Town of Bridgton is anticipating ac cepting ownership of the former Bridgton Memorial School from MSAD 61 in 2023. The Bridgton Memorial School Ad Hoc Committee is being formed to develop potential uses for the Bridgton Memorial School property. The committee will consist of rep resentatives from existing organizations and committees, as well as three members of the public. If you are interested in committing your time to this important committee over the next year, please fill out an application by scanning the QR code or visiting the Community Development page of the Town of Bridgton website. Applications are due by Friday January 20, 2023, and will be reviewed by the Town of Bridgton Selectboard.

said, “Russia is a gas station masquerading as a country.”

If you look at history, Putin has invaded other countries when the price of oil was high, so he could afford the great expense of war.

He invaded Georgia on Aug. 1, 2008 when the price of oil was $125 per barrel.

He invaded Crimea on Feb. 20, 2014 when the price of oil was $103 per barrel.

He invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022 when the price of oil was $92 per barrel and has since reached a high of

$116! The average price of oil during the Trump administration, from 2016 to 2020 averaged between $40 and $60 per barrel, and those low oil prices did not allow Putin enough oil income to wage war. During Donald Trump’s time as president, oil and gas prices were low as the U.S.A. became energy independent.

We now know that the Biden War on Fossil Fuels has caused the inflation

Recycling for Gardeners

(Continued from Page 1B)

dening-fact-sheet)

The authors of several websites suggest that common items that are thrown away as trash could instead be used as garden planters. These include the kitchen sink (yes… I meant to say that), as it already has a drain. Also mentioned are old boots, old bureau drawers, colanders, old pots and pans, metal cans, etc. that will require that holes be placed in the bottom for drainage. Basically, anything that can hold soil can be used as planters, except for containers that held toxic substances. Tin cans can be used to start plants instead of purchasing new items for plant starting.

I have seen people use wooden pallets in their gardens or as fences. I suggest a bit of caution when using wooden pallets due to the chance that they may have been treated with chemicals or pesticides. To determine their safety, you should look for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) ratings that are stamped on the wood. It is recommended that you wear gloves when inspecting for the stamp due to the chance that a toxic substance was used on the wood, or the chance that a toxic substance leaked onto the wood during transport. Next to the IPPC stamp will be specific letters to look for. HT indicates that the wood was heat treated. KD indicates that the wood was kiln dried. DB indicates that the wood was debarked

RECYCLING, Page 4B

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING APPEALS BOARD

The Bridgton Appeals Board will conduct a Public Hearing at The Bridgton Town Office, Three Chase Street, Suite 1, Bridgton, Maine on Thursday December 29, 2022, beginning at 5 p.m. to consider the following:

A Variance Appeal filed by Destin Pinkham, located at 721 Portland Rd., Bridgton, Maine 04009, known as Bridgton Tax Map 6 Lot 27A.

The application is available for viewing at the Bridgton Town Office by appointment only. All interested individuals are invited to attend at the above place and time. 2T49

Recycling for Gardeners

before heat treatment. MB indicates that the wood was treated with methyl bromide, which is a toxic chemical. SF designates that the wood was treated with sulfuryl fluoride, which is a pesticide. Most websites indicate that only the HT, KD or DB stamped wood is safe to use in gardens, though if the wood is stained with an unknown substance, it should not be used. If a pallet has no stamps, it indicates that the pallet was only used within the country of origin. However, caution is advised because nothing is known about the wood and so safety cannot be determined.

In addition, pallets most often are composed of pressure-treated wood. The website www.1001pallets.com/ pallet-safety/ wrote “pressure treatments involve infusing wood with rot-resistant chemicals. The job of those chemicals is to act like a fungicide and fight off wood rot bacteria”.

Another informative website (www.thewoodworkplace. com) offers an article titled, “Are Heat Treated Pallets Really Safe Enough for Gardening?” The article describes that many pallets with HT, KD, and DB on their stamps are next pressure treated. To determine if a pallet is pressure treated, look for the letters GC or PT. The article recommends that even HT, KD or DB pallets should be avoided if they contain the stamps GC or PT.

The wind is so strong on my land that I often expect to see damage to the siding of my home after a significant storm. I would like to plant some native trees as a wind barrier, but it does take time for the trees to grow. Since wood pallets are usually free, I considered using them as a temporary fence to block the snow drifts that result from the wind. However, in my googling, I discovered information about building a fence by using brush (branches and other tree debris). Searching the Web revealed several kinds of brush fences, with some being more intricate in design. I decided to try to make one employing a less intricate design.

Recently, my neighbors designated a day for trimming tree branches that would almost touch car tops when covered with heavy snow. They graciously allowed me to drag some of the branches to my house to begin my construction. I placed wooden stakes in the ground to contain the brush (three feet apart on each side — staggered on alternate sides). I then placed limbs and branches in the middle. I will continue to add to the brush as it is available and will probably add taller stakes to result in a five- or six-foot-tall fence. I am pleased with my decision as it also creates a shelter for small critters. In my mind, it is a win-win solution. That is, I hope that it creates a shelter for some critters and less wind for me. I will call this a wind-wind solution.

Reviewing a darkest day

(Continued from Page 1B)

century ago, focusing our attention on how we raise boys, beginning in preschool. Consider how many alienated, lonely and bullied males we might have helped to achieve a healthy boyhood and a productive manhood.

