December 22, 2022

Wet snow wallops area leaving many in dark

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

On Saturday morning, after the snow let up, downtown Bridgton was without power and many of the town’s roads were impassable because of fallen trees.

Meanwhile, three days later on Tuesday, some homeowners in the outlying areas of town were still without power. As of Wednesday morning, the Central Maine Power (CMP) customers without electricity included two homes in Harrison, one house in Bridgton and one in Casco.

When Bridgton Town Manager Bob Peabody surveyed the town on Saturday,

he saw the damage caused by at least a foot of heavy, wet snow.

“Trees were down in the road way, and trees were hung up in the power lines,” he said.

Bridgton Public Services Director David Madsen named some of the most problematic spots: Willis Park Road, Dugway Road, Middle Ridge Road and Highland Pines Road.

“A lot of downtown lost power for quite a while. Even the hospital was down for several hours,” he said.

“This would be the worst storm in the past five years. As far as one to kick off the season, it was definitely the tougher one. It was not the

amount of snow as much as the amount of trees downed and the obstacles for plow drivers that made it very challenging,” Madsen said.

He estimated that Bridgton received between 10 and 14 inches of snow.

“It depends where you are in town, some parts of town get more snow. Typically, Bridgton gets more snow in the south and west,” he said.

In order to clear the roads of fallen trees after a snowstorm, the town relies on the Bridgton Fire Department.

“The fire department does the majority [of tree removal] during a snow-

SNOW, Page 5A

Bounce back game

Casco officials quiz reval bid candidate

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO

—

Communication plays a vital role in making a town-wide property revaluation more palatable to its citizens.

First off, it is important to let people in the community know that a property revaluation is pending, according to Patrick Donovan, the director of appraisal sales for Vision Government Solutions, Inc.

A postcard sent to all property owners does just that, he said. Then, there

are a series of postcards sent to keep residents alerted of the various stages of the revaluation, he said.

On Dec. 6, the Casco Board of Selectmen interviewed representatives from Vision Government Solutions, after hearing the firm’s presentation.

The agenda for that evening had scheduled interviews with two different businesses that were vying for the revaluation job. However, the other bidder stepped down on short notice.

“KRT Appraisals with-

drew their bid,” according to Casco Town Manager Anthony Ward. “There was no action taken on any bids at the meeting. The awarding of the revaluation contract to Vision Government Solutions will be discussed at the Jan. 3 meeting.”

Last week, Donovan appeared before the board. A full property revaluation is what will be taking place. That revaluation will start in late February or early spring — weather depending — and it will wrap up in the late summer of 2024.

REVAL, Page 2A

Giving Girl

2nd Grader likens self to Christmas elf

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — Nine-yearold Maddy Stone hadn’t even been out of bed 15 minutes yet her focus was zoomed in on painting a tree-shaped sign that lights up.

After all, the days until Christmas are counting down.

Maddy spends every waking moment making holiday ornaments and embellishing the evergreen wreaths her grandmother secures for her. Maddy stays busy, creating Christmas decorations and putting her special touch on wreaths in order to sell those items. She is selling them in order to use the money to buy Christmas gifts for five children she knows in her community.

“I am an elf this year,” Maddy said on Monday evening.

She has set up an arts and crafts factory in the family dining room. Her mission is to make and sell the wreaths and ornaments, and use the money to buy gifts for the children she knows. The job is not too hard since Maddie loves doing crafts.

“I would rather do arts and crafts than anything. I like being creative and making things with my own special touch,” she said.

While she is working on a wreath or a decoration, Maddy says, “I think of Christmas because the reason I am making them is to make some little kids have a good Christmas.”

She worries that she is behind schedule.

Her mom, Tammie Stone (Doner) put the fundraiser on community Facebook page in Bridgton and Naples, and they sold nine wreaths so far.

Tammie is very proud of her daughter.

“She knows that kids aren’t as fortunate as others,”

GIVING GIRL, Page

Gravel pit plan okayed

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

As development continues to soar in the Lake Region, a new source of gravel will soon come on line.

The Bridgton Planning Board approved Rolfe Corp.’s proposal to develop a gravel pit in West Bridgton on a site located off Route 302. The board attached conditions including testing water once per year, since the site is adjacent to Sawyer Brook; trucks will be required to use tarps to restrict materials being transported; the hours of operation will be limited to daytime; and reclamation as other portions of the property are used will require six inches of topsoil.

Planners will finalize approval with Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law at their Jan. 3 meeting.

Prior to deliberations, planners heard from Eric Reuter, whose Portsmouth, N.H. firm is a member of the National Council of Acoustical Consultant. Reuter visited the proposed site and tested one piece of equipment at a time.

“The data would be of no use, as it would be impossible to separate the sources after the fact. For modeling, sources are measured individually to characterize each. This allows for unlimited source combinations and locations during the modeling phase,” Reuter explained.

He noted that “levels measured are somewhat lower than the levels found” by an individual who made comments via the Internet.

“There are several reasons that this might occur. Much of noise associated with this type of equipment is combustion noise, which is partially a function of the muffler(s) used on the exhaust. This technology has evolved and there are often multiple options at purchase or retrofit,” Reuter said. “It is also important to note that this is a sand pit, not a gravel pit. Screening in particular is much noisier when the material being screened contains rocks. At this pit, the screen is used to separate roots and other wood from the sand, but there are very few stones. This also affects noise from handling of material with the other equipment.”

Measurements were

Greater Lovell Land Trust adds 931-acres

LOVELL — The Greater Lovell Land Trust (GLLT) finalized the first of four land purchases scheduled for the next few months. The 931-acre parcel is the largest piece of a project that will conserve over 1,300 acres of forested landscape in Lovell. The complete project will include nearly two miles of frontage on the Kezar River, a 20-acre pond, several brooks, and a hilltop with expansive views of the White Mountains and the surrounding landscape. The many natural features and

conservation assets are all accessible by existing woods roads and miles of trails that will be maintained for traditional uses of the community.

A major award of $430,000 from the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program, which uses state and federal mitigation funds for land protection and restoration of wetlands, as well as important contributions from The Nature Conservancy, the Davis Conservation Foundation, the Betterment

Fund, the Maine Community Foundation, an anonymous foundation, and numerous generous private donations, made this initial purchase possible.

The 931-acre property is the centerpiece of the landscape-scale conservation project. Landowners Colin and Helen James of Bermuda and Jackson, N.H., who purchased the property in 2015, were determined to conserve the lands for future generations. They reached out to the land trust several years ago, and together

— the GLLT and the family — started the process of making that goal a reality. The James family have been committed conservation partners throughout. They determined to sell the property to GLLT for a significantly reduced price — sometimes called a “bargain sale” — and graciously waited as the land trust completed the two years of fundraising work needed to make the purchase.

On a walk around Dan Charles Pond with GLLT staff and three generations

of the James family in 2020, the conversation came back frequently to how important it was to the family to conserve the land and maintain it in perpetuity for the human and wildlife communities.

The 931 acres has impor-

tant ecological value as well as incredible scenic beauty. Located in the southeast corner of Lovell, along the Waterford and Sweden town line, the property straddles almost two miles

WONDERFUL WREATHS — Maddy Stone, 9, of Naples, will be selling wreaths to raise money for Christmas gifts for children. (Photo courtesy of Tammie Stone)

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS were designed by Maddy Stone, 9, of Naples. (Photo courtesy of Tammie Stone)

LOTS OF CLEAN-UP AFTER THE STORM — Q-Team along with other tree service personnel, Central Maine Power and several out-of-state power companies combined efforts to get power restored and debris cleared after the FridaySaturday snowstorm. (Photo courtesy Elaine Spenciner)

Greater Lovell Land Trust adds 931-acres

of the Kezar River, nearly a mile of Patterson Brook, and encompasses the entire shoreline of Dan Charles Pond, all of which is recognized as native brook trout habitat and includes areas of important inland wading bird and waterfowl habitat as identified by Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. The lands are in the headwaters of the Saco River watershed, and will protect water quality in the state-recognized groundwater aquifer that extends along the river valley as well as to the Saco River system that provides drinking water to many Maine communities.

As GLLT finalizes the purchase of several adjoining properties over the next few months, a community advisory group will be invited to contribute to a wildlife, water, and recreational management vision for the land trust’s newest and largest preserve. Look for information on the website at gllt.org during the spring and summer of 2023 to learn more about this wonder-filled landscape.

About Greater Lovell Land Trust: The Greater Lovell Land Trust is a

Facebook and Instagram @greaterlovelllandtrust

Land Trust plans walk; expands parking

Pondicherry Park Community Walk, Monday, Jan. 9, at 12:15 p.m. at Pondicherry Park in Bridgton. Join Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) staff for a casual lunch-time walk in the park. No agenda, just a chance to meet fellow community members and be active outside. Walk will be cancelled in case of poor weather. Check the LELT Facebook page and (www. lelt.org) website for final notice. Meet at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge entrance to the park. No registration required.

Oldest Preserve, Newest Parking Area. LELT’s oldest property, Mayberry Hill Preserve in Casco, finally has a parking area! Not only is there now safer access to the property and trails,

but LELT can host events and school groups here (and maybe even expand the trail network).

Shout-out to Scout Troop 800 and future Eagle Scout Baxter Engelman for helping create the connector trail between the parking area

and the existing trails, and installing the kiosk. Your efforts are already having an impact!

“It takes time, collaboration, money and people power to create infrastructure like this. This project is a direct result of our com-

Casco reval

“What was proposed in your RFP was a full scale revaluation,” Donovan said. “We actually go to every property more than once in this whole process. We start with the on-site portion of it. The way it is proposed is that we would measure all the improvements off your existing data. We would also try to get into the property. We would follow up to get inside the property if no one was home, with an additional mailer, which would allow the taxpayer to set up an appointment at their own convenience to do that interior inspection.”

He talked about the importance of communicating with the public, right from the get-go.

“A big thing we like to do at the very beginning . . . is what we call a pre-data collection mailers,” Donovan said. “It is an informational type of mailer. It is basically to say who we are, what we are doing, what the projects is, what the process is, and that we are coming into your neighborhoods.”

The postcards inform residents that Vision team members will be coming into yards and down driveways, asking questions about property.

Another aspect is to hook up people with Vision’s website. The website track where in Casco team members are working, he said.

“On the very first mailer, we will have link to the website that answers questions about the reval. A helpful piece of the introduction letter is having the website address on there,” he said.

“That [first] mailer is a kickoff to the project,” he said.

“The second is the callback mailer. That is where you get the opportunity to schedule appointment at your convenience,” he said.

He likened the process to laying down a good foundation to construct a home.

“I look at the information that is collected, the data, like building a house. That is the foundation. If you have a good foundation, and good data, you have good values at the end,” he said.

“Once we are done with that, we’ve got that data and analysis with sales in your community. We share it with the [town] assessor. Then, we go to properties again. We don’t go on-site. We drive back to the neighborhoods. We are looking at properties again from the

LANDSCAPE VIEW of the Dan Charles Pond and surrounding 931 acres conserved by Greater Lovell Land Trust. (Photo courtesy Micheal Paul Snyder)

501(c)(3) non-profit land conservation organization, one of the oldest in western Maine. It was established in 1985 with a mission to protect the ecosystems of the

Kezar Lake, Kezar River, and Cold River watersheds for the benefit of the natural and human communities today and as a legacy for the future. The land

trust now conserves almost 7,000 acres and offers recreational access for all to enjoy. Learn more at gllt.org or follow the land trust on

to learn more about their many year-round programs, community events, and outdoor activities for all ages.

Two generations of the James family enjoying a trail along the shore of Dan Charles Pond, the entire shoreline of which is now conserved by Greater Lovell Land Trust. (Photo courtesy Jill Rundle)

A wintery view of the Kezar River on the 931 acres conserved by Greater Lovell Land Trust. (Photo courtesy Erika Rowland)

mitment to increasing and improving access to LELT lands and trails for the benefit of everyone in our communities. Many thanks to everyone who supports and

cheers us on. Bit by bit, you make it easier for folks to enjoy time outside in the Lake Region,” LELT said.

Please note: There are

MORE PARKING space has been created at the Mayberry Hill Preserve in Casco.

LELT, Page 3A

Giving Girl: Second Grader likens self to elf

Tammie said. “I think it is so great. I love the person she is becoming. She wants to do wonderful things to make people happy. Even with all the things that she is going through, she still cares more about making other children happy rather than herself.”

Maddy has Crohn’s Disease, auto-immune deficiency, and asthma. She was born two-and-a-half months early, which caused a lot of medical problems, Tammie said.

Despite her ailments, she finds joy in comforting others. Last year, Maddy made homemade gifts for friends at school. This year, Maddy decided to make certain a group of siblings did not go without gifts for Christmas.

LELT briefs

some sections of the trail at Mayberry Hill were impacted by the recently completed timber harvest. Those trail sections are still navigable, but they will be cleaned up in spring 2023.

Grant to Support Pleasant Mountain Trails.

Pleasant Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Maine. As the demand for access to the outdoors has hit an all-time high in recent years, the heavy use has taken a toll on the trails.

While LELT has invested in the trail network best it can, there is more work to be done.

LELT is excited to announce it has been awarded a grant from the State of Maine’s Recreational Trails Program that will allow LELT to make some much needed improvements to the trail network in 2023! Thank you to everyone who helped protect Pleasant Mountain two decades ago, and to the community of people who help LELT care for this beloved mountain today.

Snowshoes Available to Borrow. Just in time for the first big snow of the winter, you can now check out snowshoes at the Bridgton Public Library!

Loon Echo has teamed up with the Bridgton Public

Library to offer its fleet of snowshoes at no cost. Stop by the library to borrow a pair. BPL hours are Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Support LELT today. Loon Echo Land Trust is a community-supported nonprofit. Everything Loon Echo does is a direct result of public support. You can make sure more forests are open to all, local critters have forever homes, and the earth is more resilient to climate change. Please make a gift today!

You understand the value of conserved land for you, for wildlife, and for your community. Your support of LELT’s conservation work provides wildlife habitat, public access to open spaces, helps safeguard drinking water quality for over 200,000 Mainers, and more. Your impact will be felt beyond today and this year.

