January 12, 2023

Creating & cooking ... the gluten-free way

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Being diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance is akin to receiving a dietary life sentence characterized by mushy gluten-free pasta, bread the consistency of cardboard, and the penalty of forever being dependent on scrutinizing food labels.

Cynthia Delia Coddington and Jo Provenzano Hoppe — both Italian-American women — were diagnosed with gluten intolerance as adults.

“It has been affectionately noted that when Italians are not eating good food, they are talking about it,” they said.

The two women’s paths crossed in 2019 when they became neighbors on a rural fire lane in Bridgton.

Jo and her husband, Henry, had just sold their home and retired to Bridgton, where Cynthia and her family had a residence. Cynthia and Jo quickly discovered that they had many things in common. Both of the women came from southern Italian roots, their families originated in Brooklyn. Both were studying the Italian language. Both had spent their professional lives in Massachusetts (Cynthia in Finance, Jo in Technology).

And, more importantly, both shared a genuine passion for cooking. How does on balance a love for cooking, especially Italian recipes calling for pasta, with the challenges of a gluten-free diet?

“While gluten free breads and pasta were starting to show up on grocery shelves, they were, and for the most part continue to be, either tasteless or gummy versions of their wheat-based counterparts,” they said.

Determined to solve

this problem, the women embarked on a mission to recreate the wonderful meals they’d come to love using gluten-free ingredients. Their goal was to create gluten-free versions that were indistinguishable from their wheat-based counterparts.

“It was a big undertaking,” they found.

Initially, this effort took the form of co-authoring a family cookbook, but as their collection of recipes

‘Space’ group grows, sets sights on goals

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — The number of people involved in the Casco Open Space Commission doubled.

For more than half of 2022, there were not enough people on the commission for a quorum. Late last summer, two residents from Webbs Mills joined the group. It is still one person shy of the five allowed on the commission.

However, it is not the number of people as much as the level of enthusiasm that makes the difference, according to Eric Dibner, who started with the OSC when it was first formed in 2009.

“What we really have is some enthusiasm. Things are turning around. New members are very enthusiastic and have taken on a tremendous amount of issues,” Dibner said.

Also, the goal of protecting and increasing open space as well as access points to open space is once again at the forefront, especially as the town’s proposed comprehensive plan takes shape. The commission is scheduled to meet again on

Monday, starting at 6 p.m. in the Casco Community Center. Then, on Tuesday, the group will present its priority plans to the Casco Board of Selectmen.

“We have to get the

select board enthusiastic. They are waiting for us to say, ‘This is what needs to be done.’ We have to come up with solid plans. Our plans need to make them

Casco ponders fair cost of living % adjustment

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — Locally elected officials used data from other towns to figure out what might be the most fair Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Casco town employees.

At this point in time, the 6.5 percent pay raise for town staff was simply a discussion and no actual changes were made.

The COLA conversation came up during the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting on Jan. 3.

“We did a lot of work getting staff up to the average [wage] level. We were drastically behind on

some of our wage levels,” Chairman Robert MacDonald said.

He was referring to the study of multiple municipalities’ pay rates and benefits, which the board used to offer better packages to town employees. Items like how vacation time is accrued and how much an employee pays for health insurance were addressed last year.

In the case of COLA, the board reviewed what neighboring towns are considering.

Mechanic Falls is proposing a 5 percent increase; Paris proposed an 8 percent adjustment;

Poland is considering 6.9 percent while Standish has talked about a 6 percent pay increase.

MacDonald looked at the average COLA for those four towns, which is 6.475, and that was rounded up to 6.5 percent.

The Casco Town Manager Anthony Ward, who was not present at the Jan. 3 meeting, recommended a COLA between 6 and 7 percent in an email to the selectmen, according to MacDonald.

Scott Avery spoke on the topic.

“I am seeing in a lot of different places, there are

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — Many people have probably known the new town clerk since she was a young girl.

After all, Michelle Thibodeau was born and raised in Naples plus her parents are high profile and wellknown in the community. Her father Andy Madura heads three departments in the local school district, including transportation and food service. Her mother Connie Madura helps run the Naples Food Pantry and volunteers for the town’s recreation committee.

As an adult, Thibodeau has already done some work carving out her own life.

After graduating from Lake Region High School in 2006, she attended CosmoTech in Westbrook. For a few years, she was employed as a hair stylist. Then, she made the decision to return to school to get her CNA license in 2009 and

2010. She also holds the title of wife and mom. Those are two roles of which she is proud.

Because the former town clerk served in that position for more than three decades, it seems like Thibodeau has big shoes to fill. She is not afraid to step up to the challenge with a big smile, customer service skills and a sincere pride in her town.

B-News: So far, how has the transition been from training with former Town Clerk Judy Whynot to taking over that position?

Thibodeau: I was hired with the Town of Naples on June 1, 2021. When I had gone though the interview process, this job that I was offered (Deputy Clerk) was also going to be training to take Judy Whynot’s job as she had plans of retiring. I was able to train alongside

Judy for a year and a half before her official last day. Judy had loads of knowledge and retired with me feeling confident that I was able to get the best training possible from her. Although I don’t have the 34-plus years of municipal knowledge that Judy has, I’m a Naples native and have the determination to keep learning and being able to be the best I can be for our residents, summer residents and vacationers.

B-News: What aspects of your new job are you looking

forward to in 2023?

Q&A: New Naples town clerk Michelle Thibodeau

Thibodeau: I’m definitely looking forward to 2023. I’m excited to navigate this job and start the new year off with a new title. I have been given over a year of training from Judy Whynot and even though I’m not Judy, I’m ready to be the best I can for the community. I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to serve the town that I grew up in.

B-News: What part of your job do you predict might be or typically is challenging?

Thibodeau: The job can be challenging at times. Tax time can be hard as we follow

NEW TOWN CLERK, Michelle Thibodeau poses in her office space at the Naples Town Hall.

(Photo courtesy of Michelle Thibodeau)

WITH THE Town of Casco’s help and the residents’ vote at Special Town Meeting, the town purchased the lot where a burnt home stood, and disposed of the building which was located next to Mill Pond.

(Photo courtesy of Amy Brown)

AUTHORS Cynthia Coddington (left) and Jo Hoppe.

DELICIOUS DISHES — Two years spent researching and writing gluten free recipes, authors Cynthia Coddington and Josephine Hoppe created a colorful and full of variety cookbook that is now on sale.

You asked... ...We answered

Walking woes Creating, cooking gluten free

Q. Does anyone know what the process is to get the town to do something about the dangers of walking on Willet Road? No streetlights, sidewalks, or anything. It’s a main street in Bridgton. My girlfriend was almost hit by a car tonight walking home from work. People drive a million miles an hour up and down that street. It’s so dangerous! — George D.

A. This question was posted on the Community of Bridgton Facebook page, resulting in numerous comments including:

“Unfortunately, this is rural Maine. If the town was to provide and maintain sidewalks and lights for every street in town the taxes would be so high that most would no longer be able to live here. Reflective clothing and a flashlight are good choices to make you more visible.”

“No, we don’t need street lights (we have enough light pollution) and sidewalks would be destroyed by frost heaves and plowing the first year. We need people to slow the heck down and realize that themselves and where they are going are not more important than anyone else.”

“In the last 10 years, plus or minus, Hannaford, McD, Hancock, and around the corner Dunkin, Family Dollar (arrived). Foot traffic has increased immensely and the road has not been improved to reflect adjacent commercial development.”

“I believe there are enough people in this town that agree that this stretch is extremely dangerous for walkers and drivers alike. It’s bad enough driving that road, let alone walking. With the increase in business in that area of Bridgton, it’s inevitable that we have the walking traffic we do today. It’s only going to continue to increase.”

So, The News reached out to Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody and Bridgton Police Chief Phil Jones to address the matter.

Peabody classified Willet Road as the most “challenging” and “complicated” road in Bridgton in regards to constructing a sidewalk there due to existing ditches on both sides of the street, as well as a narrow bridge.

If the town were to take on the project, the first step would be to hire a professional engineer to conduct a study of the street — what it would take to develop a sidewalk.

“A hard guess as to the cost of an engineering study would be $50,000 to $100,000, at least,” Peabody said. “We looked into whether Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money could be used for the study, but were told no. So, the study would need to be funded by the town.”

CDBG money could be used for sidewalk development. The town is taking this approach with Church Street. The estimated cost is $244,150 with CDBG covering $130,000. Peabody noted that necessary surveying was done as part of the wastewater system project.

“Willett poses more problems. To do a sidewalk project there, we’re likely looking at reconstruction of that road. If there is not enough right-of-way, then you have to look at the eminent domain process and purchasing property to make it work,” Peabody said. “When that road was built, it wasn’t centered on pedestrian traffic.”

WOES, Page 5A

continued to grow, both came to realize that their book might help the many others diagnosed with gluten intolerance. The book’s recipes, illustrated techniques, and information on how to source the best gluten-free products are equally helpful to those either just starting their gluten free journey or those simply longing for diversity in their otherwise bland gluten-free diet.

The fruit of Jo and Cynthia’s effort is a newlyreleased cookbook entitled, “Senza Glutine: Timeless Italian Dishes for the Gluten Free Palate.” The book is available on Amazon and at selected local bookstores, including Bridgton Books.

“The true measure of success is to serve up a meal to guests and to pleasantly surprise them when they learn the meal they just devoured was gluten free,” the authors said. “For those of you suffering from gluten intolerance, the authors hope this book will liberate you from the bondage of gluten intolerance and allow you to once again enjoy great tasting meals.”

The News recently posed the following questions to the authors:

BN. When/how did you discover you have a gluten intolerance?

Jo: I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance approximately 11 years ago, following surgery for an unrelated condition. For over a month, I had been experiencing chronic stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues which became debilitating as time went on. I sought medical assistance and was directed to Dr. Fasano at Mass General. Dr Fasano, one of the world’s leading experts and researchers on gluten intolerance, performed a number of tests which identified my diagnosis – gluten intolerance with a high likelihood of it being Celiac given my Italian heritage, symptoms and other test results. From the doctor, I learned that there is no treatment for gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease, other than eliminating wheat and gluten completely from one’s diet. Failure to do so severely damages the villi in your intestine, making it difficult to digest milk products (lactose intolerance). If left untreated for longer periods of time, gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease can lead to other serious autoim mune diseases.

Learning that one is glu

ten intolerant is difficult enough, but for Italians whose diets are rich in pasta, pizza and other whole grains, this was a life-changing prognosis. And yet, 1 in 10 children in Italy are born with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. It is not surprising, then, that viable and delicious alternatives would eventually emerge from Italy.

Many of the gluten free foods served in most restaurants in Italy are not widely known or available in the United States. Our book includes a chapter entitled “The Gluten Free Pantry” that identifies these products and how to source them here in the US.

Cindy: About 12 years ago, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s that was the cause of an underactive thyroid. Because gluten is inflammatory and can trigger an autoimmune reaction, it was recommended that I eliminate it from my diet. For an Italian, this is a tall order and in fact, my response to my doctor was “you don’t understand, I’m Italian, we eat pasta and bread!” And then the hunt began…

BN. How difficult is it to switch to a gluten-free diet, especially because you love to cook. What changes did you make?

Jo: In responding to this question, it must be taken into account that our glutenfree journeys coincidentally commenced almost 12 years ago when not much was known about gluten disorders. There were preciously few gluten free products on the market, and restaurant staffed looked at you in bewilderment when you inquired whether a dish contained wheat or gluten. Cindy and I had not met until years later, so it was astonishing to find a kindred Italian spirit who also had been pioneering on a similar journey. When we learned of each other’s backgrounds, our love of all things culinary, and the medical condition that had fundamentally changed our lives, we came to the conclusion that we were twins by different mothers. And that is when all the fun began….. researching, experimenting, documenting our findings, using our family members as guinea pigs.

While so much more is known today about gluten intolerance, gluten remains

an insidious little culprit which hides in many foods under different aliases. Who would suspect that gluten is the primary ingredient in soy sauce or that it is contained in many spices, sauces, packaged chicken broth, frozen Frenchfried potatoes, grated soft cheeses, beer, malt and many liquors? Many foods that contain “modified food starch” actually contain wheat (unless labeled “modified food starch (corn).” For many with gluten intolerance, we learned these things the hard way – getting seriously ill and trying to understand what trigged the attack.

While our book contains lots of good information on the foods to avoid, we are also developing a website specifically designed to help those beginning on this journey. We’re hoping that what we learned in our journey will help those, who like us many years ago, learned of their condition and wondered, “now what?”

Cindy: The first step in adapting to a gluten free diet is the most difficult. Becoming familiar with new ingredients, products and carefully reading labels can be daunting at first but is necessary to comply with a gluten free diet. The Internet now has a wealth

of information and is helpful in familiarizing someone new to the gluten free world.

Not knowing where to start, I scoured the supermarkets for quality gluten free products which at the time were scarce, expensive and of sub-par quality. Unfortunately, I ended up reducing my pasta consumption and replacing it with rice and other naturally gluten free grains. More recently, I’ve discovered Italian made gluten free pastas that are delicious and indistinguishable from their gluten equivalents. In addition, I experimented with grains such as quinoa, sorghum, and millet, all of which are naturally gluten free, and cooked with them in both savory and sweet dishes. For example, quinoa can easily replace bulghur wheat in the traditional middle eastern dish of tabouli. Sorghum can be cooked and served as a stand in for couscous and millet has a slightly sweet taste easily used in cold summer salads.

Some gluten free foods are processed, and replacing what I couldn’t eat with processed food wasn’t a healthy exchange, so I focused on eating naturally gluten free.

Becoming familiar with

Community Kettle

Camp Skylemar will be hosting a Community Kettle Dinner at the Bridgton Community Center today, Thursday, Jan. 12 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The menu includes: Chicken Tetrazini, green beans, rolls and dessert.

Open Space group zones in on goals

enthusiastic,” Dibner said.

One of the topic for Tuesday’s meeting is the Open Space Ordinance, he said.

“We will define specific priority projects. Those are going to be Berry Park, Four Corners, and Webbs Mills. We don’t have to do much with Webbs Mills now. It’s natural,” he said.

“We met with the comp plan folks about two weeks ago. We had a lot of discussion about the Four Corners. Our opinion is we want to ensure that is more of an open public space. We want it to be a welcoming presence in the community,” Dibner said.

“The comp plan and the town’s open space commission should be on the same wave length,” he said.

One more person makes 5 Dibner isn’t worried about bringing the roll call to five people. After all, having a quorum (three people) was the original goal and that has been accomplished.

“As long as we can keep doing business, one more person isn’t as big an issue. We have a couple people who are interested and are coming to meetings. We are building our base. It doesn’t just happen by snapping your fingers,” Dibner said.

The two people who joined the OSC are Sam Brown and Jeffrey Raymond.

Raymond, who has lived in Webbs Mills since 2009, ended up as the chairman.

“Remote work has facilitated my having more time because I am not commuting. It helped enable me to get more involved. It started with the special vote for the property that was sold that was intended initially years ago to be part of the [Webbs Mills] Park. Our community rallied together to go to [special] town meeting,” Raymond said. “It was around that time that I said, ‘Maybe, I should get involved in the community a little bit more.’”

“I am an avid outdoors

person. I value the trail networks in the greater Southern Portland area,” he explained. “I’ve seen how the Town of Gorham — how they have a done an amazing job getting the community involved and driving trails development in Gorham. The same in Falmouth, Windham, Auburn. Why don’t we have that in our community?”

“I am at the point in my life, I’d like to help to carve that out in our community,” Raymond said.

“I am really passionate about results and trying to focus our energies on visible results for the community,” he said.“A lot of the ideas that we are resurrecting have been in the comp plan, and in the previous work of the open space. Until you build momentum and transfer that into activity, it is still ideas not results.”

Raymond and Brown are neighbors in Webbs Mills Village. Brown, who moved to the area in the 1990s, has served on the

budget committee.

Brown encouraged citizens to get involved in these open-space decisions. Volunteering on a committee can be both engaging and enlightening, he said.

“Now is the time that we cannot afford to be apathetic. We cannot afford to think things are going to work out. We have a very tight window to shape the future. The more we can talk to our community, and get the word out, the better chance we have to create a community that we want to stay in, and have our families stay in in the future,” Brown said.

“The open space commission is completely intertwined with the development of the comp plan and the resiliency grants that we are applying for. These issues all come together very quickly,” Brown said, referring again to the window of opportunity.

Brown believes the more people at the table, the better.