Undoubtedly, we would have cultivated conditions that would have prevented or minimized the poisonous growth of future Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. It’s late, but not too late if we look to our preschoolers to begin to transform our ideas about boyhood, manhood and masculinity.

For years, I’ve tried to make good trouble—agitating for Congress to fund the CDC to conduct a pilot study at Head Start on how we socialize boys. Some members of Congress have expressed interest; hopefully more will sign on when Congress reconvenes in January.

As heartsick as the nation was following the slaughter of

A Christmas Riddle

(Continued from Page 2B)

ing of Holiday Goods on the above date, I will bid you adieu. Signed, — D. For the Firm of F.H. Hazelton & Co., Apothecaries, Booksellers and Caterers for the Holidays. Can you solve the riddle? If you do, I have good news for you; one of Hazelton’s prize box of dominoes has actually survived, and is held in the collections of the Bridgton Historical Society. While there certainly isn’t enough to go around, as a prize to all the winners, we will be printing a photograph of it as the opening to next week’s column, and anyone who solves the riddle is welcome to come down this week to see them on display, and take away a small treat as well. Till next time!

19 elementary school children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas — just 10 days after the racist attack where 10 people were killed and three wounded in Buffalo, N.Y. (11 of the victims were African American) — in our guts we knew those stories would soon be replaced on the front page.

Still, it was a shock when the new headlines were of a murderous, homo/transphobic assault in Colorado Springs, and killing fields in Charlottesville and Chesapeake, Va. (How many of us were even aware of a mass shooting six weeks ago in a Raleigh, N.C. neighborhood where five people were murdered by a 15-year-old boy?)

The cities and states where the carnage transpires change; the locations of the murders change — grocery story, school, night club, big box store, synagogue, church — but what the gender of the shooter is, almost always white, male, under 30, never does.

The dominant narrative about mass shootings is not being shaped by say, parents from Uvalde or survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Fla., but by lobbyists and politicians in Washington more interested in appeasing the NRA than acknowledging the gendered truth about mass shootings.

Starting in May, the country witnessed how energized citizens could mobilize after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. We need to rally with that same grit when it comes to gender and mass shootings.

There are many more men than you might think searching for a way out of the “man box” that’s restricted and undermined our lives for too long. With the same urgency many of us are fighting for women’s reproductive rights and to avert the looming climate catastrophe, we must exercise our collective power to demand the transformation of manhood and masculinity, beginning with our three- and four-year old sons and grandsons. And we must begin yesterday.

Rob Okun (rob@voicemalemagazine.org), syndicated by PeaceVoice, writes about politics and culture. He is editor-publisher of Voice Male magazine.

LAFP’s first year

LOVELL — The Lovell Area Food Pantry (LAFP) was founded over a year ago by a concerned citizen, Michelle Molloy, along with wonderful support from area residents.

She had a vision to help those who found themselves in need of a “hand up” whether for food, dry goods or even pet supplies. Once the pantry was functioning, the need to inform those in the greater Lovell area grew and ways to spread the word of the pantry became a challenge.

As in any new enterprise, a few “bumps in the road” were encountered but have been smoothed out and the pantry, in its second year, is now under the supervision of Rachel Thurston of Lovell and her “band of worker-bees!”

The Lovell Lions Club stepped in to allow the Pantry use of their hall for storage and distribution of goods. There is also a donation drop-off at the Wicked Good garage, 360 Main Street, to the left of the green awning for your convenience.

For financial donations, the mailing address is: Lovell Area Food Pantry, PO Box 261, Lovell, ME 04051.

The pantry is open the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lovell Lions Club, 2081 Main Street, (North) Lovell, ME 04051.

If a person is unable to get to the pantry, goods can be delivered, as well.

For those interested in getting food and dry goods that are offered, you can send an e-mail to Lovellareafoodpantry@ gmail.com or call 207-542-7239 to place an order. All the pantry asks is your name, address and number of people in your family. The pantry is open to anyone in the greater Lovell area and beyond.

LAFP knows that the first step is asking for some assistance, but it is our pleasure to give that help. Please let your friends and neighbors know that we are here to serve those who would accept a little help in these times of need. “To say that we love and appreciate our patrons is an understatement, you are like family to us,” LAFP said. “Come and see that we are truly a merry band of workers who can’t wait to visit with our patrons each month.”

repercussions.

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that is gripping this country, causing great havoc.

One-hundred fifty thousand Maine residents fall under the poverty level and they may be forced to choose between housing, food and heat. Other northern states are in the same boat.

Climate change is real, but we are racing into a Green Energy transition before long we are ready. This is another example of Biden’s “Ready, Fire, Aim” policies, such as Afghanistan, the border, and excessive government spending. He just doesn’t think about the

According to EIA, fossil fuels represent more than 60% of our current energy needs and will likely play a substantial role for decades to come. Renewables only represent about 18%.

The U.S.A. needs an “All of the Above” energy policy going forward which would include renewables, including solar, wind, hydro, hydrogen, small modular nuclear reactors, and yes, clean fossil fuels. England and Europe now consider natural gas as “clean energy.” Unfortunately, Europe is now being forced to burn coal since Russia cut off their supply of natural gas and the United States is no longer in a position to help.

