December 29, 2022

CMP: Who is first on list

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

REGION — With power outages following two December storms that were a week apart, Lake Region residents might be wondering why some homeowners get electricity restored sooner than others.

Central Maine Power (CMP) follows a protocol.

“First off, our first priority is working with local emergency and public safety agencies to identify and remove any wires that are down that are blocking roads to make sure that emergency vehicles can pass,” according to CMP Manager of Corporate Communications Catharine Hartnett.

“We make areas safe so there are no dangerous wires,” Hartnett said.

“Then, we turn our attention to making repairs that restore as many customers as possible with one repair,” she said. “It takes as many linemen and as much equipment to restore

one [1] customer or 1,000 customers. You can have a tree come down on a circuit that serves a large population and you can have a tree fall on a circuit that serves two or three households.”

That is the phase where crews are at while working to restore power in the

Confidence boost

region this week: Figuring out which obstacle removals will provide the most customers with electricity again.

“In the Bridgton area, we have a whole set of crews in that area. They are applying that logic to the one area,” Hartnett said,

adding, “We don’t start in Portland or Lewiston and go to smaller towns. We are doing that process in each region.”

Another big assist during times of power outages are CMP’s key account managers. They are the people who communicate

with town managers and public safety personnel to develop a plan for what the town’s needs are following a storm, Hartnett said.

CMP employees follow the weather forecast, looking for predictions of the type of weather likely to

Do you remember quiz

Q1. Oliver Blair, age 7, decided to take part in the Christmas Eve Sleepover to

money for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. He inspired others, who contributed through a GoFundMe page. The effort resulted in a record draw. How much did HHAS raise?

$25,000 $27,000 $29,000

Q2. Fryeburg Academy in February announced plans to upgrade its game complex with artificial field turf, new stadium lights, bleachers and press box. What was the total price tag for the John H. Atwood complex?

$1.3 million $1.5 million $2 million

Q3. Fryeburg Fair was selected to host a summer rally expected to draw 1,200 what?

ATV enthusiasts

Harley Davidson owners Silver Bullets

Cannabis grower convention

Q4. The United Methodist Church in Bridgton closed as its congregation dwindled to a point they could no longer operate the facility. Who purchased the 1870 church?

Bridgton Food Pantry

Private developer

Bridgton Historical Society

Q5. The Covid-19 pandemic finally subsided in 2022. When did SAD 61 change its protocol to allow mask-wearing “optional?”

February March April

Q6. Solar farms cropped up along the Lake Region area landscape in 2022. While several projects were approved and constructed, one town ultimately rejected a 171-acre project, thanks to a vocal grassroots effort. Which town said “no?”

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — On Christmas, the American Legion Post #155 had more guests than it typically does on this holiday.

Area volunteers associated with the legion hall spent some of their Christmas preparing and serving dinners to 200 line-workers who had spent their Christmas Day out in the chilly weather, trying to return power to residents in Naples and Bridgton.

Since the snowstorm on Dec. 17, hundreds of linemen contracted by Central Maine Power (CMP) have been working in the lakes region to restore power to customers. Prior to the most recent rainstorm with 60-mph gusts on Friday,

Lovell

Stoneham

Brownfield

Q7. Naples and the Lake Region were singing the blues when it was announced the Maine Bluesfest was leaving after 15 years. Where did the popular showcase go?

Yarmouth Gorham

Lisbon

Q8. A longtime Bridgton school closed its doors after 28 years partly due the financial strains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a difficult transition from a privately held corporation to a non-profit. What school was it? 2022 QUIZ, Page 2A

“I

Because

Dec. 23, more line workers arrived from out-of-state and Canada.

Susan Hastings is one of those workers who ate her Christmas dinner at the legion in Naples. Hastings is not too far from home.

She lives in Farmington and she works at the Augusta General Office.

am a transmission planning engineer for CMP. My job, my storm role is a damage assessor,” Hastings said.

She hikes along the power lines, taking photos and documenting damage. She hikes to every single utility pole along a circuit, sometimes more than once.

of the timing of

FAMILY SERVES TOGETHER — Kelly, Caitlyn, Sarah and their mom Jodi Paul were the elves who served buffet-style Christmas dinner to about 200 line-workers who showed up at the American Legion Post #155 on Sunday. (De Busk Photo)

HOME-MADE CHRISTMAS DINNER — Area residents volunteered their Christmas evening at the American Legion Post #155 in order to provide a Christmas dinner to line workers and other staff trying to restore power to Central Maine Power customers. About 200 people were served a meal and dessert in a three-hour period. (De Busk Photo)

WHAT A MESS — Many area residents woke on Christmas Day still without power and their homes getting colder and colder by the hour as line workers from Central Maine Power and others from outside the state looked to restore electricity. This photo was taken by Pam Bliss of a tree down in North Lovell.

BH lands federal funding

U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, last week announced that she secured $820,000 for Central Maine Health Care to make improvements to the Bridgton and Rumford hospitals in the Fiscal Year 2023 Labor, Health

and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill.

The omnibus funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29. It will now be passed by the House before heading to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“Mainers in every part

of our state should be able to receive the vital medical services they need, which is why I have long advocated for funding to support access to quality rural health care,” said Senator Collins. “Upgrading medical equipment and replacing devices that have exceeded their useful lives

will provide residents in the Lewiston, Rumford, and Bridgton regions with access to the most advanced care, improving health outcomes.”

At Bridgton Hospital, the funding will support the purchase of a Seimens CIOS Mobile C-arm unit.

FUNDING, Page 4B

Casco sets Jan. special meeting

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — As is the tradition in many Maine towns, Casco will hold its Special Town Meeting in January.

The Casco Board of Selectmen voted, 5-0, to set a date of Jan. 24, 2023. So far, the warrant articles include: 1.) Whether or not to pass a Commercial

Solar Moratorium and 2.) Whether or not to budget $24,000 more for this winter’s plowing contract with C. Pond Plowing.

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward said that January is set aside as the time for potential special town meetings so that towns can address items that cannot wait until annual town meeting in June. January

is reserved as a “potential” special town meeting date, yet it almost always happens then, he said.

So, in carrying on with tradition, Casco will hold its special town meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The Commercial Solar moratorium requires the approval of citizens, according to Ward. A vote to pass the moratorium will make

it retroactive to the date selectmen signed it this fall.

The other warrant article will ask voters to “use the unassigned fund for the increase in plowing contract,” Ward said.

“Staff and I would recommend the date of Jan. 24. It would give the selectmen time to sign warrant articles during the meeting on Jan. 3,” Ward said.

Line workers served Christmas dinner

the storm, she knew that she would be out in the field and away from home and family for Christmas.

“The company let us all know ahead of time that it was going to be ‘all handson-deck’ and to cancel any holiday plans,” Hastings said.

She gladly accepted the job “because it is critical that everybody has power. I know what it feels like when you don’t have power. And so, it is really important that people get power as soon as possible,” she said.

“My family was nice. They picked up my children even though I couldn’t be there and made sure they were able to participate in the family Christmas still. We’ll do something later. I am fortunate. My kids are all teenagers, and they were much more understanding. We have a lot of workers who had to leave the ‘littles’ at home and that is really, really tough,” she said.

The community helps to make being away from home more palatable. In fact, Mainers have been very appreciative of the job line workers are doing, she said.

“The community has been great. We had people bringing us cookies as they saw us outside and making sure that they say thanks,” she said.

As she enjoyed a bowl of chocolate ice cream after dinner with her co-workers, Hastings commented on how nice the spread was.

“The American Legion here is wonderful. They have been so kind and so friendly. To dress up like little elves, and have the Christmas music. It looks beautiful in here. There are desserts as far as the eye can see. Yes, you are away from home but you feel like you are at home having a nice, Christmas meal,” she said.

“That is really important. A lot of these guys that are up here working on the lines have travelled a long-ways to come out and are really far from home. This is nice that they can have a little something that feels like home,” she said.

Volunteerism energizes American Legion

“We are trying to make the Merry Christmas as best we can for them,” said Maxine Godwin.

Godwin is an employee at the legion who took a big role in planning and preparing the food as well as making sure the guests were satisfied with their meal.

Frequently, she reminded the guests to visit the dessert table.

Five days before Christmas, Godwin learned about the decision to make a meal for about 250 people.

“I got the phone call Tuesday afternoon. So, we started lists and went shopping on Wednesday. We ended up buying 26 turkeys, 14 hams, 150 pounds of potatoes, 70 pounds of carrots, squash, gravy, rolls, you name it,” she said.

“Howell Labs donated

$500 worth of desserts, which was amazing. We had the Ladies Auxiliary make desserts as well,” Godwin said.

“All the guys seemed really appreciative,” she commented.

Mike Allen, who hails from Amesbury, Mass., and has worked as a lineman for 22 years, expressed his thankfulness about the holiday meal.

“Wow, this is great. This type of stuff is great. Everyone here is so nice. Whenever we travel, there are always people who are so nice to us. It makes it easier for us,” Allen said.