LELT has big goals and plans ahead for 2023. Your support is what propels Loon Echo forward. If you’re in a position to do so, please consider making a donation to LELT before the end of the year. Go to www.lelt.org

Casco reval bid

(Continued from Page 2A)

eyes of the appraisers. We are taking a model that we built in our sales analysis and we are applying it to the whole community. That is where people in town are very helpful. You know your community. We talk to local realtors, builders, farmers. We ask what drove the value? Why the property sold for X, Y and Z,” he said. “Then we do the final analysis. This is the first time, too, for the taxpayers to see where things are going.”

“We will follow up that with the third notice, which would be our valuation notice. It will then follow with an informal hearing. That will give the taxpayer a chance to meet with us one on one to talk about what we have for the proposed final value,” he said.

“Now, that is the fourth notice is to be notified of the types of changes that will happen,” Donovan said. “That is the grand scheme of the revaluation project.”

“Her Mamie (grandmother) and Maddy and I were taking about some people we know might not have enough money for Christmas gifts. They came up with the idea of selling wreaths that her Mamie knows how to make. Maddy decided to call it Maddy’s Creations,” Tammie said.

Her grandmother took some of the decorations to the church, but didn’t sell very many of them. That is when her mother decided to reach out on the community Facebook pages.

“We sold nine wreaths. She put her sign on the porch. The wreaths were lined up. I tried to arrange it when she was home. She met a few people. They told

her how proud they were of her. It made her feel so good and special. It made her want to do even more,” Tammie said.

Maddy said she met some of the customers.

“They told me they liked them. They were proud of me for thinking of other kids at Christmas time. It made me feel good,” Maddy said.

The people who bought wreaths were impressed by Maddy’s concern for others, her mother said.

“I find it really unique that a little child this young is so into helping others and making sure others are happy. She is a loving, quiet, sweet, giving, wanna-make-everybody-happy type of girl. She feels bad for everybody. She tries to find ways so that somebody isn’t sad or worried.”

“Art is her favorite subject,” Tammie said, adding that her daughter would like to combine two professions: an animal doctor and an artist

“I want to be an artist and a veterinarian. I want to paint pictures of people and their animals,” Maddie said.

Any time Maddie gets money, it goes toward buying craft supplies.

“Whenever we go to Walmart, I go get crafts supplies. You know how they say you’re a kid in the candy aisle, I am a little kid in the craft aisle. I like it because I get to get everything in the craft aisle because not everyone goes there, and I get first pick,” she said.

HOW TO HELP MADDY — If anyone would like to purchase a wreath or decorations made by Maddy’s Creations, call Maddy’s mom, Tammie Stone (207) 405-1094 to arrange a time to stop by. For those who cannot physically purchase a wreath, but would like to donate financially to Maddy’s goal of buying gifts for five children in her community, her dad’s Venmo is jacobstone@jacob-stone-201

Maddy described herself as “creative. I think of others. I’m thoughtful, kind.”

Maddy said the best activities for Christmas are: “Spending time with family, giving gifts to others, making dinner, making kids happy, and wrapping presents.”

There is lesson that Maddie is living.

“In our home, it is better to be rich in the heart

and poor in the pocket,” Tammie said.

“It is better to give than to receive. Maddy has lived by that. It is always better to give. It makes you feel really happy and special. Over the years, she has gotten that, she has found joy and happiness by putting smiles on people’s faces and just making them happy. She always thinks of others before herself.”

Gravel pit ok’d with conditions

taken from several distances, including 500 feet of the closest property to the proposed gravel site to 2,000 feet. Findings showed decibel levels created by certain pieces of equipment fell below the 70 decibel standard:

At 1000 feet — screening plant (max all sides) 60.4, loader 51.0, excavator 54.7, bulldozer 52.7.

At 1250 feet — screening plant 59.6, loader 51.4, excavator 53.4, bulldozer 54.2.

“There are a lot of variables that could skew a noise study one direction or the other,” he said. This includes not only the spherical radiation but several other environmental factors, all of which further decrease sound levels at distant receptors. Some of these are air absorption, ground effects, barrier effects, etc. I did not include foliage in the model, as foliage provides very little sound attenuation and is of course seasonal.”

Public comment and questions regarding the project filled a virtual folder.

Nearby residents raised concerns regarding dust, noise, threats to wildlife and water supplies, increased traffic and possible hits on real estate values.

Maine

DEP noted that the owner/ operator does not need to register the pit until it reaches five acres grubbed and stripped for excavation. He also pointed out the state’s Performance Standards for Excavations “dust must be controlled by sweeping, paving, watering or other best management practices.” Dust control methods may include the application of calcium chloride.

Public concerns aired

Some of the concerns raised included:

Jen Bradley, an Old County Road property owner, “I do not support this because of the potential negative impacts this can have on air quality, water quality, local wildlife and disruption to the balance of the ecosystem in this area. I believe there are additional serious concerns to add to this list.”

Donald Gooding of Moose Pond Drive, “It is puzzling for an outsider to the process to understand how this one use, which stands alone in its loud destructiveness of natural beauty, could be included as an Allowed Use.”

Jacqueline and James Barber of Hawk Road, “A rural neighborhood is intended to protect the rural character and natural beauty of these areas...Bridgton is known as a vacationland and we hope it doesn’t become a wasteland.”

Greg Sleeper of Kezar Heights asked the Planning Board to consider changes to the future zoning and uses along with conservation of the remaining land identified in this project.

touched on, “We have reviewed the application, met with the applicant, and attended the site visit. Overall the application was well done and detailed information was provided regarding water quality, erosion control, spill prevention, and potential wildlife, and habitat impacts.

“After our initial review of the plans, we requested that Mr. Rolfe incorporate additional water table monitoring in the pit. Specifically, we requested Mr. Rolfe include water table monitoring in the spring, summer, and early fall. He has verbally agreed to do this and we hope the Planning Board will require this additional monitoring in the final plans,” they wrote.

Erich Kluck of

The proposed gravel pit sits on a large block of land zoned “Rural Neighborhood.” According to Bridgton’s Land Use Ordinance, “Regulation in this District is intended to protect the rural character and natural beauty of these areas, while supporting low-density residential development at no more than one unit per two acres. Cluster development, allowing smaller lots or condominium clusters to occupy a percentage of the land in order to preserve open space and environmental features, is encouraged. Small scale, low intensity rural serving commercial and agricultural uses may be directed to locate at intersections of arterial roads or major crossroads.”

“I don’t believe we can undo what has been done so far, but we also must consider there is a need to balance commercialism alongside conservation,” he wrote. “I truly hope changes can be implemented to the land use planning of this area working with the landowner alongside regional groups such as Loon Echo Land Trust and Greater Lovell Land Trust to preserve something for future generations to enjoy.”

Glenn Jukkola of Kezar Heights sent multiple submissions to the board raising questions and offer some recommendations as officials addressed vital points.

Lakes Environmental Association also chimed in on the proposal. A response from Executive Director Colin Holme and Planning/ Land Use Manager Lauren Pickford in September

The gravel pit will be in the watershed of Kezar Pond and the south and southeast sides of the pit are bounded by Sawyer Brook, which is a mapped stream for native brook trout. They pointed out that Bridgton’s Land Use Ordinance requires a 75-foot setback on this stream and the applicant is proposing a 100-foot setback.

“A 100-foot setback is what is recommended by the Maine Natural Areas Program to protect trout streams from development impacts. This setback, combined with an internally drained pit, should provide adequate water quality and habitat protection for this stream,” they wrote.

In regards to dust control, they noted, “A combination of watering and regular calcium chloride treatments of the road should address this issue on the majority of the access road. We feel the board should require the applicant pave at least the first 200 feet of the access road to the pit as required in the ordinance. Additionally, the board may want to consider requesting the applicant pave a longer section of the road to mitigate any possible dust impacts to the abutting neighbors. Lastly, to help ensure the provisions in the application are constructed and maintained as described, we recommend the town code officer or a representative from the town visit and inspect the pit annually.”

CHRISTMAS COLORS — Maddy Stone, 9, displays some of the Christmas decorations she is selling to raise money to buy gifts for children in her community.

(Photo courtesy of Tammie Stone)

Bridgton Police Department

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

Monday, December 12

4 p.m. Caller had questions regarding fingerprinting process.

4:19 p.m. Caller expressed concerns regarding transients in the area, as well as drug paraphernalia found.

5:36 p.m. Two vehicle crash on Portland Road; minor injuries reported.

Tuesday, December 13 12:33 a.m. Citizen assist on South High Street.

6:53 a.m. Female arrested for theft and disorderly conduct on Main Street.

12:38 p.m. Theft complaint on Main Street.

2 p.m. Assist Maine State Police at the intersection of Portland Road and Sandy Creek Road.

4:50 p.m. Two-vehicle crash on Harrison Road; no injuries reported.

Wednesday, December 14

10:28 a.m. Welfare check on South High Street.

12:09 p.m. Intoxicated pedestrian on Harrison Road given a ride back to his residence.

1:20 p.m. Welfare check on Portland Road.

5:16 p.m. Police charged two subjects (male and

female) on B Street with criminal trespass, burglary, theft, possession of drugs and violating conditions of release.

1:55 p.m. Welfare check on Bennett Street.

Thursday, December 15

8:13 p.m. Attempt to locate vehicle traveling unsafely on North High Street; police located the vehicle in the hospital emergency room parking lot. Friday, December 16

12:47 p.m. Vehicle off the road on South High Street.

2:02 p.m. A subject was issued a summons regarding theft of a vehicle on Omeara Lane.

4:04 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the North High Street and South High Street intersection.

4:49 p.m. Subject taken to Bridgton Hospital for mental health crisis.

4:56 p.m. Vehicle off the road at the Main Street and Highland Road intersection.

5:13 p.m. Citizen dispute on North High Street.

6:39 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Burnham Road and Portland Road.

7:01 p.m. Vehicle off the road on Upper Ridge Road.

8:58 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Fosterville Road.

10:15 p.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

Saturday, December 17

2:13 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

4:47 a.m. Vehicle off the road on South Bridgton Road.

12:06 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of North High Street and Quarry Road.

1:17 p.m. Citizen on Portland Road dialed 9-1-1 to report she was without power.

3:34 p.m. Welfare check on North High Street.

4:44 p.m. Welfare check on Pond Road; subject staying with a neighbor who had a generator.

6:32 p.m. Caller reported low hanging tree branch on Willett Road, fire department aware (the storm resulted in 104 calls handled by the Bridgton Fire Department and over 60 calls by the Bridgton Police Department).

7:11 p.m. Suspicious noise (“high pitch whine”) heard at Bridgton Memorial School.

7:30 p.m. A male was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and refusing to submit to arrest following an incident on Zion Hill Road. The Cumberland County

Sheriff’s Office assisted with a K9 track for the alleged assailant.

8:17 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of South Bay Road and Loon Lane.

9:07 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of North High Street and Rivard Lane.

Sunday, December 18 3:49 a.m. Agency assist on Willis Park Road.

5:10 a.m. Assist to the Bridgton Fire Department at Fox Crossing Road.

6:32 a.m. Warren Street was initially left unplowed due to Central Maine Power Work; road now available and Public Works notified.

7:33 a.m. Welfare check on Spruce Lane. 11:38 a.m. Subject arrested and charged with domestic violence terrorizing, theft, criminal restraint and criminal mischief regarding alleged incident on Cross Street.

7:13 p.m. Welfare check on Nulty Street.

11:47 p.m. Citizen requesting police assistance due to power outage.

Monday, December 19 4:04 a.m. Noise complaint regarding Bridgton Public Works performing snow and tree clearing operations on Iredale Street.

Caller helps nab 2 suspects

CASCO — A report of possible mail theft later resulted in the arrest of two people last week.

Deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Tenney Hill Road area in Casco last Friday, Dec. 16 at about 1 p.m. for a suspicious vehicle that was attempting access to postal service mailboxes. A witness was able to give the 9-1-1 dispatcher enough information that the vehicle was identified and the registered owner could be contacted.

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

Monday, December 12

4:21 p.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Lovell Road, unfounded.

5:38 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Lovell Road.

5:40 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street. Tuesday, December 13

7:24 p.m. Assist Oxford County deputy on Farnsworth Road. Wednesday, December 14

5:36 p.m. Assist another

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO— Residents in two towns approved the bonds to improve the Casco-Naples Transfer Station and Bulky Waste Facility, and the towns have signed the lending contracts with the bank.

But, those upgrades will not begin for another 10 months.

The construction project is slated to take place after Labor Day, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.

With the knowledge that another three seasons will pass before the construction starts, the Casco Board of Selectmen discussed short-term remedies to the horseshoeshaped driveway on the household trash portion of the facility.

agency on River Street.

6:12 p.m. Served subpoena on Christopher Street.

7:42 p.m. Civil matter on Main Street.

Thursday, December 15 4:19 a.m. Harassment complaint on Main Street.

12:15 p.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Portland Street, unfounded.

8:05 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Meadow Lane.

11:17 p.m. Served subpoena on East View Lane. Friday, December 16 4:09 a.m. Peace officer detail on East View Lane.

12:41 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the North Fryeburg Road and Harbor Road intersection.

3:33 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Lovell Road.

3:52 p.m. Vehicle slid off the road at the intersection of Union Hill Road and Harbor Road.

5:48 p.m. Domestic disturbance on Portland Street. Saturday, December 17

2:33 p.m. Traffic hazard on Main Street.

7:30 p.m. Alarm activated on Porter Road, false alarm. 9:20 p.m. Welfare check

on Main Street.

Fryeburg Police Department Transfer

9:40 p.m. Responding to a disturbance on Stuart Street, police charged Amanda Alvarez, 33, of Fryeburg with assault.

Sunday, December 18 8:45 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

3:21 p.m. Attempt to locate on Main Street.

4:23 p.m. Alarm activated at the library on Main Street. Monday, December 19

4:10 a.m. Parking problem at Counseling Connections on Main Street; vehicle towed.

targeted for upgrades

late spring and early summer. With that being our busiest time of year, we decided to wait until Labor Day for them to get in there,” he said.

The date for paving is spring 2024, Ward said.