Bill Preis Bridgton

Lovell Historical Open House for Christmas

LOVELL — The Lovell Historical Society will be hosting a Christmas Open House at the 1839 KimballStanford House this Sunday, Dec. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Inside the historic home, there will be an abundant free refreshment table, pies for sale, and several local businesses will be exhibiting their wares. The Museum will be decorated for the holidays with an exhibit featuring the Society’s permanent display.

The Historical Society is also making available the

opportunity to win one of seven raffle prizes: a $250 gift certificate to Thurston’s Garage; $200 gift certificate to the Center Lovell Market; $200 gift certificate to the Old Saco Inn; Day Pontoon Boat Rental from Kezar Lake Marina; $200 gift certificate to Ebenezer’s Pub; $200 gift certificate to the Maine Witch in the Kitchen; and four tickets to Stone Mountain Art Center on Feb. 14, 2023.

Tickets for the raffle are $5 for a book of six or $1 each. The raffle drawing will

be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased either at the Historical Society, the Center Lovell Market, Lovell Hardware, or the Town Office.

The volunteers and officers of the Lovell Historical Society hope you will join the festivities. The KimballStanford House is at 551 Main Street (Route 5), across from the Lake Kezar Country Club in Lovell. For more information call 9253234 or visit the Society’s website at lovellhistoricalsociety.org.

NSB donates to RPM

Norway Savings Bank has donated $10,000 to the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity to support its capital campaign to build an additional public building on its campus in downtown Bridgton.

The new building, which will be a one-and-a-half story post and beam structure, will provide much-needed display space for the Museum’s collection of more than 30 walls, painted by Rufus Porter’s nephew, Jonathan Poor, who worked very closely with Porter. It will also house a variety of interactive exhibits related to the Museum’s mission as well as events, classroom and community meeting space.

Rufus Porter was a painter, writer, teacher, publisher and inventor who lived in Bridgton from age 9 to 15. The Museum promotes and preserves the life and legacy of this outstanding individual who lived from 1792 to 1884.

“The museum was founded in 2005 by a group of folk artists who were aware of Rufus Porter’s work, but were concerned that his work might get lost over time,” said Karla Leandri Rider, Museum executive director. “We are very excited to open the museum’s expansion to the public next year.”

“Norway Savings Bank is proud to support the Rufus Porter Museum’s expansion,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “It’s important to showcase Mr. Porter’s various contributions to the arts, sciences and a variety of industries.”

Learn more about the museum and find out how to make a contribution to their expansion at www.rufusportermuseum.org or call 207-647-2828.

The Rufus Porter Museum is open JuneOctober and by appointment.

Local Happenings

Texas Hold’em tournament

HARRISON — The Harrison

Club will be holding their Texas Hold’em Tournament this Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Lions’ Den, located in the back of the Block Building on Main Street in Harrison.

There will be a $60 entry fee. Doors will open at 12 p.m. with a start time of 1 p.m. Great food and refreshment will be available. Proceeds will be used to support the Harrison Food Bank and Harrison Rec activities.

Bridgton Community Band Concert

The Bridgton Community Band, the Westbrook City Band and The Fanfare Band will combine to present a Holiday Band Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Lake Region High School at 7:30 p.m.

The public is cordially invited to attend this festive concert of mostly familiar as well as international holiday favorites. This is a musical way to celebrate the merry days after Christmas and the happy days as we begin the New Year. The concert is family friendly and appropriate for all ages, including children. This concert is free, although donations will be accepted.

A rehearsal will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. at the high school. If you play an instrument, you are most welcome to join in. For more information, please e-mail Dick Albert at dickalbert43@gmail.com; or Steve Sweetsir at ssweetsir@gmail.com. See you there!

Christmas at First Church

Here is the Christmas line-up at the First Church in Bridgton: Sunday, Dec. 18: Christmas Pageant and Music by Dana Cunningham. Shepherds, Angels, Cows, and Wise People of all ages are welcome to join First Church for our simple and joyful “pick-up” Christmas Pageant at 10 a.m. Come 15 minutes early to don a costume. All are welcome, no rehearsals needed or lines to memorize. The service also features Prelude and Postlude by Pianist and Composer

Dana Cunningham, as well as anthems sung by Junior and Senior Choirs, accompanied by musician Oren Varess.

Saturday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Service. All are welcome to join a Service of Lessons and Carols at First Church at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The

Choir will sing, members of the congregation will read scripture passages, and the service ends with “Silent Night” sung by candlelight. Like all services, this one will also be streamed online — please visit the website (www.bridgtonucc.org) for streaming details.

Sunday, Dec. 25: Christmas Morning Service.

Join us for a simple lay-led Christmas Morning service at 10 a.m. This service will be festive, informal, and inperson-only (no livestreaming). Merry Christmas! First Church is located at 33 South High Street in Bridgton. The church is an Open and Affirming Congregation and all are welcome, always.

Lions

DONATION — Erin Nelson (far left), Norway Savings Bank’s AVP and Bridgton Branch Manager provides a $10,000 check to Rufus Porter Museum Board President Therese Johnson, Executive Director Karla Leandri Rider and Board Vice President Beth Cossey.

