February 2, 2023

Board weighs in on climate resiliency grants

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO— Locally elected officials learned more about a state-wide grant program that would help towns to prepare for climate change.

On the same evening that Casco’s Special Town Meeting was held, the second meeting about Climate Resiliency Grants took place.

The Center of an EcologyBased Economy (CEBE) has partnered with the Town of Casco to enroll the municipality in the grant program and to define what measures the town wants to take to combat or to prepare for climate change.

Some of the selectmen weighed in on the discussion that took place early last week.

Chairman Robert MacDonald reacted to the presentation.

“I felt that the presentation by CEBE was very thought-provoking. For me, it raised concerns for our natural resources. I feel that we need to do whatever we can to preserve these resources, and to provide ways that the citizens of Casco can enjoy both now and in the future,” MacDonald said.

He had his eye on three categories in which using grant money is permissible.

“I would encourage us to seek grants for the following areas: 1. Develop a natural resource and habitat inventory that includes climate stressors and impacts. I feel that we need to know what resources and habitats we currently have and develop a plan to protect it for the future; 2. Adopt a Complete Streets Policy which addresses safety, bike/pedestrian uses, and transit,” MacDonald said. “If COVID has taught us nothing, it is that our citizens enjoy being outdoors and we need to make sure that they can safely enjoy the outdoors,” he said.

LIBRARY DEDICATION — The library at Tucker’s House was dedicated in the memory of the late Dr. Peter Leighton, who made substance disorder a major focus of his medical practice. Pictured are members of the TH Board of Directors (left to right) Rick Olson, Tracey Martin, Charlotte Kelly, Mary Fernald, Kimberly Leighton (wife of Dr. Leighton), Trina Sanborn, Catherine Bell, William McKenzie, (back row) Susan Rivet and TH Executive Director Kirsten Wears. Absent were directors Serena Bissonnette, Steve Danzig and Jonathan Sahrbeck, and advisor Tom Chandel. (Rivet Photos)

Tucker’s House ready to start recovery mission

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

As people filed into Tucker’s House, they were in awe of the surroundings.

“This is so incredibly beautiful,” one woman said.

“I’d live here,” another added.

Those words were music to Kirsten Wears’ ears.

Over 100 people walked through the historic North Bridgton home during last week’s open house at the new substance disorder recovery home for women. Starting this month, Tucker’s House will welcome up to 10 women as they continue on their recovery “journey.”

Women apply to reside there, and must go through an interview process to be accepted. Residents pay a monthly rental, and agree to various terms including holding down part-time employment, tending to chores (such as working a garden on the property) and taking part in house activities.

As part of the open house, special “dedications” were made to folks who were very influential in making Wears’ “crazy dream” of opening a recovery home a reality.

Up first was dedication of the house library to the late Dr. Peter Leighton.

“Peter Leighton, he is still here in everything we do,” Wears told the crowd including Dr. Leighton’s wife, Kimberly and his children, which had gath-

GRANTS, Coming up short Lake Region girls had a chance to notch a big road win, but fell in triple OT Page 5A Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870

Hearing call to form climate action plan

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO

— With what appears to be overwhelming scientific evidence to prove that climate change does exist, some people still don’t believe it, one Casco resident said.

Mary-Vienessa Fernandes was talking about climate change with two women. Both women assured her there was no such thing as climate change, she said. One lady questioned whether Fernandes really believed in it. Meanwhile, the other woman said that so-called climate change was a part of nature and it was what had killed off the dinosaurs, Fernandes shared.

Scott Vlaun, the director of Center for an EcologyBased Economy, has been hearing that sentiment for 20 years. However, more people are starting to concur that there is a connection between human-based emissions and trapped greenhouse gases and the shifting weather patterns.

Climate Resiliency Grants do exist. There is no arguing about that. In fact, towns can receive between $5,000 and $50,000 per request, according to Vlaun. More than 70 grants have been awarded that did not require any matching funds from those towns.

The grant program is part of Maine Won’t Wait, the four-year climate action plan brought forward by Gov. Janet Mills’ adminis-

CASCO IS ENROLLING in the Climate Resiliency Program in order to start getting grants to cover the cost of various activities that are tied to reducing or preparing for climate change.

tration. The State of Maine earmarked funding and created the Community Resilience Partnership so that towns can apply for grants after deciding which activities to engage in “to reduce carbon emissions, transition to clean energy, and become more resilient to climate change effects such as to extreme weather, flooding, rising sea levels, public health impacts and more,” the state’s website said.

A list of community actions provides precise activities for which grants can apply, such as leasing electric vehicles for the town or installing EV char-

gers.

CLIMATE, Page 2A Inside news Land Trust closes on 5 acquisitions; FA looks to grow agricultural programs Section A

According to Vlaun, towns are eligible for resiliency grants once the town finishes the enrollment process, which includes holding the public meeting, fills out a self-assessment for the town and passes a municipal resolution on climate change resiliency.

Last Tuesday, about two dozen people, including Casco’s five selectmen and the town manager, joined staff from the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) to learn more about the Resiliency grant program and to provide feedback about what their

ered in the newly-finished Great Room located above the attached barn. “He was a key player in the recovery community with treatment plans and supporting and loving everyone. We lost Peter last year in June to brain cancer. The library

downstairs is dedicated to him. It was quite a blessing to be in his presence.”

Wears then talked about finding the historic home as a possible site for Tucker’s House, and instantly knowing it would be a great fit.

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — Getting

of

rid

household trash — it’s a necessity of life.

Almost everyone in the community needs to unload the garbage and recycling that accumulates over time. Therefore, the local transfer site has an important place in people’s routines. Very soon, there will be a change to the days of the week that the Casco-Naples Bulky Waste and Transfer Station (CNBW&TS) facility is open.

Starting Feb. 28, the facility will no longer be open on Tuesday.

Beginning March 1, the new schedule will be Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The hours will remain the same, 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The Casco-Naples Transfer Site Council voted to make that decision during its meeting on Jan. 26, according to Casco Town Manager

Anthony “Tony” Ward. Ward mentioned the proposed change prior to the council getting together. He shared the information with the Casco Board of Selectmen during its regular meeting on Jan. 17.

“The council is considering changing the times that

SWITCHING, Page 2A BN Index Calendar 5B Classifieds 6B Country Living 5B Directory 4B Obituaries 3B Opinions 1B-4B Police 3A Sports 5A-6A Student News 4A Games 6A Legal Notices 2B, 6B www.bridgton.com Vol. 153, No. 05 12 PAGES - 2 Sections Bridgton, Maine February 2, 2023 (USPS 065-020) 95¢

PREPARING FOR PRESENTATION — Clair McGlinchey, the Climate Resiliency Program manager, and Scott Vlaun, the director of the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) have paired up with the Town of Casco to enroll the town in the state’s Climate Resiliency Program and to write the first grant. (De Busk Photos)

EMOTIONAL MOMENT — Tucker’s House Executive Director Kirsten Wears tells the story behind Pierre’s Pond and the I Can logo.

COMFORT ZONE inside the Larry Forbes Great Room, where residents can watch TV

Call to form climate action plan

town needs.

(Continued from Page 1A)

The person doing the presentation, Clair McGlinchey was hired six to eight months ago as the Climate Resiliency Program Manager at CEBE.

In the Town of Casco, residents demonstrated that one priority is creating safe travel lanes for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially along the Route 121 corridor between the Pike’s Corner and Casco Village, according to Vlaun.

“I think the big takeaway is they [Casco residents] were ahead of the game because of going through the comp plan process, and Casco has a pretty active conservation committee,” Vlaun said. “They are focused on the health of their lakes. They understand that the health of a lake is tied to the tax base, the economy. Everyone is eager to protect that watershed.”

Vlaun attended the public-input meeting in Casco on Jan. 24. Also, this week,

he was present at another gathering with residents in Lovell.

Last year, CEBE helped five towns get grants approved. Those were Norway, Otisfield, Woodstock, Bethel, and Paris. Currently, CEBE is assisting five towns: Casco, Sumner, Lovell, Hartford and Oxford.

The item that topped Casco’s list of needs and wants is safe places for pedestrians to walk and for people to ride bicycles, Vlaun said.

“The things that people were leaning toward were resource habitat inventory and complete streets. Complete streets is looking at designing streets to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians as well as [improving] transit,” he Vlaun said.

“Public transit was a big topic in Lovell for senior citizens and for people who are too young to drive. We had a really good meeting up there” on Monday night, he said.

“Casco — they are in the middle of their comp plan so that was already on their minds: Re-doing the zoning to make a two villages centers with a 1-1/2 mile long road between the two; Having the zones connected by pedestrian friendly area, maybe even a bike lane that is separate,” Vlaun said.

The other priority from the list of community actions was creating an inventory of natural habitats and how climate change can impact or stress those environments.

“Those were pretty much the hands-down winners,” Vlaun said.

Enrollment is required before the town can apply for grants. “Casco is almost done. The next step is to finish our enrollment process. The select board will pass a municipial resolution. The municipal resolution is a template that we use from state. There are three required clauses. There are a handful of optional clauses to make it more

individualized to the town. The people in Casco have input to which additional, optional clauses would be included,” Vlaun said. “So, we have resolution signed by select board and sent to the state with the enrollment package.”

Basically, the CEBE will assist with enrolling the town in the program, which would allow the Casco to receive a grant every six months. Those grants amount range from $5,000 to $50,000 per request. Also, municipalities can work on joint project together and receive up to $125,000, Vlaun said.

“Once enrolled, Casco can get a grant every 6 months. It is a way to get the ball moving on some climate resiliency,” he said. “We enroll them in the program. We help them write the first grants. After that, the town decides how to proceed. They can contract us to help them with subsequent grants. Some towns have done grant-writing on their own.”

Station switching open days

(Continued from Page 1A)

the facility is open in order to give employees two days off in a row,” Ward said. “They never get two consecutive days off. At the staff level, we came to the recommendation that we will change one working, weekday. It would be closed Monday and Tuesday.”

Employees at the facility have provided feedback, suggesting the facility stay open on the weekend. In fact, it was very clear from the beginning of this day-change discussion that one of closed days would not be a weekend, Ward said.

“This is from staff. Someone suggested being closed on a weekend day. The staff adamantly said, ‘No.’ They know how busy it can be,” Ward said. “Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days . . . They’d rather have two days off after the weekend. Then, work Wednesday and Thursday and have Friday off.”

In related business, the towns are looking at the number of bulky waste coupons that are printed out versus what is being used. This information was conveyed by Naples Town Manager John Hawley.

“Each year, we print 2,700 books of coupons for the taxpayers of Naples. Each of the books contains 100 coupons, so that’s 270,000 coupons. In the last two years, only 98,000 and 86,000 were redeemed,” Hawley said.

Not public

CORRECTION — In last week’s edition, a story was published regarding a Bridgton Collaborative Planning Workshop on March 7. The session is for “specific groups of people” and service providers in Bridgton. The article incorrectly invited the general public. It is not open to the public.

“As you can see only a third of them are being turned in [used].”

It costs $4,000 to print these books, Hawley said.

“It’s kind of a wasteful venture so we’ve been exploring ways to reduce that cost,” he said.

“Every parcel owner gets a coupon book, regardless of whether the parcel is built upon or is vacant. After

speaking with a former selectboard member who was on the board at the time that the coupon distribution process was determined, he said it was critical that enough coupons were handed out so that waste wasn’t going to start ending up on the side of the roads in the Town of Naples,” Hawley said.

The upcoming conversation with the selectmen will

Tucker’s House

(Continued from Page 1A)

“It was lovingly maintained,” she said. “When we walked through the doors, we knew we were home, not just for us but for every woman who walks in to begin her journey of healing and recovering.”

Wears thanked former owner Julia Forbes, who negotiated a “good price” for the property and also left a number of furnishings.

be whether to stay status quo with bulky waste coupons or if the town should print fewer.

The agenda items was tabled at the request of Selectman Bill Adams, who had texted Chairman Jim Grattelo. The next date to discuss the future of the coupons will be Feb. 6, which is the board’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Wears pointed to the stairway wall and noted that “founding members” who contributed to the Tucker’s House startup effort had their names inscribed on the wooden wall.

“They helped us out when we wondered if this crazy dream of mine would become a reality,” she noted.

Next up was the dedication of an outside garden to Forbes’ daughter, Ella.

“Julia’s daughter Ella grew up in this house. Her footprints were on the ceiling of one of the bedrooms, which was really cute. Her handprint is in one of the downstairs closets. This was her house,” Wears said. “A house — it’s part of you.

Wears showed a sign noting “Ella’s Garden” that includes her handprint to be staked at the garden site.