The public will be updated about progress of the construction through posts on the town’s website, the town’s Facebook page and signs at the transfer station.

is not safe,” resident Tom Mulkern said.

If the construction isn’t happening until after Labor Day, the town should address the driving surface issues, Mulkern said.

The town manager admitted that he heard complaints about the conditions at the facility. This was during the Dec. 6 meeting.

Throughout a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the green 1997 Dodge Dakota involved in the suspicious incident had been stolen from a seasonal home in Bridgton over the last few weeks. An all-points bulletin was sent out to make other police agencies aware.

At approximately 2:35 p.m., a deputy patrolling Gray observed the vehicle with occupants matching the description of those involved in the theft. The deputy was able stop the vehicle, identify the occupants and observe items in the vehicle associated with other mail thefts.

Heather Smith, 38, of Gray, was charged with the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft and various traffic offenses as she did not possess an active driver’s license.

Christopher Willey, 37, of South Paris, was charged with possession of scheduled drugs, suspected methamphetamine. He was a passenger in the vehicle.

Both suspects were summonsed to appear in court at a later date. The Bridgton Police Department and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation and additional charges may be added at a later time.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office would like to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activities within your communities. Observant community members often deter criminal activity and certainly can provide valuable information for investigations. Residents and visitors should secure their homes and vehicles at night and when they are away.

Plummer offered a solution.

“It’s the $1.6 million project split between two towns. It is going to increase the traffic flow on both sides for doing recycling, a second hopper, it will be paved and paved down to bulky waste,” Ward said.

“The physical construction will begin after Labor Day next year. They could’ve started earlier,

“This weekend that place was a real mud hole. .

. . We need to put down some good gravel. Any rain at all makes it real inconvenient and unsafe. It

Ward talked about plans to “put in more gravel, grade it, and get some more material there until it freezes, and it would hold us to spring.”

Selectman Grant

“A few years ago, we hired P&K to scrape out what was there and start over again. I am a believer with the amount of foot traffic that happens there, we need to be extra care-

ful. Maybe, it is time to have a contractor come in and do that again,” he said.

“If we have to wait until a year from now to have that project be completed, then we should make some steps to make it better very soon,” Plummer said.

TREE BRANCHES remain on wires along Smith Avenue Monday morning as tree service personnel and fire department members continue to clean up after the weekend snowstorm that dropped heavy snow across the region. (Rivet Photo)

Wet snow wallops Lake Region area

storm. Then the public works department picks it up if they’re not plowing,” Madsen said.

Unfortunately, the fire department and town crews cannot help restore electricity to folks.

“People need to recognize if a tree is hung up on a power line, we cannot touch it. We have to wait for CMP,” he said.

From Friday night through Saturday, the fire department got more than 105 calls.

“We had several trees come down on residents’ homes. There were automobile accidents that they responded to as well,” Madsen said.

During a normal weekend without a snowstorm, the number of 9-1-1 calls to the fire department might total 10, he said.

Peabody expressed thankfulness for the hard work of the employees who removed trees and who plowed snow.

“In the years I’ve been at this, eight years, this storm

would probably rank at the top,” Peabody said.

“My comment is our Public Works, fire department and police department did an amazing job. Public works was out there plowing for 38 hours — that’s hard. We obviously bring them in to rest. They did an amazing job,” he said.

In the nearby Town of Casco, about 12 to 13 inches of snow fell with the same result: lots of downed trees and residential power outages that lasted for days, according to Casco Town

On Saturday afternoon, the biggest problems that the town had to address were “fallen trees and access to all roadways because of down power lines,” Ward said.

“Several plow routes were delayed because of downed trees or power lines. Some were finally cleared out” on Tuesday, he said.

“There are areas still without power as of yesterday [Tuesday]. The primary areas were areas around Pleasant Lake and Parker

Resident promotes resiliency grant

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — In late November, the first resiliency grant community workshop was held in the Town of Casco, and another one will be held again this winter. The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) hosted the workshop.

In early December, Sam Brown, a resident of Webbs Mills Village in Casco, commented on how impactful public participation can be for the process of figuring out how grants could be applied.

“I just wanted to take a minute to say how much I

appreciated the select board turning out for the initial meeting with the CEBE and the resiliency grant planning. I thought it was a really engaging process and I thought a lot of good dialogue came out of it,” Brown said.

“Participating actively in [Casco] Open Space [Commission] and doing the comp plan process, it feels like we have the convergence of a lot of agenda items coming together,” he said.

“I would continue to urge for more participation from the community. I mentioned it at that meeting that we really should

work towards having more people at the plate, at the table,” he said. “All of the processes that are in front of us right now — the community has a lot of great opportunities. We are about to finalize a comp plan that was generated through

some really good energy in the planning stages in April. I think we have good energy on the open space commission. Combine that with a resiliency grant and the funds for the town to be able to dream and do the things they want to protect

Spacious Raymond Colonial

RAYMOND – A beautiful 5,600 sq. ft. Colonial situated on a private and quiet 17.8acre lot. Four bedrms./3.5 baths, three floors of living and a full finished walkout basement, set up for the in-laws or guest quarters complete with a full kitchen.

An attached two-car garage has access to the home through a mudroom, making this a perfect place to store your belongings when you get home. A detached 35x40 three-car garage with an 11-ft. overhead door and unfinished overhead gives you additional storage for all the toys! The home comes equipped with a whole house generator and central vac. $849,900 MLS# 1549366

Own a piece of Naples history NAPLES – Wonderful opportunity to own this beautifully renovated farmhouse on a highly traveled road! Known as “The Barn,’’ this property has been a part of Naples since the late 1700s and is a welcoming sight as you enter the Naples Causeway. The entire property has been recently restored to include a cafe, post & beam barn perfect for an antique shop or to host beautiful events and the home is outfitted with two Air BnB units that are fully booked. The historical Cupola is the only remaining piece to the Bay of Naples Hotel and is being converted into another Air BnB! Newly paved circular driveway and parking lot gives easy access to the property. So many options!! $2,500,000 MLS# 1541654

Enjoy crystal-clear Sebago Lake

SEBAGO – Enjoy this two-bedroom home with 70 ft. of owned frontage and panoramic views on Sebago Lake. This home is located in a quiet cove looking out at Spider Island. The finished walk-out basement gives you additional living space for guests to come and stay! There is a permanent waterfront deck, boat dock and sandy, gradual entry into the lake. Enjoy entertaining on the waterfront deck while overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Sebago Lake after a day of fun boating, skiing, tubing and swimming! $849,900 MLS# 1549676

Land CASCO – Are you looking for a quiet, buildable lot while still being close to the town village? This is the lot for you, located in a quiet subdivision just minutes from the town beach on Crescent Lake and just a few miles from Casco Village is this ±2.1-acre lot. Davis Brook Road is a short distance from Route 11 for easy access to Lewiston/Auburn as well as close to Route 85 for easy access to Windham and Portland. $59,900 MLS#: 1534037

NAPLES – Here is your chance to build the waterfront home you’ve been wanting! This lot is just under a half-acre in size with 120 ft. on the Songo River, giving you direct access to Sebago Lake, Brandy Pond and Long Lake. Fill your day boating, swimming or docking at the Naples Causeway and enjoy one of the local restaurants, shopping or ice cream with friends and family. The Portland Jetport is 45 minutes from Naples, 40 minutes from North Conway and 25 minutes to Shawnee Peak Ski Resort. $299,900 MLS# 1538632

Happy Holidays

Western Maine Realtor of the Year 2021

Pond,” he said.

Citizens without electricity had the options of two public places offered as warming centers: Casco Community Center or the Casco Village Library.

“We opened our warming/charging station on Sunday and the library did a similar action,” Ward said.

The Bridgton Community Center was utilized as a warming center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, too. The town posted that information on its website and on its Facebook page.

our lives, and our future and our families.”

Brown said he supported ways to get more people involved in the future resiliency grant workshops.

“Dovetail to that, I want to encourage the board to take the offer [of CEBE staff] to really promote the next resiliency planning meeting around people who don’t cannot afford to get there or who don’t have childcare. The weather balloon was floated — an idea to provide child care in the gym during the next meeting, and I am really hoping that someone is looking into that,” Brown said.

He suggested communicating with school and getting school children to invite families to the workshop.

“The more people who know about it, the better. The richer our planning will be with more voices,” Brown said.

Mary-Vienessa Fernandes said she was getting educated about the

This would be the worst storm in the past five years. As far as one to kick off the season, it was definitely the tougher one. It was not the amount of snow as much as the amount of trees downed and the obstacles for plow drivers that made it very challenging,

— David Madsen, Bridgton Public Services Director

resiliency grants, and she has noticed around her signs of climate change.

“I listened to it on NPR this morning,” she said, adding that she had read material about the grants.

“I am quite thrilled. I’ve noticed just in my garden, the plants that come in waves. They are moving faster and faster,” Fernandes said.

Selectman Scott Avery said, “It’s Dec. 6, and it’s 50 degrees out.”

Camp grant

CAMP, Page 8A

Jocelyn O’Rourke-Shane REALTOR® MOBILE: 207-838-5555 jocelyn@hancockpondrealestate.com

Pauline Flagg: 207-595-3999 pauline4656@gmail.com

Heather Hanson: 207-318-8254 heather@hancockpondrealestate.com

18 Olde Village West, Naples, ME 04055 | OFFICE: 207-693-5200

Manager Anthony Ward.

After being held virtually the past two years, nominees from the 25 nonprofits up for grants from Town & Country’s Federal Credit Union’s 2022 ‘Better Neighbor Fund’ gathered in person for a special reception on Wednesday, Nov.

Rotary Club’s Good Citizen

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes a Lake Region High School student who displays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a monetary gift.

Parents: Ken and Tracy Mushrow

Activities: Community and school theater, community and school concert and jazz band, school/honors concert choir and volunteering in multiple public and school libraries.

Hobbies: Knitting, sewing, drawing, painting/ watercolor, music, dance and reading.

Future plans: Earn a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. I hope to eventually open my own bridal shop.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good citizen? Being an active member of your community, whether that’s volunteering during local events or just helping someone carry their groceries to their car, being a good role model could also tie into this. A younger generation will always look up to you, in events such as “Music in Our Schools” month or productions, I always try to make it clear that I’m someone that younger participants can ask for help or advice. Lastly, I believe the most important part of being a good citizen is participating in local democracy. That could mean voting, keeping yourself informed on local events

and candidates or helping others to find reliable information. A town relies on its community and that community must rely on each other and democracy is the best way to do that.

Q. What piece of advice that you have received (from whom) that has made a difference in your life (and how?) When I was at one of my lowest points, I was told to keep smiling because it releases dopamine, and even though that smile may not be true to your emotions, the endorphins and serotonin can help uplift you. Since then, I’ve made sure to smile every day, no matter what. I smile through tough times because I know that other people will see that there is always a positive in something, no matter the situation. Why spread negativity to others when positivity is healing?

Q. Who is your favorite teacher and why? My band director Jason Ward, he’s one of the most kind and dedicated teachers that I’ve ever had. Not only is he an amazing educator, introducing new concepts and ways of learning every week, but he’s also an amazing person just to know. I’ve been on multiple trips with him for auditions, competitions and other various band events.

SYDNEY, Page 8A

Masons’ LRVC Students of Month

Kelsey Wildes of Cornish, a member of the Class of 2023, has been selected as the Lake Region Vocational Center’s Student of the Month for November.

Parent(s): Chris and Aliza Wildes

Siblings: Nick, JoJo, Kyra, Krystal, Chris, Autumn

Hobbies: I enjoy drawing and painting.

What program are you in at the Vocational Center? I am in the Early Childhood Occupations II program.

What do you like most about your program? I enjoy the people associated with the program the most,

and I like learning the program content, as well.

What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I will attend Central Maine Community College to continue my studies in this field.

What career goal(s) do you have? I plan to be a teacher of young children.

Who or what inspired you to pursue this path? Initially, my family inspired me to pursue working with children, but the program instructor, Mrs. Pam, really inspired me.

What advice would you like to give future students? I would tell future students to work hard and don’t give up.

Maya Day of Porter, a member of the Class of 2023, has been selected as the Mason’s Lake Region Vocational Center Student of the Month for December.

Parents: David Day and Medy Jale

Hobbies: Cheering, Soccer, Driving What program are you in at the Vocational Center? I am in the Culinary Arts II program.

What do you like most about your program? Something I liked the most about the program is the friendships I was able to build with everyone.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend Southern Maine Community College after I graduate.

What career goal(s) do you have? I plan to become a dental hygienist. Who or what inspired you to pursue this path? My parents and grandfather inspired me to pursue that path.

What advice would you like to give future students? Advice I would give to future students is to not worry about things in the past, and to put it behind them. Focus on what really matters now and in the future.

Lake, team design ‘Smart Sheets’

Emily Lake of Naples, working toward a BSE in Mechanical Engineering at Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., is among more than 100 students who presented their Product Development and Innovation projects at the Product Innovation Showcase held in Rivers Memorial Hall on Dec. 8 on the university campus.

A 2019 graduate of Lake Region High School, Emily is the daughter of Bethany and Jeffrey Lake.

The Product Innovation Showcase is the culmination of a co-curricular

course where entrepreneurial teams of Engineering and Business students collaborate for an entire semester to turn new product ideas into marketable products. Engineering students develop a functional prototype while Business students develop the preliminary marketing strategy and business plan for the product. A few of the product concepts will be submitted for patents and have the potential to get commercialized.

The event format is a competition where VIP investors are given $1 million GBD (Golden Bear Dollars) — Western New England University currency — to invest in the

product innovations that demonstrated the most commercial viability. Investors were encouraged

to consider the following factors; the quality of the prototype, the product’s

Sydney Mushrow of Bridgton has been selected the Citizen of the Month by the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club.

Sydney Mushrow

NOVEMBER SELECTION, Kelsey Wildes DECEMBER SELECTION, Maya Day

INNOVATIVE

— Emily Lake of Naples (third from left) and teammates took part in the Product Innovation Showcase.

Mayo restores order, LR wins

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

As a 19-point halftime lead evaporated, senior Melissa Mayo took over the game.