Earlier in the week, Post No. 155 Adjutant Zak Horton saw a post on community Facebook from a woman who was asking about a restaurant or building big enough to host 250 people. He learned that the request was for a Christmas Day meal for out-of-state crew working for CMP. The legion decided to take on the task of serving that number of people for Christmas.

“It went well. We had plenty of food, which is good. At least, we didn’t run out. Not all the linemen were able to make it. Some crews just came in that day and didn’t know about it until that day. Some workers got done early and went home to family,” he said. “A lot of crew members couldn’t get away. They weren’t allowed to come to the dinner until what they were working on was done. They had to finish the job so other crews brought dinner to them.”

“We served close to 200 people,” he said.

The legion volunteers have been hustling during the day leading up to Christmas, he said.

“The ovens at the legion can cook five turkeys at one time. The rest of the turkeys [24] went home with volunteers, and were cooked into their own ovens at home,” he said.

The volunteers were from the American Legion Officers, the Ladies

Auxiliary Officers, and the Sons of the American Legion Officers, according to Horton.

Godwin said, “A big thank you to all the volunteers.”

Jodi Paul is an employee at the Legion who likes doing volunteer work with her three daughters. On Sunday, they dressed up as elves and worked out front at the buffet-style service.

“It’s been awesome. It really has. What a way to spend Christmas with my family,” her daughter Sarah Paul said.

Caitlyn, who was in charge of serving the stuffing, said that her family volunteers quite often and it was a good experience to do it together. It was meaningful for her, too.

“They kept our power on so I’m happy to contribute back,” Caitlyn said.

Besides serving the crew coming through with empty plates, the Paul family helped with food preparation.

“We were peeling potatoes:150 potatoes,” she said.

“I think this is an amazing thing that the American Legion is doing for these line workers. I am happy to help out,” Jodi said.

Just part of the job as a line worker

A traditional Christmas supper — turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, butternut squash, stuffing, green beans and a roll — sat on the plate in front of Chris Collis, of Virginia. He has accepted that because of the nature of his job, Christmas Day might not always include being with his family.

“This is what we do. Last count, I’ve been in 21 states this year,” he said.

“We go where the work is. Obviously, localities like this can’t keep 7,000 linemen working year-round. You have to go where the work is,” he said.

Missing out on being home for the holidays is happening “more and more lately,” he said.

“This is the first

DINNER, Page 3A

Do you remember quiz

(Continued from Page 1A)

Artful Creations

Birthwise Midwifery School

Dry Mills Schoolhouse

Q9. Watching the horrors faced by the Ukrainian people due to unprovoked attacks by Russia, many area groups pitched in to help ease the pain, such as Molly Ockett Middle School students who collected various items and created care packages. Those packages were brought to a Ukrainian refugee camp in Poland by sisters Mary Brigid Curtis of Casco and Sheila Donahue of Norway. Which organization did the sisters volunteer their time to?

UNICEF

Doctors Without Borders World Central Kitchen

Q10. A Bridgton resident asked Historical Society Assistant Director and BN columnist Michael Davis to investigate the origins of an item found along Roger Brook off Middle Ridge Road. What was the object?

Unfinished headstone Small safe with historical documents Rusted saw that cut ice

Q11. A familiar face at Bridgton’s annual town meetings was Steve Collins, who presided over the gathering. In 2022, he pounded the gavel for the last time, closing out the session. How many years did Mr. Collins serve as moderator? 35 47 52

Q12. For runners and walkers, the Lake Region is blessed with road races through the summer and fall months. Which town below does not host a road race?

Bridgton Casco

Naples Sebago Lovell

Q13. Bridgton Police Department will add a valuable crime-fighting tool in 2023. What is it? High tech radar gun K-9 unit

Facial recognition software to ID suspects caught on videotape

Q14. Enock Glidden travels across Maine, including stops in Bridgton, as a consultant on how to…

Improve lake water quality

Solutions to reduce solid waste disposal

Upgrade nature trails to be more accessible to those with mobility issues

Q15. Lakes Environmental Association oversees numerous boat inspection stations across the region in its fight to keep invasive plants out of ponds and lakes. How many boat inspections were conducted in 2022? 10,000 13,000 14,500

Q16. From these boat inspections, how many invasive plants were detected and removed before boats were launched? 398 454 637

Q17. Nearly how many people hiked the Ledges and Bald Peak Trails (overseen and maintained by Loon Echo Land Trust) at Pleasant Mountain? 20,000 26,000 30,000

Q18. Development continued to surge in 2022. How many building permits were issued in Bridgton? 296 352 410

Q19. Let’s close out this quiz with four questions based on information crossing the editor’s desk. First up, a new study shows reading is on the rise among Americans. What percentage of Americans read a book in 2022 and what is the number of books the average person read?

78% and 3 books 82% and 4 books 93% and 5 books

Q20. What is the fastest declining job in Maine, which decreased by 93% over 10 years?

Middle/High School teachers Psychiatric aides Journalist/media specialist

Q21. Maine has more than 100 breweries and more than two dozen wineries, making the state having the highest number of breweries per capita in the United States (Portland is the highest of any city with 36 breweries per 100,000 people). Which is not a local brewery?

Fluvial Brewing Black Pug Brewing

Saco River Brewing

Q22. Tis the holiday season, we close with a true or false, according to an old Maine law (that isn’t enforced), if you leave your Christmas decorations up after Jan. 14, you can be charged a fine.

True False

Area news December 29, 2022 The Bridgton News, Page 3A

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

Monday, December 19

Bridgton Police Department 2022 DiD

5:16 p.m. Business owner reported being harassed by a customer.

7:10 p.m. Call regarding loss of power on Sweden Road.

Tuesday, December 20

7:18 a.m. Citizen had questions regarding recent domestic violence arrest.

10:27 a.m. Police, fire and United Ambulance responded to a motor vehicle collision on Dugway Road.

2:48 p.m. Two vehicle crash on Portland Road; minor damage, no injuries.

5:38 p.m. Car-deer collision on South High Street.

7:46 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at Hospital Drive.

Wednesday, December 21

4:31 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Portland Road.

5:59 p.m. Police responded to a report of an unidentified male, believed to be under the influence on Sweden Road. Subject located.

you Know:

person at Hospital Drive; female “moved along.”

4:58 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Harrison Road and Pond Road.

Friday, December 23

4:33 a.m. Assist fire department on Mountain Road.

4:38 p.m. Traffic hazard on Mountain Road.

5:33 p.m. Suspicious person/circumstance report on Salmon Point Road.

7:10 p.m. Citizen assist on Grayland Drive.

Saturday, December 24

1:41 a.m. Assist county deputy on Harrison Road.

12:24 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on South Bridgton Road.

8:35 p.m. Transient female found in an apartment complex laundry room on South High Street; warned and moved along.

Thursday, December 22

7:33 a.m. Female on South High Street was arrested for trespassing and violating conditions of release.

9:13 a.m. Mental health

event on Sanborns Grove Road.

10:14 a.m. “Misconduct” report on Blue Jay Lane.

11:18 a.m. Citizen assist on South Bridgton Road.

12:47 p.m. Suspicious activity on South High Street; unfounded.

1:21 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on South High Street.

2:04 p.m. Suspicious

1:59 p.m. Traffic hazard at the intersection of Evans Road and Ingalls Road.

4:23 p.m. Theft from Main Street business; investigation continues.

5:02 p.m. Citizen assist on North Bridgton Road; cookies secured and brought back to police headquarters “with great haste.” BPD — “Thank you to all of our generous citizens for the treat deliveries this past

week!”

7:10 p.m. Assist county deputy on Cross Street.

8:28 p.m. Assist citizen on Middle Ridge Road.

Sunday, December 25 12:39 a.m. Suspicious person/circumstance on

Portland Road.

12:49 a.m. Citizen assist on Hospital Drive.

3:06 p.m. Citizen assist on Wayside Avenue.

10:32 p.m. Verbal altercation on Burnham Road; parties separated.

How CMP prioritizes power restoration

(Continued from Page 1A)

result in power outages

“We have about 200 lineworkers that are employees of CMP. When we know a large storm is coming, days ahead of time, we get additional resources who travel to the state and assist as soon as it’s safe to start restoration,” Hartnett said.

“For a storm of this magnitude, we have contractors from all over the country,” she said, referring to the rainstorm on Friday that was accompanied by 35 to 60 mph gusts.

keep folks up to speed on where we are with restoring power,” Hartnett said.

“People are always welcome to contact us. We have online and phone resources. People can contact us, particularly if they

see a dangerous situation. If it’s not necessarily threatening them, but if they see live wire, they should contact us,” she said. “We have a lot of resources on our website to serve anybody.”

Workers enjoy Christmas dinner

Harden leads charge to help fellow fire fighter

Dan Harden wants to help a fellow Bridgton fire fighter, whose home was seriously damaged when a tree fell onto the roof.