“The by-laws direct the commission should have

Creating, cooking gluten free

the properties of gluten free flours is also an important step. For example, almond and sorghum flour, to name a few, work well in baking in place of all-purpose flour, though this requires time and patience to arrive at the right proportions. Gluten free flour mixes commonly sold in grocery stores are now widely available and good quality. Instead of making my own flour mixes, I’ve come to rely on those produced by wellknown sources such as King Arthur Flour, Bob’s Red Mill and Cup4Cup.

BN. How did you decide to embark on authoring a book and what became your goal?

Jo/Cindy: We are “accidental” cookbook authors originally setting out to gather and document our collection of family recipe favorites for our children and posterity. We’d not given any thought to commercially publishing our combined collection. Rather we viewed it as a way to honor the amazing women who shaped our lives and our love of good, wholesome food, family, and friends: our mothers, our grandmothers and our aunts.

In January of 2021, we enrolled in a six-week online cookbook writing

class to ease our COVID lockdown fatigue and to satisfy our craving for a creative outlet. When mentioning our project to friends, it became apparent that what we were offering could greatly help those either at the beginning of a gluten free lifestyle or reinvigorate those already following one. It was at that point that our focus broadened to include a wider audience with the intent of publishing the book.

BN. What were some of your biggest challenges?

Jo/Cindy: The process of gathering recipes, testing, and serving them to family was fun and rewarding. Family recipes led to stories about our shared heritage. As our book took shape, our husbands complained that they never enjoyed a hot meal anymore because we always had to photograph the dish for the cookbook before serving. Having a kindred spirit, who shared the same goal of developing the memorable meals served at our mother’s tables, but “senza glutine,” made the journey less lonely and more rewarding.

The creative part of writing this book (developing the recipes, taking the photos, and capturing the family stories that were associated with the recipe) was actually the most

enjoyable aspect of the project. Our biggest challenge was learning about self-publishing and evaluating the options for printing and distribution. It’s a fragmented industry dominated by online businesses with a DIY approach. For the nascent author, this required a steep learning curve.

BN. How did you approach co-authoring?

Jo/Cindy: Each of us collected favorites, compared notes, and tried out recipes together and individually. We identified criteria for inclusion in the book for uniformity. It was also important to us to include many recipes for the home cook not having the time to mix his/her own gluten free flours.

Because of our common heritage, we decided to limit this cookbook to glutenfree Italian specialties since that was the initial focus of our undertaking: leaving our children (and theirs) a wonderful chronicle of the loving meals prepared by their ancestors that had been handed down through the generations.

From a technical perspective, when we could not be together to collaborate, we created a Google Drive site with folders for recipes, photos, recipe test feedback, publishing and distribution information and a template for each recipe to ensure

formatting consistency. All files were sharable. We also utilized Zoom and other technologies to solicit feedback from other authors and publishing contacts.

BN. My understanding is that a lot of research went into developing the recipes, elaborate?

Jo/Cindy: Finding the best products required research on foot and online. We spent much time experimenting with different ingredients and in different proportions. This is especially true for the baked goods included in the book. Gluten is the substance that provides both texture and elasticity to breads and doughs. In eliminating gluten from a recipe, the result is usually bread or pizza dough that tastes like cardboard or pie crust that falls apart. We were determined to solve this problem.

To address these issues, we needed to learn about various stabilizers and binding agents like xanthan gum and psyllium husk and when to use each one for the best results. I recall one afternoon we spent trying out various pizza dough recipes to arrive at one that could then be used as a base from which to improvise. Becoming familiar with ingredients and more importantly texture is critical in developing new recipes.

BN. What do you like most about this book?

Jo/Cindy: The book provides a roadmap for those embarking on a gluten free lifestyle, but what I like

five people. My challenge to anyone reading the paper, We need people who are basically voting age and above to come down and participate. There are so many older people involved in these roles. We need to hear from young parents and families who are raising their kids what kind of place they want Casco to be in the future,” he said.

Public access to Maine waterways Raymond said he believes that wild, open space is important.

“ Land doesn’t need to be developed to add value. Preserving natural resources and the health of the ecosystem is something that we are working into our plans and ideas,” he said. “That fits nicely with the comp plan. I’ve heard the theme. There is a theme about water quality and preservation of the natural resources we have,” he said.

Brown addressed the continued preservation of the Berry property, which

most about this experience is sharing a very personal story akin to a culinary family album. All the photographs in the book (except for our author portraits) were taken by us and include favorites from our recent trip to southern Italy, specifically Sicily and Puglia, the regions of our family origins.

BN. What is your favorite recipe and why?

Cindy: Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil – It’s a very flavorful dish and one that captures the essence of Italian cuisine – using fresh ingredients, simply prepared.

Jo: This is a very difficult question. I have favorites in all the categories (a favorite pasta dish: Tagliatelle with Mushrooms and Truffle Oil; a favorite potato dish: potato croquettes; a favorite vegetable dish: stuffed artichokes; a favorite appetizer: baked clams oreganata; and a favorite dessert: panna cotta).

BN. As you mention in the press release, the greatest test of a very good gluten-free dish is how it is received by others who do not have a gluten intolerance. What have been some of the responses you’ve received?

Jo/Cindy: There’s nothing more satisfying than serving a gluten free dish to someone not having an intolerance. We often see a look of disbelief after announcing to a dinner guest that the entire meal was gluten free. It’s a misconception that taste must be sacrificed for health.

BN. Finally, any other future undertakings planned?

Jo/Cindy: We are in the process of building an educational web site with help-

was purchased in 2016 and has about 100 feet of water frontage on Parker Pond. When he was in high school, a Harrison selectman told him that anytime a lakes municipality has the chance to buy waterfront land and/or preserve access to the water, it should pursue that opportunity. That idea stuck.

Unfortunately, there is only one boat access and a small public beach for Pleasant Lake and for Crescent Pond. Parker Pond has a space to put in a boat that’s accessible from Lord Road.

“We need to protect and provide as many of those accesses as we can. The fact of the matter is the people who are moving here have lots of money and can buy whatever we have. Our beautiful lakes region is being developed. If we don’t have a clear picture of how to develop it, we are going to lose access to the waterways. People are going to buy the land and put up fences and say, ‘You can’t walk here anymore. Or you can’t put in your canoe or kayak on this stream because I own it,’” Brown said.

ful information on gluten intolerance. We are also mulling over some future book ideas.

Watch this space…

Aroma Joe’s opens

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES—

A new Aroma Joe’s store offers another spot where people can indulge in their coffee habit. Or grab a breakfast item. Or not have to drive as far for their favorite RUSH flavor.

On Monday, the newest Aroma Joe’s opened up for business in Naples.

A grand opening will be held about 4 to 6 weeks from now, according to Elijah Washburn, local store marketing manager for Aroma Joe’s Franchising, LLC.

An exact date has not been set yet” for the grand opening, Washburn said. The address of the new Aroma Joe’s is 12 Lakes Plaza Dr. It is located on the far left end of the plaza, which is accessible from Route 302. The plaza is next to Aubuchon Hardware building, and fairly close to the Route 11 junction.

While this coffee locale might be new to town, its owners (franchisees) are no strangers to running an Aroma Joe’s.

AROMA, Page 5A

Consuming coffee claims an important place in people’s daily routine.

Bridgton Police blotter

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

Monday, January 2

2:13 p.m. Motor vehicle stop for operating while under the influence on Route 302 in Naples.

5:57 p.m. Vagrancy complaint at Main Street building.

Tuesday, January 3

4:24 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

12:17 p.m. Citizen assist on Fosterville Road.

2:07 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

3:10 p.m. Welfare check on Bells Point Road.

3:29 p.m. Harassment complaint at Sawyer Circle.

3:46 p.m. Domestic disturbance on Portland Road. One subject charged with domestic violence assault and refusing to submit to arrest. He was transported to the county jail.

6:11 p.m. Theft complaint on Portland Road.

6:24 p.m. Citizen assist on Iredale Street.

11:43 p.m. Citizen assist on North High Street. Wednesday, January 4

8:04 a.m. Agency assist on Starlight Drive.

3:21 p.m. Citizen assist on Willett Road.

6:11 p.m. Court paper-

work served at Sawyer Circle residence.

7:10 p.m. Citizen assist on Iredale Street.

Thursday, January 5

6:11 a.m. Agency assist at Frances Bell Drive.

9:45 a.m. Citizen dispute on Portland Road.

3:26 p.m. Mental health event on North Bridgton Road.

8:38 p.m. Vehicle off the road on South Bridgton Road.

11:12 p.m. Citizen assist on Hospital Drive.

11:18 p.m. Citizen assist on Campbell Drive.

Friday, January 6

4:26 a.m. Citizen assist on Willis Park Road.

9:01 a.m. Escort code officer to home inspection at Howard Trail.

12:04 p.m. Assist subject in the issuance of a written five-day notice to individual at Memory Lane regarding “multiple” back checks issued since October 2022.

1:26 p.m. Vehicle struck in the Bridgton Hospital parking lot.

4:52 p.m. Citizen assist at Brewster Circle.

5:09 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Knights Hill Road; both vehicles were towed; two individuals suffered injuries.

7:23 p.m. Vehicle off the road at the intersection of South Bridgton Road and Washington View Lane.

8:56 p.m. Welfare check on Waterford Road.

Saturday, January 7

1:51 p.m. Assist United Rescue with a medical emergency on Main Street; patient transported to Bridgton Hospital.

2:55 p.m. Minor damage reported following a two-vehicle collision at the Bridgton Transfer Station.

6:34 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Mountain Road.

Sunday, January 8 1 a.m. Disturbance at Harrison Road home; subjects issued verbal disorderly warning and instructed to separate for the evening.

10:49 a.m. Welfare check on South Bridgton Road.

12:51 p.m. Police checked on a man walking on the ice at Highland Lake; subject made it safely to shore.

1:10 p.m. Suspicious person report on Portland Road.

Monday, January 9

6:31 a.m. Citizen assist on South High Street.

7:48 a.m. Criminal mischief incident on Kansas Road.

8:06 a.m. Citizen assist on Hio Ridge Road.

Fryeburg Police log

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

Monday, January 2

11:30 a.m. Civil matter on Fairview Drive.

Tuesday, January 3

7:27 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street (Fryeburg Academy).

9:32 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Bridgton Road.

2:39 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street (Post Office).

3:59 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Main Street.

10:22 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-

up call on Main Street.

10:27 p.m. Welfare check on East View Lane.

10:36 p.m. Assist county deputy on Main Street in Lovell.

Wednesday, January 4 6:51 a.m. Burglar alarm on Bridgton Road. 10:05 a.m. Theft report on Melanie Lane.

1:20 p.m. Traffic complaint on Lovell Road.

2:04 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on East View Lane, unfounded.

Thursday, January 5 3:30 a.m. Fire call on Oxford Street.

11:38 a.m. Assault incident on Main Street.

2:53 p.m. Radar detail at Molly Ockett Drive.

Friday, January 6

4:16 p.m. Vehicle off the road on West Fryeburg Road.

5:31 p.m. Vehicle off the road on Haley Town Road.

5:40 p.m. Subpoena service on Main Street.

9 p.m. Subpoena service on East View Lane.

Saturday, January 7

1:10 a.m. Assist county deputy on Union Hill Road in Lovell.

POLICE LOG, Page 5A

Storms damage ‘walks’

Many of the Holt Pond boardwalks and bridges were moved or damaged in the Dec. 23 storm leaving them unstable.

Many other sections of the boardwalk are covered in ice from the high waters. Lakes Environmental Association has started the process to repair and stabilize the boardwalks, however, they limited by weather conditions and ice coverage. The map (below)outlines areas not recommended for use.

If you are interested in helping with the trail repair, send an e-mail to Michael@ mainelakes.org

Ice Watch

Weird weather, huh? Be careful on the ice! Check the graphic regarding safe ice thickness for various uses. LEA is still looking for ice-in observations. Having both freeze and thaw dates lets us know ice cover duration, which impacts things like water levels, anoxia, and recreational use. Please help LEA collect this valuable data by reporting your ice-in/out observations.

Own a Piece of Naples History

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

Panoramic Sebago Lake Views

SEBAGO – Enjoy this two-bedroom home with 70' of owned frontage and panoramic views on Sebago Lake. This home is located in a quiet cove looking out at Spider Island. The finished walk-out basement gives you additional living space for guests to come and stay! There is a permanent waterfront deck, boat dock and sandy gradual entry into the lake. Enjoy entertaining on the waterfront deck while overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Sebago Lake after a day of fun boating, skiing, tubing and swimming! $839,900 MLS# 1549676

Go to mainelakes.org for more information on how to assist.

What is fishing like?

Eager to get out and icefish? Check out the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife fishing report for information about which lakes freeze first, what ponds are stocked, and more!

IFW January Sebago Lake Region Fishing Report

By Jim Pellerin

IFW Fisheries Resource Supervisor

Where to fish in January: For the earlier part of the season, December through mid-January, anglers should target smaller-medium sized waters (<1,000 acres). Waters in this category generally have safer ice, and in this part

of the state many of the larger waters like Thompson Lake, Kezar Lake, Great East Lake, etc. don’t fully set-up with ice until the second or third week in January. Sebago is typically our last lake to get ice and it often does not fully set-up, although areas like Jordan Bay and the Station typically have fishable ice for a good portion of the season.

Brook trout and/or salmon are great early season species to target. Check the annual stocking report online for fall brook trout stockings to narrow down your list of places to try, these fall stockings are numerous throughout the region and there is sure to be a few waters close to home. Some good bets for

attached two-car garage, paved driveway, potting shed, fruit trees, lovely landscaping, and more. Large two-story shed in the rear to store all your extra things, and a whole house generator. Must see! $845,000

Jocelyn O’Rourke-Shane

Q&A: Michelle Thibodeau

state laws with collecting taxes. I understand hardships can happen making it hard to pay at times however, this is my job and sometimes I must be the bearer of bad news. I don’t lien or foreclose on homes because I want to. I do my absolute best to work with taxpayers if they communicate with me.

When my deputy clerks and I work the counter, we offer positive, friendly customer service and sometimes we just don’t have the answer that they are hoping for, or they don’t have everything they need to complete a transaction and that can really upset some customers.

B-News: After being a resident of the Town of Naples, what have you learned from being an employee with the Town of Naples?

Thibodeau: After being a resident of the Town of Naples for years and then becoming a Naples employee I have learned so much. I did not realize how much actually went into the different departments. As far as the front office and vehicle registrations and what is required for ordering and reporting to the state level, Inland fisheries and Wildlife and what we must keep track of and the reporting. Elections, my goodness, I knew there was a lot but now seeing the behind the scenes, I have a whole new level of respect for town officials. There is a lot of work that goes into running a town office and I am honored to be a part of Naples.

B-News: When you aren’t on the clock, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing?

Thibodeau: When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My husband Daryl and I have been married for 11 years, we actually got married in Naples at Camp Takajo. We have two beautiful girls Ava who is 11 years old and in sixth grade and Layla who is 10 years old and in fifth grade. Our girls keep us busy with extra-curricular activities: dance, competition dance, softball, soccer, basketball and horseback riding. When we have time, we like to go camping with friends and visiting my husband’s old stomping grounds up in Rockwood on Moosehead Lake. I have two brothers and every Sunday we all gather at my parent’s house for family dinner. That’s something I look forward to every week!

Casco ‘cost of living’ discussion

(Continued from Page 1A)

lot of games being played by town, trying to lure employees to other towns.

We’ve got a really good crew in this town and I’d hate to see us lose them to somebody else,” he said.

“It is a situation that is happening. The new game in town is: ‘I’m going to pay more than everybody else so that my deck is

full.’ And, everybody else is suffering and they don’t care.”

He advocated for not only addressing the cost of living increases but also for reviewing ways that the town can enhance other key positions to retain employees.

Casco Fire Chief Brian Cole spoke.

“I would be careful

using last year’s numbers as well because a lot of those are now outdated.

Municipalities have been doing mid-fiscal year increases to try to do some of that retention and improvement,” Cole told the board.

“Even though it is 6.5 on last year’s numbers. You brought everyone up to the 50th percentile —

Aroma Joe’s opens Naples location

PR.

“This new location is owned and operated by a longtime team of Aroma Joe’s franchisees, Maryna Shuliakouskaya, Aroma Joe’s CEO Loren Goodridge, and Mark Carey.

This esteemed team has been with Aroma Joe’s as owners-operators since 2013,”

according to a press release (PR) put out by Aroma Joe’s and dated Jan. 9.

This team owns six other Maine locations: Gorham, Kittery, Oxford, Saco, Scarborough, and Winslow, the PR said.

The Lakes Plaza location is both a drive-through and a coffee house. There

is room for people to order and sit inside. The space is about 1,725 square feet.