Mountain Valley ripped off 10 unanswered points Tuesday night to make it a 32-23 ball game with 4:19 left in the quarter. Forward Kasey Johnson finally ended the Falcon run with a soft jump shot in the lane. From there, Mayo dominated with a 14-point explosion. Mayo knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, and drove the lane, scoring the bucket and adding free throws. When the buzzer sounded, Mayo had restored order as the Laker lead reached 21.

There would be no other Mountain Valley threat.

Mayo scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Lakers to a 66-36 victory at Nutting Gym Tuesday, improving to 2-1.

“I felt we needed to get some momentum, and felt if I started driving I could create opportunities for myself and my teammates. Once they started picking me up, I passed off to my teammates,” Mayo said. “This game was huge because it

was our home opener, and after that loss, this is what we needed to set the tone for the rest of the season. We were missing some people at our last game, so having people back and having a chance to practice, I thought we had our energy back tonight.”

Coach Banks needed a spark to get his Lakers back on track, and he looked to his senior to right the ship.

“Having Melissa back, controlling the offense, controlling the kids on the floor, it’s like having an assistant coach on the floor,” he said. “It was slipping away from us, I need Melissa to take over. She certainly responded. Then, I was hoping the rest of the team was going to join in. Our girls responded by matching Melissa’s energy and enthusiasm.”

Banks was disappointed how the team started the third, but was encouraged how they handled adversity and took care of business.

“We left the locker room at halftime with a game plan, and then we come out and don’t execute that plan. We talk after every quarter, ‘what’s the score?’ It’s 0-0. We have to play like that. The problem is we have to

get the whole team to understand that. We were flat. We didn’t rebound,” Coach Banks said. “Certainly, we have some work to do. The good thing is any mistake — rebounding, fixable; running the offense like the coach is asking, fixable. Those are practice things we’ll take care of.”

While Mayo was lighting up the scoreboard, forward Kasey Johnson came off the bench to take control of

the backboards. Her steady play, along with the tenacious efforts by guard Abby Lavoie, the Lakers were able to responded to the Falcon challenge.

“Kasey was a huge help. When she went into the game, I asked her to control the boards. She picked up a couple of fouls (including her fourth), and my coaches were saying she needed to come out. I said, ‘Find me a rebounder’ because she was the only one rebounding. With Melissa, she helped turned the game around by controlling the boards,” Coach Banks said. “Abby has the ability to double the ball, and while her player might be running free, she is able to get back to that player. She is so quick. She doubles the ball better than anyone.”

Unlike their last outing when they scored just one bucket in the first eight minutes of play at Maranacook, the Lakers came out running and firing. Right off the opening tip, speedy guard Abbie Lavoie gained possession, turned on the jets, and scored an easy layup.

Margo Tremblay (15 points) played with great confidence, driving to the rim and then showing her range by canning a 3-pointer to score 7 straight points and push the Lakers out to a 10-2 lead.

“I love the idea that Margo is aggressive all the time, at both ends of the court. She is looking for her shot, and also looking for her teammates,” Coach Banks noted.

LR’s defense was tenacious from end line to end line, forcing 10 Falcon turnovers while limited Mountain Valley to just two field goals.

Bella Smith (8 points, 6 rebounds and a blocked shot) finished off a 19-point quarter with a buzzer-beating baseline shot.

Showing good offensive balance, the Lakers upped the lead to 20 as Kasey Johnson (6 points, 8 rebounds) picked a MV ballhandler’s pocket and scored an uncontested layup. LR closed the half with an aggressive baseline drive by Tremblay, who found the slightest crease in the MV defense to pull the trigger on a shot that slightly kissed the glass and swished.

LR had a chance to expand the lead when Mayo was fouled beyond the 3-point arc with .5 seconds left, but she converted just one of three tries.

“I just needed to relax,” Mayo said regarding her foul shooting, which included several misses in the loss at Maranacook. She found a better groove Tuesday, converting 9-of-13 tries.

The Lakers overall were 17-of-30 from the charity stripe, making 7-of-10 in the

fourth quarter to put away the Falcons.

Up 21 entering the final quarter, Coach Banks was able to give some other players significant playing time — and they responded.

Olivia England (7 points) converted a tough baseline jumper, and then knocked down a straight-away 3-pointer as the Lakers displayed crisp ball movement, creating a wide-open look.

Jordan Blanton and Ella Martin came off the bench to control the backboards, with Martin adding her name to the score sheet by sinking 1 of 2 foul shots.

Alison Bourgoin played tight defense and made a foul shot.

“They’re starting to buy into being more patient, and moving the ball to seek out the best shot. It’s taking them a little time getting to know me and what

Club members work to make ride easy, fun

By Bill Preis

Bridgton Easy Riders

Club Correspondent

Winter is here! Well it finally happened — we got our first big dump of snow this winter! Pleasant Mountain has opened for downhill skiing, the cross-county ski and snowshoe season is off and running, and the new 2023 Lake Region Snowmobile Trail Map is available at most Bridgton retailers for a small donation.

New Snowmobile Trail Map: The new trail map now includes the trails of nine snowmobile clubs, with the addition of the Waterford Sno-Packers. The new map also adds about 100 additional miles of GPS’d snowmobile trails in Sebago, Baldwin, Hiram, Porter, and Brownfield.

We are seeing an unprecedented surge in new building in Maine that is causing many snowmobile trails to be re-routed, and several of these trail changes have occurred since the new map was printed. The BER trail crew has been busy clearing trees, erecting bridges, and

signing many trail changes. Trail Change: 21 members of the BER trail crew worked very hard to build two bridges in one day, so a major trail improvement could be made. The Club used a backhoe and many telephone poles to re-route

TOUGH TO SHOOT OVER — Lake Region’s Bella Smith looks to block a shot attempt by Mountain Valley Tuesday night.

PESKY DEFENDERS — Margo Tremblay ties up a MV ballhandler (left) while Abby Lavoie (top) goes for the steal. (Rivet Photos)

DETERMINED TO SCORE — Lake Region senior Melissa Mayo took over the third quarter, scoring 14 of her game-high 24 points. Mountain Valley had cut the Laker lead to nine, but Mayo pushed the cushion back to 21 points.

Great track start as Campbell ties HJ record

Campbell Johnson didn’t waste any time jumping into the Lake Region Indoor Track record book.

During ther “December Jam” at the University of Southern Maine field house in Gorham, Campbell reached 5-feet in the high jump to tie the LR record.

“Coach Caron and I are very pleased with everyone’s efforts, results, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. Today was a great start to our competitive season,” Laker Coach Mark Snow

said.

Some top finishes: Hailey Brewer was fifth in the 55 meters in 8.39 seconds.

Campbell Johnson took a fourth in the 200 meters in 29.40 seconds, and first in the long jump at 14-10.75.

Abigail Roberts captured a first in the 800 meters in 2:34.51, and a first in the one mile in 5:39.07.

The girls’ relay —Hailey Brewer, Marissa Harlow, Campbell Johnson and Abigail Roberts — placed

second in the 4X200 in 2:07.02

Alecssander Freitas notched a third in the 400 meters in 58.76 seconds, and second in the 55-meter hurdles in 10.04 seconds.

Ezra Gronlund took second in the 800 meters in 2:17.32.

Grady Kemp finished third in the mile in 5:02.94.

Taylor Spearrin and Ezra Gronlund went fourth and fifth respectively in the high jump. Spearrin at 5-feet-2, Gronlund at 5-feet.

Easy Riders Club news

the trail that goes through Alpine Village at Moose Pond. (See photos.) When you are in that area, near the Route 302 causeway and Moose Pond, be sure to look for the new signs and follow the new trail.

Trail Change: The water company road in Bridgton has been closed. The ITS 89 trail that formerly went near it now goes behind Hayes True Value Hardware, and crosses Route 302. This change occurred after the new map was printed, so

be sure to watch for signs. These new trails will be GPS’d in time for the next trail map.

Snowmobiling depends on the generosity and hard work of a great many people: Landowners who allow our trails to cross their land; businesses and individuals in our community and beyond who donate equipment, provide financial support, and spend many hours working and helping out in a wide variety of ways. Snowmobiling is truly a community effort. If we love snowmobiling it’s

Profile: Sydney Mushrow

(Continued from Page 6A)

I’ve always known him as a confidant that I can talk to if I need to and will always offer help. He’s helped me grow as both a musician and person, and for that I will forever be grateful and proud to have him as a teacher.

Q. How have you tried to make your school/community a better place? I’ve always tried to be a part of everything, I want to have a relationship with everyone. Though I know I can’t do that, I know I’ve connected with enough people to be known as a trusted person. Someone who you can talk to when you’re sad, someone you can vent to when you’re angry, and someone you can share with when you’re excited.

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and why? I spent most of my summer arranging an 18-part concert band piece. This piece consists of six songs written by popular alternative rock band My Chemical Romance This project took almost 35 hours of work and will be featured in Lake Region High School’s spring concert.

crucial that we show respect to landowners, and that we express our appreciation and gratitude to those who do so much for our Club. Thank you!

Cleaning up: This latest snowstorm has downed many trees, big limbs, and branches. Cleaning up this recent damage on the 62 miles of Bridgton trails must be completed before the snowmobile season.

Volunteer work crews meet at the Bridgton Walgreens on Sundays at 8 a.m., and the work is usually over by noon. Many hands make light work, so we would appreciate any help to get the job done.

Ice alert: The lakes are not even close to being frozen. We will need several cold days and nights to make it safe for travel. Be careful!

Join us: The next meeting of Bridgton Easy Riders is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 13. 2023, and the guest speaker will be Maine Game Warden, Corporal Kris MacCabe, Landowner Relations Specialist. It will start at 6 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center with the fabulous pot luck supper, followed by a business meeting at 6:45 p.m.

I am looking for. They’re getting there. They want to play hard,” Coach Banks said of his squad. “The baskets will come, our focus is on the defensive end. We want to play with energy, harass the other team and force turnovers. I also like how everyone is excited for each other when they either score or make a play —whether they are on the floor or on the bench, they’re supporting each other.”

Stat Lines: The Lakers won the rebounding battle 41-24. Ava Smith had 7 rebounds and 2 points.

Innovative ‘Smart Sheets’

(Continued from Page 6A)

usefulness and benefits, the target market strategy, an explanation of the financial questions for production costs and revenue projections, and the professionalism of team members at the Showcase.

Lake’s project is entitled “Smart Sheets.” Smart Sheets is a motorized system designed to spread, tighten, and tuck sheets across a bed with

zero effort by the user. Engineered to fix most residential beds, Smart Sheet is the smart solution for every bed-maker. They were one of three teams that were selected as a favorite by participants.

“While I was impressed by our business and engineering students’ ideas that resulted in the development of prototypes within a single semester, I am excited not only by their

creativity but also their demonstrated ability to adapt to current and future needs of the marketplace,” said University President Robert E. Johnson. “This is the essence of a Western New England education that prepares its students for the future of work.”

Visit the entire collection of unique innovations at https://www1.wne.edu/ product-innovations-showcase/index.cfm.

Summer Camp grant

(Continued from Page 5A)

9, at the credit union’s headquarters as this year’s recipients were announced.

In 2010, Town & Country was the first financial institution in Maine to create an online vote program to let the general public determine nonprofits nominated for grants and to, ultimately, determine the grant recipients.

The 2022 online vote, conducted throughout the month of October, resulted in the second-highest vote total ever with nearly 13,000 votes cast.

Eight charitable orga-

nizations from an original finalist list of 25 nominees were awarded a share of $25,000 from the 2022 Better Neighbor Fund - three received $5,000 grants and five received $2,000 grants. As previously noted, the credit union awarded additional funds of nearly $2,000 to the other nominees for a total of nearly $27,000 in ‘Better Neighbor Fund’ grants in 2022.

The 25 finalists were nominated in September, and during October, the public voted online for the project they felt was most

deserving to receive one of the eight grants.

$2,000 Grant — The Summer Camp, Inc. (Bridgton) – will fund camperships for Summer 2023 for 20 girls living in financially insecure families or foster homes with a residential summer camp experience.

$2,000 Grant — Riding to the Top (Windham) — will enable the expansion of equine assisted learning for children with special learning needs through the Children and Horses — Inspiration, Learning and Discovery program.

TIES THE RECORD — Campbell Johnson tied a Lake Region indoor track record with a 5-foot effort in the high jump at USM.

Opinion & Comment

Original Story of Rudolph

Story of Red-Nosed Reindeer Was

Written By Down-on-Luck Chicago Copywriter Robert May

By Tom Emery Guest Columnist

Think Rudolph is a funny name for a reindeer? It could have been Reginald, Rollo, or Rodney.

Eighty years ago, those were a few of the names considered for the red-nosed reindeer by Robert May, an Illinois copywriter whose creativity brought Rudolph to life in a 1939 storybook for Chicago-based department store giant Montgomery Ward.

Today, the hit song and iconic television special overshadow the original, as the first Rudolph told a different tale.

Rudolph became a turning point in the life of May, who had hailed from a comfortable New York background and graduated from Dartmouth in 1926 before the Depression wiped out his family’s wealth. In 1937, his wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed with cancer, adding to his woes.

He ended up taking a low-paying job at Montgomery Ward, where he wrote the company’s famous catalogs. The company traditionally distributed free books to children as a Christmas promotion, and in early 1939, May began work on that season’s selection.

Though May dreamed of writing the Great American Novel, his job at Ward came first, and he threw himself into the Christmas project. His wife died in July 1939, leaving him a single father with a pile of medical bills. Still, May refused an offer from his boss to take him off the project.

May conceived a lengthy poem on an outcast reindeer, shunned because of his strange red nose, who ended up as the hero when Santa needed him to “light the way” on a foggy Christmas Eve.

He considered a variety of names for the little reindeer, all beginning with the letter “R.” Among the possibilities were Reginald, Reggy, Roderick, Rodney, Roland, Rollo, and Romeo.

As May worked, he consulted with his four-year-old daughter, Barbara, to see if she understood and appreciated the verse. One change she suggested was to change the word “stomach” to “tummy.”

In a 1975 interview, May remarked that “Rudolph and I were something alike. As a child, I’d always been the smallest in the class…I was never asked to join the school teams.”

