February 9, 2023

Community rallies to help family after fire

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — When family cannot physically be there to support loved ones during a rough time, ways to help will rise to the surface.

A fire that left a Naples woman and her three sons without a home last week resulted in a father starting a GoFundMe page for his daughter. In just a few days, both parents have found ways to be helpful and contribute toward fundraising for their

daughter’s future. They have done that from 200 miles away in Seabrook, N.H.

Kristin Gilmore of Naples and two of her sons were home on Feb. 2, and just before retiring to bed, a fire started in the house located on Chaplins Mill Road, according to Kristin’s mother Marcia Gilmore.

“I had been on the phone with her. Fifteen minutes later, she called back and said, ‘The house is on fire.’

I said, ‘Hang up and call

9-1-1,” Marcia said.

That emergency call had already been made.

“She stayed on the phone for a while. We could hear the sirens coming. Then, she had to hang up and be with her boys,” she said.

Marcia and Andy are in their 70s, and do not travel very often.

“We love our kids and grandkids. We do a lot of talking on the phone. We give as much support as we can,” Marcia said. “Right now, our job is to run the

Project taps history with a modern twist

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Flip through the town’s history book and what Bridgton used to look like jumps off some pages.

The train was a big part of bringing tourists to this lovely part of western Maine.

Huge wooden mills occupied spaces along Stevens Brook.

Looking into the past at what Bridgton was, developer Justin McIver is tapping into local history to create a project that recaptures the old days but with a modern twist.

McIver unveiled an ambitious project to the Bridgton Planning Board Tuesday night that would transform the old AG store site and Depot Street into a major destination point.

Maker’s Mill is the anchor, a space where crafters and artisans can demonstrate and sell their works. The first floor will be commercial, while the second story will be housing. The structure captures some features of the old Pondicherry Mill, which sat where Food City is. Maker’s Mill will include a tower, much like the one the Pondicherry once had.

McIver pointed out that heavy community involvement took place as a vision

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO— Something is afoot in Casco’s Public Works department.

Rather, someone is a foot taller than the PW director.

Mike Genest, the public works director and road foreman, introduced new hire Griffin Miller to the Casco Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.

“He is doing a good job. It is a lot easier having two people. It is greatly appreciated. We are moving in right direction to have more help during the day,” Genest said.

“It is a real pleasure having someone sitting beside me instead of riding around by myself,” he added.

“Hopefully, he is enjoying it and I’m teaching him what he needs to know. Hopefully, he will ask questions when he doesn’t understand,” he said.

Another interesting thing that has been taking place is

moved toward a concept. Four to five meetings and site walks were held with town officials, members of various organizations including the Bridgton Historical Society, and potential businesses that might take up occupancy.

“This is an important project for the downtown, created by the community. We had different ideas discussed and we got great feedback. We ultimately

came up with this plan,” McIver said. “The Historical Society was key on this. We want to create an experience what used to be here and make it something special.”

The project includes a courtyard and wishing well, along with a replica train station, which will be the location of a brewery and tasting room. McIver noted that the soon-to-open Queens Head Pub in The Gateway building will move

literally under one’s feet or under one’s tires.

“We’ve changed the salt and sand mix. We are using the same amount of salt, and less sand. We are melting more ice without putting as much material on the road,” Genest said.

He added that this roadtreatment technique will be appreciated in the spring when there is less sand to clean up.

“We have spent quite a lot of money on continuing to improve our roads. Pre-storm, even though we have done preventive maintenance, we have serious water problems [such as] culverts being plugged,” Genest said. “It would have been a heck of a lot worse if didn’t continue our program.”

Concerning a plan for the town to take over snow plowing on public easements sometime in the future, the department has been determining how to

proceed. C. Pond Plowing has the current contract.

“Chris Pond — his response times are quicker. We are getting better product than in past. I hope everyone in town can see that,” Genest said.

The topic of snow plowing brought a positive response from a couple people.

Board member Mary-

its brewing operation into the train station, thus gaining more restaurant seating.

To achieve the historic feel, brick will be used.

The project also calls for construction of a market cafe building. McIver plans to sprinkle old time items within the project, including old water turbines and historical photos with information regarding the old train station.

He added that the venue

Farmers’ Union, adjacent to Walgreens.

McIver said the project is another step to strengthening Bridgton as a “destination place.”

Planners found the project both “exciting” and intriguing. Certainly, there will be checks on how the project aligns with existing Land Use standards. McIver expects to bring the project before planners for more formal review in April.

“It’s absolutely wonderful. I’m in favor of enhancing the village of Bridgton. This is exactly what we want to do to enhance the village; very excited,” Planner Rolf Madsen said.

could serve as a future home of Music on Main, with the idea of being able to close off that portion of Depot Street for special events. Maker’s Mill will also include a public bathroom facility.

Another side piece of the project is to revamp the Stevens Brook trail, which will connect to a foot-bridge that will enable people to access a parking lot at the site of the old Paris

Chair Deb Brusini was curious regarding the positioning of the large building. McIver noted that the position of Maker’s Mill enables people to “see down through the area.” He added, “the view coming down Depot Street creates another Main Street feel.”

“I appreciate the green space,” Brusini noted.

“It’s what the group wants to see,” McIver said. “I just want this to be a community project — I approached this, what the community wants.”

Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody, who took part in planning meet -

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Town of Naples may move forward with proposing an amendment to the Business Ordinance to define short-term rentals as one type of business.

It seems that short-term rentals fell through the cracks when it comes to requiring owners to register their business with the town.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley brought up the issue during the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting last Wednesday.

“As of the end of December, there are 28 short-term rental properties listed in Naples,” Hawley said.

Someone asked how the town discovered the number of short-term rentals in town.

“We are using a pilot program through Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) that does a search engine of all the sites where these are advertised,” Hawley said.

Vienessa Fernandes agreed the service had improved.

“It has been much better. They go past my house at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The roads are much clearer,” Fernandes said.

Resident Courtney Walsh went to the microphone to speak. She lives on Johnson Hill Road.

“Is it called Angela Lansbury,” Selectman Kevin Rogers joked.

FIRE DESTROYS NAPLES HOME — Kristin Gilmore and her sons escaped their Chaplins Mill Road home unharmed last week when fire broke out just before they were headed to bed. (Photo courtesy of Greg Perry)

AMBITIOUS VISION — Justin McIver, owner of Main Eco Homes, unveiled his next project — Maker’s Mill and other units — he proposes to develop at the old AG site on Main Street and land on Depot Street. McIver gave the Bridgton Planning Board an overview Tuesday night, and hopes to bring the project to the board for review in April.

NEW HIRE — The Casco Public Works Director and Roads Foreman Mike Genest (at left) introduced new hire Griffin Miller to the Casco Board of Selectmen on Tuesday. (De Busk Photo)

Community comes to family’s aid

(Continued from Page 1A)

GoFundMe page.”

By dinner-time on Tuesday, the fundraising amount reached $12,600, the Gilmores said.

Networking is a skill that has produced results.

“We’ve lived long enough and been in enough places that we have developed groups” Marcia said. “We call someone in those groups so they can spread the work. We have been networking: Calling up friends and family members who are working for large companies, networking through colleges We both contacted our graduating classes from high school and college. Every day we ask, ‘Did we remember to contact so-and-so?’ All of a sudden, we remember another group.”

The generosity of others has been mind-boggling.

“I have to say whether, it is $10 or $20 or $100, people have been so kind and generous. The people of Naples — the word got out. The clothing collection happened immediately. I called up there and said, ‘How fast can we put together the stuff they need for school?’

My goal as a grandmother was to get them back to normal by Monday morning. Can we replace the books, replace the computers? A neighbor [in Naples] brought over two backpacks for the younger boys. The people of Naples have been extraordinary. Everyone has been wonderful,” Marcia said.

The community help has been much appreciated. Also, the family is incredibly thankful that Kristin and the boys escaped the fire when they did.

“There’s a silver lining: If the fire broke out later in the evening, everyone would have been in bed and they might not have got out,” Andy said.

“Nobody had gone to bed yet,” Marcia added.

“Timing is everything,” Andy said. “At the speed in which the house went up, it was on the ground in about a half an hour.”

“It has been eye-opening for us. We have never gone through a house fire. I cannot imagine what my daughter and her kids are going through. The kids were sad because three pets didn’t make it out of house. They got out with two, and three didn’t make it. That can be disturbing on top of everything else,” he said.

GoFundMe for House Fire

Andy said even though he considers himself computer literate, starting the GoFundMe page was a bit of a learning curve. But, he stuck with it and launched

the page a day after the fire happened. This is what he wrote:

“On Thursday evening, Feb. 2, our daughter, a single mother and her three boys, became homeless. In the short span of 20 minutes, their house in the rural community of Naples, Maine burned to the ground. They lost everything. They barely managed to escape with the clothes on their backs.

The two youngest boys, in [middle school] and high school, lost all their clothing, school equipment, computers, athletic gear; and the oldest boy, in college nearby, also lost everything of his that wasn’t in his dorm room at school. All of this on the coldest night of the season.”

“Worse, the house was uninsured and my daughter is currently unemployed and looking for work. She is a college graduate with a dual degree in finance and economics and is eminently employable, but it will still take her and her family a while to get back on their feet financially. In the meantime, she doesn’t even have her pocketbook or phone.”

Jackie Harlow, a neighbor on Chaplins Mill Road in Naples, echoed Andy’s description of the family losing everything in the fast-moving fire.

“She had no phone, no purse. She physically had the clothes on her back when she left that house,” Harlow said.

“The fact that they were able to get out of the house without injury is something anyone would be thankful for. They did lose a few pets, which is obviously challenging. They are members of the family so that is never easy,” she said.

On the night of the fire, a police officer knocked on her door “and let us know there was a fire next door,” she said.

“Kristin is a volunteer locally for the high school and our athletic boosters. She donates a lot of her time to help the children in the area,” she said.

“I am trying to help, to be an essential point of contact for her. I’ve asked if it is helpful for her,” Harlow said.

“I’ve been helping to pick up and drop off items for anyone who is interested in donating. The immediate need was clothes. Our community is amazing. They are fantastic. They have come through. I cannot put it into words. We’ve collected clothes, backpacks, items for the animals so they were safe where they were staying,” she said.