HOUSE, Page 3A

USVL Trust completes five acquisitions

CONWAY, N.H. –

The Upper Saco Valley Land Trust announces the completion of five new land and conservation easement acquisitions in 2022: growing the Pine Hill Community Forest in Conway, adding the Menotomy Preserve and adjacent conservation easement in Fryeburg, as well as protecting two local farms in Bartlett and Jackson, N.H.

“In 2022, we were able to protect an additional 465 acres of land in the Mount Washington Valley,” said Abby King, Conservation Director. “These new conservation projects matter for improving wildlife habitat; creating new places for exploring, hiking, and skiing; conserving important farmland and working forests; and protecting water quality throughout the Saco River watershed. We’re proud to have been able to accomplish so much

with the community’s support this year.”

The Pine Hill Community Forest, located in the heart of Conway, grew to 593 acres this year. This beloved property surrounding Kennett High School hosts a network of trails, including the Conway Rec Path, the new Ravine Trail (hosting interpretive panels designed by Tin Mountain Conservation Center and Kennett High students), and more trails used for hiking, running, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The community forest protects an important 125acre wetland complex and serves as an outdoor classroom for the high school.

The Menotomy Preserve was donated to USVLT by Laura Burt and Steven Burt of San Antonio, Texas, on behalf of their father Howard Burt and his wife Penny

Burt. The new 90-acre Menotomy Preserve includes rare Silver Maple Floodplain Forest, undeveloped riverbank along the Saco River, and habitat for inland wading birds as well as beavers, moose, and deer.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Laura Burt said of the donation, “We are delighted with USVLT’s plans for the property, the legacy of Howard and Penny Burt. They truly enjoyed their last 20 summers in Maine, where Howard loved wandering the woods and Penny thoroughly adored the Fryeburg Fair.”

Public access is available at all of USVLT’s preserves including the new Menotomy Preserve. USVLT is planning to build a welcoming trailhead and parking area here.

The new Menotomy Field Conservation Easement is adjacent to the

Menotomy Preserve. This easement was a part of the Burt Family’s conservation strategy to protect these special places.

The Mountainside Farm Conservation Easement (Bartlett) was generously donated to USVLT in 2022 by the Lloyd Family in honor of their father, Lewis Lloyd. This easement protects cold-water streams that drain into the East Branch of the Saco River, vital forest soils, and 128 acres of woodlands (hemlockhardwood-pine forest and northern hardwood-pine forest). Together with the Dundee Community Forest project that is expected to close in 2023, this easement contributes to the formation of a conservation block of more than 900 acres of unfragmented wildlife corridor. Public access is not permitted on this property, as the goals of the easement are focused

on protection of land and habitat, and not recreation or other human uses.

The Windy Hill Farm (in Jackson) conservation easement protects a 108acre historic farm that sits in the shadow of the White Mountain National Forest and abuts the Dundee Community Forest. This easement permits ongoing use of the farm’s forests and fields for agriculture, as well as expands a natural area that hosts wideranging wildlife movement and vital songbird habitat. The easement also allows for winter recreation; public access to the ski trails at Windy Hill Farm is limited to ticket holders of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.

To learn more about USVLT’s newest projects and properties, view maps, and discover information about permitted uses and access, please visit usvlt. org

HOUSE BLESSING was given by Pastor Sean Bryant of Lake Region Vineyard Church during last week’s Tucker’s House open house. (Rivet Photo)

Resiliency grants

(Continued from Page 1A)

The third objective that MacDonald liked from the List of Community Actions was to “engage youth in resilience, clean energy and energy use reductions,” he said.

“We need to engage our youths in thinking and planning about the resources that we have, and having them buy into what we are doing so that they will be excited about carrying the efforts forward,”

he said.

Board member MaryVienessa Fernandes commented on what stood out in her mind after looking at the list of community actions.

“This is somewhat labor intensive. What would be needed is a director of community planning. It is arduous just getting started,” she said.

In addition to deciding which community actions to do first and applying for the

Council still serving

NAPLES — This year marks the 37th year the Community Resource Council of Naples has been serving the residents of Naples.

The CRC is an Agency of the United Methodist Church and offers several programs to assist the people of our community. These programs are made available through the generous donations from local businesses, civic groups and individuals in our community and our group of dedicated volunteers who help run these programs.

In 2022, the Thanksgiving program provided 33 holiday meals to families to include 108 individuals.

The Christmas 4 kids program provided clothing, toys, coats, hats and mittens to 50 Children and a holiday meal to 20 families.

Other programs provided include: The Naples Food Pantry, open every Tuesday 10 to 11:30 a.m.; the Back Pack program where children get backpacks filled with back to school supplies; and Kids Packs filled with child friendly foods and snacks for children during school breaks.

The CRC of Naples wishes to thank our community for your continued support. Those wanting to support our programs can mail donations to: The Community Resource Council of Naples, PO Box 447, Naples, ME 04055.

grant, the town is wrapping up its comprehensive plan, she said.

“There are so many opportunities and grants that are available. MDOT is finetuning its partnership with communities and putting in sidewalks because of the high rate of fatalities with vehicles and bicycles. It seems to keep climbing. It seems to me that everyone is driving faster and faster,” she said.

For those reasons, Fernandes like the idea of implementing a Complete Streets Policy and providing safer spaces along the roadway for pedestrians and cyclists. Fernandes has always been an outspoken advocate for bringing public transportation to the rural towns such as Casco.

Also, she like the idea of involving younger people in the community. This was on the community action list under Strategy H: Engage Maine People. This includes public awareness campaigns, engaging youth in clean energy education and energy use reduction. Likewise, it’s important to get senior citizens involved, too, Fernandes said, adding that Maine has biggest aging population in the nation.

A lot of information was provided during the CEBE presentation, and Fernandes said she looks forward to reviewing the paperwork and discussing the options with

fellow board members next week.

“No one person can do this. We need to hear from more of the townspeople. They were there [at the Jan. 24 meeting]. The ones who were there were quite involved,” she said. “But we need more input.”

Both Selectman Scott Avery and Casco Town Manager Anthony Ward commented that the public engagement was promising. Both said it was too early to narrow down what the first grant might address.

“I was very excited to see the interest from citizens and I am very happy with the knowledge they share and how willing they are to assist us,” Selectman Avery said.

“As far as the first grant, we as a board have not discussed that as of yet, but it will be discussed at a regular board meeting,” he said.

Ward thought CEBE’s presentation had a decent turnout of people who were interested.

“The community supports the town’s efforts with resiliency and understands that multiple options are available to the town,” he said.

“It’s too premature to determine what the grant will be applied towards,” Ward said. “I would be premature to speak before the select board makes a decision on the grant application,”

The Casco selectmen meet Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.

Bridgton Police Department

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

Monday, January 23

6:51 p.m. Welfare check on Stone Road.

11:08 p.m. Citizen assist at Hospital Drive.

Tuesday, January 24

12:04 p.m. Citizen assist on Arrowhead Road.

3:40 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Wyonegonic Road.

5:02 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of South High Street and South Bridgton Road.

8:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle report on Portland Road; operator identified, waiting for his wife inside a store.

8:59 p.m. Mental health event at Hospital Drive.

10:10 p.m. Disturbance on North Bridgton Road; subject suffering from mental health crisis, parties separated.

10:14 p.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

Wednesday, January 25 9:28 a.m. Theft from a Portland Road business; ongoing investigation.

9:30 a.m. Harassment complaint on Sweden Road.

11:13 a.m. Verbal dispute between family members on Hospital Drive; situation resolved prior to officer’s arrival.

10:41 a.m. Suspicious vehicle at Kennard Street residence; police unable to locate truck.

1:16 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Portland Road.

2:12 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Portland Road and Otter Pond Road.

8:59 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

Thursday, January 26

5:10 a.m. Vehicle off the road at the intersection of South High Street and Swamp Road.

7:40 a.m. Welfare check request (possibly intoxicated subject) on Main Street; contact made, individual “all set.”

8:20 a.m. Attempt to locate vehicle for “excessive honking” on Willis Park Road.

10:21 a.m. Harassment complaint involving two Main Street business owners.

Friday, January 27 12:09 and 1:41 a.m. Mental health issues on Kansas Road.

10:14 a.m. and 1:14 p.m. Sex offender registry registrations.

11:51 p.m. Dispute between parent and juvenile on South Bridgton Road. Juvenile transported to hospital emergency department for evaluation.

Saturday, January 28

1:17 p.m. Citizen assist

Tucker’s House

(Continued from Page 2A)

Former property owner Larry Forbes always felt the barn upstairs area had great potential. Creation of a Great Room, where the women of Tucker’s House can exercise or simply watch TV, received high marks from Forbes.

“Larry Forbes maintained this house like a child — lovingly, tenderly, very meticulous,” Wears said. “His vision about community and healing has been met.”

The room will be known as the Larry Forbes Great Room.

Maybe the “touching moment” of the event was when Wears made her final dedication — Pierre’s Pond, a sign that will be tacked to the duck pond house.

Wears explained that Pierre was the brother of her “dear friend” Pauline Webb, whom she worked out with.

“Pierre, dedicated a great deal of his life to serving the underserved youth. He created a logo — the I Can logo, which is on everything we have — I can almost hear him saying like kids he served, ‘If you believe hard enough you can accomplish anything, everything you want.’ Pierre left his Earth sooner than he should have,” Wears said. “When that took place, I asked Pauline if I could take his logo (for) Tucker’s House. She talked with the family, and it was a ‘yes.’ It is important to carry the memory of people who have touched your life in a positive way, however you can as you move on in this journey.”

Wears closed out the ceremony thanking her husband, Brad, for his “incredible support” as well as Donna Jean, “who became part of this house; she stopped in and cleaned a room, washed the floor, whatever we wanted her to do.”

In closing, Pastor Sean Bryant of Lake Region Vineyard Church in Bridgton, offered a blessing over the house.

“This is moving,” he said.

Pastor Bryant called attention to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s idea of a “blessed community.”

“His bigger dream was that our communities be free of poverty, be free of hunger, be free of hate, and be full of care. That was his bigger vision,” Pastor Bryant said. “We may not be able to end poverty and hunger. In ourselves, we can eradicate hate. But, we all can offer care.”

As a charge and encouragement, Pastor Bryant asked the crowd, “what can you give to Tucker’s House and the larger community?”

“How is your neighbor doing? Check in. Give them coffees. Go for walks. Care, it is part of that blessed community,” he pointed out.

at Bridgton Municipal Court.

8:52 p.m. Report of gun shots in North High Street area; officer found that the source of the noise was fireworks.

Sunday, January 29

3:45 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

10:22 p.m. Verbal argument between family members on Kansas Road; parties were separated for the night.

Fryeburg Police

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

Monday, January 23

5:24 p.m. Assist citizen on Main Street.

11:53 p.m. Welfare check on Bridgton Road.

Tuesday, January 24 12:28 a.m. Nonreportable motor vehicle crash on Bridgton Road.

8:45 a.m. Harassment complaint on Howe Street.

1:24 p.m. Welfare check on Main Street.

Wednesday, January 25

7:30 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Bradley Street.

8:15 a.m. Fingerprinting request.

4:36 p.m. Assist citizen on Main Street.

11 p.m. Served restraining order on Farnsworth Road.

Thursday, January 26

9:30 a.m. Disturbance on West Fryeburg Road.

3:52 p.m. Assist another agency on Pine Street.

Friday, January 27

2:10 p.m. Trespass order request at Main Street store.

7:35 p.m. Following a motor vehicle stop at the Maine Visitor Information

Center on Main Street, police charged Kendall L. Anderson, 22, of Effingham, N.H. with violating conditions of release and unlawful possession of a scheduled drug.

Saturday, January 28

4:20 a.m. Suspicious person report on Bridgton, unfounded.

8:28 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Street and Bridgton Road.

8:30 a.m. Assist citizen at Main Street store.

3:15 p.m. Harassment complaint on Farnsworth Road.

8:54 p.m. Suspicious activity report on Porter Road.

9:34 p.m. Escort/transport on Bridgton Road.

Sunday, January 29

1:37 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street, near Indian Acres.

Monday, January 30

2:30 p.m. Traffic complaint on Portland Street.

5 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Hattie Pike Road.

He then offered encouragement to the Tucker’s House leadership group. He spoke of the parable of the farmer plowing a field.

“He can’t keep looking over his shoulder. He has to keep the plow straight. If you are looking over a shoulder, here and over there, you will be all over the place...You have a task in front of you. Hold onto that plow and ride it straight forward,” he said.

Plowing ahead is exactly what Kirsten Wears plans to do as Tucker’s House opens its doors to the first group of women looking to continue their journey toward sobriety.

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Alpine racing times

FA looks to grow AG programs

FRYEBURG — Fryeburg Academy announces it has joined the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) as an initiative to grow its agricultural programming.