Per usual, this Aroma Joe’s “will feature handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, unique flavor infusions, signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy Drinks and all-day food options,” the press release said.

Fryeburg Police log

7:37 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on West Fryeburg Road.

1:21 p.m. During an assist to another agency on Maple Street, police arrested Cody E. Frye, 29, of Fryeburg as a fugitive from

justice.

7:11 p.m. Criminal trespass complaint at a Main Street store.

11:18 p.m. Disturbance on Portland Street. Sunday, January 8 7:14 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of

Lovell Road and Buzzell Drive.

9:31 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Pleasant Street. Monday, January 9 2:35 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Black Bear Road.

Hiram man dies in prison

The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) Tuesday confirmed the death of a former Hiram resident of the Mountain View Correctional Facility.

At approximately 2 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2023, resident Dennis VanWart, 71, passed away. Consistent with the MDOC’s policy, the Attorney General’s Office, the State Police and

Medical Examiner were notified.

In 1996, Mr. Vanwart began serving a 60-year sentence for murder. VanWart pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to charges of murdering his brother and parents. He was convicted of murder in the deaths of Kenneth VanWart, 73, Mary VanWart, 71, and Wayne VanWart, 45, in 1995.

Getting a coffee at Aroma Joe’s can be calming on the conscience because growing the beans did not devastate forests in other countries.

“The chain’s proprietary coffee blends are craft roasted and Rainforest Alliance Certified which means they are sustainably grown and ethically sourced,” according to the

The crowd that used to buy energy drinks in a tall, thin cans now goes to the Aroma Joe’s drivethrough, too.

“And their signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy drinks have resonated with a new generation seeking their daily energy in new and unique beverages,” the PR said.

that was the goal. But that was last year,” he said.

Avery spoke.

“This isn’t carved in stone. There is potential. We’ll have to do some legwork,” he said.

MacDonald said the reason that COLA was being discussed is for the budgetary reasons.

“We need to get some numbers for the transfer station budget, which is coming up in two weeks. They were looking to us for some numbers.”

Selectman Eugene Connolly said, “This is a good starting point.”

Walking woes

Peabody noted that the topic has been discussed by select boards “once or twice each year” and the manager believes additional talks will occur.

Willet Road has a speed limit of 35 mph. Police Chief Phil Jones said officers made 32 traffic stops on this road from Jan. 1 to Dec. 22, 2022.

“Those would not necessarily be connected to a traffic detail, and could be stops generated through regular patrol,” Chief Jones said.

During that same time period, BPD received 52 complaints regarding speeding on town roads, “none of those show Willet Road as the incident location,” Chief Jones noted.

“During that same time period, we conducted 108 dedicated speed/traffic enforcement details, none of which were initially dedicated to Willet Road,” the chief added.

If speeding is an issue, BPD could place a solarpowered speed monitoring sign on Willet Road. “They are all portable and can be relocated to any area of concern within the town,” Chief Jones said. “We have found that they provide a valuable resource, alerting drivers to slow down when needed and recording traffic counts and speed trends so that we can dedicate resources at the most opportune time,” Chief Jones noted.

early season salmon in the region include: Mousam Lake (Shapleigh), Moose Pond (Bridgton), Kezar Lake (Lovell), Keoka Lake (Waterford), and Bryant Pond (Woodstock).

Rainbow trout are also a good early season species, but they also tend to persist longer into the season than either brook trout or salmon. Some good waters for rainbows include: Stanley Pond (Hiram), Kennebunk Pond (Kennebunk), Crystal Lake (Gray), Middle/Upper Range Ponds (Poland), and Worthley Pond (Peru).

LIONS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY — The Bridgton Lions accomplished three things at their gathering on Monday. First, they celebrated the Christmas holiday with their annual party arranged this year by IPP John Schuettinger at the Magic Lantern’s Web Tavern. A delicious repast was prepared and served by the pub’s staff. Second, the drawing of $1,000 worth of winning tickets for the Christmas Raffle fundraiser were made under the direction of Lions Ruth and Kent Shallene, who have led this event for “upteen” years. Third, and perhaps most important, after a two-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 the club once again purchased winter clothing for 11 students at the Stevens Brook Elementary School. Three shoppers led by Third VP Brook Sulloway were responsible for the display of goodies in the above photo. As the holidays approach, Lions wish to express their corporate thanks for the support given their charitable efforts by the community. Club membership is open to any individual who wishes to share in the fun and accomplishments of the local service club. “We Serve” best describes what Lions clubs do! (Photo by Elaine Spenciner)

Dennis VanWart

(Photo

SBES give LR Pride Awards

Stevens Brook Elementary School students and staff member were recently recognized for being positive role models, reliable, trustworthy, respectful, conscientious, consistently helpful to staff and fellow students and selfless by being presented Laker Pride Awards.

Those honored were:

Pre-Kindergarten, Bonnie Reynolds , nominated by Janelle Foster — Bonnie comes in every day with a smile and is a huge help within our classroom community. She is kindhearted, responsible, a good friend, and a hard worker! Keep up the great work Bonnie!

Kindergarten, Isla Scannell , nominated by teacher Melissa Warren — Isla is a hard-working student who always tries her best and consistently thinks of others.

Grade 1, Daphne Schulte , nominated by teacher Dagny Berry — Daphne is very kind and helpful and gets along with everyone and works hard to do her best work. She is liked by all students and teachers. A great student to have in class.

Grade 2, Leo Scannell nominated by teacher Hannah White — Leo is an

exceptional student, friend, and community member. Leo is so consistent in his exemplary behavior and attitude that there aren’t enough awards in the world to accurately validate his commitment to integrity, respect, and determination. Leo is focused on his own academic success while also motivating others to succeed and has a real knack for showing his peers to see that following expectation is the best way to learn, thrive, and have fun!

Grade 3, Ocean Graham , nominated by teacher Lori Demarest — Ocean is being nominated for the Laker Pride Award

Mayo

I started to take it more seriously and fell in love with the game. The fast paced, team-oriented environment is what really got me hooked on the game of basketball.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good game if…” I know I’ve had a good game if I helped my team be successful by getting the ball up the court, passing to my teammates when they are open and working hard on defense. Knowing I gave it my all and left it all on the court is always a good feeling.

Q. What goes through

your mind before a big game? I often feel nervous before a big game, but I try to stay confident in myself and my teammates’ abilities on the court. I try to think about all of the things we learned at practice and imagine our success.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? Basketball is a fast game so if I make a mistake, or things are not going my way, I do not have time to think about it. I am always focusing on the next play.

Q. How has sports

for being an all-around enthusiastic learner. He participates in all subject areas, asks great questions, and makes meaningful connections that help him to build on his learning.

Grade 4, JamesonAcadia Jordan , nominated by teacher Amity Gottschalk — Jameson is a doer of all things. She is helpful, participates in every activity offered to her, and works so hard. Not to mention, she LOVES school! Jameson is a great role model for our class, as well as the entire fourth grade.

Grade 5, Parker Izaryk , nominated by teacher Allison Sands —

changed you as a person? Sports have taught me discipline on and off the court. It has also taught me sportsmanship and respect for my opponents and the people around me. Sports have taught me that hard work pays off and to always give my all.

Parker is being nominated because he is an example of what every teacher wants from their students! He is kind, hard-working, compassionate, and 100% invested in everything he does. Parker makes every day a little more fun!

Staff Member (teacher strategist), Julianne Brosnan, was honored for promoting, creating and enhancing a positive school community — Juliane is extremely knowledgeable about her profession and she is always willing to share her expertise in order for everyone to do what it best for students. We are very fortunate to learn from her gift.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? The biggest reward from competing in sports is the teammates and relationships I have made over the years. Sports have given me some of my best friends.

Jacob Chadbourne

(Continued from Page 7A)

game? Don’t focus on the things you can’t control and do the things I can to best help the team succeed.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive?I take a deep breath in and try to relax and get it out of my head.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? It has changed me by making friendships with teammates I didn’t expect to have.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? The biggest reward you can get is winning a state championship with your teammates.

Rotary Club’s Good Citizen

Jack Bueler III of Bridgton has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for January.

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

Parents: Jack Bueler II and Kim Bueler Activities: Varsity basketball

Hobbies: Watching sports Future plans: I plan to attend a four-year college and earn a degree in Psychology.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good citizen? My three keys to being a good citizen are being respectful, understanding and never putting other people down.

Q. What piece of advice that you have received that has made a difference in your life? It’s an old piece of advice,

but always treat others the way you want to be treated.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Ms. (Christina) Gaumont. She teaches the Social Studies portion of my Humanities 12 class. Ms. Gaumont is very kind and passionate about her subject and it makes me very glad I decided to take Humanities with her for the last two years.

Q. How have you tried to make your school/community a better place? I always try to be a kind and respectful person. I also get involved with sports and afterschool activities to show school spirit.

Lions’ Student of the Month

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

Parents: Tricia Lafontaine and Scott Lafontaine

Activities: When not working on class work, my activities include being a part of our school’s theater program in our Fall and Spring plays, being a part of National Honors Society, serving as secretary for our school’s Interact Club, and working as a cashier at my local Hannaford supermarket.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with my friends. I also enjoy singing and skiing.

Future plans: I hope to attend college in Maine, New York, or Chicago. I plan to study film production and eventually work on film sets as a cinematographer.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good student? A good student is depend-

Tyler Lafontaine of Bridgton has been selected as the Bridgton Lions Clubs’ “Student of the Month” for January.

Jack Bueler III

Tyler LaFontaine TYLER, Page 8A

Bonnie Reynolds, Pre-Kindergarten

Isla Scannell, Kindergarten

Daphne Schulte, First Grade Leo Scannell, Second Grade

Ocean Graham, Third Grade

Jameson-Acadia Jordan, Fourth Grade Parker Izaryk, Fifth Grade

Lakers escape as late FA shot off mark

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG — As expected, the Lakers and Raiders played a physical and emotionally charged game from wire to wire Tuesday night.

Laker junior center Ava Smith dominated the paint, scoring a game-high 19 points while hauling down 20 rebounds and blocking three shots. She even took an elbow to her nose, causing it to bleed and requir-

ing gauze inserted into her nostril. But, she quickly returned to action and was a major reason the Lakers survived 43-42 to improve to 6-2.

Raider guards Sydney Shaw (10 points) and Alysa Grawe (9 points) showed their iron and heart. While Grawe logged all 32 minutes, Shaw had to retreat to the bench with 3:15 left after an ankle injury and sheer exhaustion. But, she returned in the closing sec-

onds, coming up with a pivotal steal and lay-up. Shaw nearly led the Raiders (2-7) to a fantastic finish, but her desperation heave just over the half-court line at the buzzer was off the mark.

“We gave it our all. The goal was not to let them score 40 points, they got to 43. We’re focused on our defense right now, and our girls never once let up on defense, never once. Our chemistry is coming around. Our offense comes natu-

rally. I’m just so proud of our defense,” Raider Coach Kristen Stacy said. “We needed a win as a morale booster. They deserve a win. We have two, but we wanted this one real bad.”

Coach Hurd had high praise for Shaw and Grawe, who continued to scrap and battle despite obvious fatigue.

“They’ve had to play full games because of our little numbers. And to be honest, none of them want to come

Energized defense lifts FA boys

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG

— His stat line hardly catches one’s eye.

1-0-3

Yes, Bryce Richardson connected on a 3-point corner shot to close out the first half, but what the stat

sheet fails to tell is that the Raider guard’s defense shut down Lake Region’s trigger man, Evan Duprey (1 point) and his hustle created an attitude that trickled down to every FA teammate.

“Our emphasis was our energy level, start to finish. In past games, we let the other team dictate the temp too much. Today, we took it upon ourselves to play at our own tempo — run and gun. At first, it looked terrible. We were throwing the ball all over the place, and missing lay-ups and wide-open shots. But, even with all of that, I liked the way we were playing defensively — and defense is what won this game for us,” Raider Coach Dan Thomas said. “It started with our starters. Bryce Richardson dived onto the floor four times during the first three possessions, and I had to look at him and said he was going to hurt himself. This is ridiculous, but that’s how bad he wants it. That energy is contagious. You saw Camden Johnson diving for a loose ball and then slapping the floor. Jordan Dutton is diving to the floor. It’s contagious. I appreciated our start tonight...even though we scored just 6 points.”

Fryeburg trailed 8-6 after one quarter, but the Raiders found a rhythm at both ends of the court

Tuesday night. FA sank three straight 3-pointers to end the half up 25-16 and never looked back en route to a 53-35 win over the Lakers (3-6).

Coach Thomas felt his club’s intensity for a full 32 minutes was the difference as FA shook off a poor shooting first half and relied on their defense to put them on the right track.

“We created a lot of easy looks, even though we weren’t making those shots. It was a sloppy first half, but getting those easy looks — even if we’re not making them — is good for us. That’s one less thing we have to do in the half court. 24 steals tonight. To create that many turnovers, it’s going to help on the offensive end,” Coach Thomas said.

FA was paced by Gunnar Saunders with 12 points while Joao Orlando added 10, Lorenzo Vallemani 9 and Camden Johnson 8 points.

LR center Jackson Libby (12 points) rallied his club with two strong inside moves to make it 16-15, but the Raiders closed out the half with 3-pointers by Sean Davis, Saunders and Richardson.

The Lakers made runs at the Raiders in the third with Libby scoring backto-back hoops on nice feeds from Duprey to cut

FA BOYS, Page 8A

Some ‘superb’ LR Indoor results

SThe Lake Region Indoor Track team started their regular season Friday at the USM field house in Gorham and had quite a few superb results.

The boys beat Boothbay/ Wiscasset and Traip Academy. They were only 7 points away from Cape Elizabeth.

The girls finished third in the 8-team meet and beat Cape Elizabeth by 7 points.

Junior Division (JR) girls (ninth and 10th graders) performed well; all getting at least one personal record (PR). Kaitlin Lane had two PRs and placed third in the shot put. Madelyn Long also had 2 PRs, including a 0.3 second improvement in

the 200 meters. Kimberly Stiffler also PRed in the 200 meters by 0.3 seconds. All three have been very dedicated at practices this season.

Veteran JR division athlete Marissa Harlow a great day at the high jump. We have not been able to practice the high jump much recently, but Marissa got her time in on Friday. Her PR was 3-feet-10. She made that and 4-feet and 4-feet-2. Then, since it was a tie for first, she competed in a jump off with Audrey Drennan from York. They both missed on a fourth attempt at 4-feet-4, then Audrey made the one jump at 4-feet-3 to win the event.

Marissa finished second.

Hailey Brewer and Campbell Johnson scored in a couple of Senior Division (SR) events (11th and 12th graders). Campbell won the high jump at 5-0 and selected 5-3 for the next height since she already has the school record at 5-2. She had decent attempts at 5-3, but the bar fell each time.

Campbell was second (29.40) and Hailey was fifth (31.50) in the 200 meters. Campbell’s time provisionally qualified her for States. Both girls PRed in the event as did Hanna Siebert (35.77). All three girls had PRs by over 0.2 seconds.

Alex Freitas and Taylor

Spearrin competed in SR events for the boys. Alex placed second in the hurdles (9.41) and fourth in the 200 meters (26.78). It was his first indoor 200 meters, matching his PR from outdoors. Taylor ran a PR by 0.7 seconds in the 400 meters (1:05.65) and tied his PR in the high jump (5-2), earning third place.

Three boys and two girls competed in Open events (open to all grade levels). Grady Kemp broke the 5-minute barrier in the mile for the first time and won the event (4:59.46) with a powerful kick over the last 50 meters.

Ezra Gronlund (sev -

LR INDOOR, Page 8A

Good start for FA track squad

For Fryeburg Academy indoor track Coach Trevor Hope, the day started somewhat bumpy last Friday as his Raiders geared up for the first meet of the season.

“I had no idea starting the day that our bus would be cancelled and I would be driving the shuttle bus myself in the snow to get to the competition! Thankfully, we made it to and from the meet safely but it was more of an adventure than I was hoping for,” he said.

Fryeburg Academy had 12 athletes (five girls and seven guys), “who all competed very well and learned a lot, Coach Hope said. The meet held at the USM field house in Gorham included Greely, Poland, Yarmouth,

Some

They also all ran the 200m with similar times being just over 40 seconds.

“I think the three of them can work together at practices and get each other to break into the 30s in the next few meets!” Coach Hope said.

Enna Carbone ran the 200 and 400 meters and earned fourth place in both events for the Junior Division. Both were very good efforts and she ran perfect splits in the 400.

The last event of the day

was the girls 4x200 where Emily Chaine joined the team as the anchor.