He completed the poem in August 1939, and his superiors were less than impressed. In 1975, May recalled his boss said, “Can’t you come up with anything better?” One account reports that the brass worried that red noses are associated with heavy drinking, and would not reflect well on the company.

May, however, was persistent, and kept trying. He recruited a friend from the Ward art department, Denver Gillen, to go to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago to look at the deer. Gillen drew an image of Rudolph that, May hoped, would sway his bosses.

Page 1B

Community heroes

To The Editor:

This letter is written on behalf of two outstanding Cumberland County deputies, Officer Stickney and Officer Feeney.

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to see these fine officers handle a very difficult situation. They were fair, compassionate, unbiased, kind and wise. Not only did they handle the matter perfectly from a professional and legal standpoint, but they also demonstrated how much they cared about someone who was being mistreated in the world.

Officer Stickney and Officer Feeney are heroes, which our community can count on. I am forever grateful to them and their fellow officers for being the ones we turn to in times of need.

Arleen Shepherd Naples

Liberty or security?

To The Editor:

Those who would give up Liberty, to purchase Security, deserve neither Liberty nor Security,” — Ben Franklin

The Political Establishment (mostly Democrats, some Republicans, and the odd Independent) particularly in the Senate, think that the

LettersAmerican people should give up their Liberty in exchange for government provided Security. They are obviously unfamiliar with the wisdom of Ben Franklin.

Progressives view crises as an opportunity to increase their power and control. They talk a good game, do little to solve problems, and throw taxpayer money around. This taxpayer largess is spent on growing government, rewarding donors, and buying support among nonprofits and NGO’s. Government is grown; donors and politicians are enriched; and the crisis is exploited. Oh, a smidgen of the money is used to ensure that the base thinks something is being done.

Unfortunately, the ballyhooing, fan fair and vicious attacks on anyone who has the temerity to point out the emperor’s nakedness only seduces the base with false security while government takes their liberty.

The political wizards in Washington and Augusta have no real incentive to solve problems larger than naming a Post Office. Thus, they are faced with a conundrum. How to appear to be solving a problem without solving it. This calls for truly neat political finesse.

Politicians give the appearance of compassion and concern while divvying up taxpayer money among their crew while not accomplishing anything for the people caught in the grip of illusionary cradle to grave security.

God forbid the political class should actually solve a problem. Their power would be diminished, their wealth

Flocks of Birds on the Lake

Some years, winter teases us for weeks before it finally arrives. Cold snaps and snow flurries keep us guessing: could this be it? In recent weeks, an overnight dusting of snow fell a few times, but melted by lunch time, and on a few cold nights, ice formed at the edge of the lake. In the mornings, before wind and waves could break up the new ice, I often walked down to the shore to look at it. One morning, a three-foot-wide margin of ice had crumpled up against the sand, and for another 20 or 30 feet out onto the lake loose ice sloshed back and forth with the gentle movement of the waves. There was something unusual about this sheet of moving ice, though. It was made up almost entirely of ice circles about a foot in diameter, spinning slowly. A quick search on the Internet revealed that this unusual phenomenon occurs when moving water moves faster on one side of the ice than on the other side, creating circles that rotate.

There is always something interesting to see outdoors during the change of season, and as autumn turns to winter we watch for flocks of Common Mergansers on the lake. In summer, these birds breed in northern

Bird Watch

by Jean Preis BN Columnist

areas around the globe, nesting near fresh water, in woodlands with trees large enough to provide nest cavities, but in the fall, they are among the last water birds to move, staying ahead of the ice as it covers ponds and lakes farther north. By the time they arrive on our larger lakes, they may be in flocks numbering in the hundreds. The first time I saw a large flock of Common Mergansers I mistook them for Loons, because their bodies are long, they ride low in the water like Loons, and they dive. In summer, Loons have black heads and a bright white breast, but by late autumn, when most

Keeping step with faraway music

By Rev. Robert Plaisted Guest Columnist

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

That’s my favorite quotation from my favorite philosopher, Henry David Thoreau. The Bible excepted, Thoreau’s writing is the most important source of my philosophy. I hear the faraway music and I march to a different drummer. Being out of step with conventional society isn’t a bad thing.

Thoreau believed the path to wisdom lies in selfknowledge and experiencing reality, not in kowtowing to stale social conventions. It’s reminiscent of the ancient aphorism, attributed to Socrates, “Know thyself!” Thoreau believed that, unless we know ourselves and understand why we live as we do, we cannot know others or understand their motives. He even invented a word to describe his experiences; he called himself a “Realometer,” striving to dig through “the mud and slush of opinion, and prejudice, and tradition, and delusion… till we come to a hard bottom…which we can call reality.”

would be diminished, and in fact, their vision of how they should run the world would be forgotten. The people, who gave government its original legitimacy, would regain their Creator given, unalienable rights to Life, Liberty and Property. Government would regain its Constitutional legitimacy. Individual liberty would spawn the true security that comes from government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Jock MacGregor Sebago

What have we learned?

To The Editor: The 2022 election is over. What was learned? First, Democracy won. The turnout of eligible voters, while not a record, was significant. This is, “We the people …in order to form a more perfect Union…” at work. However, the victory of Democracy exposed two vulnerabilities: Plutocracy, a political system governed by

wealthy people (Advanced English Dictionary) and Autocracy a political system governed by a single individual (Ibid.).

NBC did a survey concluding 70% of eligible voters in 2022 made up their minds for whom and what they would vote for by Labor Day, September 2022. Then, a ginormous amount of money was spent to influence 30% of voters by Nov. 8, 2022. This is obscene. There is too much money in the hands of too few individuals and special interests working to direct our government in the direction they want; be it right or left.

The original Declaration of Independence held, “… the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.” The concept of property was debated back in the day, resulting in, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The Founders did not want a class system for the new nation, but today this is exactly where we are going. Legislation is long

Earth Notes

“Earth Notes” is an outgrowth of a deep ecology discussion group. Writers reflect a delight in, and concern for, the earth and are individually responsible for opinions and information.

Community members are invited to submit articles.

Thoreau was a capable surveyor and a born scientist. In the 1840s and 50s, he documented the natural world meticulously, especially during the two years he lived on Walden Pond in Concord, Mass. His scientific observations provided a base line for future scientists to use in their environmental research. Thoreau’s records recently attracted the attention of researchers at Boston University, led by biology professor Richard Primack. They realized that he had compiled a treasure trove of scientific data — a better record of ecological conditions, 160 years ago in eastern Massachusetts, than anyone else had documented. They set about studying how the flora around Walden Pond have changed since then.

overdue identifying those putting money into our elections. The people deserve to know who is directing their lives.

With respect to Autocracy, what can be said of the pathological lying, twice impeached, disgraced Donnie who advocated Autocracy? We can now add fraud and speculate if the color of his jumpsuit will match the color of his hair.

However, Donnie is not the real issue today. Today, there are real Republicans who are reading this letter, some of whom have written letters of their own, who need to come out of hiding and publicly denounce Donald Trump. The 2020 election was not stolen. There was no provable fraud. Those who would violently overthrow the constitution are going to prison and Donnie is headed to court. Let us now move, “… to form a more perfect UNION, …”

Further, let us enjoy the holiday season then watch the 118th Congress to see what a Republican House majority can accomplish.

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

Heating assistance gamesmanship

To The Editor:

In a compromise, emergency legislative amendment announced Dec. 13, Senators Rick Bennett (R-Oxford) and Nicole Grohoski (D-Ellsworth) have perhaps admirably found a bipartisan pathway toward resuscitating a failed attempt on the part of the Mills administration to keep low income Maine residents dependent upon historically high-inflated heating oil prices from freezing to death this winter, previously shot down by the entire Republican Senate caucus on Dec. 8, five of whom were conveniently in hiding and were absent for the ayes or nays when votes were tallied. A two-thirds Senate majority was necessary to send out — among other dividends — a $450 per Maine resident check issued to 880 thousand

NIGHT LIGHTS, Nutcrackers and reinder on South High Street in Bridgton. (Photo by Pam Ward)

Opinions

A Congressional Session to be Proud Of From Washington

I’ve often thought that Maine is just one big small town connected by long roads. Well, in the past year or two, those roads have gotten steeper and bumpier as we dealt with an unprecedented pandemic and the resulting economic troubles.

As we faced the historic challenges, something impressive happened. We came together and lent a hand to our neighbors wherever we could to keep things running and spirits high.

Down in Washington, Congress tried to help Maine communities get through this struggle, so that our state would come out stronger. To do that, we put in the work and set some things into motion that are already helping Maine people. That’s why you hired us, after all.

The pandemic made something we’d known for a while clear: those roads and networks that connect our big town needed repair, improvements, and expansion — from

Original Story of Rudolph

Finally, the project was approved and Rudolph was destined, as the TV show says, to “go down in history.” Some 2.4 million copies of the storybook were given away at the 620 Ward stores in 1939.

There is quite a difference in the plot of the 32-page storybook as compared to the song and the TV show. In the storybook version, Rudolph is the subject of scorn by others, but he lives with his parents in a “reindeer village,” not at the North Pole.

Santa is struggling with the fog, and can barely read street signs and house numbers. As May writes, in one instance he “barely missed hitting a tri-motored plane.”

As he enters Rudolph’s darkened room to leave a Christmas gift, Santa sees the red nose and realizes that could be a solution. He wakes Rudolph from his slumber and the little reindeer, surprised and flattered, accepts Santa’s offer.

Hearing the news, Rudolph’s “handsomer playmates” are regretful, and greet Rudolph’s return with cheers. Santa credits Rudolph with saving his journey, and wants him “on future dark trips as Commander-in-Chief.”

May subsequently remarried in 1941, but was still having financial difficulty despite Rudolph’s runaway success. Incredibly, the president of Montgomery Ward, Sewell Avery, signed the entire rights to Rudolph over to May in

Legals

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

Public Notice

TOWN OF CASCO and TOWN OF NAPLES

Transfer

Station and Bulky Waste Facility Closure

The Casco-Naples Transfer Station and Bulky Waste Facility will be closed as follows:

Saturday, December 24, 2022 – closing at noon Sunday, December 25, 2022 – closed Sunday, January 1, 2023 - closed 1T51

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLANNING

January 1947, which proved a life-changing event.

Soon, May licensed a commercial version of the storybook, as well as merchandise such as puzzles, clothing, and View-Master reels. May wrote two sequels to Rudolph, who made his on-screen debut in a cartoon short in 1948.

The next year, popular songwriter Johnny Marks, who was May’s brother-in-law, wrote the famous song. Hollywood and singing star Gene Autry recorded the song, which sold 2 million copies in its first year.

In 1951, May left Ward to manage the Rudolph enterprise, a full-time operation. He returned to the company several years later, working until his retirement in 1971.

The beloved Rankin-Bass “animagic” television special premiered on Dec. 6, 1964, with many variations from May’s original. Several sequels, including a New Year’s show in 1976, were since produced, and Rudolph and his fellow characters have become an enormous part of American Christmas culture.

The original Rudolph storybook has been reprinted several times, and some of the original copies remain in private collections and public libraries.

Robert May died on Aug. 11, 1976 and is buried in River Grove, a Chicago suburb.

Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-7108392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Office Closures

The Naples Town office will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday, December 26, 2022

• Saturday, December 31, 2022

• Monday, January 2, 2023 1T51

1069 Main Street, Lovell, ME 04051 Phone: 207-925-6272 Fax 207-925-1710

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLANNING BOARD

The Lovell Planning Board will hold a public hearing on January 4, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lovell Town Hall, 1133 Main St. Lovell, ME to discuss:

1. Proposed amendments to the Lovell Zoning Ordinance regarding: a. Article 8.14. Dock Ordinance (Piers, Docks, Wharfs, Bridges and Other Structures and Uses Extending over or beyond the Normal High Water Line of a Water Body or a Wetland).

b. Article 6.1.B. Cannabis Establishments.

c. Multiple articles: Promotion of Notice and Information to the Public. (Upgrades in communication between the town and the public across a number of articles (3,4,5,6, 7 and 9)

2. Proposed adoption of ordinances regarding: a. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

BOARD

PUBLIC HEARING

The Bridgton Planning Board will conduct a Public Hearing at The Bridgton Town Office, Three Chase Street, Suite 1, Bridgton, Maine on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, beginning at 5 p.m. to consider the following:

A application filed by Woodlands Camp Development, LLC, located at Camp Woodlands Rd, Bridgton, Maine 04009, known as Bridgton Tax Map 6 Lot 40.

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. 2T51

by Angus King United States Senator

bridges to broadband. So, while Maine was uniting toward a common purpose, Congress came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — legislation that makes generational investments in physical infrastructure, broadband connections, harbors, and the energy grid. These efforts will lay the foundation for Maine’s 21st century economy and make sure even the most rural areas aren’t left behind.

Over the last two years, as we drove up and down our state, you couldn’t help but see storefronts in trouble and prices rising as the economy struggled through a global recession. And again, while you focused your efforts on getting through the difficult times, Congress took meaningful action. We passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, which enabled Governor Mills and the state of Maine to better meet the health and economic difficulties of the pandemic. At a critical moment, it expanded healthcare efforts to confront COVID and invested in the state to keep the economy in far better shape than most others nationwide.

Congress didn’t stop there. This year, we took even more concrete steps to cut costs, create jobs, and provide more affordable, cleaner energy. The bipartisan CHIPS Act will bring home the manu -

facturing of the technical components known as “chips” that are used in everything these days — from smartphones to microwaves to cars — and in doing so reduce prices and create good American jobs. We also passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to lower healthcare costs, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and cut energy bills with new rebates for things like heat pumps and solar panels.

Beyond these major investments, we also passed vital legislation to improve the day-to-day lives of Maine people and Americans nationwide.

On a bipartisan basis, we expanded health care for veterans exposed to toxins, stabilized the Postal Service we rely on, strengthened protections for marriage equality, supported Ukraine as it fought off a bloody Russian invasion, and delivered millions in federal investments to projects up and down our state.