“After several months of research, it was important to me to bring FFA to Fryeburg because it will open up more opportunities for our students involved in agriculture education here,” says Jennifer Solter-Jones, FA’s science instructor

and school farm manager. “Whether it be through leadership development, new learning opportunities, or a chance to serve our community, this organization directly ties in with what we are trying to do with our program, so it is a natural fit to have our own chapter.”

The National FFA Organization is the largest student-run organization in the country, with over 850,823 FFA members aged

12-21, in 8,995 chapters and all 50 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“With that [reach] comes a wide variety of local and national opportunities,” continues Solter-Jones.

“Opportunities to gain and practice leadership skills, learn more deeply a variety of aspects of agriculture, travel both within the state and nationally, attain scholarships, meet and make new friends, and make a differ-

ence in our community.”

Additionally, the Academy is one of the first schools in the area to start an FFA chapter.

“We plan to host state FFA officers for a leadership workshop later this year,” concludes Solter-Jones. “I look forward to working with students to find creative ways to support our local community and build our chapter membership and involvement in the coming year.

Set goal to learn with Adult Ed

By Michelle Gayne SAD 61/72 Adult Ed Director

The start of a new year is a great time for setting intentions. Here at Lake Region & Fryeburg Area Adult Education, we can help you do just that! Whether you would like to finish your high school credential, take your first college course (or return to what you started), think about a new career path, or take a class just for fun — we have got you covered. At Adult Ed, anything is possible!

In February, we will offer free, live, Zoom classes focused on digital literacy!

Join us Monday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. for an overview course highlighting all the digital literacy classes our program can offer to anyone, for FREE, in the community. This overview goes over the three curricula — Aging Well With Technology For Home & Family and For Work & Business — and is designed for individuals looking to improve their personal computer skills as well as for partner organizations who want to more fully understand what we offer for classes. This, and many other digital literacy classes, are offered for free through our partnership with the National Digital Equity Center (NDEC).

Come back in a couple weeks on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. to learn all about applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program , if you have not already done so. The Affordable

Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that was put in place to help low-income families pay for the cost of connecting to broadband Internet access. In this class, we will look at qualifying for and applying for the benefit, and what you can expect from Internet Service Providers.

In March, we will be offering two FREE classes focused on how to pay for college, as well as a free course on getting ready for college!

If you are interested in receiving financial aid to help you pay for college, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step. In our session called, Completing the FAFSA, we will do an overview of the process so you know what to expect and can get answers to frequently asked questions. Then, you are free to complete it on your own, or stay for the remainder and receive real-time free help to file the FAFSA. This session will be facilitated by Maria McDougal, College Access Counselor, with the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). It will be held on Tuesday, March 7, from 6 to

7 p.m. Paying for education after high school might feel daunting, but it does not have to be!

In our Paying for College session, we will discuss the different types of financial aid, how to maximize free money, and the piecemeal approach to paying for college. Come with your burning paying for college questions. This session will also be facilitated by Maria McDougal, College

Access Counselor with the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). It will be held on Wednesday, March 1, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Our free College Success Class, taught by Nancy Wilson, will focus on the essential skills of a successful college student. Highlighted topics include study skills, time management, decisionmaking strategies, financial literacy, career pathways exploration, and building the writing skills necessary for academic readiness. This class fulfills a required college graduation credit at both SMCC and CMCC. This class runs March 1 through April 12, and is offered both in Naples and online. All classes mentioned in

ADULT ED, Page 6A

Plourd The Bridgton News (USPS 065-020) is published Thursdays at 118 Main Street, Bridgton, Maine. Periodicals class postage at Bridgton, Maine. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridgton News, P.O. Box 244, Bridgton, ME 04009

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SETTING A NEW MARK — Lake Region’s Abigal Roberts rewrote the school track record book with a top mark in the 2 mile at 12 minutes, 14.64 seconds.

Regional Sports

Lakers fail to make statements vs top foes

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

There is disappointment, like Saturday night when Lake Region saw a golden chance to notch a signature win over third-ranked Class A Gray-New Gloucester, only to see opportunity slip through their fingers due to miscues and an inability to match the Patriots’ physical play. In a scrappy, defensive battle, GNG battered the Lakers inside the lane, and ultimately capitalized on mental mistakes to pull out a 40-35 win.

“This was a playoff situation. I learned a lot from it. I know the mistakes I won’t make regarding the rotations — who I need in the game during certain times. I need to go with my heart and understand who I need on the floor,” Laker Coach Doug Banks said. “Being a firstyear coach, I got a feel of what it will be like down the road. The loss is not good, but I’ve learned things from it. I hope the team feels the

same way.”

The young Lakers learned little mistakes against contending clubs often mean the difference between a victory and defeat. GNG took advantage of the Lakers’ all-out rebounding effort, releasing Isabelle Morrelli (16 points) who netted three uncontested fastbreak lay-ups enabling the Patriots to open up a double-digit lead.

LR also gave up two easy buckets off an inbounds turnover, and an over-thetop pass off the inbounds to Amber Fortin for a lay-up to start the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, the Lakers struggled to find open outside looks as Gray’s guards squeezed the 3-point line. LR managed just 6 points in the first two quarters and netted just 7 field goals in the second half. They went 11-of-18 from the foul line to keep the game close.

“We need to get better shots within our offense. We’re settling for shots that are not part of our offensive plan. We need to get people

Lumber’s PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

in place where they should be, and not running crazy all over the floor,” Coach Banks said. Maybe the biggest factor was Gray’s physical play, which seemed to rattle the Lakers.

“Yes, their physicality took us out of our game. We lost some of our confidence. We’re going to run into it again against Wells and in the playoffs,” Coach Banks said. “I’ve been in this program for 13 years, and I have yet to see a Gray team that wasn’t physical. It’s always a low scoring, defensive game. I thought defensively we did okay. We had a couple of breakdowns, but they are things we can fix. Offensively, we need to be able to play within our system — which has worked for us. We have put up huge numbers on good teams too (such as Yarmouth).”

Coach Banks feels both he and his team need to work on handling game pressure.

A silver lining was the play of sophomore forward Jordan Blanton, who mixed it up with Gray’s big people, holding her ground and hauling down some big rebounds.

“We matched up well, but we just didn’t meet their physicality. We had some kids who did, like Jordan (Blanton). She played great. Jordan went in and took care of business. (Coach) Jordan Turner has done a great job of building her confidence so when she gets an opportunity to play in a varsity game, she’s ready to go,” Coach Banks said. “We have situations which are fixable, and we have three games left to straighten those things out before we go to the Banks Expo for the tournament.

Hailey Brewer

In her first season of indoor track and field, Hailey Brewer is making an impression.

“Like outdoors, she is one of our top sprinters. She is reliable, dependable, and demonstrates great work ethic,” Lake Region varsity coach Mark Snow said. “Hailey keeps the sprint group on task at practice and at meets while making it a fun experience. She is very supportive of her teammates and their achievements.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Hailey 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 speciallydesigned t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player of the Week

Name: Hailey Brewer

Year in School: Junior Hometown: Bridgton

Parents: Kristina and Todd Brewer

Sports you Play: Soccer, Track & Field, Dancer.

Q. Why did you choose indoor track? I’ve always wanted to get better at my running and keep up my endurance throughout the year.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good if…” I know I’ve had a good meet if I feel good at the end of the race and I’ve met or exceeded a previously set goal.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big meet? How I would like the events to go and if it were to go bad how I would deal with that.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you

Hoop RepoRt

BOYS RECAPS Lakers 66, Wells 62: One lesson a young team needs to learn is how to pull out a tight game. The Lakers past that test Tuesday night with a win at home over the Warriors.

The Lakers (7-9) enjoyed an 8-point halftime lead, but saw Wells (4-10) make a late charge, cutting the lead to just three with under two minutes left.

Senior Jacob Chadbourne scored a game-high 22 points, while Jackson Libby chipped in 17 and Evan Duprey 10 points. Other LR scorers were Brock Gibbons 5, Ian Brogan 5, Aiden Roberts 4 and Jacoby Bardsley 3.

Greely 117, Raiders 115

OT: You don’t see this too often on Maine high school scoreboards. In a shoot fest, the Rangers pulled out the home thriller as Kade Ippolito converted a lay-up with .6 seconds left in the eighth overtime to sink the Raiders.

Fryeburg engineered a fantastic finish, whittling away a 10-point deficit in the final two minutes to force overtime, 61-61. FA seemed primed to capture the win but saw Tyler Pettengill (39 points, nine 3-pointers) knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force a sixth OT.

Tristan Cormier

Tristan Cormier is the lone Laker when the gun sounds to start the indoor two-mile run each week at the University of Southern Maine field house in Gorham.

“Tristan has made significant improvements from last year on his times in the mile and 2-mile races. He is disciplined, doing many workouts alone being our only 2-mile focused runner,” Lake Region varsity Indoor Track & Field Coach Mark Snow said. “Tristan has been extremely helpful in setting up for our practices. He often stays after practice to help put things away.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Tristan 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.

Player of the Week

Name: Tristan Cormier

Year in School: Senior Hometown: Bridgton

Parents: Jason Cormier, Karyn Cormier

Sports you Play: Cross Country, Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field

Q. Why did you choose indoor track? I chose to do Indoor Track and Field because it’s a good way to stay in shape for Outdoor Track and Field.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good meet if…” I know I’ve had a good meet if I either got a PR (personal record) or am too tired to run another event.

Q. What goes through

For the Lakers, Bella Smith was high scorer with 11 points, Melissa Mayo added 7, Ava Smith 6, Abby Lavoie 4, Margo Tremblay 4, Jordan Blanton 2 and Kasey Johnson 1.

One that got away

This one had to sting.

It was beyond heartbreak.

This one hurt, real bad.

Lake Region had a chance to bounce back from Saturday’s loss with a

big road win against thirdranked Wells. A win, and the Lakers were likely looking at the third-seed in the Class B playoffs. Margo Tremblay came up with a steal, and made 2-of-4 foul shots to put the Lakers up 43-39 with 17.6 seconds left.

After a timeout, Wells did what seemed like the impossible. Kendall Maxon swished a straight-away 3-pointer with 9.3 seconds left. Then, a whistle. An official called a foul against LR center Ava Smith, after the shot. It appeared Smith was shoved from behind by a Wells player, pushing Smith into Maxon. Maxon made one of two foul shots to tie the game.

LR turned the ball over, pushing the game into over-

time.

The lead flipped back and forth in OT with Wells grabbing a 48-45 lead as Megyn Mertens sank a pair of foul shots with 43 seconds left.

LR stormed back when Ava Smith corralled a missed shot, and made a reverse layup. She was fouled, and tied the game with a foul shot with 29.8 seconds left. After a Smith block, guard Abby Lavoie made a hard push up the floor and launched an off-balance shot. She was fouled with 4.1 seconds left, but missed both foul shots to force a second OT.

While Mertens (20 points) made a living at the foul line — she made 14 straight, finishing the night 14-of-16 — the Lakers kept pace as Jordan Blanton scored inside

Gunnar Saunders had a career night, netting 40 points, including four 3-pointers. Lorenzo Vallemani tossed in 31 points, including five 3-pointers. Camden Johnson dropped 13 points, and Joao Orlando added 10 points, Bryce Richardson 9, Idan Or 6, Jagger Helwig 5, and Sean Davis 3.

Gray-NG 80, Lakers 44: The Patriots played in a whole different gear than the Lakers all night — they were quicker, they had better bounce inside the lane, and they shot the lights out behind Nathaniel Hebert, who knocked down five 3-pointers en route to a game-high 24 points as Gray-NG spanked the Lakers.

GNG took an 18-10 lead

HOOPS, Page 6A LR GIRLS, Page 6A

Roberts sets new LR 2-mile mark

For nearly 12 years, Jacqui Black was Lake Region’s fastest two-miler. No longer. Abigail Roberts set the new school record with a 12:14.64, eclipsing Black’s time of 12:25.38 set in 2011. Roberts’ time ranks fifth in Class B. She also ranks fifth in the mile and third in the 800 meters.

Due to a postponement, the Lakers had two indoor track & field meets in four days last week. “We used the meets as our main workout days. It did make it difficult to have maximum performances

in both meets, but many Lakers did very well,” Coach Mark Snow reported.

Alex Freitas automatically qualified for the state meet in the 200 meters, lowering his personal record (PR) to 24.85 seconds. He also lopped off 0.48 seconds in the 55-meter hurdles. Alex is now ranked #12 in Class B.

Grady Kemp automatically qualified for states in the 800 meters on Tuesday. Then on Friday, he ran the race fresh and now is ranked #9 with his new PR of 2:07.51. Grady also met the provisional mark

in the 2-mile run on Friday.