“A good effort with her lack of sleep from traveling the day before! It was a great race and they stayed competitive,” the coach noted. “Definitely, improvements to be made, but for a first relay us coaches were very pleased.”

Enna started, Barbara second, Amber third and then Emily.

For the Raider boys:

“For a small team, we had some good marks on the field,” Coach Hope said.

Arkie Baptista and Jacob Adams went 1st and 2nd in long jump. Jacob is back in the 20-foot area and Arkie for the first time broke into 19-feet “which is amazing

considering we haven’t put a lot of practice into that,” Coach Hope pointed out.

Arkie also got second place in the high-jump at 5-feet-6. Jacob and Arkie both qualified for States in the long jump and Arkie is provisional for high jump.

Jacob also qualified for States in the 55m with a time of 7.00 which is a PR (personal record, to earn fifth place in the event (Harry Dougherty of Yarmouth had the fastest time in 6.79).

Zack Emery was FA’s first runner for the day in the 55m hurdles and ran a time of 9.82 for sixth place.

“It was a huge PR from last season especially when you consider the hurdles were a notch higher for

INDOOR, Page 8A

out of the game. My girls want to play. The skill level between the starters and the bench is substantial,” the coach said.

The Lakers led 14-11 after one as senior guard Melissa Mayo knocked down consecutive 3-pointers.

Fryeburg went on a 12-6 run in the second quarter fueled by the aggressive inside play of junior forward Mina Milosevic, who scored 7 of her team-high

17 points. FA led 23-20 at halftime.

With Milosevic tagged with three fouls, Coach Stacy opened the third with #30 on the bench.

The Lakers immediately attacked the rim, getting the ball inside to Smith who scored three straight hoops and then added a foul shot as the Lakers went up 27-23. Milosevic returned and tied the game at 27 before Bella Smith dropped a 3-pointer.

Melissa Mayo arrived her freshman year as a Lake Region varsity girls’ basketball as a “timid and shy” player with a great perimeter shot, LRHS Head Coach Doug Banks recalls.

“Over the years, Melissa has found her voice and commanded respect on the floor from not only her fellow teammates but opposing players as well,” Coach Banks said. “Melissa is an outstanding student-athlete! We are very fortunate to have her on our bench. She is a leader both on and off the court. She dials into her strengths during practices, games and into the locker room supporting her teammates!”

Coach Banks added that Melissa has “the ability to hear what we need to be successful as a team and conveys those thoughts onto the floor to generate the best performance from herself and teammates.”

“Having Melissa as a leader and high scorer, my first year as head coach, is proving to make our team morale a bit easier,” said Coach Banks of his senior guard.

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

The Mayo File

Name: Melissa Mayo

Year in School: Senior

Hometown: Bridgton Parents: John and Amy Mayo

Sports you Play: Soccer, Basketball, and Softball School organizations: National Honor Society, Math Team, Class of 2023 Treasurer

School honors: Phi Beta Kappa Award, Lions Club Student of the Month

Q. Why did you choose basketball? I started playing recreation basketball in kindergarten. As I got older,

On most nights, Jacob Chadbourne is the “most athletic” player on the court, at least in Lake Region varsity boys’ basketball Head Coach Ryan Martin’s mind.

“Jacob has not only improved his body in the off-season, but has also improved his offensive game. He has gained about 10 to 15 pounds of muscle as well as an improved 3-point shot and a much-improved mid-range game,” Coach Martin said. “Jacob is our captain and our leader that players look up to and listen to. He has been the focal point of opposing teams’ defenses so far this season. This is very difficult to see night in and night out and he has done a great job adjusting to that. He is continuing to work hard and grow in many areas as a teammate and basketball player.”

Coach Martin says the senior forward’s focus each time he steps onto the court is to work hard and win the game.

“Most importantly, he is setting a positive example for all of the players in the program who look up to him,” Coach Martin said.

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

The Chadbourne File

Name: Jacob Chadbourne

Year in School: Senior Hometown: Bridgton Parents: Gary and Laurie Chadbourne

Sports you Play : Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball

Q. Why did you choose basketball? It seemed fun when I was a kid and I’ve been playing ever since.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good game if…” I gave everything I have and worked my hardest and we got a win as a team.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big

Hancock Lumber’s PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Jacob Chadbourne Melissa Mayo

NYA and St. Dom’s/Lisbon.

highlights: Madi Beckwith, Amber Gagnon and Barbara Artero all ran the 55m with similar times although Amber did break into 9 seconds on her first meet!

NOT SO FAST — Fryeburg Academy guard Gunnar Saunders has his shot blocked by Lake Region center Jackson Libby. (Rivet Photo)

LR girls, 43-42

FA, however, closed out the quarter strong with a 7-2 run on a corner jumper by Jilyan Byrne (4 points, 11 rebounds).

LR failed to score over the final 2:12 before Smith stopped the skid as Kasey Johnson (4 points, 4 rebounds) made a perfect zip pass to Smith for an easy bucket.

LR sophomore guard Margo Tremblay had a quiet shooting night, but her two buckets proved game changing. Tremblay broke a -34-34 tie with a 3-pointer. Then, she showed off her nifty passing talent by finding Johnson on a cut to the hoop for a bank-shot off the glass.

With 3:15 left, Milosevic sank a pair of foul shots to tighten the game, 40-38. Showing no hesitation, Tremblay pulled the trigger on an open 3-point try and scored — nothing but net. It proved to be the game winner.

Milosevic scored on a roll to the hoop with 1:29 left, and Shaw scored off a turnover. With 10.4 seconds left, Mayo missed the front end of a 1-and-1 chance, giving Fryeburg life. But, the Raiders came up short.

Laker Coach Doug Banks felt it was a nice bounce-back win after a 10-point loss at Gray.

“This is a good win for the girls because we needed it. The Gray loss woke us up a little bit,” he said. “That was a win, but we have things to work on.”

He credited the play of senior guard Melissa Mayo and center Ava Smith.

“Obviously, Melissa is on the floor more than anyone else. I can’t afford for her to come out because of her leadership. She did not have a good shooting night, that’s okay. We still need her leadership. Defensively, she’s out there barking orders. We would not win this game without them pulling together as a team under Melissa’s leadership,” Coach Banks said. “Ava was certainly a glass cleaner tonight, but again, we have work to do. It’s probably going to be my theme for this game. We have listening work to do, too. We should not be cranking up shots from deep when we have a lead late.”

For the Lakers, Bella Smith had 6 points, 10 rebounds and a block.

For the Raiders, Celia Hernandez had 2 points and 7 rebounds.

The two teams meet again on Saturday, this time in Naples. Game time is 6 p.m.

FA boys’ down Lakers, 53-35

the deficit to 4 points. But, FA answered with slashing drives to the rim by Vallemani, a corner trey by Johnson, a win 3-pointer by Orlando and a drive to the rim by Geri Daiu to open a 10-point cushion.

“Every timeout, I told our guys to trust themselves. When the offense is getting open looks and they’re just not falling, we’re not going to stop shooting those shots. We shoot all those shots in practice every day, they go in all of the time. Just because they’re not going in at first doesn’t mean it will continue the whole game. I tell them trust themselves, trust the work, and eventually shots will fall,” Coach Thomas said.

Unlike their loss last week to Yarmouth when

they opened with a 17-2 run only to see the Clippers rebound with a 30-5 run by getting to the rim without much resistance, the Raiders kept up their defensive pressure until the final horn. The Lakers managed just a pair of Libby foul shots and a pull-up jumper by Jacoby Bardsley (8 points). In fact, LR went scoreless over the final 4:19 as the Raiders scored 8 straight points. The two teams meet again Saturday, this time in Naples, at 4 p.m.

Laker Coach Ryan Martin looks for his squad to rebound, but to do so, they need to take better care of the basketball.

“A lot of our turnovers were just our ball handlers not making one simple move and going by, or using a retreat dribble to create space away from the

pressure. Credit Fryeburg, they put on tremendous ball pressure,” Coach Martin said. “We struggled offensively for two reasons in my opinion. #1, we didn’t get to take too many shots because we would turn the ball over a lot. The less times you shoot, the less times you will score. We also missed a lot of shots inside tonight that we will usually finish. I think you are going

to have those games where you just miss shots. That was us today. Our team is growing and continuing to play the game one possession at a time, and playing the next play. I am very proud of our team’s progression mentally.”

Both coaches expect the atmosphere to be rocking in Saturday’s rematch. The question is who uses that energy to their advantage?

LR livestreams

Unable to take in a Lake Region H.S. basketball game in person, then watch via livestream. Here’s upcoming livestream game coverage: Today, Thursday, Jan. 12, Laker girls vs Yarmouth at 6:30 p.m. —https://youtu.be/w_CDFQJ8_F0 Saturday, Jan. 14, Laker boys vs Fryeburg Academy at 4 p.m. — https://youtu.be/1vnHqyM21lQ Saturday, Jan. 14, Laker girls vs Fryeburg Academy at 6 p.m. — https://youtu.be/L57H5d-7okI

Some ‘superb’ LR Indoor results

(Continued from Page 7A)

enth at 5:23.14) and Tristan Cormier (14th at 5:51.38) also ran well in the mile. Ezra and Tristan also ran later in the meet.

Ezra placed sixth in the 800 meters (2:21.72) and Tristan placed fifth in the 2-mile (12:21.53).

Abigail Roberts also doubled in the distance events, placing second in the mile (5:39.07) and

third in the 800 meters (2:34.20).

“Her mile time was a PR and the 800 meters was solid considering the short recovery; for Ezra as well,” Laker Coach Mark Snow said. “All three understand doubling restricts their ability to run PRs in the second event, but the goal is to use the meet as a practice. It’s the only day of the week we ‘train’ on the track…

Tyler Lafontaine

able, asks questions, and takes pride in their work.

Q. What is your favorite class? My favorite class is Photography. It is a class that has helped me see the world in a different way. I also feel that I have made clear improvement from my work at the start of the year to now. The class is entertaining, challenging, and has made me proud of myself.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is probably my seventh and eighth grade English teacher Miss Carter. She really challenged me to try my hardest and be proud of my accomplishments. Without her I don’t think I would be nearly as good a student as I am today.

Q. If you could change one thing about your educational experience, what would it be? I wish that I could find a slightly better work-life balance. As much as I am very proud of what I do and everything I am involved with in my school and community, I sometimes wish I could have a little more time to myself.

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my Eagle Scout project. I organized and led the construction of a GaGa Ball Pit (a playground addition) for my local community center. It was a daunting task and I am very impressed with myself that I got it done. It also makes me feel like I’ve really done something for my community when I see kids playing in it and having fun. It’s nice to think that I’ve made an impact on my town.

except for this year. The warm weather allowed us to have two track sessions on our own outdoor track this week!”

Campbell Johnson won the Open triple jump, setting a PR on each of her three jumps! Her winning jump of 31 feet, 0.5 inches automatically qualifies her for states and is only 6 inches off her outdoor PR.

“Campbell normally runs on the Open 4x200 meter relay, but since it was happening the same time as the triple jump, we decided to pull her out of the relay. I was very proud to see several girls ready to run in her place,” Coach Snow said.

“We settled on the foursome of Abigail, Hanna, Hailey, and outdoor veteran Lizzie Brewer. This was Lizzie’s first indoor meet so no PRs in her three events, but look for her to break the times she established on Friday.”

The relay team placed sixth in 2:15.57.

Upcoming WMC Indoor Track meets: Friday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 4:30 p.m. League Championships, Friday, Feb. 10, 4:30 p.m.

FA Indoor Track

(Continued from Page 7A)

the senior division,” Coach Hope said. “The state mark is 9.5 which is still a chunk of time to take off but we’ll see what happens!”

Jacob Eveleth is the Raiders’ only freshman, but he is putting down some big times for his first meet. Running under 8 seconds in the 55 meters (7.62 for sixth) and under 28 in the 200m (27.89), taking sixth place in the Junior Division.

Austin Dorner also ran the 200m, getting close to breaking the 30s mark and ran exactly 8.5 in the 55m.

Tristin Nylin and Sam Johnson were FA’s shot-put throwers. They both threw very similar distances in the 25-foot area — Sam at 25-5.50 and Tristan at 25-3.

“I think they have a lot more in them and they will steadily inch forward to the 30-foot area,” the coach said. The 4x200 was run by Jacob A., Zack, Jacob E. and Arkie as the anchor. “They ran a good time to start the season and I think there is much improvement to be had as we move forward,” Coach Hope added. “Great work from everyone!”

TIPPED AWAY — Lake Region’s Bella Smith tips away a pass intended inside the paint for Fryeburg’s Mina Milosevic. (Rivet Photo)

Opinion & Comment

Dietitian’s Corner

by Donna Dodge Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Consultant

Your Brain on Fats

“Wait a year and it’s likely change again.”

These words were whispered to me by a colleague as we sat in a cardiac nutrition seminar. I nodded back, agreeing with her assertion that diet recommendations did seem to change frequently. It seemed, also, that when this happened, the new guidelines often contradicted previous guidelines… eat eggs, don’t eat eggs; eat margarine, don’t eat margarine; drink coffee, don’t drink coffee.

This column will share one of the latest flip-flops: Eating Fat is Good for Our Brain. What?! Please don’t shoot the messenger, but really? Weren’t we told that fat is a reviled food, one that must be trimmed away, skimmed off, avoided? As a nation, we wholly embraced this advice and, in doing so, made egg whites, skim milk, and fat-free ice cream as American as baseball and apple pie (fat-free, of course). So how can experts now claim that fat is good for our brains?

Before we throw up our hands in frustration and dismiss the advice, let’s unpack some information together. First, we know that the brain is 60% fat of which more than half is saturated. In fact, the brain contains more saturated fat than almost any organ in the body. It’s only logical, then, that we eat saturated fats to optimize brain health.

Rich sources of saturated fats include whole-milk products, egg yokes, butter, beef, chicken and coconut oil. Researchers are now looking into the possibility of using highly-saturated coconut oil as a treatment not only for Alzheimer’s disease but also for Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). It’s an exciting time for brain and nutrition research and we still have a lot to learn.

Another important fat is omega-3 fatty acids, which make up 10 to 20 percent of the brain. Some studies show that people who consume adequate omega-3s have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Omega-3 rich foods include flax seed, walnuts, and fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, oysters, and sardines. Fish and cod liver oil, too.

But not all fats are beneficial, which leads us to the second thing we know — and have known for 50 years — that certain fats are downright injurious to brain cells.

The most harmful fats are hydrogenated fats, often referred to as trans fats. These manmade fats start out as a liquid and are hardened by a chemical process using high heat, pressure, and a metal catalyst. This stiffens them creating a solid. Once eaten, they are incorporated into brain cells where they cause a stiffening of cell walls rendering cells less efficient and less functional.

Trans fats promote disease in a myriad of other ways, but that’s a topic for another column. Just know that the National Academy of Sciences concluded there is no safe level of consumption. Despite this, they are rampant in our food supply, lurking in pre-packaged convenient foods, fast foods, margarines, crackers, soups, cake mix, cookies and many boxed foods. To identify them, look for the term ‘hydrogenated’ or ‘partially-hydrogenated’ oil in ingredient lists. They are much easier to find since the FDA required their labeling beginning in 2008.

Another fat to avoid are omega-6 fats found in vegetable, safflower, soy, and corn oils. Whereas trans fats make brain cell membranes too stiff, omega-6 fats make them too floppy. The result is, again, poorly functioning cells. In test animals, diets high in vegetable oils not only inhibited the ability to learn, but were linked to mental decline and accelerated aging.

To stay sharp into old age, here’s my advice based on the latest data: Avoid margarines, fried foods, fast foods, nondairy creamers, vegetable shortening, crackers, commercially prepared pizza dough, pie crusts, pastries and donuts. Read labels as items may vary by brand. For example, some peanut

FAT, Page 4B

Prison vigil

To The Editor:

It is easy to forget that 35 people are still being held in the Guantanamo Bay Prison. The prison was opened on Jan. 11, 2002, and a growing chorus of voices representing lawyers, journalists, retired military personnel and concerned citizens are insisting that the prison should be shut down.

It is easy to forget that 20 of the detainees have been cleared for release, but remain in prison having never been charged with any crime. For the first four years of its existence, Guantanamo Bay Prison operated in secret like many other places around the world termed, “black sites.” A secret Justice Department memorandum had redefined the meaning of torture allowing prisoners to be tortured and abused at the “black sites.” Of the 780 men and boys, all Muslim, held at Guantanamo, 86 percent of them were sold to the United States for a bounty, usually $5,000.