FAMILY, Page 3A

HEALTH CLUB OPENS

— The Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to welcome Sole•Ful Health Club in Bridgton (5 Sustainable Way, off Portland Road) followed by an open house. Sole•Ful Health Club is the first boutique, upscale fitness facility in the area. The Club is equipped with stateof-the-art fitness equipment and air filtration systems. “Our top priority is health and safety. We keep our Club clean, calm, and inviting to create a productive workout environment for every member,” owner Justin McIver said. Pictured left to right: Brendon Cook, Brad Bonney, Heidi Edwards, Steve Richard of Main Eco Homes, Rachel, Chamber Executive Director Angie Cook, Ed, Bernadette McIver of The Lakes Real Estate, Justin McIver of MEH, Bridgton Town Manager Bob Peabody, Bridgton Community Development Coordinator Tori Hill, Nick Orgo of Stella’s on the Square, Brian Sullivan, Dennis McIver, Mick Early, Bridgton Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck, Dan Harden of Sunrise Management and other community members. “Society doesn’t value and prioritize health and wellness as much as we should. If your body feels better, so does your mind. Epidemiological studies reveal that individuals who engage in regular aerobic exercise are less likely to use and abuse illicit drugs, and decrease anxiety and depression which is so prevalent in our society. In order for us to have the best community in Bridgton and the Lake Region, we need to come together and put health first. This is a cultural shift that needs to happen. Without your health nothing else matters.” Sole•Ful plans to hire a personal trainer within the next couple weeks and planning group classes in May. For more information, check the website: www.solefulhealthclub.com

Casco PW moves in right direction

(Continued from Page 1A)

“You are going a good job. We moved from Rhode Island. The roads there are horrible. When we moved to Casco, we thought, ‘This town is killing it. There are no potholes,’” Walsh said, adding the snow removal has been timely, too.

Genest touched on a few more topics.

He and the Town

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO

— One ordinance that will not take the usual trip to town meeting is a proposal governing posted weights on roads.

State law waived the town meeting process for this ordinance, which would allow towns to fine drivers whose vehicles exceed the posted weight limit, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.

“In past, you used to have to go town meeting to adopt an ordinance. They [the state] granted a waiver. It’s one of the few ordinances that can be done at the administrative level,” he said.

Also, it would allow the town to fine violators between $200 and $2,500, he said.

On Tuesday, the Casco Board of Selectmen adopted

Manager Tony Ward plan to attend a course on gravel road maintenance “We have 5.6 miles of dirt roads. We are in the process of figuring out how to get up to standards,” he said. “As far as ditching, we are going to continue on what I did last year. We have a private contractor in town helping us with longer spans that we cannot do by

the ordinance, which will provide the town with the power to enforcement the ordinance. The board voted, 5-0, to approve the ordinance.

“Right now, this law mirrors state law,” Ward said.

On Jan. 17, Ward brought up the topic during the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting. He told the board

ourselves because we don’t have equipment and man power.”

He used that opportunity to pitch for moving toward a true public works department by saying a couple trucks would help get the work done and eliminate the need to contract out.

“It’s about making our town self-sufficient,” he said.

this would be the first reading, and the ordinance could be approved at the next meeting in February.

“In 2017, the legislature changed and recommends that towns have ordinances related to posting the roads. During that time, if you read the law, it said towns may, not shall. Towns may post roads,” he said.

Town Manager Ward said that during this upcoming budget process, the selectmen can decide in which direction public works should go. Those options are: remain status quo and keep bidding out, make the change incrementally and in phases, or invest in the equipment to become more self-sufficient.

To make the language stronger, the word “may” was changed to the word “shall.”

Both Maine Municipal Association (MMA) and the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) recommend that we have an ordinance that gives us the authority to post the roads.

WEIGHT, Page 5A

(Photo by Ashleigh London)

2 projects ok’d, one needs work

Bridgton’s business look continues to evolve.

Tuesday night, the Planning Board gave final approval to Hancock Lumber’s plan to utilize part of the old knitting mill — now home to Canuvo — to run a wall framing operation.

One concern planners had was trucks backing to the loading doors and how it could pose a safety hazard to vehicles waiting for coffee pick-up at Sail Away Coffee cart. Vehicle traffic moves on both sides of the cart.

Initially, planners included a condition that traffic would go only in one direction.

However, Stone Soup Realty (owners of the property) officials — Glen Peterson and Josh Quint — were against the condition, feeling ample space exists for the 40-foot delivery trucks to operate between the loading area and the coffee cart. Planners were told 120-feet exists between the loading area and cart. Property owners did consider the idea of moving the cart, but found the spot is currently occupies made more sense. As did the cart’s owner, who noted that if the business was moved, electrical service would also be relocated.

“I was surprised the condition was made. I don’t know why it is necessary. Striping might work. People drive on the road and see trucks and will proceed appropriately. Sometimes, we need to rely on people to use good sense,” Planner Dee Miller said.

Entrance and exit signage for truck traffic will be installed.

“Our job is to apply the standards and safety is part of the standard,” Planning Board chair Deb Brusini said. “The last thing anyone wants is someone to get hurt.”

Planners also gave the green light to Julie Mannix of Harrison to operate her Old School Creamery business in the former eye doctor’s space on Portland Road.

Mannix plans to use the main room as the cheese shop, where she also plans to sell baked goods and other farm fresh products. She will build out space for a kitchen for baked goods production. A new sign will be installed, either where the former eye doctor’s sign was or in another location. Mannix plans to re-stripe the parking lot and “refresh” the site’s landscape with new plants and repair existing lawn.

The business will continue to use the current septic system. Planners noted that if the business moves to hook into the town’s new wastewater system, Mannix will need to install a grease trap.

Jason Randall proposes to tear down the old machine shop, located adjacent to A La Mexicana restaurant, retain the foundation and expand it, and construct a new Harrison Marina showroom. He hopes to open the new space by this summer.

The showroom will include two offices, a bathroom, and retail space. Randall plans to install a sign similar to the one at his marina shop on Route 117.

Planners asked Randall to provide them with a stormwater plan, soil survey map and a perimeter plan, which will be reviewed at their March meeting.

Initially, planners considered holding a public hearing on the proposal, but officials moved to reconsider their vote when Planner Dee Miller changed her mind from abstaining to voting against the hearing. The hearing was scrapped by a 3-2 vote (Deb Brusini and Rolf Madsen voting for the hearing).

PROJECTS, Page 5A

February packed with Lantern events

The Maine 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce several great programs in addition to the Magic Lantern’s active movie schedule and restaurant highlights. All programs are designed to support the local community as a nonprofit.

The Movies are available from Thursday through Sunday, and the restaurant is open Thursday through Saturday. The website is active for the community to check out all programs, events, workshops, and the-

AERIAL VIEW of the proposed Maker’s Mill project, which would transform Main and Depot Streets.

Tapping history with modern twist

process.”

(Continued from Page 1A)

ings, called the community approach “an interesting

“It’s been a collaborative project,” he said. “In my

25 years doing this type of work (as town manager), it is the first time I’ve been

intimately involved in a major (downtown) project. It’s been quite a process.”

Fire destroys home in subzero temps

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Naples Fire Department got a 911 call for a fire in a dining room; and three minutes later, the fire had enveloped the home on 172 Chaplins Mill Rd.

“When I arrived on scene, I had a fully involved house fire,” according to Naples Fire Chief Justin Cox.

“The three residents were evacuated and they were out in the road by their vehicle. The driveway was small. They pulled the vehicle out in the street and they were in there with their dogs,” he said.

All the people had escaped the house fire with no injuries or smoke inhalation issues.

The 911 call came in at 9:54 p.m. on Feb. 2.

ater experiences. The website is https:// www.magiclanternmovies.

com

With February vacation coming right up, there are a number of special programs for youth planned. Included in program offerings is a week of Monsters:

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, Squishy Monsters,

• Wednesday, Feb. 22, Build a Junk Bot Monster

• Thursday, Feb. 23, Grow your own Monster

• Friday, Feb. 24, Magnificent Monsters.

Be sure to check the February vacation Monster Week of fun STEM activities and the Magnificent Monster Circus Live Puppet Show by Cactus Head Puppets.

Future shows for the theater include a Comedy Night on Friday, March 24, and Chad, the Hypnotist on

Chief Cox listed some reasons that the structure burnt so quickly.

“The fire load. We had wind that night. The house was in the middle of the field, and that didn’t help. We had issues with the water supply to start with. We had water, but we had hose lines freezing and valves that froze. Then, when we ran out of water, minutes were lost there,” he said.

“It is very difficult, when we start getting down in the negative temperatures, to move water,” Cox said.

The fire departments in eight towns showed up at the site. Those were Naples, Casco, Bridgton, Harrison, Sebago, Raymond, Denmark, and Otisfield, according to Chief Cox. Additionally, some other stations cov -

ered for Bridgton and Harrison, he said. “It took probably 4 hours to get it under con -

trol and the next two hours mopping up hot spots,” he said.

Help for family

(Continued from Page 2A)

Right now, the family is looking for a new place to live.

“The big need is when she gets into a place. She is going to need everything. She is currently working on getting into a place. So, she’ll need the kitchen essentials, bathroom essentials, bedroom essentials. Anything you would need in a home. She’ll need it all,” Harlow said. “There was nothing salvageable from their home.”

Kristin’s father agreed that housing was the next step — along with replac-

ing ID’s that were lost in fire.

“The biggest challenge they have right now is finding housing. Even though they are being put up by a friend, it is temporary,” Andy said. “They are looking for housing right now. They want to stay in Naples.”

Marcia added, “This money will help to furnish the house.”

“The one thing we can do is: Who do I call now? We are working as a team to get the funds together and get the information together so they can start fresh,” she said.

Chao Thai to ML on Saturdays

Starting on Saturday, Feb. 18, the Chao Thai dinners will be at the Magic Lantern.

April 1.

The Magic Lantern is hosting community workshops as well including a Bee Keeping workshop for the community and Serve Safe on March 27.

Sign up for news alerts on the website, as well.

Chao closed her restaurant a few months ago and she is very excited to be preparing her Thai food for the community.

Chao tells everyone that, “I love to cook for the community. To tell you the truth, it was my father that first introduced me to cooking. Then, when I

became an adult, I went to a cooking school and just fell in love with preparing new foods. I made my husband try everything, and I spent years cooking for our village in Thailand, when my daughter was young.”

Chao’s very first restaurant business was here in Bridgton. The restaurant became too much to run during the COVID-19 pandemic. Partnering with the Magic Lantern is such a great opportunity to still offer wonderful Thai food to the community, Chao said.

The menu will have some basic Thai favorites and specials each Saturday night. Take out will also be available.

Check out the website for all special programs and events at the Magic Lantern. All programs, the theater, and restaurant will all be supporting local youth education.

Sign up for news alerts on the website, https:// www.magiclanternmovies. com.

Deputy assaulted, man faces charges

SEBAGO — A Sebago man faces an assault charge after allegedly striking a county deputy during an incident last Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 2:48 p.m., Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of Sebago Road (Route 114) and Folly Road in Sebago for multiple reports of a male walking in the roadway and flagging down vehicles,

forcing them to stop. Some reports indicated that the man would attempt to get inside the vehicles.