DRESSING UP THE PLACE FOR AN OPEN HOUSE — Linda Matte, Sandra Bell and Terri Anderson decorating the 1839 Kimball-Stanford House.

Now to Friday, December 23

Winter Wonderland North Pole Walk presented by the Bridgton Rec Department at the Town Ice Rink, free of charge (donations accepted, proceeds to the After-School Enrichment Programs). Christmas music, decorated rink for the holidays, walk through, fun for the whole family. Hours listed at the town hall gym and ice rink and the town website, bridgtonmaine.org Thursday, December 15

Author to Speak. The Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library Speaker Series continues at 7 p.m. with a Zoomonly talk by award-winning Maine author William Carpenter. The link can be found by going to www. hobbslibrary.org

Calendar of Events

Friday, December 16

Puckerbrush (Celtic dance band) and Promise Singers (of Bridgton), Little White Church in Eaton, N.H., at 7 p.m. to celebrate the holidays. They will play and sing all of your holiday favorites. Donations accepted at the door for entry. No tickets or reservations needed. Refreshments will be served after the performance. All are welcome!

Saturday, December 17

Light in the Darkness, join the Cook Memorial Library, the Chocorua Lake Conservancy, and the Yeoman’s Fund for the Arts for “Light in the Darkness” at the Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth Village, N.H., from 3 to 5 p.m. to honor the winter solstice and longest nights of the year with lantern making and a lantern-lit evergreen

Classifieds

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

spiral walk. More info at bit. ly/12-17-lanterns-signup.

All About Books series at the Waterford Public Library features author Robert Spencer at 11 a.m. The program is free.

Texas Hold’em. The Harrison Lions Club will be holding their Texas Hold’em Tournament at the Lions’ Den, located in the back of the Block Building on Main Street in Harrison. There will be a $60 entry fee. Doors will open at 12 p.m. with a start time of 1 p.m.

Winter Solstice Party

at 4 p.m., Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library in Lovell. Tell stories, read poems and enjoy yummy snacks. We will also make sun masks and have a Sun Parade. Please feel free to bring your favorite Winter Poems and stories to read. Welcome Yule!

Sunday, December 18

Candlelight Lessons and Carols at Pleasant Mountain Presbyterian Church, 30 North High Street, Bridgton, 6 p.m. Join us for this beloved traditional service associated with King’s College in Cambridge, consisting of

congregational carol singing interspersed with Scripture readings. Christmas cookies to be served after the service.

Holiday Open House. The Lovell Historical Society will be hosting a Christmas Open House at the 1839 KimballStanford House from 1 to 4 p.m. Refreshments, fundraising raffle.

Tuesday, December 20

Author Mary Build will read from her book, “Finding Myself in Aviation” at 3 p.m. Light holiday refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, December 27

Band Rehersal for the upcoming holiday band concert (Dec. 28), 7 p.m., Lake Region High School. If you play an instrument, you are most welcome to join in. For more information, please e-mail Dick Albert at dickalbert43@gmail.com; or Steve Sweetsir at ssweetsir@gmail. com.

Wednesday, December 28

Free holiday band concert at Lake Region High School, 7:30 p.m., featuring the Bridgton Community Band, Westbrook City Band and The Fanfare Band.

ARIES

Landscaping & property Maintenance

All aspects for your peace of mind. Mowing, Raking, Fall & Spring cleanups. Plowing & Sanding. Trash Removal, Tree Work, Pressure Washing. House Cleaning, Small Home Remodeling, Painting. Just ask. Cell: 207-461-1539 • JOHN ALLEN

ARIES

HELP WANTED

MSAD72 SCHOOL DISTRICT

— (EOE) in Fryeburg, Maine has immediate openings: Alpine ski team coach, custodians, van drivers, bus drivers, bus aides, substitutes. Visit www.msad72.org, call 207-935-2600 or pick up an application today at Door #10, 25 Molly Ockett Drive, Fryeburg, ME tf45

SHIPPING/DISTRIBUTION

– Chick Lumber. Loading/unloading trucks, forklift, deliveries, receiving, putting away stock, warehouse/yard organization and cleanup. Med Card/CDL a plus. Qualified candidates start up to $20/hour, room for advancement. Mon-Fri, some Saturdays. Contact Nick Massa, 48 North Road, Conway NH 603-356-6371 x106 1t49

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

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

HARRISON — Maytag portable dishwsher, used very little $125. Four used studded radial tires with magnesium wheels 205 55 R16 $400 set. Tow Hoe Cricket $2,500. Can be seen at 40 Deertrees Rd. 583-8089 leave message. 4t50x

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

KIMBALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE — Fall cleanup, Bark mulch, loam, aggregates installed. Brush removal, chipping available. Snowplowing and sanding locally. Fully Insured. Call 207595-8321, 583-8010. 5t48x

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

LAKE REGION Transportation Service. From shopping trips, pick-up and delivery to personal errands, airport, and special requests. Call or text your request to 207-2910193. 4t50x

WANTED

Retired Professor seeks temporary, preferably long-term housing beginning January in quiet Bridgton/ Waterford/Harrison area. Nonsmoker. Have older cat. Please contact Paul at 207-393-0411. 1t50x

TOWN OF FRYEBURG

HELP WANTED

Cleaning Services for Town Buildings

The Town of Fryeburg is seeking an individual or company to complete weekly cleaning of six townowned buildings (approximately 10 hours/per week). Cleaning supplies will be provided by the Town.