“When the fire radio goes off at 1, 2, 3 or 4 a.m. or any other for that matter, Nate Frank is one of the first to respond for the call to help out whoever is in need,” wrote Harden, who

has been a volunteer fire fighter for a few years and an active community member for 15-plus years, on a GoFundMe page. “Well, the time has come for us to give back to this man who will always be there for you.”

Harden said that during the last storm, a big tree came down on top

of Frank’s house piercing through the roof in at least five different spots.

“The amount of liquid that came into the house in the short three hours it took for Q-Team to come to remove the tree and tarp the house was astounding, to say the least,” Harden said. “We can’t thank Q-Team enough for their quick response.”

Harden noted that “Nate is not one to ask for help, but he needs our help today. He does have insurance, but it’s a lengthy process. We are raising funds to help with the immediate care he needs — clothing, fuel (as he is traveling well over an hour back to Bridgton to work from where he is currently staying), and to help offset what he will have to pay for rent somewhere above the limit the insurance company sets.”

The goal is the raise $5,000.

“We had 400 contractor crews, 800 additional line workers, in the state before the storm even started,” she said.

A contractor crew is made up of two people, she explained.

“We watch the forecast and see where the storm will have the most impact or be the worst — whether that is heavy snow or high winds. We get three forecasts a day from three meteorologists. We position the crews according to what the forecast is telling us,” she said.

“In this particular storm [on Dec. 23] we needed an additional 250 contractor crews [500 people] once the storm had subsided. That is when we called in the crews from around the country as far away as California, Texas and Georgia,” Hartnett said.

In addition to hiring U.S. workers, CMP also relies on line workers from Canada.

“We will frequently call Canadian crews. They are close and they are familiar with our system,” she said.

Christmas [away], but I’ve missed everything else several times. I have been on storms for the last five Fourth of Julys, the last four Halloweens, three out of the last four Thanksgivings,” Collis said, adding, “I missed my wife’s birthday this year on Sept. 7.” Allen, of Amesbury, said it has become “normal” to be away for the holidays.

“I’ve got three kids and umm Santa comes late on many Christmases,” Allen said.

However, this year, his children and wife got to visit him on Christmas Eve.

“They came and slept at the hotel last night. They are about two hours away so the family came to the hotel last night and I got see them and have dinner with them last night,” he said.

“I’ve missed two out of the last three Christmases. There was one year, we missed every single holiday except for Christmas. That was three years ago,” Allen said. I tell you after 22 years the family still doesn’t like it. The family doesn’t get used to it. We get used to it but they don’t.”

lot, but we don’t leave people in the cold. We get their lights back on. It’s our job,” Hare said. “This is our 10th day on this storm. Day ten.”

Helgerson, who hails from central Massachusetts, said it didn’t feel like Christmas.

“Yeah, it does feel like a regular day at work being out on Christmas, but I still wish I was home. When I woke up this morning, it wasn’t like Christmas. It was like the last nine days before this,” he said.

Loved ones and family have agreed to postpone celebrations.

“I am sure me and my fiancee will have something small in our house and I’ll see my family later,” he said.

On Friday, when the wind was howling and the rain was pouring “we were out there just trying to clear lines that were gone and energize lines. They call it make safe work,” Helgerson said.

Allen said when the crews come out to Maine they are expected to work no matter the weather.

“We shut down the buckets for a couple hours because trees were falling all around the linemen” during the windstorm, he said.

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Birdie This hunky boy is about 3 years old and came to us because his owner could no longer care for him. Birdie is sweet, silly, and strong! He will need some more training and has been given the nick name “Ox” due to his ability to pull large men down the street. He is playful, loves attention, and is super food motivated. Birdie doesn’t have a lot of experience with other dogs, but seems quite curious and playful. He has lived with older children.

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“We try to communicate constantly. We post on social media. We send out customer emails to

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Kevin Hare, of Okeechobee, Fla., said his family has grown accustomed to his absence after six or seven years as a lineman.

“They [my family] just get used to it. They do it [Christmas] without me,” he said. “They know we are going to be there or we won’t. They are just as strong as we are — our families are. They deal with a lot dealing with us being gone, for sure.”

“We miss a lot. We miss a

(Continued from Page 1A) SEASONED: $300/cord GREEN: $225/cord

That was a hairy moment two days before Christmas. Yet, throughout the community, the line workers hear words of thanks for see thank you’s on business marquees. The food was a very tangible and delicious way of being thanked for a job well done.

“The food is very good, much better than I expected. I’ve had a lot of ham sandwiches,” Helgerson said.

Private Pilot Ground School at the Oxford County Regional Airport 97 Airport Rd., Oxford, Maine Starting Saturday, January 7 from 9-11 a.m.

Call 207-539-6056 to sign up 2T52

SPECIAL DELIVERY — Bridgton Police Officer Brandon George helped Bridgton House of Pizza to distribute pizzas to line workers and first responders “for doing their very best to keep us safe and keeping the lights on.”

SERIOUSLY DAMAGED — A huge pine tree snapped and fell onto the rooftop of Nate Frank’s home located at the corner of Elm and Bennett Streets in Bridgton. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the homeowner.

Matt Lokken, Principal at

Middle School, announces the latest recipients of Laker Pride Awards.

SAD 61 honors students for being a positive role model, reliable, trustworthy, respectful, conscientious, consistently helpful to staff and fellow students and selfless.

Honorees include:

Emily Maguire (8th grade, nominated by Team Sugarloaf) — Emily is a hardworking student who consistently tries her best. She always has a kind word for her peers and teachers and is helpful and supportive. Emily is a perfect example of a Laker; she is safe, kind, respectful, and responsible!

Eli Weymouth (8th grade, nominated by Team Kineo) — Eli is one of those quiet students who goes about doing what he is supposed to do, helping others and completing his work without expecting any glory. He is kind, compassionate, conscientious, and is truly an outstanding young man.

Hailey Spizuoco-Swander (7th grade, nominated by Team Acadia) — Hailey is an exemplary student. She is

Lake Region

committed to her academics and is kind to all of her peers. She is self-motivated and participates in many activities. Dylan Pratt (7th grade, nominated by Team

Valerie Young, LRMS staff

LAKE REGION H.S. Laker Pride honorees include (front row, left to right) Taylor Wright, Chloe Ward, Meadow Rowe and Abigail Baker; (back row) staff member Eric Custeau, Vella Woodbury, Lucas Gosselin, Joseph Deschenes and Ryan Philbrook.

Boden Woodbury, LRMS Grade 6

Hailey Spizuoco-Swander, LRMS Grade 7

Dylan Pratt, LRMS Grade 7

Aidan Mitchell, LRMS Grade 6

Emily Maguire, LRMS Grade 8

Eli Weymouth, LRMS Grade 8

Regional Sports

Confidence boost for FA girls

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG — As sophomore guard Alysa Grawe pulled the trigger from behind the arc without hesitation and swished her first two shooting attempts, Raider Coach Kristen Stacy had just one thought.

Finally!

Grawe and fellow guard Sydney Shaw took their offensive games to the next level last Thursday night, scoring 10 and 18 points respectively to lead the undermanned Raiders to a 49-23 victory over Waynflete at Wadsworth Arena.

Grawe netted three 3-pointers, while Shaw darted through the Flyers’ defense for most of the night, closing FA’s first win of the season with a pair

H.S.

of 3-pointers and a pull-up jumper.

“Tonight, I liked how our girls were confident. They didn’t hesitate to shoot, which we have struggled with. They can shoot, but they’ve been hesitant. The passing was also better. We have a hard time with the flow on offense unless they’re given direction. They need to go out and play basketball. It felt tonight, they were just playing basketball. They were reading the defense and were keeping their spacing. That ‘feel’ helped their confidence. It was fun to watch,” said Coach Stacy, who earned her first varsity win. “Tonight, something clicked and Sydney and Alysa were confident they could take over the game — and they did it without hesitation. I told them that

GIRLS’ HOOP RESULTS

Tremblay was nearly perfect from the foul stripe, sinking 8-of-9 shots, to finish with 15 points. Kasey Johnson chipped in 4 points, Jordan Blanton added 3, while Olivia England and Abby Lavoie each had 2 points.

Maranacook outscored the Lakers 19-9 in the third quarter as Kaleigh Kubicki scored 8 of her game-high 20 points.

Lakers 46, Traip Academy 25: Melissa Mayo sank 10 straight foul shots — finishing 12-of-13 for the night — and scored a game-high 19 points to power the Lakers (3-1) to a road win against Traip Academy.

Bella Smith netted 9 points, while Jordan Blanton chipped in 6 points, Margo Tremblay 5, Kasey Johnson 3 (trey), Ava Smith 2 and Olivia England 2. It was a close first half with the Lakers holding leads of 10-5 and 22-15. LR took control with a 24-10 second half surge.

Traip was led by K. Thorsen with 14 points. LR shot 13-of-17 from the foul line while TA was just 5-of-15.