Upon the first deputy’s arrival, the male immediately ran away. A few moments later, a nearby homeowner reported that the suspect had just tried to force his way into the home. The deputy located the suspect and a brief foot chase ensued. While attempting to take

the man into custody, the deputy was struck in the face multiple times by the suspects closed fist, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

A neighbor in the area, as well as a passing motorist, stopped to assist the deputy during the struggle. More law enforcement officers, including an off-duty Windham officer, arrived to the scene minutes after and were able

to take the suspect into custody.

Christopher Hunt, 42, of Sebago was treated and released at Maine Medical Center and booked into the Cumberland County Jail. He was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and violating his conditions of release.

At the time of this incident, Hunt was on six sets

Bridgton Police Department

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

Monday, January 30

9:36 a.m. Citizen dispute on Wildwood Road.

Tuesday, January 31

3:28 a.m. Motor vehicle crash (car/deer) at the intersection of Tuttle Lane and South High Street.

5:49 a.m. Parking issue on Iredale Street.

11:04 a.m. Citizen assist on Kansas Road.

3 p.m. Welfare check on Quarterhorse Drive.

3:28 p.m. Citizen assist on Iredale Street.

Wednesday, February 1

1:53 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

3:20 a.m. Parking problem at Hospital Drive.

7:40 a.m. Fight between two individuals in progress on Portland Road.

1:28 p.m. Suspicious situation on South Bridgton Road.

1:51 p.m. Parking problem on Main Street.

2:26 p.m. Officers

responded to a call regarding a “wanted person.”

Subject on South High Street taken into custody.

4:30 p.m. Welfare check on Roosevelt Trail in Naples. 5:04 p.m. Driver stopped for possible operating while under the influence on Sandy Creek Road. 5:13 p.m. Agency assist on Harrison Road. 7:23 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Sandy Creek Road. 10:49 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Home Run Road.

Thursday, February 2 12:55 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

2:38 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Lumberyard Road.

6:17 a.m. Suspicious person at North High Street property.

7:42 a.m. Welfare check on Main Street.

1:05 p.m. Property damage complaint on North High Street.

2:39 p.m. Two-vehicle collision in the Lumberyard Drive parking lot; no injuries reported.

5:22 p.m. Citizen assist at Sawyer Circle.

9:45 p.m. Motor vehicle crash (car/deer) on North High Street.

Friday, February 3

4:59 a.m. Disturbance on Main Street. Officers were unable to make contact with one of the individuals involved.

7:48 a.m. Welfare check on Main Street.

2:23 p.m. Suspicious person report of two males, wearing “Civil War regalia and sporting muskets,” on Green Street.

Saturday, February 4

1:04 a.m. Suspicious person on North High Street.

12:17 p.m. Officer found an unsecure property on Thompson Road; no signs of forced entry, no items disturbed within the home.

4:10 p.m. Citizen assist on Eco Way.

7:02 p.m. Police were alerted by the county sheriff’s office to be on the lookout for a vehicle traveling from Casco to Naples. The BPD officer was stationed at the Naples-Bridgton town line, but the wanted vehicle was not seen.

Sunday, February 5

12:21 a.m. Assist Oxford County deputy with a traffic stop on North Bridgton Road.

4:53 p.m. Assist Oxford County deputy with a motor vehicle crash involving personal injury and entrapment on East Main Street in Denmark. An individual was transported to the hospital.

5:44 p.m. Citizen dispute on Main Street.

8 p.m. Dispute between mother and daughter on Pond Road.

8:10 p.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

Monday, February 6

12:38 a.m. Mental health event on South Bridgton Road.

Naples FD invests in SCBA bottles

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — Public safety needs a lot of life savors so they can perform the job of saving lives.

One of those necessary pieces of equipment is the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders. Those bottles last about 15 years.

At the Naples Fire Department, 31 of those SCBA bottles will expire in May and those will need to be replaced. Between rising costs and setting aside less in reserves, the department is about $3,000 short to make those purchases.

On Jan. 18, Naples Fire Chief Justin Cox requested that the Naples Board of Selectmen authorize tak-

ing $2,760 from the EMS account to add to the existing money in reserve. Chief Cox said he would request in the upcoming budget that money be replaced.

The board voted, 4-0, to move funds to cover purchasing the cylinders.

Selectman Bill Adams was not present at the make-up meeting, which took place on a Wednesday instead of Monday.

“As you know, we’ve been setting money aside each year in reserves for SCBA bottles replacement,” Chief Cox said.

“We have 31 units, 31 bottles, that are due May 2023,” he said.

“In last year’s budget, I had priced out bottles. They were $980 a piece.

Casco to select warming center

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO —

Cumberland County Commissioner Susan Witonis got a little hot about the lack of a proper warming site when the temperatures got really cold last week.

The Town of Casco should select an official warming center, she said.

“As commissioner, I am concerned about having an EMA [Emergency Management Agency] warming site. It was my understanding that when this [the Casco Community Center] was built, it was going to be a designated warming site. That is reason we put in kitchen and a shower here. In the event of an emergency, this building would be used,” she said.

The Crooked River School could feasibility serve as a warming center, too, she said.

“I was quite surprised that the library was out there as a place to go. But, it is not big enough and it doesn’t follow the criteria,” she said.

Witonis brought up her concerns on Tuesday dur-

ing the Public Participation time at the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting.

She was worried about citizens who might not be warm enough in their homes during the massive temperature drop last Friday and Saturday. With the wind chill, tempera-

WARMING, Page 5A

Scott [the supplier] is not going to have an increase from last February until April 1. April 1 is when they’re increasing When I priced them out, they were $980 a piece. Now, it’s $300,380 for 31 bottles. What we have set aside is $297,600,” he said. “Two years prior to today, we were putting $9,600 aside for bottles. After budget cuts last year, we put $6,000 in, which leaves a difference of $2,780 to buy

all 31 bottles.”

“I am recommending that we take out of EMS equipment the $2780 so” the department has the money for the purchases, he said.

Chief Cox commented it might be cheaper. He planned to put the item out to bid on Jan. 19 but he wanted the funding lined up first.

“I’m good with that recommendation,” Vice Chair Ted Shane said.

of bail conditions. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Cumberland County Unified Court last Friday. The CCSO deputy was treated for minor injuries at Maine Medical Center and released.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office would like to say “thank you” to those community members who stopped to assist the deputy in need.

Christopher Hunt

Fryeburg Police

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

Monday, January 30

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

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

Tuesday, January 31

2:41 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Harbor Road.

a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Pine Street.

p.m. Alleged sex offense on Cobb Street.

p.m. Attempt to locate on Main Street.

Wednesday, February 1

7:55 a.m. Burglar alarm on Bradley Street checked.

Thursday, February 2

1:30 a.m. Burglar alarm at Bridgton Road store checked.

3:08 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up

6

1:03 a.m. Peace officer detail on Fairview Drive.

Self-defense workshop benefits

Tucker’s House

If confronted, could you protect yourself?

A self-defense workshop — focusing on mindset, defensive tactics and fun — will be held on Tuesday, March 7 and March 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bridgton Town Gym on North High Street. In this threehour workshop, participants will learn skills to protect themselves with lots of physical practice. For more information, contact instructor Renshi Lisa Magiera at RenshiLisa@gmail.com

The recommended donation is $15 per person. All proceeds benefit Tucker’s House, a recovery home for women in North Bridgton.

The workshop is sponsored by the Bridgton Police Department, Bridgton Recreation and Bushido Karate Dojo.

THE BRIDGTON NEWS (BRIDGTON NEWS CORPORATION)

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Display Advertising e-mail: bnewsads@roadrunner.com website: bridgton.com

Publisher & Editor Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer Dawn De Busk

Circulation & Classifieds

Business Manager Fran Dumont

Advertising Sales Manager Samantha Berke

Production Manager Lorena 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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Norway Savings promotions

Norway Savings Bank is proud of its Culture of the Can-Do.

“It fosters the support to achieve great things for our customers, communities, and one another. We recognize the bank as a place where each person’s unique gifts and strengths shine through,” bank officials said.

Norway Savings Bank is pleased to announce the recent promotion of nine employees including Michelle Luce, assistant vice president, Fryeburg Branch Manager, started her career at Norway Savings Bank in 2019 as Assistant Branch Manager at the Fryeburg location and was promoted to Branch Manager in 2022.

Since joining Norway Savings Bank, Michelle has participated in many bank initiatives, including the bank’s GROW mentor program and culture crews.

Michelle also serves as secretary of the Western Mountain Board of Realtors Affiliates.

Weight limits

(Continued from Page 2A)

“This would allow us to post roads for weight restrictions during the springtime, to post roads to keep trucks off them. It gives an enforcement action. Before, without proof, state police would not enforce it. This way, they can do that. It gives the select board the ability to do an ordinance violation if we had problems with a truck driver,” Ward said.

Selectman Eugene Connolly asked how this

proposed ordinance would be enforced.

“The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) could enforce our ordinance. It could be up to [Casco Public Works Road Foreman] Mike Genest to see it and get the information.

“Then, as we discussed, the fines could between to $200 to $2,500. CCSO could write a violation. CCSO could do a civil action through writing a ticket,” Ward said.

Kaela Delan, assistant vice president, Customer Care Center assistant manager started her banking career as a teller in the Norway Savings Naples branch in 2008. She was eager to learn and grow her career and quickly achieved Certified Teller Status. To further expand her knowledge, Kaela transferred to the Customer Care team in

Support from the Maine Community Foundation’s (MaineCF) Maine Land Protection grant program will conserve more than 4,000 acres across the state, including 70-plus acres that will be returned to Wabanaki tribes.

Five projects totaling $153,600 were funded through the grant program and two projects totaling $20,000 were funded by donors.

Player Profile: Ashley Pelletier

(Continued from Page 8A)

best teams in my life, especially the LR team.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good race if…” I know I’ve had a good race if many other racers come up to me and tell me it was a good run. My coaches, teammates, and parents all tell me that every run is a good run but if the other top racers in the state come up to me and say it was a good run then it must have been a good run. If I come across the finish line smiling and happy about the run I just laid down, then that is a pretty good indicator, as well.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big

race? Before a race, I don’t really think about much. At the top and bottom before/ after my runs, I’m talking to friends on other teams, my teammates, coaches from other teams and my coaches, as well. Doing this really takes my mind off of the actual race, it really helps me stay in a positive mindset.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? When I need to clear my mind after a bad run or not the best day of training, I love going to my teammates and talking to them about how their run was or how their training day went. Helping my teammates get

better and feel better about themselves really helps me get into a more positive mindset.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? I feel like sports has helped me grow as a person. I have become more independent and I have learned how to advocate for myself, communicate with others and be a part of a community and something larger than myself.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? The biggest reward I get from competing in sports is when I am producing good results and making everyone who has helped me proud of what we’ve accomplished.

Player Profile: Collin Varney

(Continued from Page 8A)

beat my old time on the last race I had.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big meet? I think about how I want to go through the course and I don’t think too hard about how I want to go through the course.