Please forward a letter of interest and proposal to: Katie Haley, Town Manager, Town of Fryeburg, 16 Lovewell Pond Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037, or e-mail to townmanager@fryeburgmaine.org.

Candidates will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting and must pass a Criminal Justice Information Services exam.

FRYEBURG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. 2T49CD

Auto & SmAll EnginE REpAiR SERvicE Including: Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical, Rust Repair, Timing

Henry’s Concrete Construction

is looking to hire for a few positions: concrete laborer, concrete floor finisher, and Class B boom truck operator.

Please DO NOT respond if you: are unable to set your alarm, text out sick once a week, have to find a ride to work, or think checking social media every five minutes is part of your daily tasks.

DO REPLY if you are a dependable hard worker that doesn’t whine, is able to be part of a team that provides quality work, you don’t mind working 50+ hours a week earning great pay, staying fit and getting a great tan and have a never give up attitude. Please call or text 207-557-2801

Senior Talent Acquisition Partner

Androscoggin, recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine, strives to be an employer of choice for those seeking employment and for our employees. The culture at Androscoggin is not about “fitting in,” it is about “belonging.”

Androscoggin is seeking an experienced individual responsible for sourcing and recruiting registered nurses and clinical licensed professionals. A successful candidate will be someone who can develop strong partnerships within the team and collaborate with our hiring managers to create a remarkable onboarding experience from application to hire.

For immediate consideration, please visit www.androscoggin.org/careers or call Lynzie Pinard at (207) 777-7740 Ext. 1423.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe Grandma’s Rich Butter Cookies

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

There really is no better time of year to indulge in sweets and decadent delights. It’s cold, it’s damp, it’s windy, it’s winter! We really do need those extra fats and carbs to help get us through the darkest days of the year. (Don’t we?!?!?!) Fear not the fun and festivity of eating, New Year’s will come and resolutions of good health, trimming our middles and healthy eating can follow.

For now, tis the season to be jolly and busy making treats for the holidays. This is my favorite recipe for Christmas cookies.

You can decorate them with colorful icing, sprinkle them with a bit of sugar and spice or leave them plain, they will simply vanish from the plate. I have never shared this recipe with any person other than my sisters and you, but I decided that it is coming to the time in life that I share this little gem with friends.

I hope you have as much fun as I, making, gifting and mostly, eating these cookies.

If you don’t want to bake, the Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market has four wonderful bakers who would love to

bake for you. The picture posted above is of a few of their treats. M-m-m-m-m so good! For a link to our members, check the information below so you can preorder what you would like from them.

Grandma’s Rich Butter Cookies

1 cup butter (you may use ½ c. shortening and ½ c. butter. I prefer all butter)

1 ½ cup sugar 3 beaten eggs 1 tsp fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon vanilla 3 1/2 cups sifted flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 ¼ teaspoon salt

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the liquids including the eggs. Add the dry ingredients, mixing well. Divide into several balls of dough wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill several hours or overnight to facilitate rolling as this dough is very soft.

Roll out in small amounts of dough to 1/8th inch thickness: cut into desired shapes and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Decorate now with colored sugar, nuts or candied fruits.

Little Free Libraries in the area

There is now a new Little Free Library (LFL) at 378 Highland Road across from the Bridgton Highlands Country Club parking.

The Bridgton Public Library is working to establish a network of LFLs in the greater Bridgton area to promote the joy of reading and the fun of sharing books.

Dan and Joanne Cohn discovered LFLs while visiting friends in California and Virginia and had so much fun exploring all the neighborhood LFLs, they wanted to start one here in Bridgton. Racheal Sylvester, the Bridgton Public Library’s outreach coordinator, helped them fulfill their goal.

The first Little Free Library was built in 2009 by the late Todd Bol in Hudson, Wisc. Bol mounted a wooden container, designed to look like a one-room schoolhouse, on a post on his lawn and filled it with books as a tribute to his late mother, a book lover and school teacher who had recently died. Bol shared his idea with his partner, Rick Brooks, and together they built and installed more of the book houses in different areas of the Midwestern United States. After a while, the idea started to spread.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to inspire readers of all ages by providing a network of 24/7 little library boxes sponsored by businesses, civic organizations, schools, churches or individuals. LFL visitors can take a book and make it their own; they can also leave books in

good condition that they no longer want. So far, there are 150,000 LFLs in over 100 countries.

Sponsors of LFLs can build their book boxes using any weather-sturdy material on hand or they can purchase a library kit from Little Free Library. Free blueprints are also available at the LFL website: littlefreelibrary.org.

Sponsors can obtain a charter number for their LFL that will locate their library on a world map that Little Free Library maintains.

Right now, there are four other chartered LFLs in the Bridgton area:

• 26 North High Street, in the Bridgton Town Hall

• 12 Cousins Point, Little Moose Point

• 113 North Bridgton Road

• Woods Pond Beach

• 42 Sebago Road, Sebago

There are also several informal places to share books including Food City, the Bridgton Community Center, the First Congregational Church and E.S Barber and Tattoo Shop.