BOYS’ HOOP RESULTS

Lakers 53, Mountain Valley 45: Jacob Chadbourne fired in 20 points and collected 7 rebounds to lead the Lakers to a road win against Mountain Valley in Rumford. With the game tied 22-22 at the half, the Lakers gained a two-point edge entering the final quarter. They pulled away from the Falcons with as 15-9 surge.

Center Jackson Libby netted 13 points, going 3-of-4 from the foul line, while snagging 10 rebounds. Guard Evan Duprey went 4-for-5 from the foul line to finish with 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

Brock Gibbons chipped in 8 points and 4 rebounds, while Jacoby Bardsley added 5 points and 5 rebounds. LR shot 6-of-14 from the 3-point arc, and 11-of-13 from the foul line.

Leavitt 58, Raiders 57, 2OT: Gunnar Saunders tossed in 24 points and Camden Johnson knocked down three

HS SCOREBOARD, Page 6A

the more they think about it (shooting), the less likely they are going to make the shot.”

Fryeburg had just five varsity players available (which included a freshman joined by three JV members), since six players had left for the holiday break on Dec. 17.

“Our practices have been five girls. You can’t run anything with ‘live’ defense. So, the preparation is hard. The execution in the game is hard, because we can’t afford for anyone to foul out. We’ve had to play with just 8, three of the girls are from the JV and haven’t practiced with us. Their skills are at a different level right now. So, it was a real test for us — to keep our heads up. We’re tired, but we had to play smart,” Coach Stacy said. “It’s been hard to get in a groove. I think in January, when we are all back together, we can be consistent in practice, and get into that groove and find that chemistry that they have. I’ve seen it.”

Coach Stacy hoped her squad could build an early lead and then give her starters a break or two.

One problem, both Grawe and Shaw “like to play fast” at every opportunity.

“I was torn because I wanted them to slow it down to conserve their energy, but at the same time, they game that they play is fast — it’s what they know and love. It’s natural to them. When they are in a rhythm, I don’t want to slow them down,” Coach Stacy said.

Waynflete was unable to slow them or Raider junior guard Jilyan Byrne, who consistently knocked down short-range jumpers from the corner while also going 3-for-3 at the foul line to finish with 13 points.

Byrne broke open a tight first quarter, scoring 7 straight points including an aggressive baseline drive that resulted in a hoop, a foul and made foul shot. FA was out to a 15-7 lead.

With Maya Mahan (5 rebounds, a blocked shot and 2 points) controlling the defensive boards, the Raiders pushed the ball and created open looks inside the lane or along the perimeter. FA started the second frame with a 6-0 run and eventually extended

the lead to 25-9 as Grawe found freshman Eden True (4 points) for a lay-up.

Waynflete finally topped double digits by going 3-for-4 from the foul line in the closing minutes of the half.

Byrne put an exclamation point on a strong FA half with another corner jumper as the Raiders took a 27-14 lead into the locker room.

FA didn’t lose a beat in the third, forcing six Flyer turnovers and jumping out to a 6-0 run as the lead swelled to 18 points.

The Flyers dodged a goose egg from the field, finally sinking a pair of jumpers in the final 2:53. Shaw closed the quarter with a pair of hoops, one off a Grawe steal that was converted into an easy layup while the second hoop was an end-to-end drive off a turnover.

FA dominated the final 8 minutes, as Shaw scored 8 of the team’s 12 points, while Waynflete connected on just two field goals.

As the final buzzer sounded, players wore big smiles and Coach Stacy felt both elation and relief.

“It felt so good to get that first win. I know how good they are. What we saw tonight, that’s them — that’s my team. And, we don’t even have half of our team. When they are on, it is so fun to watch. Tonight, they saw it. They felt it. Ah, finally!” she said.

During the break, the focus will be on skills and conditioning, Coach Stacy said. A full squad should be in place by Jan. 2, at which time “we’ll get back to work and hopefully find our groove and team chemistry,” Coach Stacy said.

Stat Lines: Fryeburg was 6-of-7 from the foul line, Waynflete 3-of-8; each team committed 16 turnovers; the Raiders won the rebounding battle 24-17.

Lessons learned. It’s early in the season, but if Kristen Stacy was to point to one lesson she has learned in her first varsity coaching season, it would be the importance of attitude.

“The biggest thing learned so far is how much my attitude affects the team’s attitude. Going into Monday, I felt it wasn’t fair to play the make-up

I’VE GOT THIS — Left, Fryeburg Academy’s Alysa Grawe saves the ball from going out of bounds, which ultimately lead to a Raider score; above guard Sydney Shaw dribbles past Waynflete’s full-court pressure. Hot 3-point shooting by both players ignited the Raiders to their first win. (Rivet Photos)

SPLITTING THE FLYERS’ DEFENSE is Raider Jilyan Bryne, who netted 13 points in last week’s home win over Waynflete.

Maranacook 65, Lakers 45: Some times, a hole can be just too deep to dig oneself out of.

The Lakers managed just a Margo Tremblay hoop over the first eight minutes last week on the road against Maranacook. The Black Bears scored 15 points and never looked back.

Senior guard Melissa Mayo knocked down four 3-pointers for a team-high 19 points.

NOWHERE TO GO — There was no escape for this Waynflete player as Sydney Shaw (#12) blocked the path to the hoop, and Alysa Grawe (#2) reached in to take possession of the basketball.

2022 quiz Answer Key

Q1. $29,000

Q2. $1.3 million

Q3. Silver Bullets, better known as Airstreamers (campers)

Q4. Bridgton Historical Society Q5. March Q6. Lovell Q7. Lisbon

Q8. Birthwise

Q9. World Central Kitchen

Q10. Unfinished headstone, Martha E. Longley, who died on Nov. 30, 1896, cast aside by a stone cutter who had made a mistake.

Q11. 47, from 1974 to 2020. “As I matured, I came to the realization that things don’t just happen; somebody makes them happen. If you don’t contribute to a process, you don’t have the right to complain about the outcome,” Steve Collins.

Q12. Naples. A few years ago, Naples did have a road race with proceeds raised going to the Dempsey Center. Q13. K-9 unit

Q14. Upgrade nature trails. Glidden, an avid hiker and rock climber, assisted with Pondicherry Park and Narramissic trail improvements. Diagnosed with Spina Bifida as a child and restricted to a wheelchair, Enock spoke locally about his ventures including climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

Q15. 13,000

Q16. 454

Q17. 20,000

Q18. 352

Q19. 93% and 5 books

Q20. Psychiatric aides. This decline translated to the number of employees in this occupation dropping from 2,050 in 2012 to 150 in 2021 — a loss of 1,900 Maine psychiatric aides in a decade — Department of Labor, Bureau Statistics.

Q21. Black Pug Brewing Q22. True How did you do?

Happy New Year’s to all from The Bridgton News staff and contributors!

Tumbledown) — Dylan is enthusiastic and shows tremendous school spirit; he also encourages others to do the same. He is a strong member of Student Council and plays a large role in planning and executing school pep rallies.

Aidan Mitchell (6th grade, nominated by Team Kibby) — Aidan is an exemplary Laker. He is someone who always thinks of others, treating them equally and with respect. He is a class leader who is positive and enthusiastic in his classes, works hard, and inspires others. Team Kibby is proud to nominate Aidan for his Laker Pride award.

Boden Woodbury (6th grade, nominated by Team Cadillac) — Boden is always polite and kind to staff and students. He leads by example and sets a positive tone in the classroom.

Valerie Young (staff, nominated by Team Tumbledown) — Valerie is a positive and spirited presence in our school. She holds students and staff accountable, is consistent, and acknowledges the hardworking members of our school community.

Priscilla Riley (staff,

Laker, Raider scoreboard

(Continued from Page 5A)

3-pointers en route to a 13-point night, but Fryeburg Academy was unable to contain Sawyer Hathaway, who scored 28 points, hauled down 8 rebounds, dished out 5 assists and had 4 steals to lead Leavitt (1-3) to a double-overtime win at Wadsworth Arena Tuesday night.

Bryce Richardson sank a pair of 3-pointers to net 15 points for the Raiders, who fell to 1-2 on the season.

Yarmouth 57, Lakers 54: A comeback bid fell just short against the Clippers. Senior Jacob Chadbourne paced the Lakers (2-2) with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Jackson Libby also reached double digits with 12 points and 8 rebounds,

while Brock Gibbons contributed 10 points and 7 boards. Evan Duprey tossed in 7 points, while Ian Brogan scored 6 points and hauled down 4 rebounds.

The Lakers were 4-of15 from behind the arc, and 10-of-13 from the foul line.

Raiders 62, Waynflete 49: Fryeburg Academy went into the holiday break with a two-game win streak, knocking off Freeport 71-46 and taking down Waynflete to improve to 3-2.