Q. If things are not

going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive?

I usually think about what I can do better and what I should avoid while I’m going down the course. I talk with my teammates to talk about what we should do to do better than last time.

2011. Due to her ability to constantly grow her skills, provide support to her team members, and successfully help customers with their needs, she was promoted to Team Leader. Her career progressed as Kaela participated in development programs and internal learning opportunities for supervisors. In 2021, Kaela was promoted to Assistant Manager of Customer Care. She’s heavily involved in various bank initiatives where she shares her wealth of knowledge with other bank employees. Others promoted: Bobbie-Jo Chase, Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager; Karry Kane, Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer of the Mid Coast Market; Tina Merritt, Vice President, SharePoint Administrator &

From donor-advised funds: Western Foothills Land Trust, to purchase 52 acres to help create a 2,300-acre conserved landscape stretching from Waterford and Harrison to Norway and Otisfield: $10,000. The Maine Land Protection grant program was launched in 2020 and has awarded more than $1.9 million to 31 projects.

Track

(Continued from Page 8A)

Hope noted. Zack also PRed in his 200m (27.96).

The Raider 4x200 relay team made up of Jacob A., Zack, Jacob E., and Arkie ran their best time of the season in a very competitive race and earned third place with a time of 1:45.66.

“Every meet, I feel impressed with the team and many displayed the mental toughness that we have been talking about,” Coach Hope said. As for the upcoming championships, he told his athletes, “get in that championship mindset!”

Hoops

(Continued from Page 7A)

Project Management Officer; Brittany Robidoux, Vice President, Trust Officer; Jacob Ouellette, Assistant Vice President, Investment Officer; Heather Taylor, Assistant Vice

President, Market Manager, Kennebunk/ Saco; and Michelle Wickham, Assistant Vice President, Trust Operations Officer.

Warming center

(Continued from Page 4A)

tures across Maine dropped as low as minus 40 degrees.

Witonis called the Cumberland County EMA to find out that the Casco Public Library was listed as the warming center for Casco.

She recommended that the town and volunteers dedicate one building as the warming site, and put a plan in place for different types of weather-related emergencies.

“A group of people needs to sit down and have a plan . . . There would be a handful of people who would come and run the site,” she said.

When it gets down to 22 below, we need to have a plan.”

Witonis took off her commissioner’s hat, and spoke as a resident, saying the library should not have been listed as a warming site because it is not safe for large numbers of people until construction work is done.

Selectman Grant Plummer requested that warming centers be on the agenda for next week with the objective of selecting an official warming site for the town at that time. The next meeting is Feb. 21.

Short-term rentals

(Continued from Page 1A)

At this moment in time, “the Business License Ordinance states that a business shall not engage in any of the following activities unless they have a valid license. Under the lodging section, we list bed and breakfasts and innkeepers. Because our ordinance doesn’t specifically define a business other than those specifically listed as lodging, it has been questioned whether or not short-term rentals are considered businesses in regard to this ordinance,” he said.

There have been concerns about fairness to other businesses.

“It has been stated that these rentals do directly compete with lodging establishments that we currently require licenses,” Hawley said.

“We need to know if the ordinance should be amended to reflect these shortterm rentals as businesses that requires licenses,” he

said. “Should we add shortterm rentals?” Chairman Jim Grattelo, who joined via Zoom asked if the State of Maine is working on a law to help town deal with short-term rentals.

“We have to do something. God forbid, if one of these places doesn’t get inspected and someone dies in a fire because it didn’t have a second-floor egress. It is on our watch,” he said.

“Requiring them to pay $10 for business license is not unreasonable,” Grattelo said.

Vice chair Ted Shane said, “After they get the license, the Code Enforcement Officer goes and inspects these.”

Nothing changes unless the ordinance is amended, Hawley said. “It has to be defined as business to fall under the requirement,” he said. The board did not vote on the matter, and no final decision was made.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? It made me more social with others and helped me make new friends.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? I’ve learned many skills in sports just from playing them.

South tournament or stay home. Game 18 pitted the Lakers (7-10) at Cape Elizabeth yesterday. A win over the 10-7 Capers would likely push the Lakers past Leavitt (5-12) for the final tourney spot. The Hornets currently hold a 3-tourney point lead, but will face lowly Belfast (1-15) in their season finale. LR has the Capers ranked eighth. LR lost to Cape at home 56-52. Redemption could be even sweeter with a tourney berth at stake.

After a 10-10 opening quarter, Yarmouth took control with a 14-4 run. LR rallied in the fourth, but outscored the Clippers by just six points to fall short in a comeback bid. Jackson Libby was the game’s high scorer with 19 points. Jacob Chadbourne netted 15, Jacoby Bardsley 4, Evan Duprey 3, Brock Gibbons 2, Aiden Roberts 2.

Michelle Luce Kaela Delan

School & Sports

College honors

Emily Freid of Bridgton, who is majoring in Biological Science, has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester at the University of Vermont. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.

Ava Chadbourne of Sweden, a member of the class of 2025 majoring in Computer Science (BS), was named to the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2022 semester. The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differs from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

Edward Gaskell of Naples has been named to the Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester at the University of New England. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.

Celia R. Durgin, a junior psychology/art and design major from Hiram and a graduate of Sacopee Valley Jr. Sr. High School, has been named to the Saint Michael’s College (Colchester, Vt.) Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester.

NHS DONATION TO TUCKER’S HOUSE — Lake Region High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society recently held a bake sale at the Naples Public Library to raise money for Tucker’s House. The chapter raised $620 in sales and donations to benefit the newly opened women’s recovery home in North Bridgton. Pictured here are some NHS members delivering the proceeds of their fundraising efforts to Kirsten Wears, the Executive Director of Tucker’s House. The organization also raised an additional $1,340 by selling cash calendars to benefit the home. Members pictured from left to right: Bhavnish Tucker, Madelyn Meserve, Sera Travis, Abigale Pomerleau, Ashley Pelletier, Izabell Apovian, Sadie Plummer, Abigail Littlefield, Melissa Mayo, Tucker’s House Executive Director Kirsten Wears, Annabelle Montgomery, Rachel Lake, Lauren Roy and Lyla Levesque. (Rivet Photo)

Drop line, it’s fun, help cause

The Norris Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund Fishing Derby will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pleasant Point Inn in Lovell.

Prizes for the Biggest Togue, Kezar Lake Only will be 1st place $1,500, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $300, 4th place $100, and 5th place $100. (No taking of Salmon allowed per Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.)

All winners must be present to win.

Biggest “any” fish, age 15 and under, first place $100, second place $50, third place $20.

Raffle prizes given out at 4 p.m. or shortly after. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day.

Registration fee is $25 (also eligible for door prizes). A purchased ticket is your registration or register at the table located at Pleasant Point Town Beach, Center Lovell.

Raffle tickets to win a beautiful Ice Shack (see image) — one ticket for $25 or five tickets for $100.

Kids Casting Contest at 11:30 a.m., prizes for all.

Food booth available. For more information call

any of the following: Colin Micklon at 207-925-1075; Bryan Molloy at 207-9251700; Bob Danforth at 207-440-1486; or John Bacchiocchi at 207-9253045.

Get your bait at:

• Jeff’s Bait Shop, Main Street, Lovell, 207-9251330; open at 5 a.m. (event only) Sunday.

• Willy C’s Bait Shop, Route 113, Brownfield, 207935-1197.

CHILDREN’S FISHING

DERBY The Denmark Lions Annual Children’s Fishing Derby (ages 16 and younger) will be held on Sunday,

Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date, Feb. 26), at the boat launch at Moose Pond on Lake Road. The derby is in memory of Philip Richardson.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Prizes for the biggest, the most, and the smallest. Bring your lawn chairs!

Hot dogs, hamburgers, hot cocoa available.

ICE FISHING OPEN HOUSE

An Ice Fishing Open House, presented by the Sebago Lakes Anglers Association, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kent’s Landing in Naples. The

event is hosted by the Naples Rec Department, SLLA and American Legion Posts 148 and 155. At no cost, it’s an opportunity for everyone to learn all about ice fishing— how to dress, the equipment used, the techniques employed, the various baits, how and where to drill holes, etc. Everything you need to know and have to have a great time on the ice! There will be instructors there to teach new comers everything they need to learn about why so many people love this sport. There will be a raffle for a 4 to 5-person Otter portable ice fishing hut (don’t miss this opportunity).

Parking free of charge in either the Kent’s Landing parking lot or down off the boat ramp to the left on the beach where the snow has been plowed.

Organizers will be serving hot tea and coffee, hot chocolate and donuts from 9 a.m. to noon, then hot dogs and buns, condiments, bags of assorted chips, hot baked beans, chowder, chili, soda and water, and desserts in the afternoon.

Donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Bob Chapin at (571) 217-1700 or (207) 655-1028.

Firemen for a Cure returns

AUBURN — Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mary’s Firemen for a Cure™ returns to Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn on Saturday, Feb. 25.

The event will feature the exciting firefighters’ race, but with a key change to this year’s makeup of the teams. Firefighter teams will be made up of four racers for the first

time. Every other year, each department needed to field a team of five. As it has since 2012, WTMW Channel 8 will also return this year as the event’s official media sponsor.

Since 2004, Mary’s Firemen has raised over $250,00 breast cancer patients in Maine and to raise awareness of this deadly disease. Since 2019, Mary’s Firemen for a

Brooke Emery of Fryeburg, majoring in nursing and Calvin Southwick of Lovell, majoring in finance, were named to the Endicott College (Beverly, Mass.) 2022 fall semester Dean’s List. In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.5, receive no grade below a “C,” have no withdrawal grades, and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits for the semester.

Kiana Webster of Raymond, a New Media Studies major, has been named to the Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic, Conn.) 2022 Dean’s List for the fall semester. To qualify for Dean’s List, full-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in letter-graded courses with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in the semester.

Brittney Freitas of Harrison has been named to the University of Maine at Augusta President’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To qualify for the full-time President’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of 100-level or higher UMA coursework (exclusive of pass/ fail courses); and maintain a semester grade point average in these courses of 3.8 or higher.

Erica Allan of Casco has been named to the University of Maine at Augusta Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. To be eligible for the Full-Time Dean’s List, a student must be matriculated in a UMA degree program; complete 12 or more credit hours of 100-level or higher UMA courses (exclusive of pass/fail courses); and earn a semester GPA in these courses of 3.25 to 3.79, with no grade below “C-” in any of these courses.

USM Dean’s List

The University of Southern Maine would like to congratulate students named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List. To be placed on the Dean’s List, full-time undergraduate students must receive a grade point average of 3.6 or above. Area students named to the list include:

Bridgton: Peter Boswell, Sydney Connolly, Haley Fernald, Sydney Franks, Alexander Kuvaja, Alexia Merry, Che Che Stoddard, Ty Wyman.