Teammate Ezra Gronlund is ranked #14 in the 800 meters and ran a PR for the mile on Tuesday. Both Grady and Ezra hope to reach the automatic mark for the mile this Friday.

Kimberly Stiffler led the team hauling in 5 PRs in her sprint events over the two meets. Very impressive considering she ran in 6 events. Next best on the team were several who had 3 PRs. Campbell Johnson had 3 and is ranked in the top 12 in her 3 jumping events. Hailey Brewer and Madelyn Long had 3 PRs

and have been improving their acceleration phase each week.

“I’m optimistic that they, Kimberly, and the other sprinters will continue getting PRs through the championships,” Coach Snow said.

Alex Freitas, Tristan Cormier, and Grady Kemp registered 3 PRs in the two meets for the boys.

Lake Region’s next meets are this Friday in a smaller meet at USM starting at 4:30 p.m. and then next Friday, Feb. 10 is the league championships, also starting at 4:30 p.m.

Hancock

IN YOUR FACE — Lake Region center Ava Smith took a shot to the face by Gray-NG’s Alyssa Howard, but there was no foul call. (Rivet Photos)

FA’s Emery sets hurdle record

Sometimes, a few days off works miracles for some high school athletes, maybe not so much for others.

“I think having four days without practice due to weather had some people well rested and had others a bit out of the groove but we’ll get back into it,” Fryeburg Academy Indoor Track & Field Coach Trevor Hope said following the Raiders’ recent meet at USM.

The big news was the FA 55m hurdle record is coming down after Zack Emery ran 9.35 seconds, which breaks the record by .02.

“We still have four more meets for him to better that time. It also got him first place in the event and that is the exact time needed to qualify for states. I think that counts as a huge race and a great effort,” Coach Hope said.

Jacob Adams earned third place in the 55-meter dash (6.99) and first in the long jump with a season best jump of 20-7.75.

Austin Dorner (8.15), Sam Johnson (8.59), and Tristin Nylin (8.48) all recorded PRs together in their 55-meter race. Sam also had a huge PR in shot put by 2 feet throwing 27-10.

time of 9.48.

The 400m girls, Enna Carbone and Emily Chaine, both had PRs running only a quarter second different from each other. Emily brought her time down by 1 second (1:10.70) and got third in the senior division and Enna got 4th and brought her time down by nearly 3 seconds (1:10.93) in the junior division!

Both guys and gals ran the 4x200 mostly as practice. Many of them had just run in the 200, which usually, there is a 2-mile race between the 200 and 4x200, so that there is time to rest. However, because this meet was so small there was no 2-mile race so their races were back-to-back!

“They all had great attitudes and put in some good effort. This group has been fantastic to coach and I am proud of what they have done so far,” Hope said.

Meet 4 was a late one! There were 15 teams and over 400 athletes at this meet. The boys got 10th out of 15 teams.

GOOD PRESSURE applied by Lake Region’s Ian Brogan against Gray-NG Saturday. (Rivet Photo)

Jacob Adams and Arkie Baptista went 1st and 2nd in the long jump with a good PR!

Profile: Hailey Brewer

(Continued from Page 5A)

do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? I either put myself with my close friends to distract myself or I go off and to a good cool down to relieve some stress.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? I feel like it has made me more disciplined, with the workouts we are given each day.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? It pushes me to be a better person and sports give me the ability to achieve goals I didn’t know I could ever reach. I become closer with my teammates and gain more confidence and friends as the year goes on.

Profile: Tristan Cormier

(Continued from Page 5A)

your mind before a big meet? Nothing.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? Go for a rage run/runs.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? It has made me more responsible and respectful.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? The ability to compete with others around and above my level.

More HS hoop highlights

(Continued from Page 5A)

Adult Ed

(Continued from Page 4A)

in the first, but pulled away with a 26-12 surge. LR was unable to match the Patriots’ firepower in the third quarter, out-scored 19-7. LR’s lone consistent threat was sophomore center Jackson Libby, who had a big night on the glass, earning second shot chances on hustle and leap ability. Libby tossed in 21 points. Forward Jacob Chadbourne netted 7 points, Evan Duprey scored 6, Jacoby Bardsley 5, Brock Gibbons 3 and Matthew Plummer 2.

Emily Chaine tried the 55m for the first time getting fourth place with a time of 8.59. Barbara Artero had a big PR in her 55m with a

“We had a lot of good efforts and a few improvements. I think because of the lack of practices and having a meet only last Tuesday that we didn’t see as many PRs this week and that is ok. I think this week has asked a lot of everyone and as far as mental attitude and willingness our team is the best,” Coach Hope said.

Austin Dorner had a great meet! He had 2 PRs, breaking 30 seconds for the first time in his 200 and getting very close to breaking 8 seconds in the 55.

Emily Chaine had a good PR in her 55 and is now only a tenth of a second away from the state provisional time which is 8.25. She also had a good opening run in her first ever 200m. ACROSS

this article will be taught at our adult education program located on the Lake Region High School campus, 1881 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055. We are located in the White House building (WH4), behind the high school. Call or e-mail us at 207-627-4291, adulted@lakeregionschools.org, or visit our website to register!

This week’s puzzle theme: Valentine’s Day

47. Chop off

48. Paparazzo’s quest

50. Port in Yemen

52. *Heart-shaped box content

56. Range

57. Top notch

58. Baron Munchhausen, e.g.

59. Journalists and reporters

60. Speed unit

61. All is well that does this well

62. Bald eagle’s nest

63. Ever, to a poet

64. Tinkerbell’s powder

LR girls fall in 3 OTs

(Continued from Page 5A)

with 1:48 left to tie the game and Melissa Mayo forced another OT with a strong drive to the rim with 10 seconds left.

Wells pulled away in the final frame going 8-of-10 from the foul line as the Lakers managed just 3 points, going 0-for-4 from the stripe.

Ava Smith paced the Lakers with a game-high 21 points, while Melissa Mayo added 10, Margo Tremblay 10, Bella Smith 8, Kasey Johnson 4, Abby Lavoie 3 and Jordan Blanton 2. LR was 24-of-42 from the line, while Wells was 25-of-37.

Make over

Omit 22. Hexagonal fastener 23. December birthstone, pl. 26. Most gem¸tlich 30. Ed.’s request

Two dots above a letter

Brussels org.

Church recesses

____ or chicken? 38. Encourage (2 words) 39. What hoarders do 40. He crossed the Rubicon 42. Jet follower 43. English county courts, in the olden days 45. Gentlemen’s gentlemen

DOWN

1. “Clueless” catch phrase

2. *Get-together

3. End of a break-up phrase

4. Explosive of Czechoslovakian origin

5. *Winged one

6. September stone

7. Bank on

8. *____ card 9. Not tails 10. ‘70s hairdo 11. Sylvester, to Tweety 13. Wholism, alt. sp. 14. Monotonous hum

Solutions on Page

Opinion & Comment

February 2, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

The Saco Valley Freshet

Howdy neighbor!

I was recently talking with someone who for many years lived up the coast a piece, and they told me that in winters like these, which start weak and with only minor snowfalls, it was commonly averred by the old sailors and fisherman that the amount of precipitation due in any given season, almost always came in one form or another, so that if one winter started with a great number of snow storms, it would close out with very few, and vice versa.

Now if that’s true — and I know enough to trust the weather predictions of old salt Yanks whose livelihoods depend on such prognostications — then surely we’re seeing proof of that this year. For our winter which started out moderate with very little snow, saving a few good-natured storms around Christmas, has at last broken its dry-spell and dumped on Bridgton and our vicinity a truly impressive amount of snow in the last two weeks; all the withheld, pent-up storms of December and early January, as the old timers would have it. So, with old man Winter truly showing his teeth, it comes as no surprise then to hear that this coming Saturday it is forecasted to be something like 27 degrees below zero. Now, that’s only a prediction of course, and somehow, I think the mercury won’t dip quite so low, but I expect it won’t matter much either way — even a few degrees below zero feels just about as cold and miserable as twenty or more. We’re in the dead of winter now, almost exactly, that wonderful barren period embracing the last two weeks of January and the first two of February, in which there’s little do but throw another log on the fire and shovel the snow off the roof. At least the ice rink behind the old Town Hall is open.

This week, we’re looking back on a decidedly different sort of year, as revealed by The Bridgton News of Jan. 28, 1910, when an early cold snap and heavy snowfall was followed this week by a warm spell — a classic January thaw — accompanied by severe rains; all of which swelled the nearby streams and rivers and brought flooding all through the valley of the Saco, in a series of ice-jam freshets which nearly did much havoc to the covered bridges of New Hampshire and nearly took out old Weston’s bridge in Fryeburg.

“Fryeburg Special — An unprecedentedly rapid rise of water in the Saco River caused some excitement along its banks Saturday. During Friday night and all-day Saturday, there was a heavy fall of rain from the southwest, which always impels the Saco to rise and show its might.

About noon Saturday, the water began rising and, in an

Not so sweet

To The Editor:

Just wanted to thank Donna Dodge and The Bridgton News for the column, “Sweet Sabotage,” in the Dietitian’s Corner, Jan. 26. Kudos for this important reminder that sugar is not our friend. I am a former American Dietetic Association, Plan IV, Registered Dietitian. I have a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Hawaii, and have had some of the best continuing education opportunities with Bonnie Worthington Roberts, University of Washington, Sam Fomon, University of Iowa, and George Blackburn, Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, I have also worked as a Research Dietitian at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, aka, USARIEM, Natick, Mass.

Prior to my USARIEM assignment, I was a principal clinical investigator of the first, nonphysician, approved Clinical Investigation Research protocol. We studied the effects of prenatal iron supplementation on zinc nutriture and pregnancy outcome. We recruited over 400 pregnant women for this study. Research and education are definitely in my blood. Very grateful for the inquiring mind that I have and the opportunities that I have had as a result.

I am completely blown away by two of the largest studies that prove we have the power to determine our health by the lifestyle choices that we make. Since a year ago January, I became focused on implementing plant-based diversity.

I’ve lost over 40 pounds and no longer need medication to control my blood pressure, cholesterol or Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, aka, GERD. I am also recovering from Lyme disease and was mostly abed for three years with overwhelming fatigue, brain fog and pain. I attribute my astounding recovery to implementing a plantbased diverse diet. I’m also in the ZOE study and have learned how my body uses glucose and fat. Even though I am not diabetic, I wore a continuous glucose monitor for 14 days and learned how my body uses glucose and fat. It’s been an astounding opportunity to be privy to this groundbreaking information. My life is on track, like it’s never been before. What blows my mind is that most physicians have no clue about either of these stud-

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

hour, huge cakes of ice were piled up within three feet of the floor of the bridge. The water forced back by the wall of ice, spread out over the intervals to a greater depth than it has done in any freshet for years. In a short time, the road was impassable.

Clarence Ela, who lives in East Conway about one and one-half miles from Fryeburg, insisted on making an attempt to reach home though advised by onlookers at the bridge not to do so. When he reached the lowest point on the road, his horse was swept from his fete buy the swift current and the whole outfit was adrift. However, the horse swam valiantly for a considerable distance and Mr. Ela finally reached home in safety with a sleigh filled with snow and ice to testify to his adventure.

At one time, it was feared that it would be necessary to dynamite the ice in order to save the bridge, which is a long-covered structure, but at 6:20 p.m., the ice jam gave way and in a half hour the river was running clear as far as one could see.

Seeking Winter Waxwings

Before the latest rounds of snowstorms and icy roads complicated the simple pleasure of going for a walk, we enjoyed clear sunny days of walking along the road at the top of the hill. One afternoon, as I strolled past several yards where mature fruit trees grow, I heard thin high-pitched trills coming from overhead, and saw more than a dozen birds moving around the top of one of the trees. I had a good idea who they were, but without binoculars, which I had carelessly left at home on the kitchen counter, I had to rely on various clues.

Bird Watch

by Jean Preis BN Columnist

ies. The American Gut Study data was presented in 2017 at one of the biggest conferences in our country! Truly, the sky is the limit when you are fiber fueled for life.

Eileen Grant Bridgton

Shoebox Drive

To The Editor:

I am writing to thank Bridgton-area residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season. Generosity throughout contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child.

Across the United States, the project collected over 9.3 million shoebox gifts in 2022. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2022, the ministry is now sending nearly 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items — Bridgton-area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each giftfilled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Samaritan’s Purse delivered its milestone 200 millionth shoebox, which was packed on a country-wide tour and then hand-delivered to a young girl in Ukraine.

Across Maine, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a yearround volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 518-437-0690.