The Raiders had a strong first half against Waynflete, scoring 17 and 24 points in the opening quarters. Gunnar Saunders knocked down four 3-pointers to finish the game with 15 points. Lorenzo Catana Vallemani

FA girls win

(Continued from Page 5A)

game when we had only five (varsity) players. I was negative, and we came out and played flat. I reflected on that and changed my attitude headed into the Freeport game, and we were a whole different team,” she said. “As a

coach, they look to you as a role model. How I show up is important. It was a hard lesson... I find coaching is repeating yourself, and I assume parenting is very similar. Just a lot of repeating the same thing over and over again. We’re all learning.”

connected on three 3-pointers and scored 15 points, while Cam Johnson added 9 points, Bryce Richardson 7 points, Austin Warren 3 (trey), Boone Douglass 2, Sean Davis 2 and Baraka Decesere 2.

GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY

Senior Caitlin Lees and freshman Marissa Payne of Lake Region joined the co-op girls’ hockey team that includes Gorham, Bonny Eagle, Massabesic, Fryeburg and Westbrook.

The team is off to a 3-3 start, ranked second in the Heal Ratings.

Payne tallied a goal in a recent loss.

HOME GAMES

Thursday, Dec. 29

Lake Region boys take on Traip Academy, JV 1 p.m., varsity 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 3

Lake Region girls host York at 6:30 p.m.

Fryeburg Academy girls host Gray-NG, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 5

Lake Region girls host Freeport at 7 p.m.

Fryeburg Academy boys host Yarmouth, 6 p.m. Saturday, January 7

Fryeburg Academy girls host Cape, 4:30 p.m.

nominated by Team Acadia) — Priscilla is our superhero. She is amazing and greets us with warm kind-

ness

need. She goes above and beyond. We love having her and would love for her to be recognized with this

Plan — draft to hard copy

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — Enhancing the village and celebrating the rural way of life are the overarching themes of Casco’s Comprehensive Plan.

Right now, the plan is in the rough draft stage.

The document’s status will change in the coming months since the comp plan will be making an appearance at Casco Annual Town Meeting in June.

The Casco Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (CCPSC) met last week, on Dec. 21.

“The draft is being completed and will be reviewed again by the committee,” according to Rae-Anne Nguyen, the CCPSC chair.

The goal is to get the draft out in front of the community, she said.

“There will be an open house/plan unveiling later this winter, hopefully in early February. This will be an interactive session where community members will see the information and we will get feedback,” Nguyen said.

“Additionally, after the open house, hard copies of the full draft will be available for [the public] at places like the library and

town office for review and comment. An online copy with form for feedback will also be available,” she said.

A date has not yet been set for the next steering committee meeting. Typically, people have an option to attend that meeting via Zoom.

Recently, a representative from Greater Portland Council of Governments spoke to the Casco Board of Selectmen.

In 2021, GPCOG was awarded the bid to help facilitate the comp plan process. And, 2022 was when a lot of the work was done.

The Sustainability Program Coordinator with GPCOG, Kelly Rehberg talked about the formation of the comp plan.

“We held ‘Casco Planning Days’ for five days. Seventy-five [75] to 100 people showed up,” she said.

“We came away with eight big ideas, including more activities and inclusiveness to all community members, and connecting the village with safe streets and trails,” she said.

“Since Casco planning Days, the team has framed out the comp plan,” Rehberg said.

She talked about adhering to State of Maine rules regarding town comp plans.

“We are 90 percent done with data chapters. That is what the state looks for. We are filling in the holes. At the end, we will complete the state check list in order for it to be state approved,” she said.

“We have completed [artist’s] renderings and we are working on one to two additional renderings,” Rehberg said.

“We are shifting the focus toward implementation. We are going to list five quick actions the town can take to accomplish its goals,” she said.

She talked about the plans to host an open house for Casco citizens toward the beginning of the New Year. The purpose would be to seek feedback and interaction from the community.

“We will have a very well, thought-out plan,” she concluded.

Selectman Grant Plummer talked about the importance of proposing ordinances that back up what the comp plan is trying to establish.

“We are looking at existing ordinances and putting in recommendations for future ordinances,” Rehberg answered.

whenever she sees us. She takes care of our classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and whatever else we

award.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY — Members of Bridgton’s 4 on the Fourth Race Committee presented a donation check to four of the race’s foremost recipients in Bridgton including the Special Olympics through the town’s Police Department. Pictured (left to right) Bill Graham, Police Chief Phil Jones (accepting the donation on behalf of Special Olympics), Donna Bleakney, and Jim Cossey.

Comment

Dietitian’s Corner

by Donna Dodge Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Consultant

Hold yourself to a low bar

Editor’s Note: This week, The News welcomes new guest columnist Donna Dodge of Denmark, who has 30 years of experience as a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant.

Welcome to The Dietitian’s Corner. This column is for you. Our mission is to help readers increase awareness of health issues and be inspired to use food as medicine. We will keep you up-to-date on current nutrition trends and provide reliable, accurate information. Do you have a diet or nutrition question? E-mail The Bridgton News at bnews@roadrunner.com for a chance to have your question featured in next week’s paper. All questions will remain anonymous.

About those New Year’s resolutions...

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, I hold myself to a very low bar. I find it an almost sure-proof method of success. You’re probably thinking that’s crazy and also a bit pathetic, but this strategy works. Come the first of the New Year, I might set the following goal: “I’ll enjoy just one bowl of ice cream instead of the two I usually eat.” It’s a win-win, I’m making positive changes while still eating sweets. Oh, come on, you’re saying, that’s not dieting, nor is it making meaningful changes! And since when is ice cream one of the food groups? As a dietitian, I admit I’m not likely to indulge in two bowls of ice cream every night, but what I am likely to do is make small adjustments — call them goals if you wish — and collect them as the weeks go by. These seemingly insignificant baby steps add up to make significant changes in my habits — changes that have an excellent chance of becoming permanent.

For most people, February is a time when love is in the air. Unfortunately, for me it’s the month when clients sheepishly slink into my office, defeated. With the shame of recent failure evident on their faces, they spill out their struggles. The pattern is always the same and goes something like this… they paid for a gym membership, scrubbed their cupboards clean of ‘junk’ foods, spent hundreds of dollars on broccoli, carrot sticks, diet Jell-o, tofu, and protein powders, and then approached the first of January like Secretariat out of the starting gate. Within a few weeks, unable to keep up the pace of this brandnew lifestyle, they crash and burn.

I recently met with a client who, for purposes of anonymity, I will call Ms. Meltaway (she loved her butter pecan Meltaway cookies). Anyway, Ms. Meltaway showed up in late February when all her Herculean efforts to lose weight had failed. “I had such good intentions,” she sobbed. “I changed my whole diet: no pasta or bread, no sweets, no desserts. I even joined a gym and planned to go four nights a week after work.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her that she was doomed from the start. Most people cannot maintain such radical alterations in their habits, habits which have taken decades to entrench themselves into our lives and they will not go away quietly or easily. They are stubborn buggers with a persistence matching that of Maine ticks. She admitted that it took less than a week for her to begin “cheating on her new diet.” Her words not mine. By the end of the second week when she didn’t uphold her New Year’s promise of going to the gym Monday through Thursday, she felt like a failure. Once that ‘f’-word sets in, it’s all downhill from there. It won’t be long before we reason, “If I can’t even stick to one goal, why bother with the other five?” Inevitably, the next phase is set into motion, small cheating creeps in. Next thing we know, those forbidden foods we promised to avoid, well let’s just say, “They’ll be back.”

This woman’s experience was totally predictable and now here she sat in my office, frustrated, disgusted with

LOW BAR, Page 3B

Thank you BN

To The Editor:

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to The Bridgton News for your upbeat and realistic articles that you present to us the viewer. Whether we like it or not, the articles can grab us and make us see our role in our community a bit clearer.

Editor Wayne Rivet delivers The News to the Little Mountain Store in West Bridgton on Thursdays, and I race over from my job to catch the latest headlines and thank him for giving back to his community in a wonderful way.

Sue Parent Bridgton

Is Maine Channeling Cali?

To The Editor:

As we approach the New Year, Mainer’s need to take

Lettersa look at California’s political, economic, and living standard decline. A decline that can be attributed to high taxes, regulation, and spending on foolish projects. Also, the policies engendered by a one-party state with political elites and the uber rich encouraging dependence on government for a greater and greater proportion of the population. California sets the standard and other states with a blue hue follow suit. As Maine becomes bluer, it is becoming more like California. Progressive politicians and the uber rich in both states form a closed loop that feeds from and adds to each other’s power and wealth.

If Washington and blue states, like California and Maine really wanted to improve the lot of the American people instead of feathering the nests of their establishment elites, they would do the opposite of what they are currently doing. Instead of crippling fossil fuels (cheap energy) and subsidizing wind and solar (expensive energy); forcing people into a theoretical clean, but expensive economy based on electricity. California and now Maine are going full bore green

Past Christmas Festivities

Howdy neighbor!

What did you get under your tree this year? A fine pair of Norway snowshoes? A famed Paris Sled? Perhaps some Christmas ornaments from Lewiston? Yes, it seems our region was, once upon a time, quite the player in producing festive wintery presents for the holiday season. Now, we must look farther afield to find such gifts, and no more do they bear the familiar marks of our olden manufacturers. Perhaps, someday we will see a resurgence of this noble tradition, while for now such treasures as remain are surely cherished with a jealous care by those few local families who still preserve examples of them.