So, as Maine worked to get through hard times, Congress took steps to support our state. We’re already starting to see brighter days ahead and I’m proud to have played a small part down here. It’s a true privilege to listen to you, work with you, and build a brighter future for all the incredible people up and down the roads that connect our big small town.

(Continued from Page 1B)

souls from the surplus of the state coffers to fill the oil and propane tanks of low-income residents this winter, sabotaged by the likes of Maine Senate assistant minority leader Lisa Keim, (R-18th District) and Senate minority leader Trey Stewart, (R-Presque Isle), who called the governor a liar around this issue.

Supporters said the relief package was a life-or-death matter. But opponents on the right argued it was an unprecedented action that would spend hundreds of millions of dollars without going through the Legislature’s typical process, which includes a public hearing and committee deliberations and votes.

While these Republicans

This week’s game solutions

b. Photographic Records for Development Permits in the Shoreland Zone. A state mandate introduced in 2015 in Chapter 1000, Guidelines for Municipal Shoreland Zoning Ordinances

c. Formula Businesses in the Town of Lovell.

d. Restructuring Lovell’s Land Use Table: i. Selected Land Uses by District ii. Retail Stores, Prepared Foods and Service Uses

This meeting will be held in person and will be accessible by Zoom link posted on the town website. All materials are available for review at the Lovell Town Office, 1069 Main St. Lovell, ME 04051 and on the Town website www.lovellmaine.org. 2T51

stonewall this emergency measure people are cold and will remain so until such time as the parliamentary games are drawn out well into the winter unless the Grohoski-Bennett amended compromise as to how poor one must be to receive assistance by way of a check is ratified, and quickly.

I am a proponent of the amendment as the poorest among us should receive the assistance and not the top middle-income earners of $200,000 as was stipulated in the prior bill to which not just Republicans objected, but Democrats as well, like Grayson Lookner of Portland. Let’s hope this very important piece of legislation and another which will simultaneously provide emergency winter housing to the poor can pass in time to alleviate needless suffering.

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

SNOW CONES of different color along a porch rail in Naples. (Photo by Patti Jo Davis)

Merry Christmas in Ye Olden Times

Howdy neighbor!

Now that was some storm; by last count at the height of the blizzard Bridgton was sitting at just over 3,000 households without power, which in a town of just over 5,000 people, is about as close to absolutely every house. So, it seemed a full-on, town-wide blackout, of the likes we haven’t seen since that summer of tornadoes a few years back. As far as winter storms go, we’d have to go back to the early 2000s for its equal, in those days when power lines came down far more frequently than they do now. I even heard more than a few folks say that it reminded them of the famed Ice Storm of ’98. While I wouldn’t go that far, it appears Bridgton got hit the worst of any town in Cumberland County, both in terms of snowfall levels and also power outages, but I am told Fryeburg got hit harder over the line in Oxford, together with Denmark and Conway in N.H.

At time of writing this column on Monday morning, power has still to be restored to vast tracts of town, but I have full confidence it’ll be all wrapped up by the time we go to print in advance of Christmas.

From all of us here at The News and the Bridgton Historical Society, we wish all of our townsmen and neighbors in this section of country our very best wishes for recovery as the week unfolds. From digging out neighbors,

Obituaries

Robert W. Meeken

PORTLAND — Robert Winsor Meeken, 95, of 75 State St., Portland, Maine, left these earthly confines on December 13, 2022. He now rests in peace with his beloved wife Christine and cherished daughter Deborah.

Born in Jamaica Plain, Mass., May 15, 1927, “Bob” spent his early years playing baseball, building and flying model planes, participating in the Boy Scouts and skiing. He attended schools in Wollaston, Mass., Burlington Vt., and Portland, Maine.

During high school in Portland, he met Christine Olsen. Bob and Chris married on March 31, 1951, in Portland.

After high school Bob attended Portland Junior College, Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He also became a member of the Free Masons. After marrying they moved to Wakefield, Mass., to raise a family. In addition to night school, work and parenting, Bob also coached little league, was a Scout master and an active member in the Episcopal church.

Bob’s career included employment with City Service, MITRE Corporation and Lincoln Laboratory which involved travel to locations throughout the East Coast and the South Pacific. While in the South Pacific he fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a licensed pilot. An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, sailing, scuba diving and especially downhill skiing.

Upon retirement Bob and Chris moved to Lakeside in Bridgton. Here they enjoyed time on Long lake, hosted gatherings and spent many days on the slopes of Pleasant Mountain with family and friends. Places especially dear to Bob were Prince Edward Island, Canada, – Brownfield, Bridgton, Falmouth and Portland, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands and Saratoga, N.Y.

Travel was a great joy for Bob and Chris, and they were blessed with the ability to see much of the world. In 2008, Bob and Chris moved back to Portland. Bob became involved with the garden committee, the resident committee and the local train club which he eventually presided over.

We have lost one of the best of the greatest generation. You will be missed more than you know.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Christine, parents Walter E. and Miriam S. Meeken and his daughter Deborah Wright (Meeken).

He is survived by two sons: Donald R. Meeken of Brownfield, David S. Meeken and his wife Kira of Loudon, N.H., Brother-in-law Gary Olsen and wife Diane of Gorham, Maine, Sister in-law Joan Olsen of Methuen, Mass. Nieces and nephews Joann Madore and husband Larry, Holly Goodrich, Price Hutchins, Meg Broderick and husband Shannon. Grandchildren: Christopher Meeken and wife Ashley, Eric Meeken and wife Liz, Kevin Wright and wife Kelli, Christine Aiello and husband Jaimee, Aaron Meeken and Kelsey Meeken. In addition, he leaves great-grandchildren: Anna, Christian, Lucas, Eide, Gus, Leah, Chase and Wesley Services and a celebration of life will be held in Portland in the spring.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following charities in Bob’s name: ALS Association; Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Bridgton, Maine; or 75 State Street, Portland, Maine.

To share memories of Bob or to leave the family an online condolence please visit, www.athtuchins.com

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

lending firewood to several folks on our street, to cutting up fallen limbs that lay down across roads and drives, cleanup from this foot of snow certainly lasted well into the night, which dawned the following day on a town still about half in the dark. I’m sure as the week progresses that more stories of support will come out as we all lend a hand to get Bridgton back in its feet. Already, I hear about our brave firefighters responding to spot fires in Lower Main and rescuing more than a few families from the off-gassing of emergency generators, local restaurants and coffee shops generously staying open as impromptu warming shelters, and I’d like also to thank the CMP crews and many out-of-state linemen who stayed up through the night stringing wire and replacing blown transformers in our outlying villages.

All in all, it was quite the start to the holiday week; at least we’re guaranteed a white Christmas, and it’s also

likely that Pleasant Mountain will be able to live up to its traditional Christmas Day opening, after all. Which brings me to the subject of today’s column; wishing all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Did you solve the riddle of last week? Old Hazelton’s stumper, despite how imposing it looked head on, wasn’t really so formidable if you approached it from a different perspective; from the rear, as it happens, for that’s all it was — a string of reversed words which spelled out, when read backwards, a timely message of goodwill and holiday cheer. For those who

solved it, here’s your prize; the fabled box of Christmas dominoes, as promised. I wish this year that all of us may find something at least as good, under our trees. Till next time!

Flocks of Birds on the Lake

(Continued from Page 1B)

Loons have molted into gray and whitish winter plumage, with a pale gray head and a subtly toned gray body, they appear very different from the way they look in summer. The male Common Merganser, however, is still in summer plumage, with a bright white breast, and a neck and head that may appear black. Females are gray, with a rusty brown head and shaggy crest. Unlike other North American ducks, Mergansers specialize in eating fish, and the Common Merganser’s long, thin, bright orangered serrated bill, quite different from a duck’s bill, is perfect for catching and holding slippery fish. Although Mergansers are considerably smaller than Loons, size is difficult to judge at a distance, and it is possible to confuse the two species. Several times in late autumn, I have heard reports of large flocks of Loons, and the confusion is very understandable. One day this fall, we carefully studied a large flock of birds on the lake for about half an hour. It was not until the flock began to break up, and some of the birds came closer to our shore, that we were finally able to see them well enough to confirm that they

Patrick A. Lettiere

FRYEBURG — Patrick A. Lettiere, 67, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Androscoggin Hospice House, with his daughter and son by his side. He was born April 3, 1955, in Elizabeth, N.J., a son of the late Eugene and Helen (Iozzo) Lettiere.

Patrick worked as a diesel mechanic for Lake Region High School for over 25 years.

His greatest joys were spending time with his family, playing racquetball every week with his best friend Joe, fishing with his son Jacob and being a grandfather to his only grandchild, ScarlettRose.

He was predeceased by his loving parents and his children’s mother Carol, who passed away in 2015.

He leaves to cherish his memory to his loving children, Samantha Bennett and her husband William, his son Jacob Lettiere and his granddaughter ScarlettRose Carol Bennett. Along with two sisters MaryLou and Lorraine.

In keeping with Patrick’s wishes there will be a graveside service in the spring held at the North Fryeburg Cemetery. Announcement to follow. To make an online condolence and read Patrick’s full obituary please go towww.woodfuneralhome.org.

Arrangements are under the care of the Wood Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg.

were Common Mergansers.

We love to see the flocks of Common Mergansers on the lake. Sometimes, they gather in tight groups, and at other times they separate to stretch out in a long line, single file. They can be restless, and because their wings are small in relation to their body weight, they take off from the water by pattering along the surface with their feet. Often, they move from place to place on the lake in this manner, skittering along just above the surface before landing again, but once they become airborne they are strong fliers.

Today, snow is falling, and a thick layer of slush covers the water in the cove. Some morning, we will awaken to discover the lake has frozen, and the snow has not melted away. When that happens, winter will be here to stay.

Faraway music

(Continued from Page 1B)

For example, Thoreau recorded the spring blossoming of highbush blueberries between May 14 and 19. Primack recorded the same blossoming during the last two weeks of April, his earliest date being April 1, 2012, six weeks earlier than in Thoreau’s time. Spring blossoming now averages 10-14 days earlier than Thoreau’s records indicate. The leafing-out of trees and ice-out in the pond similarly occur earlier. Spring arrives about two weeks earlier and fall begins two weeks later than they did 160 years ago. Primack first documented his observations in scientific papers and then, in his 2014 book, Walden Warming, he wrote, “When a historical perspective is combined with modern observations, one thing becomes clear: climate change has come to Walden Pond.”

Nevertheless, climate denialists persist. They call the climate crisis an “iffy theory,” leading to “stupid policies based on half-baked theories without proofs.” In fact, climatic consensus increases each year. A decade ago, that consensus stood at 97 percent. Today, it’s 99.99994 percent. That means there’s one chance in 3.5 million that the theory is wrong. Policies, which break our addiction to fossil fuels, aren’t stupid. They’re essential to preserving a habitable human environment. We can get rid of fossil fuels, or dilly-dally until they get rid of us.

Isaiah 6:9 warns, “Hear again and again, but never understand; see again and again, but never perceive.” In The End of the World is Just the Beginning, futurist Peter Zeihan wrote, “The 2020s will see a collapse of consumption, production, investment and trade almost everywhere. Globalization will shatter into pieces, some regional, some national, some smaller. It will be costly… and above all, worse. No economic system yet imagined can function in the sort of future we face.”

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

Wise up, folks; hear clearly and understand better!

Rev. Robert Plaisted is a retired United Methodist clergyman, formerly of Bridgton, now residing in Bath.

Mondays-Fridays

AA Bridgton New Day Group, 12 to 1 p.m., Lake Region Recovery Center, 25 Hospital Drive, Suite E (located behind the old hospital using a private entrance, 803-8707, www.lrrcbridgton.

org Tuesdays-Wednesdays

Free Clothing. The Table continues to offer free clothing from 1 to 5 p.m. as well as the last Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is a variety of clothing available for both genders and many sizes. The Table is located at 160 Main Street in Norway (across the road from the hospital).

Mondays

Jumpin’ Janes Senior Fitness, 9 to 10 a.m., at Bridgton Town Hall, North High Street, no charge.

Knitting & Crocheting Group meets at the Caswell Conservancy Center in Harrison from 1 to 3 p.m. All levels of knitting are welcome.

Stamping Up Class at the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, Norway, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Space limited, masks required, materials provided. Sign up at info@ crcofwm.org

Chair Yoga (presented by Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine) at Caswell Conservancy Center (42 Main Street) in Harrison with Susan Kane from 11 a.m. to noon. Open to public ($10), free to cancer patients and their caregivers. No registration required.

Jigsaw Puzzle Library, North Waterford Church (Route 35), the lending library is open every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. All are welcome.

Waterford Farmers’ Market , 2 to 5 p.m., Waterford Common.

Tuesdays Harrison Food Bank 12 to 6 p.m., located at the Harrison Food Bank, Ronald G. St. John Community Center located at 176 Waterford Road in Harrison. Telephone: 207-647-3384.

Bridgton Food Pantry, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., former Methodist Church building, Main Street.

Naples Food Pantry, 10 to 11:30 a.m., located at the Naples United Methodist Chuck; open to Naples residents, distribution is drive-

Weekly Schedule of Events

thru.

Tai Chi Maine at the Bridgton Town Hall (North High Street) at 10 a.m. For more information, go to the Tai Chi Maine website or e-mail Taichiinmaine@ gmail.com

Jeannette’s Closet, 9 to 11 a.m., free clothing, First Congregational Church, South High Street, Bridgton.

Caregiver Support Group, 1 to 2:30 p.m., MWV Adult Day Center, 987 East Main Street, Center Conway, N.H. This support group offers education, support and coping skills for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or Related Disorders. Prearranged car is available for the family member while the caregiver attends the meeting. For more information, call 603-356-4980 or online at mwvadultdaycenter.org.

Al-anon, 5 to 6 p.m., Lake Region Recovery Center, www.lrrcbridgton.org

Free Narcan Training every other month, third Tuesday, 10 to 11 a.m. by Lake Region Recovery Center. Zoom at https://us02web. zoom.us/86337728738. Meeting ID: 86337728738 (You can use our computers to do this, or at home)

Wednesdays

Storytime at the Denmark Public Library at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact Librarian Robin Gosbee at 452-2200.

Jumpin’ Janes Senior Fitness, 9 to 10 a.m., at Bridgton Town Hall, North High Street, no charge.