Although local drop-off locations for gifts are closed until Nov. 13-20, 2023, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Lizette Miller Samaritan’s Purse Boone, NC

What birds would be here in a flock in the middle of winter, around fruit trees? Robins and Cedar Waxwings can be seen around here at this time of year, and will sometimes feast together on fruit, and occasionally Bohemian Waxwings can be found with them. Bohemians, slightly larger than their Cedar Waxwing relatives, breed in Alaska and the far northwest of Canada. Outside of the breeding season large flocks of them move south to roam the northern tier of North America, in search of fruit trees or mountain ash trees, and berries, which they swallow whole.

When I heard their distinctive high-pitched trill, I looked up and saw about twenty birds moving around in the trees. They began to descend, and when about a dozen of them landed in a low bush directly in front of me I could clearly see their crest, and bright yellow at the tip of the tail. A white

patch in their wings, an unmarked gray breast, and dark cinnamon or rust color on the underside of the tail confirmed they were Bohemian Waxwings. Cedar Waxwings are similar but the breast, belly, and sides are soft pale yellow, and the underside of the tail is white.

In winter Bohemian Waxwings are nomadic and unpredictable, so it is always a treat to find them. Many years ago, a friend had phoned to tell me there was a flock of them in a tree beside the bank on Main Street. I got into my car and drove there, but found only Rock Pigeons lined up along the roofs. Then, I had checked several other places where we had found Bohemians in the past: behind the church at the top of the hill, where one year during the Christmas Bird Count we had found 88 of them: and in the crabapple trees in front of

WAXWINGS, Page 2B

Nation has plenty of Groundhogs

By Tom Emery Guest Columnist

Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog of all. But he’s got plenty of cousins. Groundhogs are common across America, and are one of the nation’s largest rodents. Also called “woodchucks” or “whistle pigs,” the species may revel in their own day on the calendar.

Follow the laws

To The Editor: In their great wisdom and knowledge of human behavior, America’s Founding Fathers determined that a government of three separate but equal branches would be the best way for a struggling yet rapidly growing country to establish itself in a world fraught with peril at every turn.

The Legislative branch comprised of a Senate and House of Representatives would make the laws that all Americans are expected to adhere to.

The Executive branch is to be headed by the president, whose main job is to implement laws established by Congress.

The Judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, is to rule on whether legislation enacted by Congress passes Constitutional muster or not.

America is presently being led by a president who has no intention of following the nation’s laws.

Joe Biden apprenticed under Barack Obama, who often used his phone and pen to bypass Congress. Obama governed by executive order, and now

we are paying a horrendous price because of Biden’s gross incompetence and complete disregard for the rule of law.

From day one, Biden has pillaged the nation at will. He took us from being energy independent to begging our enemies for oil. Biden foolishly sold off our strategic oil reserves to China, whose goal is to replace us as the world’s number one economic and military power. They are almost there.

In an act of gross negligence, Biden tore down the nation’s borders so that we are under constant assault by millions of illegal immigrants.

Biden has run up America’s debt to levels that our children and grandchildren can never pay back. It will take a major miracle for America to survive Biden and the Democratic Party’s deliberate destruction of the nation.

Robert M. Howe Jr. Bridgton

Canceled

To The Editor: Having read and studied the American Constitution, I am amazed at how much of our Constitution has been destroyed by Joe Biden and

Chesty and rotund, groundhogs are 20 to 25 inches long, including the tail, and weigh from seven to fourteen pounds. They prefer areas like crop fields, pastures, or meadows near wooded areas and shy away from flood-prone regions, since they spend much of their lives underground.

They are commonly found along fences, roads and ditches, and in brushy, overgrown patches, though groundhogs can also survive in more populated areas.

“They’ve adapted very well in some urban areas,” said Stan McTaggart, the Wildlife Diversity Program Manager at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in Springfield, Ill. “Traditionally, you think of groundhogs on farmsteads, but they have adapted well in some urban spots.

“Topography is crucial to where a groundhog lives,” continued McTaggart. “They don’t do well in areas with conventional tillage, and they need places that are well-drained.”

Favorite foods for groundhogs include grasses, leaves, ferns, and fruit, and they love to raid gardens and fields. They tend to be solitary, and breed in March or April. The lifespan of an average groundhog is three years. Young groundhogs start searching for their own living areas at only two months.

When Punxsutawney Phil and other celebrity groundhogs are pulled from their quarters, they can get testy, with good

the Democrats as they pursue power, wealth, and privilege.

For instance, the First Amendment. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (Amendment I, U.S. Constitution)

Most of my life, I have heard that we had to build “a wall of separation between Church and State.” This is a red herring derived from Thomas Jefferson’s comments about the establishment of a State Religion, which is forbidden by the First Amendment. Also, the First Amendment does not forbid religion from influencing government. The First Amendment protects individual religious beliefs from the heavy hand of government, not government from the moral strictures of the Creator.

Growing up in Great Neck, N.Y., a very liberal community, I constantly heard the refrain, “I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll fight to the death for your right to say it.” This was said as a rejoinder to attacks against charges of Communism in the McCarthy era. This, of

course, was the essence of the First Amendment’s free speech clause.

Times have changed. Now, the free speech clause only applies to “politically correct” speech. If one questions the CDC on how to deal with COVID, or the teacher’s union about parents being allowed to question how and what their children are being taught, or anything that challenges government’s edicts, you will be “canceled.” Apparently, Progressives now will fight to the death against your right to free speech, if you disagree with the Democrat Party’s orthodoxy.

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Upside Down World

To The Editor: The Mad Hatter comes to mind having read Mr. St. Laurent’s latest. Definitely up is down, down is up. His agita and umbrage concerning “party line” voting is curious since it didn’t seem to bother him when his peeps had the gavel.

Woodchucks are cute to some, nuisance to Others with

GROUNDHOGS, Page 2B

S.V. FRESHET, Page 4B

Opinions

Changes that change us

By Megan-Mack Nicholson

I’m a lover of winter. A lover of all the seasons, really. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite season other than the season I’m in at any given moment. The symphony of peepers and still canoeing waters of spring as you watch the water birds return home and that vibrant new-leaf green color paints the hills.

The long days of summer allow for all the play, the warmth on your skin, the gentle breezes at night, and hours upon hours of swimming.

The crisp mornings of Autumn, the brilliant Northeast fall foliage, the first lighting of the woodstove.

Maybe it’s because we are currently in winter and I’m absolutely in awe of its beauty every day, but I’m the closest I’ve ever been to saying that winter is my favorite season. I mean, if I had to, of course. Having the unbelievable fortune of splitting my time between Bath and Eustis, I do however have to acknowledge that our seasons are changing. It seems no matter where I go people are talking about how “it’s not like it used to be…” Change is our only constant, isn’t that what they say? Isn’t that what we already know to be true? Isn’t that what gives us perspective on life and assists in creating wisdom in our later years?

The other day, I heard a quote that’s been rattling in my brain and heart. It went something like this: “Everything we touch, we change, and everything we change, changes us.” Being a nature enthusiast, as a young girl, and now a woman who would rather take in the fresh air than anything else, this quote gives my life trajectory a whole new lens. Globally,

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Waterford

PARKING BAN

From November 15, 2022 to April 15, 2023, no vehicle shall be parked on any public street or way from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., as per MRSA 29A Section 2068-2069. Vehicles may be towed at owners’ expense. 2T4

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SPECIAL AMUSEMENT PERMIT

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Bridgton will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 to accept oral and written comments on a Special Amusement Permit Application from Campfire Grille located at 518 Portland Road for live music and entertainment. 1T5

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Waterford WATERFORD PLANNING BOARD

The Waterford Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Waterford Town Office on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss proposed revisions to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance regarding allowed uses in the 100-year floodway/Resource Protection Zone.

Public Welcome.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Waterford

SNOW DEPOSIT WARNING

Earth Notes

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

our environments are changing and I am certainly not void of guilt for the ways I have changed my surrounding environments. On the other hand, what if every time I experienced the awe, wonder and joy of a new season, it imprinted more awe, wonder and joy for the next? And what if all that appreciation and imprinting ultimately led me to be an outdoor educator and guide? No matter what, the best part about that quote is thinking that every time I interact with love toward nature, and a student is watching, they too can’t help but be changed. So, everything I touch, I change — “good” or “bad,” and everything I change, changes me — for “better” or “worse.” If we thought about it, it would probably be impossible to count the number of changes we have had throughout our lives. I think we could all agree that some changes we initiated, some we felt happened TO us and most were just inevitable. I want to remember this quote — this concept — to guide me toward being kinder to myself and to take more responsibility for how I affect others. I find it so interesting to acknowledge the parts of me that want and embrace change

Legals

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

Casco Self Storage

Pursuant to the rental agreement between Casco Self Storage and party named below, their personal property shall become the property of Casco Self Storage on February 10, 2023, in order to satisfy all liens brought on by default of payment.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

CASCO SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 7TH, 2023

CASCO COMMUNITY CENTER

940 MEADOW ROAD 6:00 P.M.

The Casco Selectboard will hold a public hearing at the Casco Community Center, 940 Meadow Road, Casco, Maine on February 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. to review an application for an On-Premises Beer, Wine and Spirits License by Eastern Harvest Catering, Inc. dba Eastern Harvest Cafe, located at 333 Roosevelt Trail, Casco, Maine. 1T5

Public Notice

while also acknowledging the parts of me that inwardly want to battle or ignore the changing. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could gracefully, excitedly and with great anticipation step into all changes as I do the next season on the calendar?

Megan-Mack Nicholson is a registered Maine Guide, Shamanic-Reiki Practitioner, certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and runs an Outdoor Leadership school in northern Maine. You can contact her at www.holonhealingme.com

Waxwings

(Continued from Page 1B)

the power company where another year we had discovered a Bohemian Waxwing with a few Pine Grosbeaks. On the phone, my friend had assured me there were Bohemians, so I returned to Main Street and found a flock of birds swooping down at rooftop level. I parked the car, and with binoculars saw a very large flock of Bohemian Waxwings in tall trees behind the bank, calling to one another with high pitched buzzy trills. Almost immediately, they took off and flew around. When they landed again it looked as if every twig had at least one bird on it, and on vertical branches birds were lined up one above the other. They were restless, flying from branch to branch and tree to tree, but I estimated at least three hundred birds. For many minutes, I watched as whole sections of the flock lifted up, flew around over the parking lot, and landed in another tree. Some birds swirled around my parked car, swooped low to land on crabapple trees beside me, and then flew up to perch in a big spruce tree in front of me, looking like ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Every winter, we hope to see Bohemian Waxwings, but they are not seen around here every year so it takes a combination of persistence and luck to find them. It also helps to take a second look at birds feeding on fruit and berries, and to listen for their thin high-pitched trills while out walking, or even while waiting at the drive-in window at the bank.

Groundhogs

(Continued from Page 1B)

reason. Groundhogs are one of the few mammals that hibernate, falling into a deep slumber in October or November that lasts until mid-to-late February.

During hibernation, the body temperature of a groundhog can dip from 97 degrees Fahrenheit to only 34 degrees, and their breathing may drop to one breath every six minutes. In hibernation, a groundhog’s heart beats as few as four times every minute.

With sharp claws and powerful legs, groundhogs love to dig. Their burrows are surprisingly sophisticated, and normally include toilet chambers. But that penchant for digging can lead to trouble.

“We get a lot of calls from homeowners when groundhogs dig those holes too close to foundations,” remarked McTaggart. “They are also an enemy of farmers, and one reason is that livestock can get hurt when they step in holes dug by groundhogs.”

While they look cuddly, groundhogs can have a nasty disposition with people or other animals, and are more than willing to fight a turf war. “When they’re cornered, they can be aggressive,” said McTaggart. “They can stand their ground.”

If threatened, groundhogs will click their razor-sharp teeth and emit a sharp whistle (hence their nickname “whistle pig”) to alert other woodchucks.

Groundhog Day is derived from Candlemas, a Christianthemed mid-winter celebration in Europe with a legend that sunshine on Candlemas meant that 40 days of snow and cold were to follow.

In Germany, the legend evolved into a superstition that the

GROUNDHOGS, Page 6B

2T4

Warning is hereby given that no person or persons shall plow, shovel or otherwise deposit snow, or cause the same to be done, into the limits of any traveled public way. Pursuant to MRSA 17 A, Section 505, “Placing Obstructions on a Traveled Road” and MRSA 29A Section 2396 “Snow, a person may not place and allow to remain on a public way snow or slush that has not accumulated there naturally.” Persons in violation of these laws shall be subject to legal action.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF CASCO

CASCO COMMUNITY CENTER

940 MEADOW ROAD

FEBRUARY 13TH, 2023 6:30 P.M.