So, when I reflect on these things, I find myself often returning to the Christmases of yore and the festive holiday observances of all those past winters known and endured by our forefathers hereabouts. One such memory, which comes from The Bridgton News of Dec. 29, 1871, I have selected to share with readers today, as we all work our way through the leftover roasts and piles of sweets around the house, and prepare for another storm which — surely! — can’t be as bad as the last two we’ve lately weathered. Enjoy!

“Christmas Festivities — This annual season of merrymaking, commemorating an era dear to every Christian heart, has come and gone, during which many a juvenile eye has twinkled with delight and many an older heart has been

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

gladdened and warmed into new life by the peculiar and pleasing incidents in which this season of jollity abounds. In this vicinity, there were quite a large number of public and private Christmas gatherings, all of which, so far as we have been able to learn, were of the happy character with which these occasions are usually distinguished.

At Bridgton Centre, a Christmas festival was held Monday evening in the vestry of the Congregational Church, which was a pleasant affair to the large company in attendance. The vestry itself was beautifully decorated with appropriate mottos, wreaths, etc., while two heavily laden Gift Trees afforded delight to the eye, and pleasures both of anticipation and realization to many of the beholders. The first of the evening was devoted to social enjoyment, includ-

FESTIVITIES, Page 2B

Seeing red when winter is white

I was bragging to friends in other states how mild the autumn was this year. I told them that I was actually looking forward to the hibernation that the winter season allows so that I could give my body a bit of a rest. After the past two storms, I think I want to retract that sentiment. The loss of power at my house required that I find my red lanterns and put in the size D batteries that I stock up on each fall “just in case.”

My friends that visit also know that winter has begun

before the technology and infrastructure (still decades away) necessary are capable of providing the energy needed by an industrial society (see California electrical brownouts and Maine’s struggle with weather related blackouts this year).

It is incumbent on government to prove that their policies will work before they run us down the blind alleys of socialist bliss (love to learn where one of these socialist nirvana’s resides.)

President Biden and Governors Gavin, Mills, et al should embrace all forms of energy generation (internal combustion, hydrocarbons, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, solar, etc.), cut taxes on workers and the means of production, cut spending, regulations and money printing. If governments would do this, economic growth will fund the legitimate needs of government.

The question: Can progressive politicians and woke businesses repudiate Socialism and return to Constitutional government and free market capitalism? Jock MacGregor Sebago

Crude economics, wars, and pipe-dreams

To The Editor:

In his Dec. 15 “Oil history lesson” letter, Bill Preis takes the reader through a tortuous maze of logic reminiscent of Daedalus’ labyrinth wherein its designer himself became lost. So as to lead the readership through this Preis maze, I offer this breakdown:

1. Mr. Preis draws a corollary between invasions of neighboring sovereigns prosecuted by Komrade Putin during the former Obama administrations and current Democratic administration and inflated “West Texas Crude” (WTI) and BRENT oil per barrel prices then traded on international commodities and futures markets. He then hypothesizes that revenue then generated by Russia (a mega exporter of oil) facilitated the financing of these aggressions and

Down the Garden Path

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

when I place a sleeping bag on my sofa that I and my cats use each evening when I am watching TV or reading. While my lanterns are one way to see red in the winter, there is a way to see red outside that does not require batteries. In the next couple columns, I am going to write about a few plants that will provide eye-catching color against the white snow.

The Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillate) is a deciduous (sheds its leaves) shrub/bush that is native to Maine and is often seen in areas that have moist to wet soils, such as along ponds, streams and marshes. The Winterberry grows to a height of 3 to 15 feet in height and likes soil that is acidic with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. The leaves of the Winterberry are dark green in the summer and clusters of tiny white flowers can be

SEEING RED, Page 2B

wouldn’t have been possible without it.

2. Now Mr. Preis, in true form, makes the absurd assertion that tfg’s administration’s energy policies somehow magically drove down crude oil prices thus disabling Putin’s aggression ambitions. In reality, tfg’s incompetent and unethical response to the Covid-19 pandemic decimated the economy, sent us into lockdowns, sheltering-in-place and off the roads. Voila! The markets — and not tfg (the former guy) — responded with retail gasoline prices at the pump in 2020 that Preis and I hadn’t seen since the Reagan years; we also received rebate checks from our auto insurers because we pretty much stopped driving! Thus, the plummeting crude prices cited by the contributor.

Bill Preis goes on to mention poor Maine residents who will suffer for the high prices of heating oil this winter, but doesn’t mention the Mills administration’s efforts to provide emergency assistance to those same folks to keep

them warm, and that it was shot down by legislators in Augusta hailing from his party. Neither does he mention current prices at the pump (and dropping) nationally that are on par with pre-pandemic former guy prices. Just saying. Jon St. Laurent Lovell

When will it end?

To The Editor: Ten thousand pounds of powdered fentanyl and 50.6 million fentanyl pills, enough to make 379 million lethal doses, were seized in 2022. This is enough to kill every American. While these figures are staggering, the real scary figure comes from Customs and Border Protection and their estimate that only 13 to 40% of drugs entering this country are intercepted.

Assuming the CBP estimate is accurate, enough fentanyl was seized last year to kill each American

BEFORE THE HEAVY RAIN and wind on Friday, Bridgton’s Main Street at Shorey Park had a nice scenic winter look as photographed here by Pam Ward.

Opinions

Past Christmas Festivities

ing parlor games by the young folks; after which followed the distribution of presents from the trees. To attempt to notice all the rich gifts thus bestowed would be no light

task; though the especially favored ones were Mrs. Jonah Woodbury and Miss Etta Burnell, each of whom received many valuable presents, and the worthy pastor, Rev. E.P. Wilson, who was the recipient of many beautiful tokens of kind remembrance, including as we learn an elaborate, ingenious and beautiful dressing case. The festival, as we have remarked, was a pleasant occasion throughout, the success of which was due in no slight degree to the management of the Committee, Miss Mattie Pease, Miss Mary Cleaves and Mrs. Jacob Frost.

A Christmas festival, held Monday evening at Central Hall under the auspices of the Universalist Sabbath School, was largely attended and highly enjoyed by old and young. After some opening remarks by Rev. L.F. McKinney, the distribution of the 310 articles on the Prize Tree commenced, then of the elegant and beautiful presents from the Gift Tree, followed with songs by Mrs. Nellie Hamlin and music by the choir; while a Grab Basket, Guess Cake, Pop Corn and a good time generally filled the remainder of the programme to the satisfaction of all concerned. The festival was under charge of the Superintendent of the Sabbath School, F.J. Littlefield, Esq., and the proceeds, $50, will be devoted to the replenishing of their library.

Pleasant Christmas gatherings were also held at the residence of Mr. Joseph Walker, in this village; at Mr. Aaron Gibbs, on the Lower Ridge; at Mrs. Dr. Farnsworth’s and Gould’s Hall in North Bridgton; and at the residence of Mr. Samuel Dawes in Harrison.”

Till next time!

Seeing red when winter is white

observed when standing close to the bush/shrub in early to mid-summer. The leaves turn yellow in autumn and they will fall off in October, revealing the red berries. The berries are often placed in with evergreen arrangements that are made or sold in the winter months. It is important to know that the berries are toxic to people, cats, dogs, and horses and so care must be taken with the handling of the berries, and where the berries are placed in homes that have pets. I have two cats and one has been deaf since birth. This little one explores her environment by climbing and having to touch everything (and push some to the floor) and chewing on some plants. It is a challenge for me to figure out ways to curb her explorations. Thus, I will not have winterberries in the house so that I can avoid veterinarian bills. People should wear gloves when handling the berries and not allow them to touch areas where there can be contact with food.

While the berries are toxic to people, cats, dogs, horses, and some other animals, birds are drawn to the berries when insects are not available for food. The birds that are attracted to the winterberries include the eastern bluebird, American robins, cedar waxwings, woodpeckers and flickers. The berries are also eaten by mice, raccoons, waterfowl, gamebirds, deer, and moose.

The Winterberry Holly shrubs are dioecious, which means that each plant is either female or male. It is only the female that will produce the red berries. One male plant can produce enough pollen to fertilize 5 to 10 female plants. The male plant must be planted within 40 feet of the female plants for the cross-pollination to occur. To identify the gender of the plant, one must look closely at the flowers. The female flowers will have a small green nub, or ovary, in the center, which will become the berry. The male will have stalks called

stamens that have the pollen-bearing anthers at the tip.

Good pictures can be found at https://dengarden.com/ gardening/What-is-Winterberry or also at https://www.thespruce.com/difference-in-male-andfemale-holly-bushes-2132269

So, if your land has an area that remains moist, but with some drainage, then one plant that can potentially flourish is the winterberry. It can also be considered for use as a property border because as it grows it can form a tight thicket. I have discussed in other columns that plants that are native to Maine will have the best chance at surviving and flourishing. Gardeners should be aware that many winterberry cultivars exist. Of course, I always recommend that the native plant is the best option.