The Bridgton Public Library and its affiliated Friends of the Library can supply some books to help get a LFL started. Once it is established, it will sustain itself with user donations and swaps.

If you are interested in sponsoring a LFL, please contact Racheal Sylvester at the Bridgton Public Library at 207-647-2472 or at outreach@bridgton.lib.me.us for more information.

Bake in a moderate oven, 375 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes. Yield is 8 dozen

The Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through April 22. Many vendors will be at the market on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Day for your late shopping convenience.

The new winter location is the Masonic Hall, Oriental Lodge #13 at 166 Harrison Road (Route 117).

For a full list of vendors and information on ordering, visit https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact BFM at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com Please no dogs. Sorry, we have a lease to honor.

BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

Longest Night Services at Bolsters Mills Church

this ecumenical service.

On Saturday, Dec. 24, the Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church will be holding a candlelight Christmas eve service at 7

The

be

Dec.

Street,

On Dec. 25, Christmas Day, there will be a Christmas Day service at 9 a.m. This service will be a brief uplifting music filled service provided by Laity Wayne and A-J Alexander. Please come as you are and

DAC Auction TONIGHT, Dec. 15

play original music as well as eclectic covers across the genres of folk, Americana, country, and rock. Come enjoy a quality community gathering with some holiday tunes to get you in the spirit of the season. Vanessa brings her happy little collection of folk instruments, including violin, mandolin, octave mandolin, tenor guitar, and Jerry Adams brings his double bass (yes, the huge stand-up bass!).

Thank you to our wonderful businesses, family foundations, and community angels for making this season worth celebrating!

Pre-register: www.denmarkarts.org/events

Auction items:

#1 Cocktail Party: Stonewall Kitchen basket with 4 mixers, snacks, towel, glassware and NH liquor store gift certificate (must be 21-plus)

#2 Voice Lesson: 2-hour voice lesson with superb soprano Judith Milardo

#3 Wine Lovers: round decorative galvanized metal bucket, three bottles of wine by JDecor, cutting board by Tear Cap Workshops, Weston’s Farm gift certificate, Sherman Farm gift certificate, White Mtn. Winery gift certificate, glassware, serving towel (must be 21-plus)

#4 Kristen Pobatschnig Art: 27×27 ‘Bees in the Lavender’

giclee print embellished by hand with gold leaf

#5 Piano Lesson: two-hour voice lesson with pianist Judith Milardo

#6 Golf Lovers: four Bridgton Highlands Country Club (BHCC) golf passes, BHCC golf towel, BHCC divot tees & leather scorecard holder, metal golf ball bucket

#7 Janet Gill Art: 12×24 ’Tis Autumn pastel on archival sanded paper

#8 Date Night: A bottle of Prosecco and a Stone Mountain Arts Center gift certificate (must be 21-plus)

#9 Heather Newton Brown Art: 12×12 ‘Form & Fold’ encaustic painting

#10 Kids Day Out: two passes to Storyland, two passes to Children’s Museum of Maine, Toy Chest stuffed bear

#11 Car Lovers Dream: Bucket organizer with NAPA Auto Parts gift certificate, four Water Works Car Wash supreme car wash tickets, NAPA Auto Parts sponge, chamois, car wax, etc.

#12 Out Fishing Basket: S.S. Flies Freshwater fly kit, Unc’l Lunkers creel basket with tippets, snipper, net retractor, two boxes of Gene Bahr notecards, three House of Jerky fish jerky pkgs, DAC trucker hat, Stonewall Kitchen fish/ dish towel

#13 Bouquet Bounty: five bouquet cards for Brickyard Flowers for summer 2023

#14 Books & Beer: Bridgton Books gift certificate, The Lowering Days, Milltown, Landslide, and Night of the Living Rez author-signed books and four pack of Thirsty Botanist IPA

#15 Ski Holiday: two Pleasant Mountain lift tickets, Ski Hot Ski Shop gift certificate, hoodie, ski bag, buff, etc.

#16 Linda Gray Art: 20×20 ‘Early Spring at Narramissic Farm’ oil on canvas

#17 Museum Day-1: six Rufus Porter Museum passes, one-year McLaughlin Gardens membership, rain meter, one year Portland Museum of Art membership, Renys bumblebee bucket

#18 Farmers Market Delight: one-year 2023 Patch Farm CSA Farm Share! basket of veggies, 1-pound Maine Morning Micro Roasters, Padruig Design jewelry, A Country Flavor pickles & jam

#19 Museum Day-2: one year Maine Audubon membership and bird feeder, two passes to Maine Coastal Botanical Gardens.

For more information, visit http://www.denmarkarts.org/ events.

HARRISON — The Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church is excited to announce the upcoming “The Service of the Longest Night,” held on the Winter

Solstice or shortest day/ longest night, is a reflective service to support those dealing with loss, grief, life transitions, or anything else that prevents you from finding and experiencing the Christmas Spirit.

service will

held on Wednesday evening,

21, at 7 p.m. at the Norway Grange, 15 Whitman

Norway. Area clergy have been invited to participate in

p.m. with Pastor Bo Jackson Landsperg. This is always an inspirational service. It is a time to rest and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

STOCKED — Dan and Joanne Cohn stocking their Little Free Library with the help of Racheal Sylvester of Bridgton Public Library. (Photo by Jan Chapman)

HOLIDAY SERVICES at the Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will include plenty of music. LONGEST,

Exploring Redstone Quarry

Twenty-three Denmark Mountain Hikers explored the Redstone Quarries in North Conway on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2022. This is the third time that we’ve wandered through the old quarry site and with old boilers and steam driven air compressors that the forest is trying very hard to reclaim, a three-storied carpenters’ building and latrine still standing, remains of derricks used to lift the stone, old railroad tracks, winches and stone-turning lathes.