There will be a Public Meeting held on February 13 2023, 6:30 P.M. at the Casco Community Center Meeting Room, 940 Meadow Road, Casco, Maine on the following items:

• Application for Site Plan – DM Roma representing their client R.J.R., LLC for a Car Wash – 385 Roosevelt Trail, Casco, Portion of Tax Map 2, Lot 18. This area is located in the Commercial District, currently vacant.

• Request for a revised Zoning Map Amendment – Archipelage Michael Morse representing his client Dan Grotto – Resource Protection District Tax Map 2, Lot 32-C-2 Watkins Shore Road, Casco.

• Application for Preliminary Major Subdivision – Sebago Technics representing their client KKT Realty Trust, for a 12 Lot Subdivision located at Leach Hill, Tax Map 8, Lot 31 Casco, Maine. This area is located in the Residential District.

• Application for Preliminary Major Subdivision – MainLand Development Consultants, Inc. representing their client OMM24, LLC for a five lot Subdivision located at Heath Road and Azwelikit Road, Tax Map 11, Lots 11 & 11-11-3 Casco Maine. This area is located in the Residential, Stream, and Wetland District.

Respectfully Submitted by, Mary Tremblay Town of Casco

Deputy Code Enforcement Officer

TOWN OF NAPLES

Select Board Public Meeting

The Naples Select Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 6 p.m. It will take place at 15 Village Green Lane. On the agenda:

• New Business License Application for the property found on Tax Map U03 Lot 016 and located at 533 Roosevelt Trail (also known as Lakeside Nutrition)

The public is welcome.

Warren’s Florist

~ Always Fabulous Florals ~

Fruit & Gift Baskets ~

Public Notice

TOWN OF SEBAGO

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Sebago Planning Board will hold the following Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Sebago Town Hall Building.

ZONING AMENDMENTS

Proposed Amendments to the Land Use Ordinance of the Town of Sebago to Prohibit Quarrying in the Village and Rural Residential Districts. These Amendments also redefine Mineral Extraction. These Amendments Are Proposed by the Ordinance Review Committee. Copies of the Amendments Are Available at the Town Office. 2T4

Public Notice

TOWN OF SEBAGO

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Town of Sebago Planning Board will hold the following Public Hearings on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Sebago Town Office Building.

SUBDIVISION PLAN REVIEW

Forest Fern, LLC (Owners)

Terradyn Consultants, LLC (Applicant) White’s Road – Map 15, Lot 7-1

Proposed Subdivision

SITE PLAN REVIEW

Richard Merritt (Goodwins Lodge)

683 Sebago Road – Map 4, Lot 16B

Proposed Expansion of Existing Cluster Development

Full Services Burials

Danielle Pierson, Casco Maine 2T4

Letters

(Continued from Page 1B)

One can only assume he is an adherent of the philosophy “consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.”

In paragraph one, he decries McCarthy’s “party line” rules of the House. Could he pos-

sibly be so misinformed he thought Pelosi’s were bipartisan?

His second paragraph suggests he might want to proofread and better reflect on his own words as he blasts the establishment of a subcommittee that (drum roll please) is a Jan. 6-styled subcommittee. Ooh. Ooh. He’s right lampooning that one, which I doubt he intended to do, but he is

Richard M. Bennett

Richard (Rick) Michael Bennett of Bridgton, 61, died unexpectedly from surgical complications on January 17, 2023. Rick, was one of four children of Roberta and Russell Bennett of Waterford, Mich. Growing up, his creativity was showcased through his participation in puppetry, painting projects, theater, and photography. He graduated with honors from Waterford Mott H.S, where he had been the yearbook photographer. After high school, Rick joined the Air Force, earning awards for marksmanship.

Rick’s career in building construction took him to Maine where he worked for Community Concepts, helping families to build their own homes.

Later in life, Rick used his construction expertise to excel as a property adjustor in the insurance industry. Rick was well respected for his knowledge, ability to listen, and offer help without hesitation. At home, Rick enjoyed using his construction abilities for remodeling and fine woodworking projects.

Rick was an amazing cook and loved experimenting in the kitchen, creating spice blends, and growing his own produce.

Rick was also greatly fulfilled by his love of his three dogs.

Rick is preceded in death by his mother, Roberta, brother Rusty, and brother-in-law, Michael Dooley Sr.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Deborah, daughter, Lauren (Gregg) Porter, of Salem, Ohio, son, Richard Bennett of Chester, W.V., bonus daughters, Andrea Woods of Casco, and Teresa (Scott) Lovejoy of Rockwood, sisters, Michele (Wayne) Beckley, Denise Dooley, several nieces and nephews, and beloved grandchildren; Anna, Courtney, Dean, Hunter, Jonah, Lainey, Lake, Landon, and Wilder.

Services for Rick will be held at a date and time to be announced in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Deborah Bennett, c/o Norway Savings Bank, 1 Harrison Rd., Bridgton ME 04009 to assist with service costs.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dolbyblaissegee.com.

Judith E. Walsh

SCARBOROUGH — Judith

(Judy) Ethel Walsh (nee Hayes), 85, of Bridgton, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023, after a long illness at Gosnell House in Scarborough, Maine.

Judy was born on December 15, 1937, to John Hayes and Ethel Hayes (nee Marley) in the Bronx, NYC, N.Y. She attended Catholic schools up until graduation in 1955. She went on to work for Bell Systems.

Judy spent time during summers coming to Maine and enjoying time on the many lakes and ponds.

In the late 1960s, her family moved permanently to Bridgton. Her family owned and operated Ski Valley Motel until 1987. Her father taught her how to fix just about anything and was her oak.

She loved horses and owned many Morgans for quite a while. Horseback riding was something she enjoyed doing with her friends and would hit the trails off Quarry Road and Hio Ridge Road.

Starting in the early 1990s, she worked for Bridgton Hospital as a registrar. She retired after 25 years of service and continued to stay in touch with many coworkers who were her dear friends with big hearts.

Her passions in life included her plants and gardens which she tended to regularly.

Judy was predeceased by her father, mother, brother Eugene, brother Ken and ex-husband, Barry. Judy is survived by her two sons, Jesse of Bridgton and John (JG) and his spouse, daughterin-law, Marilyn Harrington, of Bridgton. Her sons meant the world to her. Her family would like to thank Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, Hospice of Southern Maine and Gosnell House for their tireless care.

Also, a thank you to Chandler Funeral Homes.

She will be sadly missed. She was a great mother and friend to those who knew her.

In keeping with Judy’s wishes, no service or celebration of life will be held. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. To make an online condolence please visit www.chandlerfunerals.com

definitely in Wonderland if he can’t see the legitimacy of the new one.

Regarding his comments on who is in charge as a Fox is generally considered wise, perhaps we are better off with them in charge rather than a bunch of dodos. Think Schiff, Nadler, Swalwell, Raskin et al.

Bulletin Mr. St.L., there was no “sellout” to convey subpoena power on committees

and their chairs. Your clowns had it, and we can reasonably now expect a more fact-finding usage as opposed to Schiff b.s. and Swalwell gas. Emissions will be the better for it.

Finally, as regards your typically temperate comments on the 87,000 IRS hires, Mr. St.L., only you and your curious minded colleagues could buy into a proposition that it will take “87,000 hard-working”

Obituaries

Marjorie A. Levesque

Marjorie A. Levesque, of Harrison, passed away on January 21, 2023, after a brief illness surrounded by family at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Marjorie recently celebrated her 90th birthday in North Carolina, attended by all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marjorie was born in Boston, Mass., and the daughter of John F. Donovan and Mary (Batt) Donovan. She earned her B.S. Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1955.

Marjorie married Ralph Levesque in 1956. She taught second grade for 35 plus years in the Middleboro public school system. Upon retirement they split their time between Harrison and Fayetteville, N.C.

Marjorie was an avid bridge player in Maine and North Carolina. Marjorie also enjoyed quilting and she and her group donated many beautiful quilts to the pediatric unit at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Marjorie also enjoyed a glass of wine with family and friends on her back deck in Maine.

Marjorie is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ralph N. Levesque; her daughter, Karin Levesque and her spouse, June Crowell of Fayetteville, N.C.; son Robert Levesque and his wife, Julia of Modoc, S.C.; her daughter Jean Michael and her husband, Peter of Lakeville, Mass.; and son, David Levesque of Middleboro, Mass.; two brothers, Richard Donovan and his wife, Dorothy of Carver, Mass.; and John Donovan and his wife, Susan of Acworth, Ga.; and six grandchildren, Nicole, Colin, Conrad, Patrick, Alexandra, and Andrew; and a growing number of great-grandchildren. Marjorie is also survived by her beloved Toy Poodle, Annie.

A celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, American Heart Association, or any charity of your choosing.

Gloria E. Charles

FRYEBURG — Gloria Edith Charles (McDonald), 82, of Fryeburg, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2023. She was able to spend her last few days in the home where she raised her family and was in the presence of her family.

She was born to parents Frank McDonald and Grace Dunn McDonald, on August 6, 1940, in Portland. Gloria met John A. Charles in 1959. They were married on May 16, 1960, in Brownfield, and spent 62 wonderful years in love. Together they raised three children: David, Danny and Dana. Gloria was a graduate of Fryeburg Academy in 1958. She enjoyed attending many of her class reunions. Before marriage and children, Gloria went to beauty school and had a home salon for nearly 25 years. In the early 80s, Gloria went to work at the Fryeburg Academy kitchen, where she worked with an amazing team until her retirement.

Activities that Gloria enjoyed included bowling, dancing, and spending time with family and she always loved to have a dog by her side. She was in the Eastern Star for many years and was a member of the Fryeburg Academy Alumni Association. Through the years, Gloria and John were always opening their home to others. Cousin Ellen (Benson) Guilford lived with them for a few years, and it wasn’t unusual to have the boys’ dorm friends from the Academy staying over on weekends. Gloria cared for her mother, Grace, for years before her death.

In May 2015, Gloria lost one of her sons, Danny, very suddenly. It was a significant loss to the whole family.

Gloria is survived by her husband, John, son David Charles and his wife Cindy, son Dana Charles and his wife Liz and daughter-in-law Jennifer Charles. Grandchildren Zachary, Haden, Travis, Benjamin, Colby, Sydney, Alexis, Leah, Jen Moore and Sara Roberts and 11 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fryeburg Rescue or Jen’s Friends.

A service and reception will be held on February 11 at 11 a.m. at the North Fryeburg Church-Chapel Hall. Arrangements are under the care of the Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren Street, Fryeburg. To make an online condolence please visit www.woodfuneralhome.org

government employees to deal with the 607 billionaires currently residing in this country.

Don Vose Naples

Revisionism

To The Editior:

In his last week’s letter, “That was disgraceful,” and pejorative review of guest col-

umnist Will Laven’s previous week’s piece regarding the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., contributor Don Vose goes so far as to question the former’s doctorate bona fides, as well as the college where he teaches, writing style, and then tops it off with some history revisionism regarding the racial opportunism of his party and

LETTERS, Page 4B

Patricia A. Clark

Patricia A. Clark, 83, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Bridgton on July 10, 1939, the daughter of Harold and Norma (Watrous) Conant and was a lifelong resident of Bridgton.

Patty graduated from Bridgton High School in 1957. During her school years, she played sports, including softball, basketball and being a majorette. Patty met her future husband, Brock Clark Jr., while in high school. They were married in Solon on July 14, 1958.

She enjoyed her involvement with the community as a Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and little league baseball. She had many hobbies throughout her life and could always be found utilizing one of her many creative talents for the benefit of others, whether it be handcrafting beautiful stained-glass lamps as gifts, knitting sweaters for kids, sewing, painting, or drawing. She often made hats, mittens, or ornaments for donation to various causes — always wanting to help out where she could.

Patty and Brock enjoyed traveling together and spent many winters in Lakeland, Fla. They also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially their grandchildren.

Patty was predeceased by her parents, sister Nancy Burdick and great-nephew Armine Burdick.

She is survived by her loving husband, Brock, her sons, Hal and his wife Sandy, Andy and his wife Lisa, her granddaughters Jessica, Allison, Ashley, her great-grandchildren Mikayla and Elliot, her sisters, Julie DeVoe and Linda Sanborn, brother Bruce Farnham, her auntie Barbara Autio, and countless nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

A memorial graveside service will be held in the spring at the Forest Hills Cemetery Annex with day and time to be announced. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where messages can be shared with Patty’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Robert T. McCarthy

Robert T. McCarthy, 90, of Bridgton, died early Sunday morning, Jan. 29, 2023, at his home in Bridgton with his wife and all his children present.

He was born on Dec. 28, 1932, in Bristol, Conn., a son of Thomas V. and Mary E. (Jones) McCarthy. He attended local Bristol schools, Cheshire Academy and later earned a degree from Hartford State Technical College in Hartford.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Bob served his country for four years at the end of the Korean War.