Morning Coffee, 9 to 11 a.m., American Legion Post 67, 25 Depot Street, Bridgton. Stop by and have a coffee on us, and see what has been happening with the American Legion. All are welcome!

Chair Yoga (presented by Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine) at Caswell Conservancy Center (42 Main Street) in Harrison with Susan Kane from 11 a.m. to noon. Open to public ($10), free to cancer patients and their caregivers. No registration required.

Thrift Shop at the Lovell United Church of Christ (1174 Main Street), open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $2 bag sale on the last Wednesday and Saturday of each month.

Family Caregiver Support Group, second Wednesday of

each month, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Bridgton Community Center (15 Depot Street), confidentiality respected, sponsored by Southern Maine Agency on Aging; tel. 647-3116.

Sweden Food Pantry open the first and third Wednesday of the month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers must wear a mask. For a To-Go box, call 647-5735 the Monday before pantry. The pantry is in the basement of the Sweden Community Church, 137 Bridgton Road, near Sweden’s Four Corners (intersection of Route 93 and Waterford Road).

Hazel & Owen Currier Doll Museum, located at 103 Lovell Road in Fryeburg, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See hundreds of dolls including Barbie, Shirley Temple, Madam Alexander and Cabbage Patch Dolls. To schedule private tours, e-mail Sally Whitaker at whitaker9244@roadrunner. com. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Children under age 12 must be supervised by an adult.

Alateen Meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., PVHI Outreach/Legion Hall, 47 Bradley Street, Fryeburg. For more information, chris. whitaker@pvhi.org or call 207-332-7735.

Classic Car Show, presented by the Pleasant Mountain Chapter of the MOALS, 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the former Stone Surface lot (adjacent to Ricky’s Diner), Main Street, Bridgton. Wednesdays and Saturdays

Thrift Shop, Lovell United Church of Christ, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays

Fryeburg Historical Society Osgood House Museum , located at 83 Portland Street in Fryeburg, is open for tours from 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m. For more information e-mail the Historical Society at info@fryeburghistorical.org or visit the webpage at fryeburghistorical. org

Thursdays Tai Chi Maine at the Bridgton Town Hall on North High Street at 10 a.m. All participants are asked to wear masks. For more information, go to the Tai Chi Maine website or e-mail Taichiinmaine@gmail.com

NA (Narcotics Anonymous), 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lake Region Recovery Center, 25 Hospital Drive, Suite E, located behind the old hospital using a private entrance, 803-8707, www. lrrcbridgton.org

Women for Sobriety, 3 p.m., Lake Region Recovery Center, 25 Hospital Drive, Bridgton (behind old Bridgton Hospital). Open meeting. In-person or Zoom (https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89816213447). Meeting ID: 89816213447. Trail Runs. Every Thursday, May to September, 5:30 p.m., Greater Lovell Land Trust, Lovell Rec, and Upper Saco Valley Land Trust will co-host Roots & Rocks Ramblers Fun Trail Runs. Check gllt.org to register for e-mail announcements of weekly locations.

Harrison Maine Climate Action Group has changed its meetings to the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 2 p.m., at the Harrison Village Library. Next meeting is Oct. 13. This is a non-partisan group. Masks are encouraged, as the space is small. Interested but can’t attend? You can participate without attending meetings: Join the Facebook group: Harrison Maine Climate Action or e-mail Andrea at: harrisonmaineclimateaction@gmail. com.

Lovell Area Food Pantry

open the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lovell Lions Club, 2081 Main Street, (North) Lovell. E-mail: Lovellareafoodpantry@ gmail.com or call (207) 5427239.

Fridays Coffee Call, 8 to 10 a.m., Caswell Conservancy Center (42 Main Street) in Harrison, pastries and donuts available, lots of hot coffee, stimulating conversations and time to share memories of time in the military and more.

Jumpin’ Janes Senior Fitness, 9 to 10 a.m., at Bridgton Town Hall, North High Street, no charge.

Coffee Café at the Waterford Library, 10 a.m. to noon, a weekly gathering with your friends and neighbors.

Denmark Library Coffee Café every Friday, 9 to 11 a.m., Denmark Public Library 121 E. Main St, Denmark, (207) 452-2200 Harrison Farmers’ Market, 2 to 5 p.m.

Saturdays Free Breakfast. The Table is excited for the return of in-person breakfasts with the option of pick-up to go meals at 9 a.m. at the Norway Grange on Whitman Street in Norway. The Table is always interested in other teams who would like to take a Saturday and serve breakfast. The inperson breakfast has been a great way to combat food insecurity as well as fulfilling a social need for many in the area.

Sebago Yoga classes on Saturday mornings at the Sebago Town Hall gym. Sign up at www.sebagoyoga.com.

Thrift Shop at the Lovell United Church of Christ (1174 Main Street), open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $2 bag sale on the last Wednesday and Saturday of each month.

Painting classes for beginners and intermedi-

ates at 1 p.m. at the Caswell Conservancy Center, 42 Main Street, Harrison. Landscape techniques will be will taught and all materials will be provided. Cost is $20. Instructor: Sandra Kimball. Call (207) 6935655 for subject matter for the coming weeks.

Art Classes at the Caswell Conservancy Center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Open to all levels. Call for information 207-693-5655.

All About Books, third Saturdays at the Waterford Library at 11a.m. All About Books offers Maine authors a platform to talk about their writing process, evolving journey, and their books. Recent challenges have made these conversations especially poignant. Program to be held at the library. All welcome. Free. Zoom attendance available upon request.

Cornerstone Gospel Church, the third Saturday of each month, 7:30 to 9, Tel. 693-6102 or e-mail pastorjimmarstaller@yahoo.com

Sundays Church Service at the North Waterford Church will now be held in person, at 10 a.m. on Sundays. All are welcome!

Ping Pong at the Bridgton Town Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. All welcome. Equipment provided free! 4 tables! FMI 647-2847.

South Bridgton Congregational Church service at 6 p.m. The church is located at 16 Fosterville Road, Bridgton. All are welcome.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Sunday Service, 42 Sweden Road, Bridgton, 10 a.m. All are welcome!

Grief Support meeting, 11:30 a.m., through September. Be with others who understand. For more information, call (207) 3100576.

This week’s puzzle theme: Vacation Destinations

Rotary donates winter gear

CASCO — Rotarians from BridgtonLake Region Rotary Club delivered needed winter outer garments to Crooked River Elementary School in Casco, Songo Locks School in Naples and Stevens Brook School in Bridgton on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 15-16.

Requests were for winter coats, boots, gloves and hats. Earlier in December, needed winter coats were delivered to Harrison Elementary School. Several items were also made available to those in need through Crosswalk Outreach in Naples.

Rotary President Aaron Hagan remarked, “The club covers the communities of Bridgton, Denmark, Harrison, Naples and Sweden so whenever we can

help students from any of those communities, we are happy to do so. Members of the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club and our Friends always generously contribute for this worthy cause. Thank you, all, again this year for helping us help the schools distribute winter clothes on an as-needed basis. Our Club wishes all those in the Lake Region a very happy Holiday Season.”

If you would like more information about Rotary and its service projects, check out their website at https://lakeregionrotary.com or Facebook Page. With specific questions about the Club’s meeting location and membership, contact President Aaron Hagan at LakeRegionRotary@ gmail.com.

Symbol of Peace in Bridgton

Members of St. Joseph Parish in Bridgton are keeping the people of Ukraine in their thoughts and prayers this Advent season.

The parish’s Social Justice and Peace Commission adorned the parish’s Prince of Peace tree, which is located outside St. Joseph Church, with gold and blue lights, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

The Prince of Peace tree was planted by the commission last spring and is dedicated to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

“It stands as a symbol of Jesus’ peace and for all of us to learn the way of peace,” said Kathleen Stevens, a member of the commission.

“When the Social Justice and Peace Commission for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Fryeburg) and St. Joseph (Bridgton) churches planted our Prince of Peace tree at St. Joseph’s this May, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was well underway. Months later at the dedication ceremony in October, we spoke of our tree, a Princeton Elm, as a symbol of Jesus’ steadfast peace in times of personal and global distress,”

said Meredith Morehouse, another commission member. “The ongoing war in Ukraine was still heavy on our hearts.”

Although the tree hasn’t grown that much yet, Morehouse said they still wanted to decorate it for Advent and Christmas.

“I offered to do that, with little white lights of course for peace. But in talking about it with our pastor, Father Ed Clifford, one cold morning, Ukraine came to mind. A whisper from the Holy Spirit, I think. So, I said, ‘Actually, what about yellow and blue lights, as a show of solidarity and prayers of peace for Ukraine?’” said Morehouse. “Now and into the New Year, Father Ed and the commission hope that seeing the colors of Ukraine lit up on dark winter nights will inspire all of us to pray to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. May his grace enable our brothers and sisters there to be resilient against the many evils of war.”

Morehouse said with winter approaching, they know that the hardships will only increase for the

Ukrainian people.

“Each week brings us closer to the miracle of Christmas but also to the harshness of winter. We know it well in Maine, which makes the situation in Ukraine all the more unimaginable: wintering among rubble with little to no heat, electricity, clean water, or food. And the ‘lucky’ ones who fled are not unlike Mary and Joseph at the time of Jesus’ birth: scraping by in a foreign land thanks to the kindness of strangers,” she said.

In addition to joining members of St. Joseph Parish in praying for the people of Ukraine, if you would like to financially support the many displaced people in Ukraine, you may do so through the Pontifical Mission Societies, which are the Pope’s charities, or through Catholic Relief Services, the international giving arm of the Catholic Church in America.

Festive Holiday Concert with area bands

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with festive music of the season!

On Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Region High School, almost 60 musicians from area bands will come together to present a free concert of holiday music for the whole family! The concert will include special activities for children and a festive reception for everyone immediately following the concert.

The concert is hosted by the Bridgton Community Band, under the direction of conductor Steven Bennett Sweetsir.

“Music brings people together,” explains Mr. Sweetsir, as he describes how the idea of bringing area musicians together for a Holiday Concert grew. “It is very exciting! We were hoping to get 30 musicians to participate in the project, but the idea just took off! We now have almost 60 musicians!”

The Holiday Concert will include musicians from the Bridgton Community Band, Westbrook City Band, Fanfare Band, Mt. Washington Valley Band, Casco Band, Fryeburg Academy, Kennett High School, Lake Region High School, and Gray-New Gloucester High School!

There will be only one performance! Enjoy an evening of festive music and fun for the whole family at the Holiday Concert on Dec. 28!

IN THEIR HEARTS — A sign that the St. Joseph Church in Bridgton is keeping the people of Ukraine in their hearts this holiday season, the Prince of Peace tree is adorned with blue and gold lights — the colors of Ukraine.

SPECIAL DELIVERY — Rotarians deliver winter gear to Crooked River Elementary School. Pictured (left to right) Rotarian George Klauber; Elizabeth Shane, Academic Leader; and Rotarian Lisa Ryan.

— Steven Bennett Sweetsir, conductor of the Bridgton Community Band, and principal conductor of the Holiday Concert, which takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Region High School.

Holiday ServiceS

St. Peter’s Episcopal Services

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bridgton will offer a Musical Prelude Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m. Musicians will be led

Hardie and violist Julia Hardie. Included will be Mozart’s Alleluia and Ave Verum Corpus. A Candlelight Festival Eucharist with Creche Service will follow.

United Parish Services

HARRISON — The United Parish-Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton Christmas service will be at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

The church is located at 77 Main Street (Route 117) in Harrison, across from Crystal Lake Park.

The service will include lighting the Christmas Candle, traditional readings, Christmas carols, and will conclude with Silent Night by candlelight. All are welcome. United Parish is an open and affirming congregation. There will be no service on Christmas Day. Worship will resume on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Otisfield Luncheon

OTISFIELD — The Otisfield Social Outreach Committee will host a free (donations appreciated) community lunch on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Hall 293 on Route 121.

On the menu is chili (beef, venison and vegetarian), cornbread, salads and cookies for dessert.

Some feel a letdown after the holidays. Consider inviting someone new, come out and visit with your neighbors and friends and settle into the Maine winter together. Got ideas for an added value to the lunches, e.g. stuff swap, book swap, puzzle swap, contact Elaine at dobleverrill@ gmail.com or 207 461-1995.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe Holiday Eggnog

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

I look forward to the holidays for many reasons, one of which is celebratory eggnog. I love the velvety smoothness and the creamy richness of a cup, just one cup of seasonal eggnog. I began making my own many years ago when I lived in Utah and was far away from family. I would make a large punch bowl full of homemade eggnog and open the doors of my home to all of those who lived far from our families.

A homemade eggnog is far superior in taste to that we purchase at the grocery.

There is discussion around the use of raw eggs in homemade eggnog. By choosing farm fresh eggs from local farms and farm fresh milk and cream from High View Farm, you can alleviate much of the concern. Eggs and milk from healthy, pasture raised animals is the choice I make as animals from these farms are more likely to be disease free. In addition, this recipe is gently cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees, which kills any bacteria.

After mixing up a batch, it is up to you to add liquor if you choose, brandy, rum or bourbon, the addition of which adds to the safety of the beverage as microbes do not live in the presence of alcohol. (Many traditional eggnog recipes add liquor and then age the nog for this very reason.)

Whatever your choice, alcohol free or not, I hope you find this recipe as delicious as myself and have a very Happy and Joyful Holiday with family and friends.

Holiday Eggnog

from Spruce Eats, 6 to 8 servings

Prep time is 50 minutes and 4 hours to chill.

6 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/4 cup heavy cream

Additional grated nutmeg, garnish

Combine the eggs, egg yolks (use the egg whites in another recipe), sugar, and salt in a heavy 3 or 4-quart pan, whisking until well-combined.

Continue whisking while pouring the milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated.

Place the pan over the lowest possible heat setting; stir the mixture continuously until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160° F and the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.1 Be patient — this should take about 35 to 45 minutes.

Once the mixture has thickened, strain it through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any possible small cooked bits of egg.

Chill for at least 4 hours and enjoy!

The Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through April 22. 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 go to 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!