Casco: Luke Brown, Keith Fecteau, Kimberly Gold, Nick Hall, Kaytrien Hall, Alexandria Sargent, Sanjay Tucker.

East Baldwin: Maddie Buzzell.

Harrison: Ryan Guptill, Emily Morris.

Naples: Rachel Shanks.

Raymond: Blake Colby, Riley Gardner, Sophie Gardner, Madeleine Gray, Savannah Lemieux, Colleen McAllister, Alice Morrison, Nicole Nappi, Jacobi Schneider, Ryan Stresky.

Sebago: Hannah Corbett, Garrett Jones.

West Baldwin: Emma Brearley, Sam Libby.

Brownfield: Shelby Day.

Denmark: Maddie Choyce, Jack Watson.

Fryeburg: Natalie Shaw.

Hiram: Kenneth Froment.

Lovell: Maddie Darling.

Waterford: Cameron Slicer.

Denmark scholarships

DENMARK — Scholarship applications are available to pick up at the Town Office for the Denmark Lions Scholarship, the Clark McDermith Community Scholarship and the Elvira A. Davis Scholarship. Applications are available now through April 14 and the deadline to return is April 15 for the Denmark Lions and Clark McDermith scholarships. The deadline to return the Elvira A. Davis application is April 30.

Cure has been held at Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn.

The firefighters’ race features races between departments from all over northern New England. For the first time since its inception, teams of four firefighters will race down a slalom course in full turnout gear while carrying a 50-foot length of hose. In addition to the races, there will be kids’ events, raffles, a 50/50 and a live auction.

“We are so excited that Mary’s Firemen for a Cure is back. This is an amazing event that we are so happy to have here at Lost Valley,” said Travis Dow, assistant General Manager at Lost Valley. “The support from the community and area fire departments for this event is truly unique.”

In 2004, Mary and Wayne Allen started “Firemen for a Cure” at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton to give firefighters the opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer. Mary was a long-time employee at Shawnee Peak and had been fight-

ing breast cancer for nearly 10 years. Wayne is a volunteer firefighter in North Bridgton. Unfortunately, Mary lost her courageous battle in 2005, but Wayne and her three adult-children, Christine, David and Ryan Soutter renamed the event, “Mary’s Firemen for a Cure” in 2006 and have been holding the event in memory of Mary.

Unfortunately, in 2019, Shawnee Peak decided to no longer support Mary’s Firemen, but event organizers were able to relocate to Lost Valley and have had the resort’s full support.

“I know Mary is watching and is so happy that we were able to come back after the pandemic,” said Mary’s husband Wayne.

“Having four racers instead of five should allow more departments to participate,” added Mary’s son, Ryan, an avid snowboarder who lives in Colorado. “I believe Harrison Fire & Rescue has won this event almost every year. Maybe having

FIREMEN, Page 8A

LOVELL LIONS DERBY

THIS ICE SHACK COULD BE YOURS if you enter the Lovell Lions Club raffle and your winning ticket is pulled on Sunday, Feb. 12.

FIREMEN BACK ON THE SLOPES — Area fire departments can compete for a good cause by taking part in the Mary’s Firemen for a Cure.

Regional Sports

February 9, 2023 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

LR notches #13, next up playoffs

Alpine racing times

FINISHING

out the regular season in strong fashion, scoring a team-high 18 points Tuesday in a win over Cape Elizabeth. (Rivet

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

After two stinging losses, Lake Region righted the ship to enter tournament season on a win streak.

The Lakers, under firstyear Head Coach Doug Banks, captured win #13 on Senior Night with a 49-44 victory over Cape Elizabeth. The win nailed down the #5 seed in the Class B South tournament at the Banks Exposition Building with a date with #4 Medomak Valley (126).

The last time the Lakers saw the Capers, it was somewhat of a cake walk, a 20-point victory. With center Ava Smith out, the Lakers had their hands full. Cape (4-14) took a 14-12 lead in the first behind a hot start from Olivia Manning, who scored nine of her game-high 19 points.

The Lakers stormed back with a 16-7 run in the second behind sophomore Margo Tremblay’s 7 points. Tremblay went 5-for-7 from the foul stripe in the first half, and finished the night 7-of-11 for a teamhigh 18 points.

The Capers inched closer in the third with a 13-9 advantage as the Lakers held just a 37-34 lead. In the fourth, Bella Smith (14 points) netted a pair of buckets, Tremblay knocked down a trey and Abby Lavoie sank a pair of foul shots (she was 4-for-4 from the stripe) to keep the Lakers on top.

Senior Melissa Mayo sank a pair of 3-pointers in the first half, but managed just a free throw in the fourth quarter. She closed out her LR career with a 10-point night — and with a win!

Jordan Blanton chipped in two points.

Bounce Back Game Free throw shooting has been a bit of a bugaboo for the Lakers this season. Coach Banks’ crew had a chance to work on it at Yarmouth, visiting the charity stripe 29 times.

LR shooters made more foul shots (17) than field goals (14), but managed to pull away from the Clippers with a 49-34 victory.

Ava Smith scored 6 of her 9 points in the opening quarter as the Lakers jumped out to a 16-7 lead. Abby Lavoie netted the lone field goal of the second period as the Lakers put up just 5 points, but still had an 8-point lead at the break.

LR opened some distance in the third with a 13-5 run as Melissa Mayo (9 points) knocked down a 3-pointer and Margo Tremblay (9 points) connected on two buckets and two foul shots.

Bella Smith provided the dagger as she netted a pair of shots and dropped a 3-pointer to finish the night as the game’s high scorer with 13 points.

Abby Lavoie chipped in 6 points, and Kasey Johnson converted a 3-pointer.

Upset keeps FA girls in hunt

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer FRYEBURG — Kristen

Stacy had a bad feeling as her Raiders made the long road trip to Wells last week.

The Raiders had a “difficult” practice Wednesday, and when they took the court the next day, the energy level was low.

“They out rebounded us and played with heart. We played flat but still fought till the last second,” said Coach Stacy on Fryeburg’s 60-33 loss to the Warriors. “We did not put our heads down and felt sorry for ourselves. We just didn’t come with the FA energy that we play with when we are successful. Wells is a very respectable team, well coached and well organized. It was a huge learning experience for us and helped us realize how important practices are to prepare.”

Lesson, indeed, learned.

The Raiders used the Wells’ loss as big time motivation the next time they stepped onto the court. They didn’t have to wait long for a chance at redemption. The Raiders returned to action the next night, facing a very difficult road challenge against the second-ranked Gray-New Gloucester (133) Patriots.

“GNG is an extremely

strong and chippy team,” Coach Stacy said.

And, the Raiders never backed down. Center Mina Milosevic scored 25 points and helped the Raiders pull away by making her foul shots (8-of-12 for the game) in overtime as Fryeburg upset the Patriots 53-48.

“Mina finished out the fourth quarter and overtime with four fouls. She played smart D,” Coach Stacy said.

Milosevic hauled down 18 rebounds, blocked two shots and dished out three assists as the Raiders (7-10) remained in the tournament talk by capturing a boat load of tourney points with the victory.

“Carla (Pintor) out worked her opponents fighting for every rebound, jump ball and pulling up for quick jumpers in the paint,” Coach Stacy said. “We were able to break their press and see open passes up the floor quickly to score some key quick layups.”

Jilyan Byrne netted 11 points and collected 7 rebounds, while Sydney Shaw chipped in 7 points and 6 assists, and Celia Hernandez had 4 points.

Points were hard to come by in the opening quarter as the Raiders led 6-4 on buckets by Shaw and two by Milosevic. GNG barely

Hoop scoreboard

GRAY-NG 72, RAIDERS 47 Fryeburg Academy never got out of the blocks as Gray-New Gloucester sprinted out to a 24-9 lead last Friday night at Wadsworth Arena and bolted to a lopsided victory.

The fast-paced, highpowered Patriots (13-3) kept their foot on the pedal outscoring the Raiders 18-9 and 21-17 in the middle frames as Nathaniel Hebert knocked down five 3-pointers on his way to a gamehigh 21 points.

Joao Orlando and Gunnar Saunders were the lone Raiders (9-8) to reach dou-

ble digits, scoring 15 and 12 points respectively. Bryce Richardson chipped in 5 points, Camden Johnson 4, Idan Or 4, Jordan Dutton 2, Jagger Helwig 2, Geri Daiu 2, and Lorenzo Vallemani 1. The Raiders closed out the regular season yesterday at Freeport (4-13). Then, it’s off to Class A South tourney play at the Banks Exposition Building in Portland, opponent unknown at press time.

YARMOUTH 53, LAKERS 43

Following a road loss Friday at Yarmouth, Lake Region will decide whether they head to the Class B HOOPS, Page 5A

won the second quarter, 16-15 as Milosevic hit for 12 points including a pair of 3-pointers.

FA took a 34-30 lead into the fourth quarter. Ali Portas sank a pair of 3-pointers as GNG forced overtime.

The Raiders prevailed in OT by going 5-of-8 from the foul line as Milosevic went 3-for-4 and Bryne was 2-for-2.

“The real story was our resilience and strength in this game. With Alysa (Grawe) out for the seasons due to a knee injury, I only subbed twice throughout the entire game, so my starting five — Mina, Sydney, Jilyan, Carla and Celia — played almost an entire 36 minutes of very aggressive basketball and walked away with a win in an extremely

tough environment,” Coach Stacy said.

So, it now comes down to Game 18. At 10-7, Westbrook (at press time Wednesday) holds the final playoff spot with a tourney index of 51.314. Fryeburg is just on the outside looking in on the playoffs. At 7-10, the Raiders hold a tourney index of 48.135.

Fryeburg hosted Freeport Wednesday (after the BN went to press). A win over the 9-8 Falcons, owners of 10 tourney points, and a loss tonight by Westbrook against Marshwood (12-5), the Raiders make the tourney. A loss by the Raiders or a Westbrook win eliminates FA. Who advances? It all rests in the Raiders’ and Blazers’ hands.

Johnson shoots during home hoop action. The Raiders closed out the regular season yesterday, and now eye the playoffs.

STRONG — Laker Margo Tremblay closed

Photo)

SHOTS UP — Fryeburg Academy’s Camden

Johnson, Roberts pace Lakers

Campbell Johnson captured a pair of first place finishes and Abigail Roberts picked up a first and a second to lead Lake Region to a second place Indoor Track & Field meet finish Friday at USM.

Freeport tallied 156 points, while Laker girls recorded 89.

Meanwhile, the LR boys finished seventh in the last regular season meet at the Gorham field house.

Grady Kemp had a stellar day by automatically qualifying in the mile (4:53.15 for third) and 2-mile (10:38.23 for second) races.

“Getting personal records (PRs) in both those races at one meet is exceptional. We are considering his races for the league championships and the state meet. Automatically qualifying for states makes it easier for us to plan,” Laker Coach Mark Snow said.