It is time to remember that Guantanamo Bay Prison needs to be closed. A vigil will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at 1 p.m. (snow date Sunday, Jan. 15) at the Maine National Guard Armory, 179 Western Avenue, Augusta. Please exercise your freedom and privilege of living in a democracy by voicing your disapproval of the whole unjust saga of

LettersGuantanamo Bay Prison. Let President Biden, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden know that the prison is undermining American values and national security and must be closed.

For more details contact https://peaceactionme.org/ events/mainers-join-call-toclose-guantanamo.html.

Sally and Jon Chappell Bridgton

Biden’s Hockey Sticks

To The Editor:

Since you probably are a CMP customer, you already received their recent mailing outlining the huge jump in their “Standard Rate.” Their graph of rate increases (shown here) resembles a hockey stick, showing a long handle of stable prices followed by a sudden sharp increase. This was caused by the dramatic

January 12, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Sebago’s Honored Dead

Howdy neighbor!

Hope you’ll pardon the morbid title, but today, there’s a matter of both timely and historic news to discuss. I was recently reading a back issue of Portland Magazine ,—the November 2022 issue if you can still find one – whose cover story was something of an expose on a piece of recent local history which, though it occurred only a few generations ago, has already passed into legend. The article was titled, ‘Secrets of the Deep’ by Colin W. Sargent and concerned the history surrounding the crash of two RAF Corsairs into Sebago Lake on May 16, 1944, during a training mission.

The young British pilots, Sub-Lieutenants Vaughn Reginald Gill and Raymond Laurence Knott, had been sent to Maine for further instruction during World War II, and during their mission while flying in close formation it is told that one of the planes flew too close to the surface of the water, accidentally crashing and kicking up a plume, which took out the other plane’s engines. The two Corsairs sank quickly, and their pilots with them, and for the last 79 years, the two have remained lost in their watery graves, some 50 fathoms down beneath the placid surface of old Sebago.

At the time, there were several recovery efforts made, but even with a diving bell, the two planes could not then be found, and since that time, it has remained the position of both the State of Maine and the British government that the site should be treated as a war memorial; the two pilots

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

officially listed as Missing in Action.

This is a story that many hereabouts may have heard before — I know I did when I was a boy — because back in 2003 the planes were rediscovered by an experienced dive crew, and efforts were put underway to salvage them. These efforts were almost immediately stymied by a heap of legal red tape and conflicting judicial challenges in Admiralty Court, which pretty well put the whole affair on what seems to be an indefinite legal backburner. It’s been 20 years now, a fact that seems to have occasioned Sargent’s article, which you really should read if you can because he has a wealth of wonderful photographs to share.

And so, the two pilots remain there still, held down in the dark, cold, sunless depths of the lake, which, historically, has been notoriously hostile to recovery missions. That’s really the

HONORED, Page 4B

Bunchberry: A Modern Catapult

When I arrived for a recent appointment on Jan. 4, I was asked if I was still outside doing some gardening. I chuckled in response, and we continued to talk about the warmer weather of this season.

In reality, I had distributed some common milkweed seeds on the ground just before the first snowstorm in an experiment to see if they would be held in place by the snow and be productive in the spring. Now that there is a little snow on the ground, I am restricted to planning what I will do during the next growing season.

I have one area that is partly shaded by pine trees that has not yet received attention by me. My research for this column has resulted in my decision of one species to plant. The plant that I have decided upon is a groundcover that requires a cool, moist spot and acidic soil to grow. The plant of which I write is the native Bunchberry or Chamaepericlymenum canadense, or Canada dwarf-dogwood (that is a scientific name that I will never try to pronounce in public). It is also named in the literature as Cornus canadensis.

The bunchberry blooms in late spring/early summer and grows only to a height of 6 to 8 inches. The white flowers of the early summer are followed by bright red berries that appear in late summer or early fall. Under the four large white petals (in this case termed bracts), there are four to six leaves with parallel leaf veins that are 2 to 6 centimeters long. The leaves

increase in energy costs and inflation since Biden took office in January 2020.

If you heat your house with resistance electric heat, such as baseboard, you will see your electric rates skyrocket this month. You are already seeing, on TV, people who simply can’t afford it. The State of Maine just passed a $450 rebate for

nearly 880,000 Maine residents to help low income people pay for the energy increases. Since when does low income include single people earning $100,000 a year? ($200,000 for couples). Maine Democrats are actually trying to fix a problem that was caused by the democratic Biden administration! It might have been better for Maine to

Down the Garden Path

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

will become burgundy red in the autumn. The flowers are positioned in the middle of the white petal-like bracts and can be identified by the tiny yellow-green structures in the middle.

One very interesting thing about the bunchberry is how the pollen is dispersed. When reading about the process, it is helpful to review a couple terms that describe plant reproduction.

The male structures involved in reproduction include a stalk, called the filament, which has an anther at the tip. The pollen develops inside the anther. The filament and the anther together are called the stamen.

The female part of a flower has three parts that are collectively called the pistil. At the top is the stigma that has a sticky surface to which the pollen sticks. The style is like a stalk, and it positions the stigma in a position so that pollen

BUNCHBERRY, Page 4B

sale inflation, illegal migrant encounters, drug seizures, drug overdose deaths, crime, etc.

The Bridgton News probably won’t have the space to show the graphs I include. They all look the same and they were caused by Joe Biden in just two years!

We now have stagflation and are probably headed for a double dip recession. It would be nice if the media and the critics would stop their bellyaching against President Trump, who has been out of office for two years. They should focus instead on Joe Biden and his executive orders, (without congressional approval), that caused these hockey sticks. Bill Preis

Bridgton

Porous borders

Come they did by the millions. We have no idea who most of these people are. Crime experts believe that many of the illegals, who have crashed our borders, are terrorists, drug and child traffickers, or those intent on taking advantage of our massive welfare state.

I believe most Americans are all for immigrants who come here the right way, by following the law. In fact, I believe most of us would gladly approve a major increase in the number who come here legally.

It is estimated that 196 Americans are dying daily from fentanyl overdoses that have doubled from 2019 to 2021. Last year, there were 107,622 overdoses in the United States — two thirds of them from fentanyl according to the CDC.

reduce the income threshold so fewer people qualify for the rebate, and then use that $473 million fund to increase the dollar amount given to real low-income people on fixed incomes, who are struggling to pay their heating bills and cost of living.

There are so many graphs that resemble hockey sticks since Biden took office, such as, gas prices, mortgage rates, consumer inflation, whole-

To The Editor: President Biden and the Democratic Party have the blood of hundreds of thousands of Americans on their hands. Within minutes of assuming the presidency, Biden foolishly threw open the nation’s borders, and urged millions of people from all over the world to descend on America, no questions asked.

Most of the fentanyl is manufactured in China and then sent to the drug cartels in Mexico, who then bring it across our porous borders, where it decimates our young people. What a tragedy that need not happen except for the gross stupidity of Biden and the political hacks surrounding him.

Maine’s Congressional delegation is more than equally complicit in the carnage that Biden has unleashed on this

MILL POND REFLECTIONS at Shorey Park following the light snowfall in Bridgton this past weekend. (Photo by Pam Ward)

Bunchberry: A Modern Catapult

can be collected. The ovary is the base of the pistil, and it contains the seeds, or ovules, which require fertilization. When pollen reaches the ovules, fertilization can occur.

In an article published in 2005, Michael Schirber summarized the research by Joan Edwards from Williams College. She was able to document that the bunchberry

Legals

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Office Closure

The Naples Town Office will be closed Monday, January 16, 2023 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 2T1

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

Special Amusement Permit Application

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Bridgton will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 to accept oral and written comments on a Special Amusement Permit Application from Noble House Inn located at 81 Highland Road for live music and entertainment. 1T2

flowers burst open in less than one-half of a millisecond and the four stamens catapult the pollen into the air at a speed of about 7 mph. Schirber described that as, “That’s like you trying to throw a rock onto the top of a six-story building.” Schirber described that, “The dogwood petals restrain the pollen-holding stamens in a folded position. When the petals flip open, the four stamens unfurl — accelerating at 2,400 times the force of gravity…”

The article was titled, World’s Fastest Plant: New Speed Record Set. The propelled pollen reaches a height of about an inch which increases the likelihood of it reaching a receptive stigma on another plant. Joan Edward’s estimated that if there

Page 4B

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING Special Amusement Permit Application

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Bridgton will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 to accept oral and written comments on a Special Amusement Permit Application from Queen’s Head Pub located at 271 Main Street for live music and entertainment. 1T2

PUBLIC NOTICE

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING JANUARY 24, 2023

CASCO COMMUNITY CENTER 940 MEADOW ROAD 6:00 P.M.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOVELL PLANNING BOARD

The Lovell Planning Board has scheduled a second monthly meeting for January 18, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Lovell Town Hall, 1133 Main St., Lovell, Maine. The Meeting agenda will include the review of a Conditional Use application submitted by Bridgton Investment Fund, LLC, for the construction of an 8,000 square foot warehouse/distribution center facility at 699 Main St. in Lovell.

Heinrich Wurm Chairperson 1T2

The Town of Casco will hold a Special Town Meeting on January 24, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Casco Community Center. This meeting is regarding the following: Enacting an Ordinance entitled “Commercial Solar Energy Facility Moratorium”, appropriation of funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the unanticipated increase in the Town’s snow plowing contract and appropriation of funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance for repairs to the cellar, roof and walls of the Casco Public Library. For more information, please contact the Casco Town Office or check our website at www.cascomaine.org 1T2

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES

Planning Board Meeting

The Naples Planning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. The meeting will be in person at the Naples Town Hall Board Room located at 15 Village Green Lane starting at 6 p.m. On the Agenda: 1. Old Business

An application for a modification to a site plan approved in 1998 for Double Eagle Properties, LLC to replace single wide mobile homes with double wide mobile homes (Tax Map R03, Lot 49B)

The signing of a plot plan for a modification to a site plan approved in 1989 for the property owned by Karen Swaim to modify her property lines (Tax Map R04, Lot 23-6)

Plans may be viewed online at www.townofnaples.org

The public is welcome to attend the meeting. Any questions or concerns please contact codeoffice@ townofnaples.org 2T1

Please take note that, pursuant to 38 MRSA, Sections 413 and 414-A, Martini 54 Lakeside LLC of Boston, Massachusetts intends to file a wastewater discharge permit transfer application with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The existing permit allows for the discharge of 10,000 gallons per day (gpd) of sanitary wastewater to the groundwater in Bridgton, Maine.

The application will be filed on or about January 10, 2023, and will be available for public inspection at DEP’s Augusta office during normal business hours. A copy may also be seen at the municipal offices in Bridgton.

A request for a public hearing or request that the Board of Environmental Protection assume jurisdiction over this application must be received by the DEP, in writing, no later than 20 days after the application is found acceptable for processing, or 30 days from the date of this notice, whichever is longer. Requests shall state the nature of the issue(s) to be raised. Unless otherwise provided by law, a hearing is discretionary and may be held if the Commissioner or the Board finds significant public interest or there is conflicting technical information.

During the time specified above, persons wishing to receive copies of draft permits and supporting documents, when available, may request them from DEP. Persons receiving a draft permit shall have 30 days in which to submit comments or to request a public hearing on the draft.

Public comment will be accepted until a final administrative action is taken to approve, approve with conditions or deny this application. Written public comments or requests for information may be made to Maine Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Quality Management Department of Environmental Protection State House Station #17 Augusta, Maine 04333-0017 Telephone (207) 287-7688 1T2

Obituaries

Guy F. Merrill

OTISFIELD — Guy Frederick Merrill, 70, of Otisfield, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born on Sept. 5, 1952, in Boston, Mass., a son of Guy L. and Ivy M. (Craig) Merrill and moved to Maine at a very young age attending Oxford and Casco schools.

In his younger years, he worked with his father and brother, “Kippy” in a scrap metal business in Casco. For many years he also worked for Wick’s Lumber in Portland and Record Lumber in Oxford. More recently he could be seen at the Outback Bottle Redemption Center in Windham and from time to time filling in at the Otisfield transfer station.

Guy enjoyed attending Otisfield Selectman meetings, his involvement in Casco Days either driving a float or selling raffle tickets, family reunions, playing cards with friends and watching wrestling on TV.

He is survived by his companion of 33 years, Gail Violette of Otisfield; siblings, Clifford “Kippy” Merrill (wife, Paula) of Portland, Robert “Bobby” Merrill of Windham, Wendolyn “Wendy” Robinson of Masardis, Wanda Skillings (husband, Dick) of Casco, Vicki Granholm of Auburn, Joni Merrill of Otisfield, and Barbi Robbins (husband, Roger) of Casco. He is also survived by Gails’s children, Tammy Cecore and (husband, David) of Conn., Garnette Morris (husband, Wes) of Idaho, Christian Violette (longtime companion Kathy) of Portland, and John “Binky” Violette (wife Jen) of Norway. Surviving him also are several nieces, nephews, grand and great, who were all very special to Guy and also his 93-year-old Aunt Pearl Sampson of Norway. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Elwin Merrill; brothers-in-law, Ira Hersey and Hollis Robinson.

A funeral service celebrating Guy’s life will be held at 2 p.m., on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the Spurr’s Corner Church, 1005 State Route 121, Otisfield. A short time of viewing will be from 1:30 p.m. until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Guy’s memory to the Cat Coalition of Southern Maine and/or the Otisfield Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco, www.hallfuneralhome.net.

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING Liquor License Application

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Bridgton will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 to accept oral and written comments on a New Liquor License Application from Queen’s Head Pub located at 271 Main Street. 1T2

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

JANUARY 25TH, 2023

CASCO COMMUNITY CENTER 940 MEADOW ROAD 6:30 P.M.

There will be a Public Hearing held on January 25, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at the Casco Community Center Meeting Room, 940 Meadow Road, Casco, Maine on the following items:

• Application for Variance – Miljan Bajic of 77 Merganser Street, Westbrook, ME 04092. Is requesting a Dimensional Variance for a 5'x17' balcony on a new house at 31 Garland Road, Casco Maine Tax Map 22 - Lot 29.

• Application for Variance – Michael Polland, applicant is seeking a Road/ROW setback for a lakeside storage shed for property owners Bruce B. and Diane E. Craver of 87 Miller Road, Casco, Maine –Tax Map 47- Lot 8

• Administrative Appeal – is being sought by Hayden Stokes submitted on behalf of Key Haven Holdings, LLC, Located at 200 Roosevelt Trail, Casco, Maine 04015 Tax Map 2, - Lot 1-8 for the denial of the permit based on a misinterpretation of the Ordinance to allow an Adult Use Cannabis Store.

Respectfully Submitted, Mary Tremblay, Deputy CEO 2T2

NATIVE BUNCHBERRY or Chamaepericlymenum canadense, or Canada dwarf-dogwood, a groundcover that requires a cool, moist spot and acidic soil to grow.

Eva M. Thurlow

Eva M. Thurlow, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, December 13, at her home in Casco. Eva was born on August 19, 1934, the youngest child of Clayton and Grace Pike. She attended local schools in Waterford and was a graduate of Bridgton Academy in 1952.

Eva is predeceased by her husband Herbert who passed away in 1993, to whom she was married for 41 years. She was also predeceased by her four brothers and seven sisters: Wendell, Bob, Fred, Herbert Pike, sisters, Edith Monk, Ruth O’Brien, Reta St. John, Laura Richardson, Betty Adams and Lila Hill.

Eva enjoyed dancing, playing cribbage and a spirited discussion with her siblings. The most important part of her life was her family.

Eva was a member of the Ronald G. St. John Post 9328 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Patsy Jordan Long and her husband Alan, of Casco, Michael Thurlow and his wife Vicky of New Port Richey, Fla., and Malcolm Thurlow of Casco, grandchildren Christopher Jordan, Jillian Brogan, Heather Jordan and Evan Thurlow, great-grandchildren Kaylyn Jordan, Janessa Tosi, Leah and Ian Brogan and Colson and Deagan Thurlow.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring at her camp on Bear Pond in Waterford.

Albert E. Nelson Jr.

STONEHAM — Albert E. Nelson Jr., 68, a lifelong resident of Stoneham, died during the early morning hours of Jan. 2, 2023, at his home in Stoneham.

“Genie” as he was called by his close family and friends was born on Apr. 28, 1954, in Bridgton and was the third child of four to Albert E. and Eleanor E. (Files) Nelson Sr.

He attended the Stoneham school and Fryeburg Academy, graduating in 1972. After high school he went to SMVTI and studied Small Engine Repair.

He settled into work as a young man at “the tannery” (AC Lawrence Leather Company) in South Paris in the early 1970s and worked alongside his father and many others that came to be lifelong friends.