Helping our understanding of this historic gem was Bob Stark, Amy Morton’s uncle, who had photos of the quarry when it was in operation. I made copies for everyone of an old map showing Redstone in 1922, drawn from memory in the 1960s by Babe Pinnette for everyone on the hike.

I found the history of the Redstone Quarry fascinating and worth reading more about. I recommend reading an article by Steve Swenson and Rick Russack, A history of the Town of Redstone and Its Granite Quarries describes the features of the quarry: http://redstonequarrynh.org/a-history-of-the-town-of-redstone-and-its-granite-quarries/

On our walk, Bob showed us copies of historic photos taken while the quarry was in operation that helped bring history alive and put the items we were seeing into a better perspective. The photos can be accessed through this link and I’ve included some in the Dropbox.com link: http://photos.whitemountainhistory.org/GalleryFilmstrip. aspx?gallery=394530&mid=13080413&mt=Photo&ci=008

The group stopped at a polished granite pilaster along the trail for our group photo. We left the trailhead at 9 a.m. on a crisp, mostly sunny day and wandered around the old equipment and buildings. We reached the now water-filled Green Granite quarry at 10:30 a.m. after 1.4 miles of wandering. The old buildings are nearly gone and the stone yard has grown up to new forest, but the old equipment gives a good reminder of what once was here. There are trees growing atop the old steam boilers and a big birch growing in the middle of the finishing lathe, but the massive iron of the old machinery will be around for many years for hikers and bikers to enjoy.

After our group photo, we started back on one of the bike trails back to the cars, reaching there at noon after 2.2 miles of walking. We shared the trails with many trail bikers — the trail bike trails are nicely marked and maintained while there are no trail markings for the old quarry — it is a fun place to wander and explore. This would be a great family trip to hike and could be done in any season.

The Redstone Quarry

The slopes of Rattlesnake Mountain yielded both pinkish (“red”) and dark-yellow greenish-grey (“green”) varieties of granite that were found close to each other at Redstone. The finer varieties of granite from the quarries were valued because they took a high polish and were used for monuments. The coarser grades from the quarries were used for construction, especially railway bridges and for paving and curbing.

In the late 1870s, the Boston and Maine Railroad in the area needed granite for bridge abutments and culverts

Senior Rambles

Hiking Trips & Tips

by Allen Crabtree

and large pink granite boulders at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain provided the stone the railroad needed. It was discovered that the granite was uniform in composition, split easily along the “grain,” and the Rattlesnake Mountain area

from the drills. This is known as silicosis and many workers died before the age of 45.

The Redstone granite could be polished to a high sheen, and remnants of two large lathes are still at the quarry. These could rough-turn and polish granite columns as long as 22 feet and 5 feet in diameter. A large 20-foot long pilaster of green granite lies along the trails (a pilaster is a column with one flat side, intended to stand with the flat side to a building). In addition to paving stones and columns, the quarry also produced carved statues and decorative pieces, employing skilled Italian stone carvers.

The Redstone Quarry closed its doors in 1948, and the Nature Conservancy and State of New Hampshire now own the property. More information on the quarry (including old pictures) can be found in the article by Swenson and Russack.

The old boarding house along Route 16 was razed in 2011 and private homes have been built on part of the old village of Redstone next to the quarry.

was close to existing railroad lines making the stone easy to transport. A large complex was developed at Redstone with two quarries that employed 350 workers at its peak. In 1886, the first stone was shipped to New York City, where it was used for paving, and to Portland, Maine, where the granite was used to build the Union Station. Six to nine freight car loads of finished product were shipped every day to cities all over the East Coast by 1889. At one time, 1.7 million paving stones were shipped annually to New York City. Redstone granite was used in many buildings in Portland, Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Grant’s Tomb in Boston and the National Archives and Masonic Temple in Washington, D.C. contain Redstone granite.

Workers included quarrymen, cutters, polishers, engineers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and skilled carvers. A stone driller could earn $1.75 a day while a first-class stonecutter earned $2 a day. A stone carver with special skills could earn $9 and up for a day’s work. Quarry work was dangerous work, however, with many arms and legs being crushed by falling slabs of granite. Many workers suffered from “stone cutter’s consumption” from inhaling stone dust and fine metal particles

This is a fun and easy hike, great for children, and can be combined with some of the connecting trail bike trails.