Bob’s career in engineering saw him with Connecticut Power & Light, Charles T. Main Engineering in Boston, Burns & McDonnell Engineering in Kansas City, Mo., and Parsons Engineering in Calif. These businesses took Bob and his family across the United States and the world enjoying each place along the way.

They settled in Maine at a year round cottage on Long Lake in Bridgton that they purchased in 1991 entertaining family and friends for years. In 2013, they sold the cottage and moved to a property nearer one of their sons.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed family gatherings, baseball and classical jazz.

Bob is loved by his wife, Julia of Bridgton; children, Patricia A. Miele and her husband, Ben of Holliston, Mass., Michael R. McCarthy of Bridgton, Julia Summers and her husband, John of Manchester, N.H., Maura J. Fitts and her husband, Jonathan of Framingham, Mass., and Kevin T. McCarthy of Bridgton; grandchildren, Katherine Kistner and her husband, Peter, Matthew Miele and his wife, Miranda, Christopher Miele, Amber, Devan and Tristen Summers, Geoffrey and Jonathan Fitts. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Norma M. Anderson.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at the St. Joseph Church in Bridgton. Spring interment will be at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Bristol, Conn. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where tributes may be shared at www. hallfuneralhome.net.

Always Improving Family Owned

Always Improving

(Continued from Page 3B)

the legacy he cites regarding former Vietnam era — and bigtime “hawk” Senate minority leader, the late Everett Dirksen of Illinois.

A 33rd degree Freemason and 50s era reality show figure — not unlike tfg, (Vose’s idol) — “Wizard of Ooze,” Dirksen was often ridiculed for changing his mind like the weather in Maine. In one such cartwheel, he decided to — as Vose accurately mentions — support then President Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights Act of 1964, a big initiative championed by MLK Jr., as well as the war in Southeast Asia, which the Reverend definitely vehemently opposed. Where Mr. Vose goes then in his trite and flawed history revision regarding the oft claimed Republican argument that it was the Democrats and not his party that crucified MLK Jr. is classic. We’ve heard

it many times, although the flipping of party sensibilities regarding race since Dirksen’s tenure and the advent of the GOP’s “Southern strategy” he conveniently neglects to mention.

The Southern strategy was a Republican Party electoral strategy to increase political support among an aggrieved barely literate white voting block (then primarily Democrats) in the South by appealing to racism against African Americans. As the Civil Rights movement and dismantling of Jim Crow laws in the 1950s and 1960s visibly deepened existing racial tensions in much of the southern United States, Republican politicians such as presidential candidate Richard Nixon and Senator Barry Goldwater developed strategies that successfully contributed to the political realignment of many white, conservative voters in the South, who had traditionally supported the Democratic Party. It also helped to push

S.V. Freshet

the Republican Party much more to the right relative to the 1950s, got Reagan elected twice and brought about the later further mass brainwashing of the aforementioned via Fox “News,” and talk radio hatemonger jocks like the late Rush Limbaugh, who for his efforts was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by tfg for his legacy of misogyny and racial enmity and the coining of disparaging terms like “Feminazi,” and the myth of the “liberal media.”

In my humble opinion, the good Dr. Laven is owed an apology not just from Vose for his ad hominem letter, but by the editors as well for publishing such vitriol. For the life of me, exactly what is the connection between “white supremacy” and shibboleths anyways?

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

Classified Advertising

BN 5 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 PART-TIME — Children’s Librarian. Responsibilities include storytime and other programs, collection development and customer service. FMI or to submit resume: JDupree@HobbsLibrary.org 3t4x

FOR RENT Waterford

Combination Restaurant/Store

HELP WANTED VEHICLES FOR SALE

FUTURE LEADERS WANTED

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

FOR SALE

$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

FOR RENT

OFFICE FOR RENT 82 Main Street, Bridgton for therapy/ massage/office. Furnished, heat/ AC, WiFi, printer. $15/hr. Call207-329-5545. 4t5

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 LAKE REGION

Transportation Service. From shopping trips, pick-up and delivery to personal errands, airport, and special requests. Call or text your request to 207-2910193. 4t3x 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. 1t5x

At North Conway, a milkman drove onto the bridge just as it was swept from its foundations and was carried downstream. He swam ashore and procuring a boat and assistance, was able to save his horse just as it was exhausted and unable to struggle further. The cart was lost.

The West Fryeburg and Chatham stages are obliged to go by way of Fryeburg Centre. East Fryeburg is also cut off from communication with Fryeburg by the overflow father down.”

Such a freshet as this, with all its attendant flooding of the intervals and large cakes of broken ice, I can recall happening

(Continued from Page 1B) FRESHET, Page 6B

DENMARK

SELF-STORAGE

10' x 10' Unit – $75/mo. 10' x 20' Unit – $125/mo.

207-452-2157

TFr42CD

~ AVAILABLE ANY TIME ~ CALL

1-978-618-6786 TF1CDX

FRYEBURG ACADEMY

has openings for the following positions:

• BUSINESS OFFICE ASSOCIATE (full-time)

• BUSINESS OFFICE ASSOCIATE (full-time)

• ART TEACHER (full-time)

• FILM WORKSHOP TEACHER (part-time)

• FILM WORKSHOP TEACHER (part-time)

• DRIVERS (part-time)

• DRIVERS (part-time)

Fryeburg Academy offers a comprehensive Benefits Package for its full-time employees. To apply and view a full listing of our available positions, please visit our website at https://www.fryeburgacademy.org/about/employment We are an EOE.

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

are looking to join a patient centered, tight-knit healthcare environment, we encourage you to explore the opportunities that we have to offer. We look forward to hearing from you!

For questions, please contact Sharon.Nightingale@mainehealth.org, 207-744-6071. For more information and to apply, please scan the QR code!

An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

PLUMBING & HEATING Collins Plumbing & Heating Inc. Specializing in repair service in The Lake Region 647-4436 (12/23x)

Ken Karpowich Plumbing Repairs/Installation/Remodeling Master Plumber in ME & NH Over 20 years experience 207-925-1423 (12/23x)

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape Organic lawn & garden maintenance Shoreline restoration Creative stonework, property watch Snowplowing & sanding 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com (12/22x)

REAL ESTATE

Chalmers Real Estate 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311 (TF)

Kezar Realty Homes, Land & Vacation Rentals Lovell Village 207-925-1500 KezarRealty.com (12/23x)

SELF-STORAGE

insured – References 207-831-8354 (12/22x)

PHOTOGRAPHY QuirkWorks Photography Commercial, Product & Lifestyle photography and video quirkworksstudio.com / 207-239-4154 (12/22x)

PILATES ALFA Pilates offers Pilates Privates at a home studio in Hiram, ME. Call 347-854-3010 or email angelaluem@gmail.com (12/23x)

Oberg Agency Residential, Business, Lake Shore Property 132 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858 (12/23x)

RUBBISH SERVICE

ABC Rubbish Weekly Pick-up Container Service Tel. 743-5417 (TF)

Worsters Rubbish Removal

Trash hauling Docks – Demolition

Snowplowing/Sanding Harrison 207-583-6914 (3/23x)

The upcoming schedule at the Bridgton Community Center (Depot Street) is as follows;

Today, Thursday, February 2

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

9 to11:30 a.m., Progress Center

12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Bits and Pieces, Free

12:30 to 3 p.m., Painting Fun, Free

7 to 9 p.m., Main Room, Chickadee Quilters

Friday, February 3

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

9 to 10 a.m., Chair Yoga

1 to 4 p.m., Mahjongg, Free

4:30 to 6 p.m., Main Room, Rick Hagerstrom, practice

Sunday, February 5

1 to 3 p.m., Great Room, Girl Scouts

2 to 4 p.m., Birthday Party

3:30 to 5 p.m., Main Room, Rick Hagerstrom, practice

5 to 8:30 p.m., The Band

Monday, February 6

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

to 5 p.m., Family Visit AR

Tuesday, February 7

to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

a.m. to 12 p.m., Main Room, Chickadee Quilters

to 4 p.m., Bridge, $3

Wednesday, February 8

to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

to 1

Senior Lunch

to 3 p.m., Mahjongg

1 to 2:30 p.m., Room 2, Caregiver Support Group

2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Cooking Matters 4:30 to 6 p.m., Main Room, Rick Hagerstrom, practice

Local Happenings

All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

HARRISON — The Harrison Lions Club will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 10: 30 a.m. at the Olde Mill Tavern on Main Street in Harrison.

The menu includes pancakes (plain, blueberry, and chocolate chip), French Toast, bacon and sausages, home fries, scrambled eggs, orange juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Price: whatever you think is fair. Donations accepted.

Baked Bean Supper

The Bridgton/Fryeburg Knights of Columbus will hold a baked bean supper on Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, located at 225 South High Street in Bridgton.

The menu includes hot dogs, beans, cornbread, cole slaw and dessert. Take-out meals are available.

Donations will be accepted to support the Knight’s Ukraine Solidarity Fund. Please join us to support the people of Ukraine and have a great meal.

Sarah Perry speaker at Hobbs

LOVELL — The Hobbs Library Speaker Series continues on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. with a Zoomonly talk by award-winning Maine author Sarah Perry.

Her book, After the Eclipse, is a fierce memoir of a mother’s murder, a daughter’s coming-of-age in the wake of immense loss, and her mission to know the woman who gave her life.

When Sarah Perry was 12, she saw a partial eclipse of the sun, an event she took as a sign of good fortune for her and her mother, Crystal. But that brief moment of darkness ultimately foreshadowed a much larger one: two days later, Crystal was murdered in their home

in Bridgton, just a few feet from Sarah’s bedroom.

Sarah Perry is the author of the memoir After the Eclipse, which was named a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a Poets & Writers Notable Nonfiction Debut, and a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers pick. Her essay collection, Sweet Nothings, is forthcoming from Mariner/HarperCollins.

Perry teaches in the graduate program in Creative Writing at the University of North Texas. She was the 2019 McGee Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing at Davidson College. Her writing has appeared in the Huffington Post, Off

Assignment, Elle magazine, and The Guardian. She has received the 2020-2022 Tulsa Artist Fellowship, the 2018 Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award, and fellowships from the Edward F. Albee Foundation, VCCA, Playa, and The Studios of Key West. She holds an M.F.A. in nonfiction from Columbia University.

This is a Zoom-only talk. The link can be found by going to www.hobbslibrary.

org For queries, contact the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library: 207-925- 3177. The Hobbs Library Speaker Series is supported in part by a generous contribution from Norway Savings Bank.

HOBBS LIBRARY Speaker Series presents Maine author Sarah Perry Feb. 9.

Bear Mt. Inn Supports Rotary

WATERFORD — Many came out to the Winter Pub at Bear Mountain Inn & Barn on Saturday, Jan. 28, for live music, drinks and a delicious menu in support of the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club.

The club was raising funds for its long-time project in Kakamega, Kenya. Learn more at https://friendsofkenyarising.org.

Rotary President Aaron Hagan remarked, “We were excited about the turnout of Rotarians from Oxford Hills and lots of local folks and snowmobilers enjoying a beautiful day on Waterford’s snowy trails and its friendly pub. And people generously asked about and donated to our project.”

For more information about the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club, reach out to Aaron at LakeRegionRotary@ gmail.com.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe

Russian Cabbage Borscht

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

There are some recipes from forever and long ago that can’t be beat. This recipe comes from one of the early Moosewood Cookbooks and is made with some of the best winter vegetables the season has to offer. It is colorful (which means it is loaded with vitamins that are good for you) and is oh so flavorful with a bit of a piquant taste from the tomato paste and a splash of vinegar that offsets the bitter and astringent quality of cabbage and the sweetness of all the other root crops in it.

It is a soup that can be blended for a creamy smooth texture or I prefer it chunky with every bite a different taste and texture treat.

It is a soup that uses up the rest of that head of cabbage I bought for a stir-fry a few weeks ago and the beets I bought because I love them and Himself does not. The rest of the vegetables are ones I always keep around.

Served with a loaf of rustic bread, a slather of butter, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, I think you will enjoy this on a cold winter’s night.

Russian Cabbage Borscht from Moosewood Cookbook

Prep time 1 hour

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

11/2 cups thinly sliced potato

1 cup thinly sliced beets

4 cups water

1 to 2 tablespoon butter

1 ½ cups chopped onion

1 scant teaspoon caraway

seeds

11/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)

1 stalk celery

1 medium sized carrot sliced

3 to 4 cups shredded cabbage

Freshly ground black pepper

Fry Friday

1 to 2 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 to 2 tablespoon brown sugar

1 cup tomato puree

Toppings: sour cream or yogurt and chopped dill

Directions

Place potatoes, beets and water in a medium sized saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender (20 to 30 minutes).