Campbell Johnson had two PRs in the meet, winning the 200 meters (28.93) and anchoring the open relay (28.2, the foursome — Hailey Brewer 30.8, Abigail Roberts 31.3 and Lizzie

Indoor Track & Field

Brewer 36.5 — finished in 2:06.81 for third). She also won the long jump (14-9.5) and was second in the high jump (5-0) with marks close to her PR.

“We also have a few options with Campbell for the big meets. She has been strong all year in four events plus the relay,” Coach Snow said.

Abigail Roberts and Alex Frietas were the other event winners for the Lakers.

Abigail won the 800 meters (2:31.84), was second in the 2-mile run (12:28.02), and had a seasonal best split in the relay. These are probably her events for the big meets given her high rankings (top 5 in class B).

Alex won the hurdles (9.17) and was second in the 200 meters (25.11). His improvement in the sprint hurdles and 200 bodes well for his outdoor season, but he still has some league and state goals for this season.

None of the sprinters had PRs in the 55 meters.

“I feel the starter held

them a bit longer in the blocks than usual which can throw off their timing.

I’m impressed no one false started,” Coach Snow said. Then later in the meet, Madelyn Long (32.48) and Kimberly Stiffler (32.79) had PRs by about 2 tenths in the 200 meters. They also ran the Junior relay with Delaina Grover and Kaitlin Lane. That relay has been a steady point getter this year. They placed second on Friday in 2:26.11 (Kimberly 34.6, Kaitlin 42.7, Delaina 35.3 and Madelyn 33.5). Kaitlin (21-6.75), Delaina (20-2.25), and Madison Shepard (20-7.25) placed 2nd, 4th, and 3rd in

Firemen for a Cure

(Continued from Page 6A)

a smaller team will give another department a window to unseat the perennial champs.”

WMTW personality Meghan Torjussen will return as emcee for this year’s event. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on Feb. 25, with the race beginning at 1 p.m. The entry fee is $125 per team which includes four day/ night lift tickets for the day

of the event and a chili lunch. Teams that register by Feb. 15 will also receive a t-shirt for each racer. Discounted lift tickets are also available for family members of racers.

To register a team, to learn more or to make donations, please visit the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ MarysFiremenforaCure. For any questions, e-mail dcsoutter@gmail.com.

the Junior shot put.

“They did not PR but placing that high in a meet was a great experience,” Coach Snow said. “We’re hoping it carries over into the league championships.”

Other Lakers who placed in individual events were Marissa Harlow (2nd in the JR high jump at 3-10), Hailey Brewer (5th and 6th in the 55 meters at 8.51 and 200 meters at 30.84), Taylor Spearrin (3rd in the high jump at 5-6), Ezra Gronlund (5th in the mile at 5:10.53 and the 2-mile at 11:45.58), and Tristan Cormier (6th in the 2-mile at 12:20.00).

Lake Region’s next meet is the league championship this Friday, Feb. 10 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Raiders set up for championship

GORHAM — As Coach Trevor Hope watched his Raiders compete in last week’s Indoor Track & Field meet, he felt it was a great way to end the regular season and performances set Fryeburg Academy “up really well” for the championship this Friday at USM.

“We had many PRs (personal records) and it was good to run our relays again,” Coach Hope said. “A big thankyou to our two volunteers, Michael and Jamie Mendonca, for helping at the meet.

• Recap for the girls: Emily Chaine ran a PR in her 55m with a time of 8:18 which is well within the state provisional qualifying time! Automatic is 8.05. She placed third in the senior division, and “this was all accomplished while not feeling good!” Coach Hope said.

Enna Carbone and Chaine PRed in their 200m, both breaking the 30 second mark for the first time, and both received third place (Enna in the junior division at 29.80 and Emily in the senior division at 29.68).

“You can tell that they push each other in practice,” Coach Hope noted.

Amber Gagnon also ran a good PR in her 200m (36.21) and was brave in trying the 1-mile race (7:31.96) for the first time!

“It was a good effort and just by doing the race and trying it out she added a point to the girls’ team by getting sixth place,” Coach Hope said.

Fryeburg also ran the 4x200 and turned in the fastest time of the season! The foursome included by Carbone, Barbara Stumpf Artero, Gagnon, and Chaine (2:18.52, good for fifth).

• Recap for the boys: The Raiders captured 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the long jump by Arkie Baptista (19-0.75), Jacob Adams (18-9.75) and Jacob Eveleth (16-3.75).

Austin ran a PR in his 200m (29.75).

Tristin Nylin threw a new PR in shot put (27-11).

Jacob Adams picked up second place in the 55 meters in 7.10 in the senior division Jacob Eveleth snuck out a new PR in his 55 meters (7.44) in the junior division, getting closer and closer to the provisional state time.

Zack Emery ran a competitive race in the 55m hurdles getting a new PR (9.19), which means the FA school record continues to also improve.

“At the end, he caught the last hurdle which made him dive across the finish line for an exciting finish,” Coach

TRACK, Page 5A

LESSSUG AR IS

OF THE WEEK

Collin Varney Ashley Pelletier

Ashley Pelletier earned the top spot on the Lake Region Alpine Ski team last Thursday coming in 13th overall in the Giant Slalom Race at Pleasant Mountain.

“Ashley is a hard worker in practice, in the classroom and consistently earns the top spot for the Lady Lakers,” Laker Coach Kurt Berger said. “Her hard work, love of racing, and technical skills serves as a role model for all members of the team.

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Ashley 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: Ashley Pelletier

Year in School: Junior

Hometown: Bridgton

Parents: Keith and Lynne Pelletier

Sports you Play: Field Hockey, Ski Racing and Lacrosse School honors: National Honor Society Q. Why did you choose alpine skiing? I was put into ski racing by my parents when I was 6, so I’ve been competing for 11 years now. I stuck with it as other sports came and went because of how different it is than other sports. Due to it being an individual sport, a good team is really important and I think I’ve found the

Freshman Collin

Varney is quickly establishing himself as leader in the young and developing Lake Region boys’ Alpine Ski Team. “On a team with one senior and three incoming freshmen, Colin has been working hard on his technical skills and his confidence in the race course,” Laker Coach Kurt Berger said. “He has been consistent in dryland training and on-snow practices. His hard work is paying off and we have seen quick progress in his finishes each week. We look forward to Collin’s continued contributions to the team.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Collin 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: Collin Varney

Year in School:

Freshman

Hometown: Bridgton

Parents: Dwayne Varney, Laura Varney

Sports you Play: Skiing, soccer

Q. Why did you choose alpine skiing? I choose it because I wanted to get better at skiing and to be with friends

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good meet if…” I feel good about how I did during the meet and when I COLLIN, Page 5A ASHLEY, Page 5A

Less Sugar = More Health

Americans consume three times more added sugar than experts recommend, taking a toll on our hearts and contributing to the rise of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Reduce your intake of these common culprits:

� Soda

� Candy

� Baked goods

� Frozen treats Get

� Juice + sports drinks

� Processed foods such as cereals, jam, ketchup, + more

Hancock Lumber’s PLAYERS

Opinion & Comment

February 9, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Dietitian’s Corner

by Donna Dodge Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Consultant

Sugar Bowl

Yes, you read that correctly. Only in a dietitian column would Sugar Bowl take precedence over what’s on the minds of millions this week. But football aside, I would like to build on the theme of sweets from our last column. We all know ice cream, donuts, and chocolate contain sugar, but we don’t expect to find it in crackers, salad dressings, and peanut butter. Even when we suspect it’s in food, we are often shocked to learn how much.

This recently happened to me. I was in a grocery aisle looking into the pleading eyes of my 10-year-old son who was trying desperately to convince me that he needed this particular breakfast cereal. Without missing a beat, he says, “Here, mom, look at the label, it’s good for you!” The box was aptly designed to attract a child, splashed with brilliant neon colors which I ventured to guess, matched the food inside. I quickly scanned the label zooming in on total sugars. “This is ALL sugar,” I practically shouted, “We’ll need to find another one.” Although he was extremely disappointed, he didn’t argue. We’ve been down this path before, and I suspect he has wondered on more than one occasion why his lot in life included a dietitian for a mom. But, I couldn’t give in. According to the label, the cereal was 70% sugar, literally a bowl of sugar. A Snickers bar would make a better choice, at least it contains a few peanuts.

Sugar is a new addition to our food supply. Two hundred years ago, sweets were expensive and rarely used. Today, the average American eats nearly half a pound per day. Our bodies have not evolved to deal with this influx, and we are paying the price in soaring rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Most likely cancer, too, as cancer cells love sugar as much as we do, gobbling it up at ten times the rate of healthy cells.

U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than 10% of calories from sugar. For a person eating 2,000 calories, this equates to 50 grams, or about 12 teaspoons. If you’re healthy and active, you will burn off this amount without causing harm. If you are not active, you may wish to use less.

But because sugar seems to be hidden everywhere, avoiding sweets isn’t enough. Did you know that ketchup is one-third sugar? Or that a granola bar can have three to four teaspoons? In some yogurts, nearly half the calories come from sugar. But why?

For one, consumer demand. We love sweets. But sugar also affects feel-good compounds in our brain giving it an addictive quality, we eat a little and we want more. Taking advantage of this, food manufacturers increase sweetness to keep us coming back.

I consulted with a client after she was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. I suggested we identify sugar in her diet and reduce it. Straightening up in her chair, she proudly asserted, “That’ll be easy, I don’t eat sugar.” Together, we did a 24-hour diet recall in which she wrote down everything eaten the day before. She had consumed 24 teaspoons of

SUGAR, Page 4B

Thank You

To The Editor:

Last Thursday night, our Chinook managed to leap out of her enclosed back yard (because of the deep snow) and decided to go exploring on South High Street. Unfortunately, we have not been able to teach her the threat that vehicles pose and she was struck by a passing vehicle.

Fortunately, a couple who was also traveling down South High Street witnessed Lona’s accident and took the time to stop to tell us what they had seen. We are both so grateful to them for caring enough to stop. Without their concern, we would not have known what had happened. We would not have known, for several days perhaps, why Lona was behaving strangely and crying, and that she needed to see a vet.

Because of this couple’s concern, we knew to have Lona checked out by a vet for a concussion, broken bones, and internal injuries. (Thankfully, Lona appears

to only have extensive bruising.) We were able to get medication for Lona for pain and inflammation, and to support her on a path of healing.

Life is precious. All life.

Thank you to that unknown couple who cared enough to let us know what they witnessed, so we could provide Lona with the medical attention that she needed. We feel blessed that Lona was not more seriously injured. We can deal with her pain, but we are grateful that we are not dealing with her loss.

Thank you both!

Dick and Barbara Danis Bridgton

What was if really for?