Regardless of his “regular job,” Genie always worked in cemeteries, digging graves, mowing and trimming with his family after hours and on the weekend. He turned that work into his “life’s work” formally with the inception of A.E. Nelson, Jr. & Sons in the mid to late 1980s.

Genie has served thousands of families over the years through countless funeral homes and individuals and was always very proud of it. He would often say that it didn’t matter if it was a prince or a pauper that he treated everyone the same. There were over 100 cemeteries that trusted him and his boys with grave openings and closings, and he had the good fortune of the full-time care of the Pine Grove Cemetery in Fryeburg for 30 years as well as the Maple Grove Cemetery in Mechanic Falls and Riverside Cemetery in Lewiston for several years.

When he wasn’t working and wasn’t at home, you knew where to find him…CAMP. He took over the care and responsibility of Nelson’s Big Brook Camp on the west side of Aziscohos Lake off the Parmachene Road from Albert and Eleanor and made countless “upgrades” (some may disagree) over the years. All those changes, however, were all to lengthen his stays. Hundreds of people have enjoyed camp over the years, and he was happy to share it. If he couldn’t be there enjoying it, somebody should be.

He loved the smelt run in the spring, summer nights in the “hut” at his house, bird hunting in the fall, snowmobiling in the winter and the company of his dog. Regular family visits/ events were always something to look forward to and recently enjoyed grandchildren’s activities. He loved a cigarette with his cup of coffee in the morning and a cigarette with his drink at 5 p.m. He was trustworthy, honest, hardworking and we’ll certainly miss him.

Genie is loved by his sons, Eric Nelson and his wife, Erin and their children, Sawyer and Cooper, and Troy Nelson and his wife, Megan and their children, Ben and Annabelle; a sister, Sharon Berman and her husband, Howard of Belmont, Mass., a sister, Cheryl Barnard and her husband, Paul of Seaford, Va., and a brother, Dale Nelson and his wife, Kitty of North Lovell; eight nieces and nephews and seven great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents in 2006.

A time to visit and reminisce will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at the Bear Mountain Inn + Barn, 364 Waterford Rd., Waterford, ME 04088. His cremated remains will be buried in the family plot at the Hillside Cemetery in his beloved Stoneham as well as some of his other favorite spots where we’ll always think of him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stoneham Fire Department, 47 Butters Hill Road, Stoneham, ME 04231 or just take a ride into camp sometime. Genie stories can be shared at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Obituary Policy

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

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

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

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

Brian J. Huot

FRYEBURG — Brian “Skipper” Jay Huot, 64, of Fryeburg, died December 15, 2022, peacefully at home, with his wife Audrey and family members by his side.

Brian was born June 10, 1958, in Biddeford.

Brian is predeceased by his parents, Harry Norman and Jeanette Huot of Biddeford, daughterin-law, Shantea Wolridge-Huot of Giddings Tex.

Brian is survived by his wife Audrey Huot of Fryeburg, son, Jay David Huot of New Braunfels, Tex., daughter Nichole Huot, of Cape Elizabeth, daughter Heather Lusky of San Francisco, Calif., daughter Holly Harmon and husband John of Las Vegas, Nev. Five grandchildren, Teddy Wolridge, Madison Huot, Mia Huot of Giddings Tex., Kyle Huot, and Reese Huot of Cape Elizabeth.

Brian’s elementary education was in private Catholic schools before finishing his high school years in public school. He had some secondary education, taking computer technology and he also attended boat building school.

Brian worked for the State of Maine for many years, first for the State Liquor Stores and then for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Brian worked at the New Gloucester fish hatchery as a fish culturist and loved to go out on the trucks and stock the brooks and streams with the brown trout they raised there.

Brian liked to sky dive when younger. Brian loved the ocean, and especially shark fishing. Brian was a certified scuba diver, he brought the oceans into his home with his magnificent saltwater fish tanks. Brian was an amazing cook and would plan and prepare the most amazing BBQ food for his family and friends. Brian loved his dogs, and never wanted to be without at least one or two. They were such a comfort and source of joy for him.

There will be no services, at Brian’s request.

Donations in Brian’s honor can be made to NFI North, Bridge Crossing / Bridge Crossing Academy, 15 Wayside Avenue, Bridgton, ME 04009.

Philip S. Douglas

SEBAGO — Philip Stephen Douglas, was born January 21, 1948, in Gorham, Maine, to the late Philip Sawtell Douglas and Lucretia (Decker) Douglas.

Steve passed away peacefully at his home in Sebago on Saturday January 7, 2023, at 8:55 a.m., surrounded by loving family after a brief illness.

However, the family feels a broken heart plays the biggest role after the recent loss of his beloved wife. Steve and Ruth’s love story began in January of 1969 and after a brief courtship they were married on April 19, 1969.

Steve and Ruth enjoyed many years participating in the Sebago Lions Club. Steve also was an avid hunter and enjoyed the outdoors. He loved having a vegetable garden every summer when his family was young.

He greatly enjoyed summers at Barker Pond with the Andersons, Chases and Dolloffs.

He was always involved in his community and was well known by most.

Throughout Sebago and neighboring towns, you can see Steve’s legacy in the many house lots he did the land work at during the years he was a heavy equipment operator, whether it was during his time employed with George Anderson & Sons or owning and running his own business with his brother Abe, or the many years he was an employee for the Town of Sebago.

Steve loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and most recently was so proud and excited to become a great-grandfather.

Steve was predeceased by his beautiful wife on July 18 of this past year. He is also predeceased by his father Philip Sawtell Douglas and Mother Lucretia (Decker) Douglas, his brother Abraham Parker; and his in-laws Edward F. and Madeline T. Mulderig.

Steve is survived by his children, his daughter Jody M. Blanchet and her husband Scott Blanchet from Sebago, his daughter Heidi L. Theriault and her husband Shannon Theriault of N. Waterboro, his son Scott S. Douglas and his wife Lisa Douglas of Sebago, his grandchildren Nathan M. Blanchet, Melanie E. Hall and her husband Ronald Hall, Hannah, Philip, Brady Burnell, Matthew Douglas, Seth Theriault, Nicole Shrier and Ashley Hutchins, great-granddaughter Maia Isabelle Hall, his loving sister Diana Letellier, longtime family friends Kenneth and Vera Noble and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, from 5 - 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. funeral service at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., in Cornish. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Sebago Fire/Rescue, Androscoggin Hospice and Home Care or an animal shelter of your choice.

Gary E.

Pendexter

NORWAY — Gary E. Pendexter, 79, of South Paris, passed away at Stephens Memorial Hospital on December 29, 2022. He was born in Bridgton on July 22, 1943, the son of Roger and Gertrude (Koski) Pendexter. He attended school in Bridgton and went on to work at Blue Rock, was a Deputy Sheriff with Cumberland County and after retirement worked at Advanced Auto. He was a member of the Elks & Eagle Lodge in Millinocket.

He is survived by his partner Bonnie Palmer, sister Mary Madura, two daughters Lisa and Regina, and many grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Richard W. “Bones” Pendexter and sister Sherry Bois.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www. chandlerfunerals.com

Janet L. Locke

CASCO — Janet L. Locke passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, of a brief illness at Bridgton Hospital.

Janet was predeceased by her husband Gary Lee Locke. She was the youngest of seven siblings: four sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her oldest brother George Tracy. Her other siblings have predeceased her: Gloria Tracy Waugh, Poland, Glenna Tracy Skillings, Barbara Tracy Frank, Virginia Tracy Burnell, and Ronald Tracy Jr.

She was born in Bridgton, on September 17, 1937, to parents Cora Ridlon Tracy and Ronald Tracy Sr. She grew up in Naples in the family home built by her father across from the golf course.

Janet graduated from Bridgton High School in 1956 and attended the Maine College of Art in Portland. She married the love of her life Gary Lee Locke on June 16, 1957. The wedding took place at the home of her parents. It was so hot that day the record meant to play their wedding song (In The Garden) melted on the phonograph.

They traveled the country and made many great friends along the way, finally settling in Casco. Janet and Gary owned the local grocery store, the Friendly Village Market, for several years. They both went on to have careers in the U.S. Postal Service. They enjoyed ice fishing, golf and camping and Frosty Parties with their friends the Wards, Jordans, Bells and Strouts.

She was a talented seamstress, she made her own wedding dress and worked for a fashion designer while living in Alaska. She was also a model for the same designer.

Janet was an avid gardener and herbalist. At their home on Mayberry Hill she grew most of their vegetables and maintained several beautiful flower beds. A well-known artist and was commissioned to create a pen and ink of the village church that was used on the church’s note cards for many years. She also enjoyed interior design and was pretty handy with woodworking tools as well. Her vast and ever-changing Christmas display in the family home was one of her great joys during the holiday season.

She is greatly missed by her daughter, Melanie Locke and partner Ed Domas; grandchildren Jazmin DeRice Miller and husband Chris Miller, great-granddaughter Wolfe Miller; Gabrielle DeRice and husband Seth Perkins, grandson Selwyn DeRice-Perkins.

Her family is extremely grateful for the kind and professional care she received while living at Country Village Assisted Living Center in Casco. She enjoyed spending time with the other residents and nurses along with Peanut Butter and the many children that visited.

A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2023. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, www.hallfuneralhome. net.

2023 – Our Moment to Decide Independent Thought

“Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, in the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side. Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight, and the choice goes by forever, ‘twixt that darkness and that light.”

Based on a poem by James Russell Lowell, that hymn is as pertinent today as when it was composed. This New Year, 2023, is our moment to decide which side we’re on — truth or falsehood, good or evil, bloom or blight. No American can avoid making that great decision, although many will try. How we decide will determine what kind of nation we will be in the coming years, or even if we will continue to be a nation. We’re at a point of no return.

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln said that, “this government cannot endure permanently, half slave and half free…It will become all one thing or all the other.” Were he alive today, Lincoln might say that our government cannot endure permanently, half under the rule of law and half under the rule of the lawless. Does the rule of law apply equally to all Americans, or is it merely an empty slogan, which we repeat to make ourselves feel good?

The Preamble to the Constitution lists “establish justice” as

magnificent country, as they have literally backed his maniacal programs 100% of the time.

Shame on you, Angus King, Chellie Pingree, and Jared Golden. If America eventually collapses, as appears more likely with each passing day, you will share much of the blame.

Robert M. Howe Jr.

Bridgton

The Great American Experiment

To The Editor: The Great American Experiment, based on individual rights (Life, Liberty, and Property) is diametrically opposed to the Progressive/ Socialist movement in our country.

The unique American idea was codified in the Declaration of Independence, which established that the people, regardless of their station in life have rights derived from “…Nature and Nature’s God…” The great American experiment starts with the sovereignty of the individual, who then grants to governments specific and limited powers. The Constitution defines specifically the limits on government power, the people’s rights which government cannot abridge, modify or in any way usurp without a Constitutional Amendment (Article V).

Other societies give sovereignty over the people to government where a small, elite rules with few, if any, restrictions on their power. The people’s rights are at the whim of their rulers. This difference is what makes America so unique.

For over a hundred years, Progressivism/Socialism has been promoting the retro-idea that government should have unlimited power to better guide the masses into equality of outcome and uniform poverty. Despite good intentions (aren’t

they what pave the road to hell), the net result of Progressivism/ Socialism is not the betterment of the people, but the enrichment of the political/business (woke) elites. Attendant with this drift from the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, comes monopolistic control by the few over the many and the inevitable corruption that is the byproduct of unlimited power.

“All power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely.” (Acton Institute)

As Progressive/Socialist politicians have gained more and more power over the American people, they have succumbed to the corruption of power. They are replacing individual rights, limited government, free-market capitalism with a Socialist, totalitarian, all powerful government.

Given that Socialism has never, anywhere, lived up to its promise, and given that politicians use Socialism’s promise to get elected, shouldn’t politicians use the scientific method to prove their theories before they misdirect elections and pass unproven laws?

Jock MacGregor Sebago

We are to blame

To The Editor:

The United States has a bushel of complicated, controversial issues that are rather overwhelming. The logical question is, “who is to blame for the current situation?”

Since the end of WWII, there have been presidents and Congresses of both parties, so are either of these or both to blame? It is time to drill a little deeper into the “blame” question.

If we take any typical election — municipal, state or federal — it is a rare occasion when 59% of eligible voters actually vote. Let’s start there. Assume the number 100 represents 100% of all eligible, registered voters. Then 59% would be 59 voters. Of the 59 voters, one more than half (30) vote for the winner in any particular election and one less

one of the fundamental purposes of constitutional governance. The ability of our current government to deliver on that purpose is in doubt. Can we establish “equal justice under law,” as the motto on the Supreme Court building declares? Do we hold ordinary citizens to strict standards of lawful behavior, but allow wealthy, powerful citizens to abuse the legal system and wriggle out of crimes, which they commit with impunity?

What needs to happen during 2023 for us to know that we’ve chosen truth over falsehood and good over evil? This above all: those people, who planned the insurrection against our government, must be indicted, tried and, if found guilty, imprisoned for the maximum time permitted by law. Allowing coup plotters to plea-bargain their way out of prison time should not be considered. We’ve spent too many years coddling rich scofflaws. Our moneyed elites have spent decades wallowing in crime. It’s time they were introduced to punishment.

In his essay, Slavery in Massachusetts, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “The law will never make men free; it is men who have got to make the law free. They are the lovers of law and order, who observe the law when the government breaks it.” Investigations by the Jan. 6 Committee and the Justice Department have revealed voluminous evidence of lawbreak-

than half (29) vote for the loser. Of the 30 who vote for the winner, fewer than half (15) actually know what and for whom they are actually voting for. Most voters are influenced by money, media, friends with the same political philosophy and those who only vote for the party no matter what! If this analysis is correct, then of the 100 voters who should vote, we are governed by 15 who actually know what they are doing. This, then, is the answer to the “blame” question. It is

“We the people …” who are to blame! We are too lazy, apathetic, or too busy to go to the polls and not really informed if or when we go there. We color our little ovals and think we have done our “civic duty.” This is the “real” problem in our Democracy. We need look no further than the recent chaos in the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to see the reality of uninformed voters. Trumplicans in Congress all yell the same slo-

by Rev. Robert Plaisted Guest Columnist

ing by the previous presidential administration. It’s heaped up, halfway to the ceiling. This is our moment to decide if we will do what the rule of law requires.

What is required? Follow the evidence wherever it leads. If it leads to the rich and powerful, indict and prosecute them as energetically as we would if they were poor, weak and powerless. If swaggering big shots are convicted, sentence them as harshly as we do three-time losers on skid row. Don’t allow hired-gun lawyers to delay, water down or nullify prison sentences for the rich and privileged. It’s high time our high rollers did hard time.

That would be equal justice, under law. It’s long overdue, but justice delayed is better than justice permanently denied. It would make 2023 a landmark year in American history, a year when we finally started taking the crimes of the rich and famous as seriously as we do those of the poor and needy.

Over 900 low-level insurrectionists already have pleaded guilty, been convicted, or are awaiting trial. When I hear that same news about the big shots, who planned, organized and directed a traitorous attack on our nation, then my faith in the rule of law will be renewed.

2023 is our moment to decide. Do we want to be governed by honest people, who live by the law, or merely ruled by crooks, who break the law and pour contempt upon it? This moment will not come again.

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

Your Brain on Fats

(Continued from Page 1B)

butters contain trans fats while others do not. If using vegetable, safflower, or corn oil, make the switch to olive oil. And use the following regularly: real butter, whole milk products such as yogurts and cottage cheese, egg yokes, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, beef, chicken, flax, walnuts, and coconut oil.

Based on the physiology of our brain, this advice just makes sense. It’s what my colleague would have called a ‘no-brainer.’ Donna Dodge of Denmark has 30 years of experience as a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant. 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.

Sebago’s Honored Dead

historic detail I’d like to add to the discussion today. It is easy enough to learn the further details of the pilots’ story, given it occurred so recently in local history; but for today I’d like to look back on the broader historic trend in which the downing of the two warplanes firmly fit within.

Bunchberry: A Modern Catapult

was a steady wind, the released pollen could travel for more than three feet.

A friend wrote to me recently and asked if I had read the book titled, Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard. (I have read it and I highly recommend it.) She commented that, “Isn’t nature just grand?” I replied that I totally agreed with her.

As I do the research for my own gardening, and for the columns I write for our wonderful local newspaper, I am very happy that retirement catapulted me into entering the Master Gardener Volunteer program. I know that I cannot throw a rock to the top of a six-story building, but… I can read and learn about how grand nature is.