Redstone Quarry in Carroll County, North Conway, NH Difficulty – Easy

Trail distance – 2 to 3 miles

Hiking time – 2 to 3 hours

Elevation – 985 feet

Vertical gain – 500 feet

Topo Map – USGS North Conway East / 44.10567; -71.094

Directions to the Redstone Quarry trailhead: The trailhead parking and kiosk are located on Hemlock Lane, behind the Walmart Store in North Conway. The parking lot is large and ample for a dozen cars or more. The well-worn trail crosses the railroad tracks just behind the kiosk and enters the woods. The New England Mountain Bike Association has a trail map for mountain bikers that might be of help in negotiating the maze of trails that can be downloaded from this URL at their website:

https://www.nemba.org/sites/default/files/PDF%20%20 Files/Conway%20East%20Side%20Trails%20Map.pdf

Maine Audubon’s ‘22 Loon Count Results

The results are in and the news is good: Final results from Maine Audubon’s Annual Loon Count for 2022 estimate that adult loon numbers dipped slightly this year but chick numbers are up! Long-term trends continue to show a strong adult population that has grown steadily over the years, and a stable population of chicks over time.

In 2022, more volunteers than ever — more than 1,600 — gathered up their count forms and binoculars and headed out to the lakes. The annual loon count, which began in 1983, takes place on the third Saturday of July. This year’s record turnout is a real testament to how much people care about Maine’s loons and lakes. With fantastic calm and clear weather, volunteer loon counters surveyed loons on 361 lakes, hitting another record: the largest number of lakes surveyed since Maine Audubon’s Loon Count began.

The numbers: Estimates for the adult population are down, from 3,446 last year to 3,057 this year. Annual fluctuations are common, with numbers going up and

down depending on numerous factors, and the general trend is upward so there’s no cause for alarm. (Please note: These estimates are for areas south of the 45th parallel, roughly south of a line from Rangeley to Calais, where lakes are generally accessible by local residents and enough lakes are counted to make a reliable estimate. Many more loons nest on lakes across the northern half of the state that are not included in these estimates.)

Despite general upward trends, it’s clear that motorized water crafts (from wake boats to jet skis) that do not follow state laws, like the law prohibiting wake-producing speeds within 200 feet of shore and islands, continue to pose a serious threat to Maine’s loons. Trauma, especially from boat strikes (when a boat collides with a loon) is now the leading cause of adult loon deaths in Maine, above lead poisoning from ingesting lost and discarded lead tackle. Loon counters also continued to report loon nests that were flooded and eggs that were washed out of the nest by boat wakes.

The good news is that

Longest Night

(Continued from Page 7B)

enjoy as we welcome the day of Christmas into our lives.

Tony Landsperg and David Seeley will be leading in song and Christmas spirit for both of these services.

The Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church holds its regular Sunday Worship Service at 9 a.m. followed by coffee fellowship. All are welcome to come. The

church is accessible. The Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church is located on the Bolsters Mills Road in Harrison.

For more information, contact Pastor Bo Jackson Landsperg, Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Minot at bjlandsperg@roadrunner.com or 207-608-1542.

chick estimates are up from 224 last year to 298 this year.

Last year’s lower number of chicks is another reminder that the population fluctuates from year to year and that loons don’t necessarily breed or breed successfully every year. The increase can be attributed both to natural fluctuations and to the dedication of many, many loon counters helping to protect loons on their lakes. Nest flooding from boat wakes and lake level changes, chick or egg predation, nest abandonment from human disturbance, and boat strikes were all reported this year, so while the increase in chicks is a welcomed event, threats remain abundant.

With the 2022 Loon

Count came a couple of firsts: the first full count of Sebago Lake, the second largest lake in the state, and the inclusion of chicks hatched from new nesting platforms put out as part of the Loon Restoration Project (a partnership between Maine Audubon, Maine Lakes, Lakes Environmental Association, and the Penobscot Nation). The goal of that project is to enhance nesting success where loons have consistently struggled in the past and decrease loon mortality caused by boat strikes, lead poisoning, and human disturbance. More than 100 volunteers helped assess loons and lakes for new rafts, resulting in 27 rafts

being placed on 24 lakes and producing 11 chicks since the project began in 2021. Additionally, 62 volunteers have helped to protect nesting loons and families as part of this project.

Both of these “firsts” were made possible by the participation of dedicated volunteers. Brad McCurtain, who stepped up to coordinate the count on Sebago Lake, said, “Importantly, it’s the start of what hopefully will become a library of years of full lake data. And a good chunk of 2022’s count team is lined up

and ready to go for 2023.”

In 2023, Maine Audubon will celebrate the 40th year of the Annual Loon Count and the incredible amount of time and effort put forth by thousands of volunteers each year.

Loon Count coordinator Hannah Young said, “The commitment from this group of volunteers shows that conservation is a high priority for Mainers and their communities. I’ve loved seeing the passion, knowledge, and dedication the counters possess. Maine Audubon, and the loons, are lucky to have such support.”

For more information about loon ecology, breeding habits, and migration patterns, Young points people toward a new Your Loon Questions Answered document, compiled by Maine Audubon biologist Tracy Hart.

For more information about the 40th annual count or the Loon Restoration Project, contact conserve@ maineaudubon.org or visit maineaudubon.org/loons.

DENMARK MOUNTAIN HIKER Kitty Nelson admiring one of the huge stone lathes at the Redstone Quarry. (Photo by Allen Crabtree)

THE OLD REDSTONE QUARRY carpenter shop building is still standing, although vandalized. (Photo by Allen Crabtree)

THE RESULTS

held the third Saturday of July shows

down

chick numbers are up! (Photo by Pam Ward)