Keep Holiday Greens Looking Their Best Throughout the Season

By Melinda Myers Guest Writer

Wreaths, door swags, garlands, and containers filled with evergreens have long been part of winter celebrations and displays. Keep them fresh and looking their best throughout the holidays with minimal effort.

Fresh greenery with pliable branches and firmly attached needles will last the longest. Check for good color and an aroma you prefer. Consider buying extra greenery and storing it in the garage or another cool location. Use these to replace any indoor greenery that is starting to brown.

Recut the bottom of the stems with a sharp bypass pruner. Totally submerge the greenery in a tub of room-temperature water overnight to help rehydrate the needles. Gently crush the cut end to allow it to better absorb moisture.

Remove the cuttings from the water and once dry, seal in the moisture by spraying the greens with an anti-transpirant, often called antidesiccant. These products seal in moisture, reducing drying due to warm, dry air indoors and drying

winds and sunlight outside. Follow label directions for application tips and dilution rates based on what you are treating. Avoid using these on juniper berries, cedar and blue spruce. The waxy coating that makes these look blue can be damaged by these products. Apply anti-

BOOK DRIVE FOR KIDS — Team Long Run’s Hilary Harper-Wilcoxen and Bridgton Books Pam and Justin Ward (pictured) want to thank everyone who donated books so far to our Book Campaign! We’ve received 40 books so far that have already gone to children at Head Start centers throughout western Maine! Thank you and keep giving! We’re

by cellist Gary

desiccant products outdoors during the day, as light is needed to activate some of these chemicals. Allow the treated greens to dry for three to four hours before moving them inside. Display indoor greenery in cool locations out of direct sunlight. This

TIP — When outdoor temperatures are cooler, green arrangements, like this winter container garden, last much longer than indoor displays.

(Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com)

GREENS, Page 8B

Memorial Hospital’s support group for moms

NORTH CONWAY, N.H. — With cold, winter days ahead driving folks indoors, isolation can be an added challenge for those who are experiencing a life change or crisis. Memorial Hospital’s support groups are back in person and onsite which may help people to feel less alone.

“We are pleased to welcome folks back into our facility for support groups again,” says Andrea Rathbone, Memorial Hospital’s Senior Director of Practice Operations. “Feelings of isolation can take a toll and this is an important way we can help our community. Sometimes our patients need more than medicine. Our providers are always thinking

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

Help Wanted TOWN OF DENMARK

Code Enforcement Officer

Local Plumbing Inspector

The Town of Denmark is taking applications to fill the vacant position of Code Enforcement Officer (CEO)/Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI). Responsibilities include issuing building and plumbing permits; conducting inspections to ensure compliance; enforcing the State and Municipal Zoning Ordinances; maintaining liaison with appropriate state and local agencies; and maintaining departmental records and reports.

Ideal applicants shall be State Certified for Land Use and Zoning Regulations, Shoreland Zoning, Legal Issues, Court Rule 80K and Local Plumbing Inspector. Applicants that are not certified will be considered. LPI certification needs to be obtained prior to formal appointment. CEO appointed may be made at time of hire but certification must be obtained within 12 months. The CEO/LPI must possess and maintain certification as required by State law as well as a valid driver’s license and a properly registered and insured private vehicle for job use.

The ability to deal with the public courteously and firmly under adverse or strained conditions is essential. Excellent organizational, computer, and written and oral communications skills are desired. Knowledge in construction is helpful but not required. The position reports directly to the Town Manager.

This is a 32-hour week position including office hours, inspection hours and attending the monthly meetings of the Planning Board and Board of Appeals. Scheduled hours will be established upon hiring. This position is considered Part-Time Benefitted which includes the benefits of health insurance, vacation time, sick time and holiday pay. The Town of Denmark offers competitive pay rate, this is an hourly rate of pay which will be based on experience and knowledge.

To apply: application may be picked up at the Town Office during business hours, or you may email the Town Manager to request an application – townmanager@denmarkmaine.org. Review of applications is expected to begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

The Town of Denmark is an Equal Opportunity employer.

a local manufacturer of pet products, seeks a full time Customer Service Associate. Regular Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Successful candidates must be reliable, attentive to detail, quick learners, willing to do a variety of tasks including interacting with customers via phone, e-mail & live chat. Other responsibilities include order processing & data entry, assisting with administrative duties, and other supportive roles as needed. Physical demands include sitting, walking and standing for extended periods of time. Benefits include health and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, paid vacation and personal time, 401k, paid holidays, tuition assistance, AAA and free products. Lupine is a COVID safe work environment, applicants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be considered for an interview. Please send resume to employment@lupinepet.com or e-mail for more information. No phone calls please. EOE

about the whole patient and what other resources their patients might benefit from. Offering patient-centered care is one of our core values.”

Memorial Hospital’s New Moms Group and Journey of Hope Cancer Support Group have both recently returned in person and on-site. The New Life Program, a prenatal substance use disorder treatment program, has been meeting in person since January.

Journey of Hope Cancer Support Group continued to meet in person off-site at the North Conway Community Center during the pandemic. The group recently returned to meet in the Sun Room of the Bigelow Building at the hospital where they met for many years prior to the pandemic.

“It’s nice for patients and their loved ones to be back at the hospital for meetings,” says Roxanne Major,

Classifieds

BN 51

ATTENTION

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

HELP WANTED

MSAD72 SCHOOL DISTRICT — (EOE) in Fryeburg, Maine has immediate openings: 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

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

FOR SALE

STEEL CASE — vertical file cabinet, five drawers. $100. Call 647-5679. 2t51x

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

KIMBALL PROPERTY 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. 1t51x

A GROUP OF MOMS gather with their newborns at the new Moms Support Group at Memorial Hospital. (Photo courtesy Memorial Hospital)

Continuations

Calendar of Events

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

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

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.

Saturday, December 24

Christmas Eve Service, by Pleasant Mountain Ministry, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., at the Great Room, located in the Pleasant Mountain ski resort Base Lodge, 119 Mountain Road in Bridgton.

Christmas Eve Service, United Parish-Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton Christmas service will be at 5 p.m. The church is located at 77 Main Street (Route 117) in Harrison, across from Crystal Lake Park. There will be no service on Christmas Day. Worship will resume on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 10:30 a.m.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bridgton will offer a Musical Prelude Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m. Musicians will be led by cellist Gary Hardie and violist Julia Hardie. Included will be Mozart’s Alleluia and Ave Verum Corpus. A Candlelight Festival Eucharist with Creche Service will follow.

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, The Fanfare Band, Mt. Washington Valley Band, Casco Band, musicians from Fryeburg Academy, Lake Region, and Gray-New Gloucester High School.

Wednesday, January 11

Lost in Place: Saving Wall Paintings at 7 p.m. David Ottinger, a preservation contractor with 38 years of experience moving early painted walls — and complete historic structures — throughout New England, will describe the delicate and complicated process of moving these walls. The presentation features images of the painted walls from the James Norton House in East Baldwin, painted by Jonathan Poor, Rufus Porter’s nephew, in 1840 and removed from the home in 2011. The walls, considered Jonathan Poor’s finest work, will be installed in the museum’s new building to be constructed in 2023. This is a free (suggested donation $10), virtual event presented by the Rufus Porter Museum; www.rufusportermuseum.

org/events Friday, January 13

Bridgton Easy Riders pot luck, meeting and guest speaker. The supper is at 6 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center followed bhy a business meeting at 6:45 p.m. The guest speaker will be Maine Game Warden, Corporal Kris MacCabe, Landowner Relations Specialist. Wednesday, January 18 Community lunch. The Otisfield Social Outreach Committee will host a free (donations appreciated) community lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Hall 293 on Route 121. On the menu is chili (beef, venison and vegetarian), cornbread, salads and cookies for dessert.

Wednesday, February 8

Talk with author Earl Smith about his book, “Downeast Genius,” at 7 p.m. This is a free (suggested donation $10), virtual event presented by the Rufus Porter Museum; www.rufusportermuseum.org/events

Moms’ support group

recently retired group facilitator. Major and Ruthann Frabrizio RN started the group 23 years ago.

“I have met so many people in my role over the past 23 years,” remembers Fabrizio, “I appreciated hearing their stories. It has meant so much to me to be there for folks with tears and laughter and space to talk through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

“The New Moms Group paused meetings during the pandemic and recently returned to meet in person at the hospital.” says Marla Casella, RN, IBCLC, the group’s facilitator. “It has been such a positive change to be together again.

Moms group meets on Wednesdays and provides

an opportunity for mothers and babies to gather, a place where mothers support mothers. Breastfeeding support is available during group as well.”

“The bonding and support moms bring to each other in the New Moms Support Group is wonderful,” says Kris Dascoulias, Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hospital. “It’s important for new moms to feel they’re not alone. Having a new baby is a dramatic life change and we want to facilitate a support network for moms.”

Memorial Hospital’s New Life Program addresses both the life change of having a new baby and the challenge of managing substance use disorder. The program coordinates obstetric care and substance use

treatment for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorder.

“Pregnancy can be a motivating opportunity for someone struggling with addiction to seek recovery and support, and we want to help in that process,” says Nicole Jackson, the New Life Program Coordinator. “Our program is always open to new participants. This program provides space for women with substance use disorder to build connections with their peers and their medical care team to create a strong network of support.”

To learn more about any of Memorial’s support groups or to sign up, call 603-356-5461 and ask the switchboard to connect you with the appropriate contact.

Hannaford reusable bag campaign tops $2 million

Hannaford Supermarkets announced that one of its signature charitable campaigns – the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program — achieved the major milestone of generating more than $2 million in total donations to community organizations throughout New England and New York.

The Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program welcomes shoppers to purchase special Fight Hunger and Community reusable shopping bags at store registers. For each bag sold, Hannaford donates $1 to a local hunger relief agency or non-profit organization in the store’s community.

Since the program’s inception in 2014, more than 2.7 million reusable bags benefitting more than 5,600 nonprofit organizations have been sold at Hannaford, replacing the need for more than 82 million single-use plastic bags. Additionally, nearly 9.4 million meals have been provided through the purchase of the bags.

“The Hannaford Helps

Reusable Bag Program is a great example of how small acts add up to a big impact,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Manager Sherri Stevens. “The program’s success is directly attributable to the tremendous generosity of our customers, who share with us in our commitment to increase access to food and improve our communities. We thank our shoppers for their continued support of this outstanding initiative.”

The Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program has two facets: the Fight Hunger bag, which benefits hunger relief organizations in the five states

where Hannaford operates; and the Community bag, which supports local nonprofits focused on a variety of causes, including health and wellness, and child and family development.

Amongst the beneficiaries of the program is My Place Teen Center in Westbrook, a year-round after-school program for teens and young adults that provides academic support, civic engagement opportunities, job training and life skills programs.

“We are at the forefront of some of the most crucial issues of our time. We fight to keep kids safe from the devastation of the opioid epidemic, we combat poverty and food insecurity and we create authentic communities with kids from diverse backgrounds by teaching them to be good citizens and neighbors,” said My Place Teen Center President and CEO Donna Dwyer. “We are so grateful to Hannaford for championing our mission and providing us with nearly $8,200 in donations from these charitable programs.”

Keeping Holiday Greens

(Continued from Page 6B)

reduces moisture loss and extends the life of your garland, wreaths, and arrangements.

Keep greenery away from heat sources that speed drying, decorative lights that generate heat, and flames from candles. Check the greens every few days and replace dry, brittle, and brown cuttings with fresh greens.

Outdoor greenery lasts much longer when temperatures are cooler than indoors. Further extend their longevity by placing them in more sheltered locations, out of direct

sunlight and wind where they suffer less drying. Avoid hanging wreaths and swags in front of windows in direct sunlight where the reflected light can burn the foliage. Use an anti-transpirant on outdoor greenery to help reduce moisture loss and extend your enjoyment.

Keep outdoor planters of greens looking their best throughout the winter. Keep the soil moist until it freezes when displaying spruce tips, cut holiday trees, and evergreen stems in outdoor containers. If and when the ground freezes, you can stop watering.

A bit of effort goes a long way in extending the beauty of holiday greenery. Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www. MelindaMyers.com.

The Celebration Tree

At the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity

The 2022 Celebration Tree is lit in honor of: Ginny Eilertson, Bob Dunning, Don Eilertson, Nancy Smoak, Signa MacPhail, David Lamb, Ray Brown, Richard Whiteley, Rip Henkels, Dick Gallagher, Cyrus Overman, Elizabeth Overman, Barbara Hale, Marcia Hi-Ho Lane, Barbara Trowbridge Barnes, Garrison Sewall Lane, Kris Sundeen, Marie Louise Anctil, Francis Xavier Duigan, Dr. Peter Leighton, John Crowe, Charlie Bennett, Evelyn Bennett, Tjaard Hommes, Anne Hommes, Ott Moulton, Phil Douglass, Carin Wilson, Eddie Perkovic, Tomasa Rivera, Carmelo Rivera, Don Bennett, Edith Bennett, John Bundschuh, Dorothy Bundschuh, Clare Burgun, John Roach, Ginny Eilertson, Ursula Flagherty, Andrew Busa, Ginny Eilertson, Alan Eilertson, John R. Graham III, James Larsson, Will Larsson, Charles and Judith Vogler, Marcia Harris, Margaret Chiang, Bill Graham, Margaret Lindsay Sanborn, Karen Lepage, Lori Demarist, Dotti and Andy Sanborn, Cathy and Bob Lindsey, Herb and Marney Chalmers, Ken and Abby MacPherson, Rob Varricchio, Edith M. Varricchio, Sally Dionne, Francis Dionne, Lucian C. Fitts, Henry A. Hudson Junior/ H1, Margaret C. Hudson, Bruce and Laurie Chalmers, Marion Chase, Eleanor Norton, Tom Willins, Bob Katz, Milagros Casellas-Katz, Walton and Betty Corbett, Frances Rolfe, Eddie Rolfe, Henry A. Hudson Jr., Jasper Stearns Horecky, Emma Olympia Young, Ginny Eilertson

THANK YOU TO Trees of Joy, Henry’s Concrete, Joe Barth, David Johnson, and Jeff Frey for donating their resources and time to installing the Celebration Tree outside of the museum.