To The Editor: Anyone else notice that since Pay Per Bag got voted down, there has been nothing in the paper encouraging us to recycle? No statistics on what item is the most recycled, what item can be recycled that most folks don’t know about, etc. etc.

Makes it look, a bit, like it was all about the money Pay

RIDING SNOWMOBILES is a gas, especially now that there’s

A Cold Snap for the records

Howdy neighbor!

I don’t know about you, but I blame the groundhog for this last one. Not a day goes by after the sage woodchuck of Punxsutawney scurries out, sees his shadow, and declares in true groundhog-ese the grim forecast, “six more weeks of winter,” does a cold snap of record proportions then descend from Canada to fall on all New England. If any among our readers still harbored any private disbelief as to the verity of this oracular rodent’s power, I can only say to you, doubt no longer.

I for one knew it was coming and was much comforted by Phil’s prediction, for it agreed plainly with the only other source of climate data any true Yankee should trust; for the last several months it’s been right there to find, written plainly in the old Farmer’s Almanac, that in February we could expect “record-breaking cold temperatures of 40 degrees below in some places of the U.S.” Clearly, the good philomaths at the almanac’s tabulating desk have, by their obscure calculations, managed to tap into a similar vein of wisdom to that arising naturally in groundhogs. Truly these things are prodigious.

But in all truth, this cold snap was one for books; it is not since my old Academy days that I can recall so cold a spell in these parts, in those by-gone days of early February when 29 below zero came and lingered here for upwards of a week it seemed. We’ve not had it quite that bad this year, but with

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

six more weeks of winter set to come, there’s still time. Such weather as we’ve been having breeds icicles, and in further evidence of the unassailable wisdom of the groundhog, I here demonstrate to our readers a specimen which recently formed in the growing season after Phil’s predication. Send this curio to your friends and family in far-flung sections of country, and tell them that here in Bridgton, they grow icicles longer than a man is tall!

In this last snap, I woke up on Friday morning and found it was about 19 degrees in the right direction, and that was just as warm as I’d see it for some time, since the mercury did nothing but fall all day. When work ended that evening, I checked to see what temperature it was and found, in a word, that it wasn’t — because it was zero, and this had fallen to a

COLD, Page 2B

What to do when panic hits?

What will we do when the panic hits? It’s coming, you know, sure as God made little green apples. MerriamWebster defines panic this way: “sudden, overpowering fright,” “sudden, unreasoning terror often accompanied by mass flight,” or “sudden, widespread fright concerning financial affairs.” All those definitions share characteristics in common. Panic happens suddenly; it overwhelms rational thinking, and it triggers our “fight or flight” emotional response. Because panic is based in fear, not reason, its effects on human society usually are negative, and they cannot easily be predicted. Ignore our pretensions about “rugged individualism.” We humans are herd animals, and panic causes herd animals to stampede. Newly-elected President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was addressing nationwide panic with his First Inaugural Address in 1933, when he said “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror.”

FDR was trying to keep our parent’s generation from stampeding, like panicky sheep, over a cliff and into the fascist nightmare that was devouring democratic nations around the world. Had he failed, the United States probably wouldn’t have survived the 1930s. America also encountered a fascist “America First” gang back then

Per Bag would have brought in, not about encouraging recycling in our local community.

Nancy Coshow Bridgton

Explain Please

To The Editor: Could someone please explain to me what the heck is going on with government in America. Rioting, property destruction, and even murder are being tol-

Independent Thought

by Rev. Robert Plaisted Guest Columnist

— same name, same ideology — white supremacist, protyranny, anti-democratic. They might have taken over our government, if it had faltered.

Even though our current national panic is not yet too severe, just give it some time. Another panic is coming that will make the Great Depression look mild. The preconditions already are in place. All we lack is a triggering event, something comparable to the collapse of our economy between 1929 and 1932. That was enough to demolish the swaggering, cocksure optimism of the Roaring Twenties and destroy the faith of most Americans in Republican leadership.

The late 1920s and the early 2020s look eerily similar.

erated and, in some cases, encouraged in many of our cities. Nationally, the politics of personal destruction continues unabated.

Comparing America to a theoretically perfect political/economic system is looking for fool’s gold. You get the real gold when America is compared to actual political/economic systems, like the former USSR, or Russia, or China, or Cuba, or Venezuela, or any other past or present authoritarian regime, there is no contest. Because this is so, the advocates for Marxism or any other form of dictatorship always concentrate on the lack of perfection in the American system. The American experiment, for all its faults, is so far superior to the theoretical promises of dictatorships (whether of the proletariat or not) or social planners as to not even be a contest. The American experiment actually raised the status of workers from serfdom to free citizens who owned property in all its forms (not just real estate).

The Progressive social scientists’ pursuit of perfec-

tion is the death of growth for the individual or society. The American experiment’s recognition that men and women are by nature imperfect means that governments made up of men and/or women will likewise be imperfect. Also, the natural rights bequeathed by the Creator to mankind are inviolate and cannot be given or taken by government without the express consent of the people through an Amendment to the Constitution.

Today, Progressives are usurping the people’s rights by exceeding the Constitutional limits set on government. Progressives are doing a legislative and Judicial sleight of hand; always saying that it is only fair, just, and to help; the government needs to redistribute the efforts of the many to make everyone equal in outcome to everyone else. A dangerous theory that in every place it has been tried has produced wealth and privilege for the elite few and misery for everyone else.

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Don’t speak for all of us

To The Editor: Comprehension as a tool to facilitate communication is a prerequisite to its success. As the author of the letter Mr. St. Laurent responded to last week, it is quite amusing to see the disconnect between the points he thought I was making, his descriptive (and yes pejorative) terms of response, and ultimately as so often happens with his analysis his total misinterpretation and characterization of my intent.

Let’s start with a couple of simple points he mischaracterized. I did not attack Mr. Laven’s bona fides. That was Mr. StL.’s choice of terms, so perhaps he might want to look it up. What I said called into question his accuracy and objectivity as he has appeared often enough in The News espousing leftist opinions that made

enough snow on the trails. On Sunday afternoon, Ted Shane and his son Nash Shane, 9, take a breather and get some gas at Irving in Bridgton. Nash’s friend, Owen Mitchell, who is not visible in the photo, also drove a snowmobile on Sunday. (De Busk Photo)

Too many refuse to be woken up from a false American Dream that we have achieved equality.

Jon Chappell Bridgton

PANIC, Page 2B

Opinions

A Cold Snap for the records

balmy 10 below by nightfall while gathering firewood. While I didn’t stay up all that night, between getting up to stoke the fire and check the taps, I can report the thermometer here showed 17 below around midnight. It was still well in the negatives Saturday morning, and the cold was long to linger.

It was the wind more than anything, which really brought the record setting temperatures. Under its restless prompting that little devil called wind-chill sent the temperature, in-sofar as it feels to us living creatures, toppling down to hover somewhere around 27 below, tacking on an extra loss of 10 degrees and practically ensuring frostbite in just about five minutes. Apparently, the weathermen on broadcasting radio have since declared that last Friday night, the air mass over Maine was colder than any other air mass on Earth at the time. Colder than Siberia, colder than Alaska, colder even than the Arctic itself, and that’s because all the Arctic’s cold air was on vacation down here! So, it comes as no surprise to find that temperature records were broken all over Maine, including at Portland, while over in New Hampshire, Mt. Washington clocked in at a record-setting 47 degrees below zero with a wind-chill of 110 below. Just to clarify, that’s as cold as the planet Mars. Record daily lows were also set in Boston, Mass., Providence, R.I., Bridgeport, Conn., and Mt. Mansfield, Vt.; and so, it can truly be said that every one of our sister states here in New England had regions experiencing record low temperatures at the same time. At least, we’re all in this together.

In that spirit, I wanted to share a bit of local weather reporting from 1835, whose significance I feel we’re all now much better able to appreciate. From Portland’s Christian Mirror of Jan. 8, 1835, I bring you a pair of measurements taken in Waterford and North Bridgton, which in comparison

(Continued from Page 1B)

this an appropriate factor in considering the merits of his comments.

Nowhere did I criticize his college. I have no idea and could care less where he teaches other than to have sympathy for the hard-working parents and student’s financial sacrifices to listen to his claptrap.

Nowhere did I imply anybody “crucified” MLK.

All the above suggests Mr. StL. is comprehensively challenged, which goes a long way to explaining the many and varied curious contents of his letters.

I understand Mr. StL.’s sensitivities to my paragraph critique as it’s tortured syntax and content could very well have been a collaboration.

It apparently went over his head the point about positive Republican participations in correcting historical wrongs I attempted to make. The point was not to suddenly make them the good guys

Legals

Public Notice

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. 2T5

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

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 2T5

TOWN OF DENMARK

with our late storm, amply prove the old adage that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

“He sendeth snow like wool, and scattereth the hoar frost like ashes. Who can stand before his cold? Tens of thousands have felt, in the course of the present week, that there is force and point in this interrogatory. The severity of the cold on the last Sabbath exceeded it is thought anything which has been experienced in this vicinity for several years. We understand that several thermometers in this city indicated 24 degrees below zero, and in other towns the cold was still more excessive. The Rev. Charles Soule wrote us from North Bridgton, on Monday last, as follows: ‘I am informed by two responsible gentlemen, that in Waterford yesterday morning, (Sabbath) at half an hour before sunrise, the thermometer reported thirty-four degrees below zero! My thermometer at sun rise, reported 35 below zero!’”

Also, it comes to me just as I’m closing out this account, the piece of news that apparently the Canadians have their own groundhog — a late-comer to the party in-so-far as Phil is concerned, but likely one of his near relations just the same — and I’m hearing that his name was Fred. I say “was” because on the big day, when our Canadian counterparts rapped on the door of his little burrow and reached in to pull him out, and all gathered close to discern the intricacies of his prediction… each was distraught to learn that far from seeing his shadow, such a task was now beyond Fred’s power, for very plainly he was dead! The poor thing must have given up the ghost that morning, perhaps from the very strain of anticipating so strong a climactic change. Either way it certainly wasn’t a good omen, and it makes me wonder… maybe he knew what was coming?

Till next time!

and the Dems the bad guys, but was merely an attempt to remind the “brainwashed” devotees of CNN, MSDNC, NYT, WAPO, the Globe and Press Herald etc. that rarely if ever in life are people always bad or virtuous, and in fact as time fades into the past history remains of interest, and perhaps illustrative but less and less relevant. What is important now, (is to put it terms so stupid Kamala will shortly plagiarize) is now.

What are people expressing for principles now, and for what reason will shape the future of this country deserve far more focus than an interpretation of what happened in 1619, or how some sexually “confused” segment of our population is functioning. These are, at best, peripheral distractions.