I am hoping that the only red that I see for the remainder of the winter is my red cardinal pairs and the red berries of the winterberry plants. I have placed a red lantern in each room and purchased more size D batteries. However, I hope that I do not have to see that red again this winter.

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Office Closures

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

• Saturday, December 31, 2022

• Monday, January 2, 2023

• Monday, January 16, 2023 1T52

Public Notice

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES

Select Board, Planning Board, and Ordinance Review Committee Workshop Select Board, Planning Board, and Ordinance Review Committee Workshop to discuss a proposed change to the Naples Land Use Ordinance that would allow Event Venues/Wedding Barns in the Rural Zone.

The workshop will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in the Naples Town Office located at 15 Village Green Lane.

The meeting is open to the public. 2T52

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLANNING 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

Public Notice

Town of Sweden

WINTER ROAD CLOSURES

The Board of Selectmen voted on the following Winter Road Closings for the 2022/2023 season: Trull Brook Road from the intersection of Buker Road to Rt. 93 (if there is not a town resident past Lois Lane, the Trull Brook Road will be closed from Lois Lane to Rt. 93), 105 Marr Road to Hardscrabble Road, Bennett Road, and Fern Drive from tht last town resident to the Lovell town line, from November 1, 2022 to May 1, 2023.

If you have any questions, please call the Sweden Town at 647-3977. 1T52

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: Sunday, January 1, 2023 New Year’s Day 1T52

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

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

by Melinda Burrell National Association for Community Mediation Board Member

How holiday cheer benefits all of us

Eight of us lounged around the table, candlelight flickering on crumpled napkins and cracker crumbs. It was the tail end of our yearly holiday party for our neighbors, and our guests — ranging from 30-somethings to 60-somethings – seemed reluctant to leave. Nor did we want them to. Swapping stories and laughing together, though we barely know each other, seemed the most important thing we could do at that moment.

It makes sense. Humans are wired to want connection. Our neurobiology craves those moments. When we feel rejected or disconnected, we sense a threat akin to being stalked by a lion. Social connection is hugely important to our mental, emotional, and even physical health. When the United Kingdom created the position of Minister for Loneliness in 2018, the government cited evidence that loneliness can be as bad for health as obesity or smoking. More recent studies have shown we sleep better when we are with someone. In this country, we’re awash in studies about how pandemic isolation wreaked havoc on our health and our social organization.

During this holiday season, we can use the science of our social nature to renew old connections and forge new ones. We’ve known for a long time that social ties to family and friends are good for us. We’re now learning that positive interaction with strangers is beneficial. Chatting with the person in line at the store makes us more happy and healthy, more connected to our community, more trustful and optimistic, and even mentally more astute.

It doesn’t need to be hard to reach out. Because we’re such social beings, we are wired to reciprocate behavior we experience. We tend to greet smiles with smiles. Others appreciate our small acts of kindness (a compliment, holding the door) more than we realize.

How can we use the holiday season to build connections?

Scribble notes on our holiday cards in addition to the pre-printed story of the year’s events: jokes or questions about the recipient’s year. Extra points for sending cards to those who might not expect it.

Pay for the coffee of someone in line behind us, gifting a stranger.

Host low-lift potluck celebrations, even for just a few, and introduce guests by more than their name to

HOLIDAY CHEER, Page 3B

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 Waterford PLANNING BOARD

The Waterford Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Waterford Town Office on January 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the Morse Homestead Subdivision on the corner of Hunts Corner Road and Bisbee Town Road. Public welcome.

Information regarding the Morse Homestead Subdivision application is available at the Waterford Town Office. 2T52

This week’s game solutions

WISHING EVERYONE WELL — BN columnist and Bridgton Historical Society Assistant Executive Director Michael Davis stopped by the News office to spread some holiday cheer.

You had me healthy at hello:

Hold yourself to a low bar

herself, and one pound heavier than when she started. A strategy with a much better chance of success would have been to set the bar so low that we reach it every time. For Ms. Meltaway, this could have been going to the gym only one night per week, swapping her cookies at lunch for a fruit, no sugary beverages, and eat a vegetable at dinner. That’s it. Nothing more. Following this new routine for one month has a good chance of becoming a habit, at least this is my experience with clients over the past 30 years.

I’ll let you in on another secret: most people, when employing this strategy, actually exceed their modest goals. They are proud that they went to the gym both Monday and Thursday when only one day was their goal. This confidence and enthusiasm spills over into other daily routines and when confronted with a chance to cheat (because the opportunity always finds us!), they have the motivation and confidence to stick to their plan. In their mind, they are winners, not failures. Small victories allow us to be positive about what we’ve accomplished and the changes we make now hopefully become habitual for the rest of our lives. There is no need to rush into new habits, adopting and sticking to them takes months. Bottom line: Don’t be afraid — or embarrassed — to set the bar low. And have fun!

Friends Don’t Let Friends Eat Junk. Have a Healthy, Happy 2023!

(Continued from Page 1B)

up to 8 times!

On Dec. 1, three gallons of liquid fentanyl, the largest single seizure to date, was found in a gas tank in Nueces County, Texas. This was enough fentanyl to kill 5.6 million Americans. Think about that next time you buy a gallon of milk. If the liquid in your milk jug was fentanyl, it would kill every person in Maine 1.5 times!

Our local police officers carry two doses of Narcan. One to revive an overdoes victim and one in case they have to be revived! When you see one of our local

law enforcement officers, ask them about the drugs. They will give you the truth. While you are at it, thank them for the job they do every day.

If you get your news from CNN, the mainstream media or social media, Twitter now excepted, you probably have heard very little about the reality and magnitude of the fentanyl problem. You likely believe the border is secure and the Biden is doing a good job. He is not. His policies have encouraged the daily invasion of this country and contributed to another 100,000 American deaths from drugs in 2022. When will it end?

Mark Lopez Bridgton

How holiday cheer benefits all of us

(Continued from Page 2B)

ease conversation: “This is Judy, my college roommate, and she loves to cook.”

When out shopping or enjoying holiday events, challenge ourselves to have a cheery interaction with at least one stranger — a joke, a smile, a shared complaint about the weather.

These acts of kindness and connection benefit not only the people involved. Studies show they also benefit those who simply see or hear about them. Even the smallest act of reaching out can be the most important thing we do today.

Mondays-Fridays

Weekly Schedule

AA Bridgton New Day Group, 12 to 1 p.m., Lake Region Recovery Center, 2 Elm Street, 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.

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 drivethru.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 in-person 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 intermediates 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.

Obituary Policy

Melinda Burrell, PhD, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a former humanitarian aid worker and now trains on the neuroscience of communication and conflict. She is vice-chair of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

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

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

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,

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

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.

Good Bread adds U-Haul

BROWNFIELD — U-Haul Company of Maine, Inc. is pleased to announce that Good Bread signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Brownfield community.

Good Bread at 222 Pequawket Trail will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

Normal

business hours

are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MondaySaturday.

Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 207-935-1232 or visiting https://www.uhaul. com/Locations/TruckRentals-near-BrownfieldME-04010/034239/ today.

Good Bread owner Karl Rau is proud to team with the industry leader in do-ityourself moving and selfstorage to better meet the demands of Oxford County.

Because no financial investment is required to be a dealer, these local affiliates are not U-Haul franchises. They are simply small businesses that have committed a portion of their lot space for U-Haul equipment, and a portion of their time to help meet the mobility needs of their neighbors. Learn more about the dealer program and how to join by visiting uhaul.com/ dealer.

Classifieds

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

SNOWPLOW TRUCK — 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. Runs well, has chains. Something not working on plow and is off truck. $800. 653-8141. 1t52x

$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

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

FOR SALE

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

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 February in quiet Bridgton/Waterford/Harrison area. Nonsmoker. Have older cat. Please contact Paul at 207-393-0411. 1t52x

Bridgton Hospital funding

(Continued from Page 2A)

This machine is designed to utilize an integrated app-based, noninvasive solution, which will allow orthopedic surgeons to streamline intraoperative imaging guid -

ance, verify positioning, and improve efficiency during surgery. This purchase will improve precision and accuracy as well as reduce radiation exposure.

The funding will also

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 FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED 8T45CDX

Henry’s Concrete Construction is looking to hire for a few positions: concrete laborer, concrete floor finisher, and Class B boom truck operator. Please DO NOT respond if you: are unable to set your alarm, text out sick once a week, have to find a ride to work, or think checking social media every five minutes is part of your daily tasks. DO REPLY if you are a dependable hard worker that doesn’t whine, is able to be part of a team that provides quality work, you don’t mind working 50+ hours a week earning great pay, staying fit and getting a great tan and have a never give up attitude. Please call or text 207-557-2801 TF43rCD

support the purchase of a Xeleris v2.0 workstation for use in nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose, evaluate, and treat various diseases. It can pinpoint molecular activity and gives the potential to find and eliminate disease at its earliest stage.