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a kettle or Dutch oven. Add onion, caraway seeds, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent (8 to 10 minutes).

Add celery, carrots and cabbage, plus 2 cups of the cooking liquid from the potatoes and beets. Cover and cook over medium heat until all vegetables are tender (another 8 to 10 minutes).

Add the remaining ingredients (including the potato and beet water), cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes more. Taste to correct seasonings, serve hot, topped with sour cream or yogurt and a light dusting of chopped dill.

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

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

Please no dogs. Sorry, we have a lease to honor.

BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

ENJOYING Winter Pub Fare, from left to right in back Rotarians Nick Orgo, Carol Madsen, Aaron Hagan and Erin Nelson; in front George Rice, president, Oxford Hills Rotary, Ted Gerber, Ray Kearns, Rotarians Patty Rice and Beth Abbott.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, February 2

Free Masterclass with South African saxophonist McCoy Mrubata at the Leura Hill Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg Academy, Bradley Street, at 2:45 p.m, All welcome. McCoy will be sharing his life journey — through sounds and slides — as a black musician in South Africa. No tickets required to attend.

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

Pancake breakfast. The Lopeman-Potts American Legion Post 67 in Bridgton will be serving breakfast on the first Saturday of each month from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Bridgton Community Center

Continuations

girls from 9 to 14 years of age.

Age category and eligibility is determined by the age of the contestant as of Jan. 1, 2023.

on Depot Street. Suggested donation for the pancake and sausage breakfast is $8 per person. All proceeds benefit American Legion Post 67.

Huge Giveaway of Free Baby Items, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, located on 857 Main Street in Fryeburg, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Soup, Chowder and Chili Fest at the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, 231 Rayville Road, Otisfield, returns from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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. Free Throw Contest. The Knights of Columbus Council 11376 of Bridgton/Fryeburg will be sponsoring a Free Throw Basketball Competition on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Region High School gym on Route 302 in Naples. The competition is open to boys and

Entry forms are available at local schools and on the day of the competition. The forms are to be completed, signed and dated by the contestant and a parent or guardian.

Winter Fest. Chocorua Lake Conservancy and Tamworth Outing Club will hold Winter Fest at The Preserve at Chocorua, N.H. from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Winter camping expo, winter adaptation learning station, scavenger hunt for kids, bonfires, indoor winter crafts, treats, supper, beer & wine, storytelling, music and dancing, silent auction, moonlight Owl Prowl, and, depending on conditions, sledding, a communal snow sculpture, crosscountry skiing, and snowshoeing. By donation; suggested: kids $5, adults $10-25. More info and please register in advance at bit.ly/CLC-TOCwinter23. Please register separately for the Owl Prowl at bit.ly/CLC-020423 as space is limited.

Tuesday, February 7 Climate Health Roadshow, 7 p.m., Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth, N.H. and the Chocorua Lake Conservancy

live via Zoom for a presentation by retired cardiologist Bob Dewey of NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action. Bob will share climate science basics and discuss the health risks posed by climate change-related phenomena, discuss climate and clean energy solutions, and answer questions. More info and please register in advance at bit.ly/ CC-020723.

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.

Thursday, February 9

Author Sarah Perry will

The Saco Valley Freshet

(Continued from Page 4B)

in Fryeburg many a winter in my youth; and most recently about three years ago, when again the road to East Conway was made impassable by a flood that washed out the road and spread uprooted corn stubble from the fields to clog all the ditches in that vicinity well into the spring.

Sadly, the old Weston’s covered-bridge is now long gone — not washed away but destroyed in the vain name of progress — but even so I seem to recall the last freshet of a few winters back did some further damage by way of erosion to its surviving middle span, whose picturesque heap of granite blocks in the middle of the river was left looking decidedly more bedraggled than usual. I expect as time passes, more

Groundhogs

(Continued from Page 2B)

day was sunny if badgers and similar animals saw their own shadows. German immigrants in Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries imported the belief to America, and the first official commemoration of Groundhog Day was held in Punxsutawney in 1887.

Many zoos mark Groundhog Day with their own resident woodchucks, creating prime photo opportunities. Sometimes, though, celebrity groundhogs could care less. In 1990, the Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Ill. had to remove one of its groundhogs, Arnold, from the school circuit because of his bad habit of biting.

While some television meteorologists and other critics deride groundhogs for their accuracy — or lack thereof — in weather prediction, the question is usually moot. If a groundhog sees his shadow, then six more weeks of winter are in store, while no shadow means an early spring.

But in much of the nation, six more weeks of winter after February 2 means an end in mid-March — which would be considered an early spring.

In recent years, the groundhog has become an increasing part of American pop culture. The annual celebration in Punxsutawney, Pa. attracts as many as 30,000 onlookers who brave early morning darkness and sub-freezing temperatures to see if Phil sees his shadow.

Other groundhogs, such as Staten Island Chuck in New York and General Beauregard Lee in Atlanta, who spends some of his time in his own scale-model Southern mansion, have their own followings.

Even everyday groundhogs have a reason to smile on February 2. “Groundhogs aren’t a keystone species for anything, like a beaver is in a wetland or a stream,” said McTaggart. “But they certainly have their place. They’re a unique animal.”

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

and more of this imposing heap will succumb to the current, and its sandy foundations will continue to erode and gradually precipitate block after block of the old footing down into the Saco. But with trees now rooting in its midst, I feel there will always be something left of it, and it is amusing to think that in another century its tumulus of thrown down stones may well create an island of their own in the river’s midst. For now, it remains a testament to man’s attempt to tame the wild river Saco — an effort which, as these ice jams and freshets continue to attest, is one we shall never wholly master.

Till next time!

1069 Main Street, Lovell, ME 04051

Phone: 207-925-6272 Fax 207-925-1710

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The Town of Lovell is seeking sealed proposals from qualified Landscape Architect/Civil Engineers, to design a landscape plan that shields a proposed commercial structure from public view. The property is located at 699 Main St., Lovell, Maine, Map R07-038. Deadline for proposals is February 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. Proposals will be opened on February 14, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Select Board meeting, Lovell Town Office, 1069 Main St. Lovell, Maine 04051.

The Town of Lovell has the right to accept or reject any or all proposals should it be deemed in the best interest of the Town.

Full RFP can be viewed at https://www.lovellmaine.org/ rfp

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

ELM STREET

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS

SEALED BID PROPOSALS DUE

12:00 p.m., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023

Sealed bids for the project named above will be received at the Town of Bridgton Community Development Office, 3 Chase Street Suite 1, Bridgton, Maine 04009 until 12:00 pm (prevailing time) on Friday, February 17, 2023. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Thereafter, bids will be opened in public and read aloud. Construction is expected to begin on April 3, 2023 and be substantially complete no later than June 30, 2023. In general, the project consists of construction of approximately 350 linear feet of new sidewalk, including installation of granite curb, paving and ADA improvements. The Project is being bid and any bids submitted are subject to the conditions set forth in Section X of the “Municipal Purchasing and Sale of Supplies, Materials, or Equipment Policy” approved 9/22/2015, as amended, and the resulting Contract is subject to the laws of the State of Maine.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Community Development Bridgton Town Office 3 Chase St., Suite 1 Bridgton, Maine 04009

Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on or after 8 a.m. on January 19, 2023 and on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents as described below.

ONLY electronic (PDF) copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the owner’s representative, during the hours indicated above or may be requested via e-mail and Dropbox. Request for bid documents should be made via e-mail to Hannah Schulz, EI at hschulz@woodardcurran.com. Any questions concerning the project named above should be directed to the following: Hannah Schulz, Woodard & Curran via e-mail @ hschulz@woodardcurran.com. Applicants shall have obtained at least one set of electronic Proposal Documents to be considered a responsive applicant.

This project is being partially funded by HUD Community Development Block Grant funds. Davis-Bacon Federal Wage Rates apply to this project, please take notice to the wage rate determination attached to the bid documents. 1T4

take part in the Hobbs Library Speaker Series via Zoom (only) at 7 p.m. Perry is the author of After the Eclipse a fierce memoir of a mother’s murder in her home in Bridgton, a daughter’s comingof-age in the wake of immense loss, and her mission to know the woman who gave her life. The Zoom link can be found by going to wwwww.hobbslibrary.org

Friday, February 10

Bridgton Easy Riders meeting is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center, with the fabulous pot-luck supper followed by a business meeting at 6:45 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Saturday, February 11

Free clothing give-away at the Casco Village Church, 941 Meadow Road (Route 121) Casco on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Park behind the church, enter lower level and please come with bags!

Baked Bean Supper. The Bridgton/Fryeburg Knights of Columbus will hold a baked bean supper beginning at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, located at 225 South High Street in Bridgton. The menu includes hot dogs, beans, cornbread, cole slaw and dessert. Take-out meals are available. Donations will be accepted to support the Knight’s Ukraine Solidarity Fund. Please join us to support the people of Ukraine and have a great meal.

Sunday, February 12

Pancake Breakfast. The Harrison Lions Club will hold an all-you-can-eat pan-

cake breakfast from 6:30 to 10: 30 a.m. at the Olde Mill Tavern on Main Street in Harrison. The menu includes pancakes (plain, blueberry, and chocolate chip), French Toast, bacon and sausages, home fries, scrambled eggs, orange juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Price: whatever you think is fair. Donations accepted.

Tuesday, February 14 Ribbon cutting at The HeartGlow Center, 328 Main Street, Bridgton, 10 a.m. Saturday, February 18 Winter Carnival 2023, sponsored by the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, Highland Lake Beach in Bridgton. Events include kids’ ice fishing derby, chili & chowder contest, juggling, horse & carriage rides, ice bar, Rail Jam (10 a.m.), Ice Queen Pageant (Friday, Feb. 17 at the Bridgton Town Hall at 6 p.m., 18-and-older), Freezing for a Reason polar dip to benefit Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, and fireworks. Bridgton Rec is holding a craft and vendor fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bridgton Town Hall Gym.

Sunday, February 19 Winter Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the RADR Field of Dreams in Harrison. Events include ice bowling, cardboard sledding, snow painting, snow sculpting (11 a.m. to 1 p.m., judging at 1:30 p.m., prizes for first, second and third place, e-mail Bri at recreation@harrison.com to register). Hot dogs and drinks will be available for purchase.

Legals

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 61

NOTICE TO ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Maine School Administrative District # 61 wishes to procure architectural/engineering services to conduct a feasibility and planning study at Stevens Brook Elementary School and Lake Region High School in Bridgton and Naples, Maine. Qualifications packages are due at 2 p.m. on February 9, 2023, as stated in the RFQ.

MSAD #61 is looking for firms to study and analyze existing district schools to identify additional space needs at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton and needed renovations and additions at Lake Region High School in Naples as well as study all remaining schools in the district for future needs.

Responding firms must comply with the detailed RFQ Information for Architects and Engineers on the MSAD # 61 or State of Maine Bureau of General Services website: www.lakeregionschools.org or www.maine.gov/dafs/bgs/ business-opportunities 2T4

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS HIGHLAND ROAD SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS

SEALED BID PROPOSALS DUE

12:05 p.m., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023

Sealed bids for the project named above will be received at the Town of Bridgton Community Development Office, 3 Chase Street Suite 1, Bridgton, Maine 04009 until 12:05 p.m. (prevailing time) on Friday, February 17, 2023. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Thereafter, bids will be opened in public and read aloud. Construction is expected to begin on April 3, 2023, and be substantially complete no later than June 30, 2023. In general, the project consists of construction of approximately 700 linear feet of new bituminous sidewalk, including installation of granite curb, paving and ADA improvements. The Project is being bid and any bids submitted are subject to the conditions set forth in Section X of the “Municipal Purchasing and Sale of Supplies, Materials, or Equipment Policy” approved 9/22/2015, as amended, and the resulting Contract is subject to the laws of the State of Maine. The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Community Development Bridgton Town Office 3 Chase St., Suite 1 Bridgton, Maine 04009

Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on or after 9 a.m. on January 19, 2023, and on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents as described below.

ONLY electronic (PDF) copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from the owner’s representative, during the hours indicated above or may be requested via e-mail and Dropbox. Request for bid documents should be made via e-mail to Hannah Schulz, EI at hschulz@woodardcurran.com. Any questions concerning the project named above should be directed to the following: Hannah Schulz, Woodard & Curran via e-mail @ hschulz@woodardcurran.com. Applicants shall have obtained at least one set of electronic Proposal Documents to be considered a responsive applicant. This project is being partially funded by HUD Community Development Block Grant funds. Davis-Bacon Federal Wage Rates apply to this project, please take notice to the wage rate determination attached to the bid documents.

This week’s game solutions