Sebago Lake, since the earliest settlement of this region by the English, has been known as a dangerous body of water so far as drowning is concerned. Of those who drown, if their bodies be lost, it soon became clear that Sebago, in a word, doesn’t give up her dead. It is known of ancient days that the Native Americans of this region, the Presumpscots, at least, consigned several of their more important dead to the bottom of the waterway. I have read one account, which tells this was done so that the lake’s spirit could guard them for eternity. While I am not qualified to either credit or discredit this rumor, I feel it is worth mentioning for its striking relevance to the later days of navigation upon Sebago by the many loggers, canal-boatman, steamship captains, anglers and just plain tourists who have since frequented Sebago Lake in the last two and a half centuries. Some of these characters have died there, and sunk beneath the waves, and of most of them no trace was ever found. I’ll begin today’s discussion with an article taken from the Portland Evening Express of Sept. 4, 1903, which provides a decent recap of this phenomenon.

“The recent searching in Sebago Lake for the body of

LET’S BUILD A SNOWMAN — Well, the weather to date here in the Lake Region has hardly been conducive to building a snowman. But, last week, there was the right snow to make one, like this cool dude, positioned on a picnic table near Stevens Brook in Bridgton.

Upcoming LHE Events

FRYEBURG —

Upcoming performances scheduled at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center located on the Fryeburg Academy campus: Met Opera Live in HD, Fedora, Saturday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m. Umberto Giordano’s exhilarating drama returns to the Met repertory for the first time in 25 years. Packed with memorable melodies, showstopping arias, and explosive confrontations, Fedora requires a cast of thrilling voices to take flight, and the Met’s new production promises to deliver.

Soprano Sonya Yoncheva,

one of today’s most riveting artists, sings the title role of the 19th-century Russian princess who falls in love with her fiancé’s murderer, Count Loris, sung by star tenor Piotr Beczała. Soprano Rosa Feola is the Countess Olga, Fedora’s confidante, and baritone Artur Ruciński is the diplomat De Siriex, with much-loved Met maestro Marco Armiliato conducting.

Director David McVicar delivers a detailed and dramatic staging based around an ingenious fixed set that, like a Russian nesting doll,

Rotary Club’s First Speaker of 2023 Peace Scholar Cassandra Varanka

Cassandra Varanka, Rotary District 7780 Peace Scholar candidate and one of 50 winners of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Scholarship chosen by Rotary International in 2021, will speak to the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom.

Cassandra will talk about her past year preparing for her studies starting in March 2023 at the University of Queensland (Australia) Rotary Centre for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution and what she hopes to accomplish during her 18 months abroad.

This will be a Zoom only meeting.

Cassandra heard about this prestigious award from her uncle George Szok, a long-time member of the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club, which sponsored her. She thought the fellowship could be an extraordinary opportunity to advance her knowledge and practical skill in conflict resolution. After her impressive presentation at a Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary meeting in April 2021, it was clear to all that she was unquestionably an excellent candidate for this global fellowship.

She was then interviewed by members of the Rotary District Peace Fellowship Subcommittee, and ultimately endorsed as the sole candidate from District 7780 that comprises 41 clubs from Rumford to Portsmouth, N.H.

The fellowship, worth more than $75,000, will fully fund tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and applied field study expenses. Each year, the Rotary Peace Fellows begin an 18-month program of study. Fellows are selected from countries and cultures around the globe, based on their prior experience in peace-building and their potential for future leadership roles in conflict resolution.

In Cassandra’s case, she has had extensive policy experience in nuclear disarmament as a congressional aide, and in leadership positions at Foreign Policy for America and Women’s Actions for New Directions. Her goal is to use newly acquired skills to forward the use of diplomatic rather than military solutions for conflict resolution.

Cassandra now lives and works in Washington, D.C., but has strong ties to New England, where she was born, finished her college studies, and where her parents still live. She is especially attached to Bridgton, where her parents have a vacation home and her uncle resides.

To obtain the Zoom link for this presentation, contact gszoksbox@gmail. com.

“The time since Casandra’s selection and the start of the school year in 2023 in March has flown by. I am especially excited that she will

be studying in my home country. We will certainly check in with her midway through her program to hear how things are progressing,” said Rotary President Aaron Hagan. “This is the first time our club has recommended a candidate for this global fellowship and it has inspired us to seek out candidates in the future. We work with so many outstanding young people in the Lake Region. Another global peace fellow could be among them.”

For more information about this program, check out https://www.rotary. org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships.

For more information about Rotary and the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club, check out the website at https:// lakeregionrotary.com or the Facebook Page or contact Club President Aaron Hagan at LakeRegionRotary@gmail. com.

SLLMF’s second concert Jan. 25

The second concert of the celebratory 50th season of Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival will be broadcast on Maine Stage on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. The concert was originally performed at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison on July 19, 2022.

The Program: WEBER: Flute Trio in G

Minor, Op. 63 PIAZZOLLA: Histoire du Tango for Flute and Guitar

SCHUMANN: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44

Artists include: Susan Rotholz, flute; MinYoung Kim, violin; Keiko Tokunaga, violin; Matthew

Sinno, viola; Eliot Bailen, cello; Mihai Marica, cello; Oren Fader, guitar and Mihae Lee, piano.

Program notes and artist bios can be found at the website: https://sebagomu-

sicfestival.org. For over 30 years, SLLMF has performed five concerts each summer at Deertrees.

In addition, SLLMF artists perform at community and

Upcoming events at the Bridgton Community Center:

Today, Thursday, Jan. 12

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

9 to 11:30 a.m., Progress Center

12:30 to 3 p.m., Coffee and crafts

4:30 to 6 p.m., Kettle Dinner (Camp Skylemar)

6 to 8:30 p.m., Lake Region Republican Committee

Friday, Jan. 13

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

9 to 10 a.m., Chair Yoga

1 to 4 p.m., Mahjongg

5:30 to 8 p.m., Main Room, Easy Riders Snowmobile Club

Saturday, Jan. 14

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chickadee Quilters (Room 3) 12 to 5 p.m., Main Room, Baby Shower Sunday, Jan. 15 3:30 to 5 p.m. Main Room, Rick Hagerstrom practice Monday, Jan. 16

Community Center is closed in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, Jan. 17 6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness 10 a.m. to noon, Main Room, Chickadee Quilters 12:30 to 4 p.m., Bridge

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Room 2, BCC Board meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 18

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., Main Room, Rick Hagerstrom 5 to 7 p.m., Kayley Crafts 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Main Room, CARES Support Group

PEACE SCHOLAR Cassandra Varanka to speak at Rotary Club Meeting. MET OPERA

Soprano Sonya Yoncheva singing

SOUTH AFRICAN musician McCoy Mrubata and musical collaborator, guitarist Gary Wittner

performing at Fryeburg Academy’s Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center

Bridgton Farmers’ Market Recipe Celeriac: The Hobbit of the Vegetable World

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

Celeriac is most certainly one of the ugly ducklings of the garden patch, it pales in comparison to its close relative, celery. While it won’t be winning any beauty contests, celeriac is one of the most delicious and versatile vegetables I have discovered. It can be used in smashes or mashes, roasted on its own or with other root vegetables, added to soups and gratins, fried and or frittered or made into tasty chips. I have often used it in a mirepoix instead of celery (which is difficult to find fresh and organic in winter in Maine). I’ve also found myself grating it into a remoulade to spoon over salad or an entree such as a mild fish or chicken that needed a special flair.

Celeriac is high in fiber helping to improve our digestive health and is loaded with vitamin C helping to lower free radicals and boost our immune system. Additionally, it is high in

potassium, vitamin K, B6, B5, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin assisting in energy production, bone health and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is an ugly little ball of good things that is also very low in calories! Here is one of our favorite recipes.

Chicken & Celeriac from Brenna Mae of Patch Farm Ingredients 3-4 lbs chicken, parted into legs, thighs, breasts and wings, skin on and bone-in 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 lb celeriac peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1 head garlic, cloves separated and left unpeeled

Calendar of Events

Today, Thursday, January 12

Community Kettle Dinner presented by Camp at the Bridgton Community Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The menu includes: Chicken Tetrazini, green beans, rolls and dessert.

Friday, January 13

Bridgton Easy Riders pot luck, meeting and guest speaker. The supper is at 6 p.m. followed by a business meeting at 6:45 p.m. The guest speaker will be Maine Game Warden, Corporal Kris MacCabe, Landowner Relations Specialist.

Saturday, January 14

Met Opera Live in HD, Fedora, 1 p.m. at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg Academy. 165 minutes. Tickets $10 to $28, www.fryeburgacademy. org

Tuesday, January 17

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

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.

Senior Luncheon at noon at the Harrison Fire Station Community Room. Menu: pot roast, veggies, salad and dessert. Donations appreciated. Bingo to follow luncheon. Please RSVP to recreation@

harrisonmaine.org or 207583-2241 ext. 304.

Thursday, January 19

Waterford Community Potluck Suppah, 6 p.m., Wilkins House. To participate, bring a main dish, salad or dessert. If Oxford Hills schools are canceled due to weather, the supper is canceled. Future suppers will be held the third Thursday of the month (Feb. 16, March 16, April 20 and May 18).

Open Mic Night at Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library in Lovell, 6 p.m. Perform or come to listen. Read a poem or story of your own or recite one you love, sing a song, tell a joke, a story, an anecdote — the floor is yours.

Saturday, January 21 All About Books at the Waterford Public Library with author Robert W. Spencer of South Waterford at 11 a.m. Free. All welcome.

Wildlife Tracking Walk, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Chocorua Lake Conservancy Stewardship Director Debra Marnich for Wildlife Tracking Walk for All Ages in Chocorua, N.H. This program is free. More information and please register in advance at bit.ly/CLC012123 or visit www.chocorualake.org.

Monday, January 23

Lake Region Community Chorus spring session begins, registration from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., rehearsals 6:20 to 8:30 p.m. at the Twitchell Chapel at Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton. A second registration is scheduled for Jan. 30. There is a two-week trial period if needed and scholarships are available. Please contact Jan Jukkola for more information at musicsix@cox.net or 647-2584.

Tuesday, January 24

The Beauty of Our Wildflowers, remote Greater Lovell Land Trust program, 7 to 8 p.m. Through her delightful photography, GLLT docent and board member Moira Yip

will share many of the native flora of the Greater Lovell area, focusing on flowers rather than shrubs and trees. If you see only the summer flowers, this will be a chance to view those and all the ones you miss during the rest of the year. Register at gllt.org (under Events & Programs).

Wednesday, January 25

Cybersecurity at 6 p.m. at Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library in Lovell, offered both in-person and via Zoom. Laptops, tablets and mobile hotspots available for class use and for checkout.

Thursday, January 26

Speaker Series at Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library presents Roseanne Montillo at 7 p.m. Join the Zoom discussion of Montillo’s book, “Deliberate Cruelty: Truman Capote, the Millionaire’s Wife, and the Murder of the Century.” Zoom link available at library’s website (www. hobbslibrary.org)

Sunday, January 29 Crafting with Sarah Curran at the Wilkins House (19 Plummer Road) in Waterford from 2 to 4 p.m.

Sarah will be sharing her love of up cycling fabrics and doilies into beautiful wall art. She will supply all materials needed. Please sign up ahead of time to ensure we have plenty of supplies. E-mail by Friday, Jan. 27 to attend: waterfordcommunitycoordinator@ gmail.com

Thursday, February 2 Bradley Backstage at 7

p.m. at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, located on the Fryeburg Academy campus, Bradley Street. South African musician McCoy Mrubata will be joined by his musical collaborator, guitarist Gary Wittner. Tickets: $20 for adults, $5 for students. Website: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac. Telephone: 207544-9066

Saturday, February 4 Community Snow Day with Lovell Rec and The Lodge at Pleasant Point, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a wide variety of outdoor activities at various locations. More details to come. No registration necessary. Wednesday, February 8 Virtual Lecture, 7 to 8 p.m., Earl Smith, a Waterville native and retired Colby College professor, will talk about writing his book Downeast Genius, speculating on Maine’s prominent inventors, especially during the Industrial Revolution, while sharing some curious discoveries and near misses discovered along the way. This is a free (suggested donation $10), virtual event presented by the Rufus Porter Museum; www.rufusportermuseum.org/events Local author Robert W. Spencer will read from and discuss his latest book, Francena Hallett’s Heart: A Novel of Romances and Revenge, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. at the Norway Memorial Library.

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

2 fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation

Pat chicken dry and sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown chicken, starting skin sides down, turning over once, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, keeping the fat in the pan.

Add butter to skillet and heat over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté celery root and garlic, stirring frequently, until celery root is browned, about 5 minutes.

Add broth and thyme and deglaze skillet by boiling, stirring and scraping up any brown bits, 1 minute. Return chicken, skin sides up, to skillet along with any juices accumulated on plate, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes for white meat, about 25 minutes for dark meat.

Serve alongside a fresh spinach salad and with some fresh baked bread. Yum!

The Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon through April 22. The new winter location is the Masonic Hall, Oriental Lodge #13 at 166 Harrison Road (Route 117).

For a full list of vendors and information on ordering go to https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact BFM at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com

Please no dogs. Sorry, BFM has a lease to honor.

BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

SLLMF concert

(Continued from Page 5B)

repeat concerts throughout western Maine and select venues in New Hampshire, Connecticut and the coast of Maine.

You can hear this program on your Maine Public Classical station or online at https://www.mainepublic. org/classical-music.

Maine Stage is hosted by Aaron Engebreth every

Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. When Aaron is not hosting Maine Stage, he enjoys a varied solo career in opera, oratorio, recital and devotes considerable energy to the performance of established music and contemporary premieres.

For more information about SLLMF, see the website https://sebagomusicfestival.org or its Facebook Page.

Upcoming LHE PAC Events

three distinctive settings — a palace in St. Petersburg, a fashionable Parisian salon, and a picturesque villa in the Swiss Alps.

Estimated Run Time: 2 hours 25 minutes.

Opera enthusiast Joe De Vito will be hosting his Opera Lecture Series today, Thursday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. in the LHE/PAC Seminar Room. The lectures are free and open to the public.

Bradley Backstage: Gary Wittner and McCoy Mrubata, Thursday, Feb. 2

at 7 p.m. Bradley Backstage returns! South African musician McCoy Mrubata will be performing at Fryeburg Academy on Thursday, Feb. 2. Mrubata will be joined by his musical collaborator, guitarist Gary Wittner. Once a member of the legendary Hugh Masekela’s band, McCoy Mrubata has established himself as a saxophonist, bandleader and touring/recording artist. A recent recipient of the South African Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center’s

International Arts Gold Medal, McCoy Mrubata has released over 20 CDs of original South African jazz and has toured the African continent and Europe extensively. His music blends traditional African roots with American jazz.

Guitarist Gary Wittner, a faculty member at the University of Southern Maine School of Music and Bowdoin College, has performed worldwide on five continents. He has officially represented the USA multiple times as a Kennedy Center

Jazz Ambassador, Fulbright Specialist, and US Embassy Outreach Artist.

Gary has released seven CDs as a leader. He performs original music, instrumental and vocal jazz, Blues and Americana, Latin and Middle Eastern music. His book, “Thelonious Monk for Guitar,” published in 1999, has been a favorite of guitarists worldwide.

McCoy and Gary have been performing together since 2006 — four times in South Africa, and now, with this tour, four times here in

the USA.

Tickets: $20 for adults, $5 for students

Website: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac Telephone: 207-544-9066

Senior Rambles

(Continued from Page 8B)

• It is winter, and you must have a full winter pack for all hikes. This includes puffy jackets, head lamps, microspikes and snow shoes.

• If you have questions about the difficulty of a hike, or for any other information, please call John Patrick at 207-756-2247 (johnfp@earthlink.net). If you would like to meet us at a trail head or somewhere along the route to the trailhead please contact Allen Crabtree at 207-653-9271 (denmarkmthiker@gmail.com).

Hikes are subject to change or cancellation.

January 13: Meet at Denmark Church at 9 a.m. Easy –Roberts Farm (1,061 feet), Norway, 3.5 mi RT, 139 feet elevation gain. RT hiking time 2 ½ hours. RT driving 2 hours.

Roberts Farm is an easy ramble in the woods along the snowshoe trail. We’ve done this twice, the last time in January 2019 when the snow was deep.

January 20: Meet at Denmark Church at 9 a.m. Easy –Mount Tire’m (1,073 feet), Waterford, 1.75 mi RT, 554 feet elevation gain. RT hiking 1 hour. RT driving 1.5 hours.

We have hiked Tire’m 13 times over the years, the last time in May 2021, but have never done it in winter.

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

HELP WANTED

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

once a

The Town of Lovell is seeking qualified applications for a full-time position on the Public Works Department. The candidate must have a positive attitude and be a team player. A C.D.L. is required for this position, a Class A license is preferred. Should have experience in snowplowing and working with heavy equipment. Mechanical skills would be helpful.

Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and may require being on your feet for extended periods of time.

This is a full-time position.

Benefits include: Health Insurance, Retirement, vacation pay and sick pay.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume and references to: Town of Lovell Attention: Selectman 1069 Main Street Lovell, ME 04051 or via e-mail to: s.goldsmith@ lovellmaine.org

, 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

BN 2

The Town of Lovell is an Equal Opportunity Employer 2T2CD

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: custodians, van drivers, bus drivers, bus aides and substitutes. Visit www. msad72.org, call 207-935-2600 or pick up an application today at Door #10, 25 Molly Ockett Drive, Fryeburg, ME tf2

Help Wanted TOWN OF DENMARK

HELP WANTED

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

CARPENTER/CARPENTERS HELPERS — immediate fulltime positions. Must be reliable and sober. Top pay for the area. Chance for advancement. Call today 207415-4476 ask for Rick. 2t1

PART-TIME OFFICE HELP — Light office work and clerical duties. Thursdays and Fridays, 9-5. Experience with QuickBooks preferred, will train. $16/hr. Good work history and references required. Send resume to: Office Help, PO Box 7, Bridgton, ME 04009 or e-mail to tomchand@ gwi.net tf41

HARDWOOD

Code Enforcement Officer

FOR SALE

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

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX TF4CD

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX TF4CD

SEASONED: $325/cord SUPPLY IS LIMITED, ORDER NOW! DELIVERED TO MAINE ONLY

GREEN: $275/cord

Local Plumbing Inspector

SEASONED: $325/cord DELIVERED TO MAINE ONLY GREEN: $250/cord DELIVERED TO MAINE ONLY

GREEN: $250/cord DELIVERED TO NH AND ME

SEMI-SEASONED: $325/cord

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

Employment Opportunity –TOWN OF HARRISON

Full-Time Finance Officer General Assistance Administrator

We Want You!!! The Town of Harrison, Maine, is accepting applications for an experienced Finance Officer. We pay top dollar with amazing benefits! Come work with a great team as a valued employee. The ideal candidate will have experience working in municipal government and using TRIO software. This position serves as an integral part of the management team.

This position is responsible for the custody, collection, and disbursement of Town funds. Work involves cash management, supervision of the collection of funds, including the tax lien and foreclosure process, and assisting with the investment of funds. Work also involves assisting the Town Manager in the preparation of the annual budget and oversight of other various municipal accounts. Work includes payroll and benefits administration. The position also acts as the General Assistance Administrator. Works closely with all Department Heads and other outside agencies.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Town Manager with considerable independence, in accordance with applicable laws and following Standard General Accounting procedures.

Experience must include knowledge of internal auditing and preparing for the annual fiscal audit.

Graduation from a college or university with a four-year degree in financial management, public administration or any equivalent combination of experience and training is strongly preferred. However, we will definitely consider the right candidate with comparable years and/or commensurate experience.

Applications are available online or may be picked up at the Town Office during normal business hours. Completed applications and resumes may be dropped off at the town office, mailed to the Town of Harrison, P.O. Box 300, Harrison, ME 04040, or e-mailed to cnewell@harrisonmaine.org. All should be addressed to the attention of the Town Manager, Cass Newell. Applications deadline is the close of business January 13, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is found.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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. 1t2x

Almost New Year’s Eve on Peary Mt. Senior Rambles

It is turning into a regular event — celebrating the end of the year with a hike and goodies/wine to share at the summit of Peary Mountain.

Peary Mountain was the very first climb of the Denmark Mountain Hikers when we started hiking as a group in January 2010, and we have climbed Peary 16 times over the years. We did last year on the last day of 2021, and 20 Denmark Mountain Hikers climbed Peary again on Dec. 30, 2022 to celebrate the going out the old year and welcome to the new.

The two winter storms over the last few weeks first dumped a foot or more of heavy wet snow in a Nor’easter on Peary, then a week later we were pummeled with heavy rain and winds that melted most of the snow away and left ice behind. It was a pleasant surprise to find that there was still 4 to 6 inches of snow left all the way from the trailhead to Peary’s summit! Snow was nicely packed hard so only two of us donned snowshoes — everyone else wore microspikes (except me who had my Katoola trail crampons on).

The first part of the trail, through the old log landing, had been hiked by someone before us after the Nor’easter snowfall and had struggled making deep postholes that were now frozen. It made for a rough trail to hike, but whoever was post-holing apparently decided to turn back not far up the trail. From there to the summit, the trail was easy hiking, and the snow stayed hard, unsoftened by the sun, until we started back down after our party.

Temperature at the trailhead was 24 degrees with no wind, under mostly cloudy skies when we started up the mountain. The trail showed the results of the two winter storms – it was littered with branches, twigs, needles and leaves. There were two trees across the trail — one a small “stepover” and another larger “one leg at a time” log. We left the trailhead at 9:40 a.m., reaching the summit at 10:20 a.m. after 40 minutes of climbing.

When we got to the trail junction near the summit of the West Peak, three of us opted to climb the short trail straight up the ledges while the rest of the group took the longer, easier hike to the col between the West Peak and True Summit, and then to the West Peak summit.

There is a convenient stone bench at the summit, and it was soon filled with goodies for the party that the hikers had brought in their packs — chocolates, whoopie pies, fruitcake, oranges, cheese and crackers, and lots of other yummy stuff!

Several of us had brought sparkling wine, champagne and sparkling cider, which we all shared, along with a loud “Prosit!” to welcome in the New Year 2023! It was a convivial group sharing the sunny skies and warm (43 degrees) temperature with stories of the climbs the Denmark Mountain Hikers have made in our 12 years and nearly 600 hikes we have taken.

We were able to connect via cell phone to Denmark Mountain Hiker Amy Morton, and all of us joined in a ragged but heartfelt chorus singing Auld Lang Syne for her and wishing her a warm New Year’s Eve. We miss Amy on our hikes.

Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear

Sebago’s Honored Dead

Charles E. Libby, who was supposed to have been drowned there, recalls some of the tragedies by drowning that have occurred there and the mysterious nature of the waters that never give up the dead. Deputy Sheriff Moulton of Standish, who lives near the lake and is an encyclopedia of the local history of the Lake Region, talked this forenoon to the Stroller, of the lives that have been lost within the past hundred years.

About seventy-five years ago, a Mr. How, who lived near the lake, invited two men named Forster and an unknown man, who had come to visit him, to take a row on the lake. It was a lovely June morning when he started out with his three guests and his little son, but nothing was ever seen or heard of the party, not even the boat or any of its belongings ever turned up. The same year, John Eddy drowned and was never found.

In 1827, Jonathan Lowell was lost while crossing the lake. A few years later, Samuel Merton was lost from the canal boat

gan, “We are for the American People,” but who act in exactly the opposite manner and are not held accountable in the next election. Trumplicans are all about chaos and hell bent on destroying the very Democracy we voted for in 2022.

To those reading this letter, I implore you — at the very least — become informed about the candidates being voted for, and what they stand for — and then VOTE!

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

A New Year

To The Editor:

Happy New Year and greetings. Another New Year has arrived and is underway. Many opportunities exist, including for this administration and Maine Legislature to move forward with meaningful, necessary improvements, reforms, etc., including for Maine state government and its departments. Such examples include the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its Child Protective Services (CPS) Division and Department of Labor and its Unemployment Compensation bureau. It is anticipated and hopeful that the Legislature and this administration will work collaboratively to address and resolve many unresolved matters.

Past legislative sessions and administrations have neglected their responsibilities to address and improve responsiveness to Mainers and for service improvements. Numerous past systematic and agency failures occurred and were side-stepped by current and previous administrations. Also, agency misfeasance with negligence is a disservice and remains totally unconscionable and unacceptable!

It’s a New Year with a clean slate. Let’s move forward in a meaningful way to adequately address, trouble-shoot and resolve many governmental systematic failures and serve Mainers better. Going forward, let’s have agency program-

matic reviews, including for the above departments and determine where improvements and reforms are needed. Let’s not have any more children or adults suffer or die due to bureaucratic negligence, misfeasance, etc. with necessary reforms and shifts in “public policy.” It is time for the Maine Legislature and this Administration, to get very serious and to make things right for all Mainers. Better training for state workers with improved efficiencies and better government oversight of agencies and their respective program functions, is necessary. It’s time to move forward and make it so.

Let’s fix and overhaul state government and its bureaus, as applicable and as necessary, to better serve Maine people. Let’s get this done as sensibly and as expeditiously as possible to avoid further problems.

David Hall Cornish

The Big Lie

To The Editor:

Last year, the American people rejected extreme election deniers up and down the ballot. But, we were unable to win every fight, and a tremendous threat to our democracy remains: the MAGA Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

According to the Washington Post, over 70% of all House Republicans are themselves election deniers — 135 incumbents voted against certifying the 2020 election and at least 27 freshmen members ran on the Big Lie. They might hold the title of “representative,” but they have no intention of legislating on behalf of their constituents. They only

and Amos Marean was lost in 1833. In 1835, Samuel Shane, who lived in Casco, drowned, and sometime later George Walker, a boatman, while drawing up his anchor was horrified to find a body attached to it. When he threw his anchor, it had stuck into the body, which proved to be Shane. Joshua Mitchell was lost in 1842 and a man named Sands and a Bishop Gilman and Fred Murch, and a woman named Augusta Jordan in more recent years. None of these were ever found except in one or two instances where they were seen to go down.

The great depth of the waters of the lake and the low temperature that keeps the bodies from generating gases, which cause them to rise in about nine days in the ocean, and about all interior waters, is responsible for the tenacity with which Sebago Lake clings to those who are unfortunate enough to perish in its dark and frigid waters.”

There are other stories to tell as well, beyond what was so easily recalled in 1903. I could speak more of the drowning

care about helping their corporate donors and targeting anyone who has attempted to hold them accountable for attacking our democracy.

It’s up to us to call out their lies and conspiracy theories, and fight back against their extreme agenda. I hope others will join me.

Jeffrey Nangle Bridgton

Now the QNFL?

To The Editor:

One of the few sane House Republicans at this point, outgoing/ousted (he sat on the Jan. 6 Commission), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) responded to conservative activist and general rabblerouser Charlie Kirk’s comments spreading anti-COVID-19 vaccine conspiracies in the wake of a cardiac arrest on the field suffered recently by an NFL player by calling the pointy headed Kirk “a piece of human garbage.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Kirk’s comment — as many responding to his tweet picked up on — fuels fears and concerns over COVID-19 vaccinations making people sick, a theory that anti-vaccine proponents in the United States and the rest of the world have been pushing forward for the past couple of years.

(https://www.newsweek. com/charlie-kirk-human-garbage-adam-kinzinger-damarhamlin-remarks-1770766)

Clinical studies have shown there to be on average a one in ten-million chance of myocarditis associated with the vaccines, which when factored against the millions of lives

saved by them, pales in comparison except in the noggins of QElons and characters like Kirk, who reside in the environs of Oscar the Grouch.

Another denizen of the waste heap, presidential aspirant Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida has recently launched another anti-vaccine witchhunt in the Sunshine State combing through the trash for incidence of myocardial infarction owing to inoculations with his newly conjured up sham Florida public health integrity commission, replete with an ersatz kangaroo grand jury “to investigate crimes and wrongdoing committed against Floridians related to the COVID-19 vaccine,” and “surveillance into sudden deaths of individuals that received the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida.” The commission’s website says the grand jury will collaborate with researchers at University of Florida, but does not mention that DeSantis will cut state funding for the school should they not provide the requisite number of deaths and corroborate this madness that plays to his voter base before he goes on the stump. Oh yeah, and they can’t say ‘Gay” either, or they’ll be stripped of tenure.

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

Hiking Trips & Tips

by Allen Crabtree

for auld lang syne we’ll take a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne

It was suggested that we make this New Year’s hike to Peary an annual event, and we all agreed to do so. We left the summit at 11:25 a.m. and reached the cars 25 minutes later. It was a great hike to close out the 12th hiking season of the Denmark Mountain Hikers!

Peary Mountain in Oxford County, Brownfield, Maine Difficulty – Easy Trail distance – 0.9 miles to the summit of West Peak from the north trailhead on Farnsworth Road. It is another 0.4 miles to the True Summit along the ridge.

Hiking time – 1 to 1 ½ hours to do both summits

Elevation – West Peak, 910 feet/True Summit, 958 feet.

Vertical gain – 490 feet trailhead to West Peak/ 538 feet to True Summit

Coordinates – 43’ 57’14” N and 70’ 56’ 03” W / 44.10567; -71.094

Topo Map – USGS Brownfield 7.5-minute quad Directions — To the south trailhead, from the church in Brownfield drive south toward NH, turn right on Shepard River Road and follow it nearly to the end. The sign for the Harmon Ridge Road is on the left. Park alongside the road so as not to obstruct traffic.

To the north trailhead, from the junction of Routes 160 and Routes 5 and 113 in East Brownfield, head northwest toward Fryeburg on Routes 5 and 113. Turn left on Farnsworth Road at 2.2 miles. Go 1.3 miles to a small parking lot on the right just before the bridge over the Little Saco River.

Take a Hike in January

• Meet at the Denmark Church (times vary, check each hike listing). All welcome.

SENIOR RAMBLES, Page 7B

of gunpowder magnates Edmund and Lester Laflin in 1828, which I discussed in an earlier column on the Oriental Powder Works; I could tell also of an entire ill-fated schooner which, according to a varying legend, once went down with all hands near Indian Island, never to be recovered except the anchor, which sits today at the Standish boat launch as a memorial to all the nameless dead of Sebago. The canal boatman duly gave up their share, as did the loggers of the old times, who chanced to roll on a log while walking across their booms of timber and were swallowed up by the sea of floating trees, never to be seen again by their horrified comrades. Then, there’s the awful tale of an entire community off Standish Neck, who were driven from their homes by the Portland Water Company in the early days of the 20th century; only cellar holes remain to tell their story, some below the waterline.

But today, I think we should close with the tragic tale of Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Dingley, a canal boatman who died in 1856, and in whose death the old Steamer Fawn of North Bridgton plays a signal role. I give this story as it was told by the incomparable Sebago historian Robert J. Dingley, a distant relation of poor Joseph, who first published it here in The Bridgton News of Nov. 4, 1932 in an article relating the many “weird and mysterious tales” connected with Sebago Lake.

Dingley writes: “Another tradition related to early boating was the tragic drowning of Joseph Dingley. ‘Little Joe,’ as he was called, worked on the canal boats and one day while in Kettle Cove, he slipped, fell overboard and drowned. His father, a superstitious old man, made a frantic attempt to recover the body, finally resorting to a Portland Spiritualist for assistance. The Spiritualist directed Dingley to get a loaf of bread, place a lighted candle in it, and then set it afloat in the Cove claiming that the ‘lighted loaf’ would stop over the body of ‘little Joe.’

As a result of the Spiritualist’s advice, the steamer Fawn, carrying a searching party, members of the saddened family, and the curious, made a thorough search of the cove, watching the loaf of bread as it tossed to and fro, but finally the idea was given up and ‘Little Joe’ remained in his watery grave. A few years later, George, a brother of ‘Little Joe,’ purchased a canal boat, [but] after using it for some time he learned that it was the boat from which his brother had been drowned. The family still being more or less superstitious, he had this boat dragged ashore where he left it to rot away. No estimate can be given as to the number of people who have lost their life along this fifty-mile waterway, many of whom were never found.”

In Sargent’s recent article, one of the salvage crew in his interview floats the idea that the two pilots might still be preserved in their flight-suits, mummified after a fashion by the action of the cold water, but of this Sargent seems doubtful, noting that in arid conditions, “Flight crews’ bodies have reportedly been preserved for decades, but underwater mummification in a lake is news.” Given the history of Sebago, I’m not so sure it would be news. I think back to the body of George Walker, drawn up by accident on Samuel Shane’s anchor chain, and of how it had drifted on unknown, subsurface currents for weeks before being recovered only by chance, still as well-preserved as the day he died. Now that is of course only weeks, rather far from 79 years, but even so I remain convinced there is something special about that dark inland sea which today provides drinking water for over 20% of Maine’s population. I, for one, would be eager to learn what exactly does remain of those pilots on the future day when their two planes are at last recovered. Then again, whether due to the glacial pace of high court litigation or instead that strange “tenacity” of Sebago Lake, there’s another part of me that feels certain I won’t ever see that day. Why? It’s very simple; Sebago doesn’t give up her dead.

Till next time!

HAPPY “ALMOST” New Year on Peary Mountain. (Photo by Susan Sedita)