, 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

ATTORNEYS

Shelley

PREMIUM MIX

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX GREEN: $225/cord SEMI-SEASONED: $275/cord 2 cord minimum TF CD TF4CD

SEASONED: $325/cord

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX TF4CD

SEASONED: $325/cord

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX TF4CD

GREEN: $275/cord

SUPPLY IS LIMITED, ORDER NOW! DELIVERED TO MAINE ONLY GREEN: $250/cord

DELIVERED TO MAINE ONLY GREEN: $250/cord

SEMI-SEASONED: $325/cord

DELIVERED TO MAINE ONLY

DELIVERED TO NH AND ME

Call to order: 207-452-2157 Call to order: 207-452-2157

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.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe Coffee Rubbed Roast

While sitting in the dark this weekend, I was thinking about a recipe that might be a good offering for a New Year’s Eve special dinner. I considered a tenderloin roast or a standing rib, but these days I prefer to consider a more economical piece of meat. I also find less expensive cuts more flavorful and definitely healthier for you.

I made this recipe a month ago, and decided to put it on my list of favorites. I was somewhat skeptical of the cooking time. For a 3 ½-pound roast, it seemed like a very short amount of time. I followed the instructions to a ‘T’ and the roast came out perfectly cooked on the rare side of medium and it was very tender and flavorful.

I had extra Coffee Rub leftover, which I have saved to use again as it is supposed to last for a few months kept tightly sealed in a jar.

So, what is it about this coffee rub that makes it so special? In addition to creating a beautiful and flavorful crust, the acidity levels of coffee replicate tannins in wine, which allow the amplification of the flavors. But it doesn’t stop there. Coffee rub on steak can also act as a tenderizer, making meat softer and enhancing the moisture of the meat because the rub creates a sealing crust.

This recipe calls for a sirloin tip roast, but I used a less expensive cut of meat with good success. Have a chat with Dottie from Thunder Hill Farm and see what she recommends for the way you prefer your meat cooked.

Ingredients

Coffee Rubbed Roast

3 pounds sirloin tip roast, top or bottom round

1 large white onion sliced

1 tablespoon ground coffee regular or decaf

1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1 lemon zest only

Instructions

Remove roast and let it sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes before cooking.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. On the bottom of a large Dutch oven or roasting pan spread onion slices. Set aside. In a small bowl, add coffee, smoked paprika, brown

sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Stir to combine.

Place roast on a large plate fat side down. Sprinkle with dry rub evenly, pressing it to stick to the meat while turning. Transfer roast fat side up into a prepared Dutch oven or heavy roasting dish with a cover and sprinkle with any remaining dry rub and press into the meat.

First bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Then, reduce heat to 325 degrees F, cover with lid and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until internal read thermometer reads 10 degrees before your desired doneness.

Rare: 120-125 F internal temperature. Red and bloody.

Medium rare: 130-135 F internal temperature. Pink center with brown towards the outside.

Medium: 140 F internal temperature. Barely pink center with brown to the outside.

Well done: 150-160 F internal temperature. Brown all the way through.

Example, my 3-pound roast was cooked to 135 degrees F when I checked on it after 35 minutes of baking covered (total cook time 65 minutes). I would start checking after 30 minutes cooking covered and remember all ovens bake differently!

Remove roast from the oven and let rest covered for 20 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, remove twine and slice against the grain using a sharp knife.

Serve with its juices and onions from the bottom of the pan, mashed potatoes and rutabaga and a simple salad.

The Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through Awpril 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 visit https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact BFM at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com Please no dogs. Sorry, we have a lease to honor.

BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

Bridgton Community Center schedule board for Dec. 30 to Jan. 5: Friday, Dec. 30 — 9 to 10 a.m. Chair Yoga, 1 to 4 p.m. Mahjongg, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Rick Hagerstrom (practice).

Saturday, Dec. 31 — Closed

Sunday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 2 — Closed Wednesday, Jan. 3 — 6 to 8 a.m. Dan Fitness, 10 a.m. to noon Chickadee Quilters, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Bridge.

Thursday, Jan. 4 — 6 to 8 a.m. Dan Fitness, 12 to 1 p.m. Senior Lunch, 1 to 3 p.m. Mahjongg, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Rick Hagerstrom (practice).

Friday, Jan. 5 — 6 to 8 a.m. Dan Fitness, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Progress Center, 12:30 to 3 p.m. Coffee and Crafts, 7 to 9 p.m. Chickadee Quilters.

Black Mountain – Ski Trail & Cabin Senior Rambles

The Denmark Mountain Hikers hadn’t climbed Black Mountain for more than five years. We found things about the same at the CCC cabin and the summit when we arrived on Dec. 9, 2022. It was a nice moderate climb, nippy with a cold wind when we started. Temperatures warmed from 24 degrees at the trailhead to the mid-30 at the cabin. The sky cleared and we had nice, warming sun in our faces at the cabin. Hiking were 18 Denmark Mountain Hikers. We started climbing at 9:25 a.m., and got to the cabin at 10:45 a.m. after 1 1/4 hour of hiking. We started back down after eight of our group made the side trip to the summit 0.4 miles further up the mountain, reaching the trailhead after 45 minutes to an hour of hiking. We found the CCC ski trail nearly devoid of snow so left our microspikes at the trailhead.

Black Mountain – the Ski Trail and Cabin Black Mountain in Jackson, N.H. is really a long ridge with several peaks; some sources list seven of them. There are three prominent ones – the northern peak (3,304 feet) which has no trails to it, the middle peak or knob (2,757 feet), and the Knoll (2,010 feet) which is part of the Black Mountain Ski area to the south.

The Black Mountain ski trail built by the CCC climbs at a moderate slope for 1.3 miles and 1,300 feet of vertical climb to the log cabin, and from there it is an additional 0.4 miles to the summit of the middle peak. In 1934, much of Black Mountain was in fields and open pasture, and a Skiing New Hampshire report from 1935 describes the Black Mountain trail as “a series of open slopes with openings cut between them [with] suitable skiing for all degrees of ability.” Today, trees have grown up along the Black Mountain ski trail and the open pastures are no more. The trail is a White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) back country cross country ski

Calendar of Events

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. 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

trail and is not groomed.

The log cabin that was built by the CCC in 1934 perches on a shoulder of Black Mountain’s middle peak just below the summit, and was used as a warming hut and shelter for skiers for several years. The cabin was renovated in 1992 and includes eight bunks and a stove, as well as a separate wood shed. It may now be rented from the WMNF for overnight stays. Parties staying there must carry in their water, food, and firewood, as well as sleeping bags and personal gear,

Trips &

although there is a nearby seasonal spring for water. Contact Information for cabin rental is Black Mountain Cabin, 33 Kancamagus Hwy, Conway, NH 03818. Telephone: 603447-5448.

At one time, there was a wooden tower at the summit of the middle peak. This Rockwell Davis Memorial Tower was not a staffed fire tower, but was used for observation during high fire danger periods. In the 1930s, it was a popular outlook for back country skiers on Black Mountain. The observation tower has been removed and there are no traces of it today.

There is a second ski trail on Black Mountain. The East Pasture Loop ski trail starts near the Black Mountain Ski Area and climbs 2.0 miles and 965 feet to the summit of the middle peak. Much of the East Pasture Loop XC trail is groomed and a pass from the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is required. The trail’s name reflects that much of this area was once open pasture.

Black Mountain in Carroll County, Jackson, NH

Difficulty – Moderate Trail distance – 1.3 miles to the cabin, another 0.4 miles to the middle peak summit

Hiking time – 1 hour 20 min to the middle peak summit via Black Mountain Ski Trail

Elevation – 2,757 feet

Vertical gain – 1,487 feet

Coordinates – 44°11’51” N 71°10’20” W

Topographic map – USGS Jackson 7.5-minute quad

Directions to Black Mountain trailhead: From NH Route 16 at Jackson turn right onto Route 16A, left onto Carter Notch Road for 3.7 miles, and then right onto Meloon Road. Cross the Wildcat River Bridge, bearing left at the fork in the road. At 0.3 miles from Carter Notch Road, the parking area will be on the left with room for several cars. Follow the road (actually the driveway to a private residence) for a few hundred feet to the trail head marker for the Black Mountain Ski Trail on the right.

Hiking

Tips by Allen Crabtree

MOUNT WASHINGTON from the Black Mountain cabin. Denmark Mountain Hiker Greg Dean at the trail sign. (Photo by Allen Crabtree)

THE BLACK MOUNTAIN CABIN built by the CCC in 1932. (Photo by Jeff Sturgis)

BLACK MOUNTAIN CABIN with ski enthusiasts in 1938. Photo courtesy of the Collection of the U.S. Forest Service.

THE WOODEN OBSERVATION tower at the summit of Black Mountain in 1938. Photo courtesy of the Collection of the U.S. Forest Service.