Mr. StL. has always been selective in his responses, and while criticizing the shibboleth reference not surprisingly stopped there. That’s a

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON Harrison Water District

The Harrison Water District will have two openings for the Board of Directors for the upcoming term of three (3) years. We urge all interested to pick up nomination papers at the Harrison Town Office. Nomination papers will be available February 13, 2023, and are due back by March 6, 2023. These trustees shall be bona fide residents within the territorial limits of the Harrison Water District and a resident of the Town of Harrison or Bridgton. The election will take place on March 20, 2023, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Harrison Town Office.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF CASCO AND TOWN OF NAPLES

Transfer Station and Bulky Waste Facility Days of Operation Changing

The Casco-Naples Transfer Station and Bulky Waste Facility will be changing their days of operation effective the week of February 26, 2023. The new schedule will be: Wednesdays

Thursdays

Saturdays Sundays

(Hours remain the same - 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) 3T6

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.

common trait amongst left leaners who love to tell you what triggers them, but then stop short of explaining why or more importantly offering a solution.

Well Mr. St L., the rest of the comments after shibboleth covered my being sick and tired of being convicted (not accused) of white supremacy by virtue of the color of my skin. If you want to plead guilty to that BS by virtue of your skin color, be my guest, but do it on your own not for the rest of us.

Don Vose Naples

What do they stand for?

To The Editor: The election of 2022 did not diminish the chaos in Congress; witness Republican behavior from Jan. 2 through Jan. 7, 2023. The criticism of the Democratic Party is — elites think they know what is best for all Americans and are willing to spend everyone’s money to achieve their aims. This criticism is somewhat valid.

However, in a brilliant speech Saturday, Jan. 7, Congressman Hakeem Jefferies spelled out, alphabetically, what the Democrats stand for. The juxtaposition of Democrats and Republicans makes it really difficult to criticize the Republicans because no one knows what the Republicans stand for. Republicans have Donnie’s Autocracy — defined as Christian, white, heterosexual, men, dictating the roles for an entire society. Does Nazi Germany come to mind? It will take some time for Trumplicans to crawl back into their caves before moderate and intelligent Republicans emerge enabling all Americans to get on with the nation’s business. It requires maturity, flexibility and commitment to serve all the people — the antithesis of suppression of voters, education, and religion. The current political climate makes it almost mandatory for all Independent voters to look seriously at supporting the Democrats. In any event, we must all stay vigilant and vote!

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

LETTERS, Page 3B

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

Keeping Cumberland County Warm Grant

Bridgton was awarded grant funding through Cumberland County to provide additional support heating assistance for persons or families that otherwise would not be eligible to receive funding via general assistance due to income guidelines. The goal of the funds is to target families with incomes above the general assistance and LIHEAP income caps for Cumberland County. Please visit our website for additional information and application: keepingcumberlandcountywarm – Town of Bridgton, Maine (bridgtonmaine.org). 1T4,6

This week’s game solutions

The date to have Nomination Papers back to the Town Clerk’s Office will be March 31, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

Elections will be on June 2, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Town Meeting will be on June 3, 2023 beginning at 9 a.m.

• 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

NOW THAT IS A BIG ICICLE, displayed by columnist Mike Davis.

Devil’s in the detail…

To The Editor: In his recent Feb. 2 screed, “Follow the laws,” local contributor Robert Howe Jr. makes some dubious claims in regards to the sitting president, one being that he has [sic] “Foolishly sold off our strategic oil reserves to China,” a U.S. adversary. There is a modicum of veracity in this assertion, but if the readership will allow me to play Alexa… “here’s what I’ve found:”

In a July 5, 2022 article, Reuters reported: “More than 5 million barrels of oil that were part of a historic U.S. emergency reserves release to lower domestic fuel prices were exported to Europe and Asia last month, according to data and sources, even as U.S. gasoline and diesel prices hit record highs.” (https://www.factcheck.org/2022/07/u-s-selling-oil-from-the-strategicpetroleum-reserve-to-the-

highest-bidding-companies/)

And, it is true that at the time, Biden responded by tapping the SPR, and that in the long run, putting those reserves into the global markets contributed to stabilizing inflated soaring prices exacerbated by Putin’s (still ongoing) weaponization of fossil energy.

By law, since 2015, the oil is sold exclusively to “eligible” companies that make the highest offers. It’s auctioned off to those bidding entities per the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, and some of the companies are U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies, and some that purchased oil have then exported a portion to buyers overseas. And yes, Mr. Howe, a million barrels were sold almost a year ago now to Unipec America, which had at one time a relationship with a subsidiary Chinese investment firm that Hunter Biden — upon whose board of directors the president’s son once sat (he hasn’t for some time now). Exports increase the global supply and still help with U.S. gas prices, experts told us.

Basic law of supply and demand, Mr. Howe…

Obituaries

Charles E. Ihloff

Charles Ernest Ihloff was born in August of 1935 to Mildred and Ernest Ihloff in Bristol, Conn.; encouraged to read using proper English, his foundation was born.

Charlie’s father, a Lafayette College grad, was therefore informed of a Ford Foundation experiment designed to determine where high school and college development overlapped. Two weeks after his 16th birthday, he entered their Early Admission Program, graduating with a BA in History.

He met many of the foremost theologians of the day at Union Seminary, subsequently graduating from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. He interned as an Associate Protestant Chaplain at Boston University and practice taught at both Emerson College and Suffolk University, experiences informing his decision to seek parish ministry. Chuck was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1959.

Having met and married a nursing student, Joan Amendola and having two children, Cathy and Ernie, the family moved to Portland, Maine, where he specialized in youth work at the State Street Church. He served his first parish, a federation of American Baptist and Congregational Churches in Brooklyn, Conn. In those 16 years he did the academic work on a Master’s in Old Testament Theology, began his 64 year career as a volunteer firefighter, served on committees on alcoholism etc., while chairing the committee that built the local junior high school.

Divorced from Joan, who died in 1978, Chuck was called to the Congregational Church of South Hadley Falls, where he served for 20 years. A special time for the church was his marriage to Holly Henion, an artist he’d met through the youth program at Conn. Baptist Camp Wightman, where both enjoyed Youth Ministry. Chuck earned his Doctorate in Family Systems Therapy from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary of Philadelphia in 1991.

Called to Casco, Maine, in 1994, he helped modernize the church building and retired on Jan. 1, 2000; he served as Interim Pastor for over six years in three parishes and was the settled pastor in Cornish for eight-plus years.

A true Renaissance Man, Chuck stands out in four ways: active youth programs in each of his churches and over 50 weeks as counselor at church conferences in two states. Understanding committee structure, he was scribe and moderator of the Conference Association, always active at the state level. He was a lifelong scholar, devouring multiple books weekly, all topics. He was instrumental in building projects wherever he went. World travel mattered.

Chuck leaves his treasured wife Holly, his brother and sister-in-law, an extended family of son and daughter with spouses, three grandchildren and two great-grandsons, 16 nieces and nephews, and his lifelong devotion to kindness and the Christian faith.

A Memorial Service will be held at Casco Village Church, 941 Meadow Road, Casco, on Friday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. All are welcome. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco, www.hallfuneralhome.net.

and… Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for the fuel-price tracking service GasBuddy, said that the SPR releases authorized by the president had a positive impact on gasoline prices by “preventing prices from escalating more substantially” — not so much by actively pushing prices down.” Why?

Because of the most basic of all economic principles — lost apparently on Mr. Howe again and the talking heads of Fox “News” where he morphoses his disinformation — supply and demand. More crude on the market — going to China or Timbuktu, wherever — drives down the price and is passed on to U.S. consumers at the pump or in their heating oil tanks in Lovell or Scranton or wherever in the northeast United States primarily.

As far as Mr. Howe’s wild assertions in the screed about the sitting president willy-nilly running up the national debt — let us… eerr…Alexa… remind the readership that Reagan, as president, trebled it, and “45” increased it by that same percentage during his disastrous twice-impeached train-wreck administration.

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

Stop the system failures

To The Editor: Greetings. “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem, government IS the

problem.” These were some of the many words from Ronald Reagan’s inaugural address back in January 1981. It was very apropos and correct back in January 1981 when President Ronald Reagan spoke those words. It’s still very apropos, correct and true even now to this day and new year. Many governmental problems and issues exist within our government, with numerous “system failure” issues, including but not limited to our federal (national) government, state governments, and local governments. Newer examples of that now include the “weather balloon” from China, unlawfully entering American airspace and being controlled by China,

Lino G. Charpentier

Lino Gerard Charpentier Jr., known to friends as “Jerry,” passed away on January 22, 2023, at the age of 81. Lino was born in Bath, Maine, to Florence Amanda Charpentier and Lino Gerard Charpentier Sr., where he lived until his Junior year in high school.

Lino then moved to Florida with his parents where he graduated from South Broward High School and enrolled in ROTC. He earned a BA at Loyola University in New Orleans and went on to serve as a captain in the Army.

Lino met his ex-wife, Gabriele Hildegard Charpentier, in 1965 while stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany. After their wedding the family returned to Florida where Lino worked for Walt Disney World, Deloitte & Touche as well as Security 1st Federal Savings & Loan. In 1975 Lino returned with his family to his beloved state of Maine where he worked for Dielectric LLC for nine years. During this time the family lived in South Bridgton. In 1984, Lino relocated with his family back to Florida to care for his ailing parents. There he continued his civilian career as a professional accountant. In retirement, Lino pursued his lifelong dream of acting and performed in many community theatre productions as well as several television commercials.

Lino was survived by his daughter, Catherine Charpentier, son, Michael Charpentier, son-in-law, Scott Macleod, daughter-in-law, Heike Schmidt-Charpentier, and grandchildren Ian, Jennifer, Jonas and Jannik.

A funeral service and burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, where Lino will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, the Catholic Church, his distinguished service to his country as well as his love of the state of Maine and childhood friends. May he rest in peace.

Warren’s Florist

~ Always Fabulous Florals ~ ~ Fruit & Gift Baskets ~ ~ Ganz Plush Animals ~ Balloons ~ 39 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-8441 • 800-834-8407

navigation-wise. More to all this as post-incident investigations begin. All very alarming and troubling as it should be.

With the ongoing “fallout,” (pun not intended) from the “weather balloon” from China, entering and navigating through American airspace, in violation of our laws, it should be very alarming and a deeply troubling set of issues by the American people. How come this “incident” was not adequately, properly or timely dealt with, when this balloon entered American airspace in Alaska first and then into Montana and beyond, to South Carolina? What was its actual intended purpose? Much speculation exists with much to be investigated. This is yet another example of governmental “system failure” by a government that is supposed to protect and serve We, the People, of America.

At the state level, we have investigations of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and its Child Protective Services (CPS) Bureau. Many previous deaths and other harm done to children have happened on DHHS’ watch and control. Not okay! More investigations and more thorough reviews with meaningful greater accountability and oversight are needed, including by the Maine Legislature’s

Government Oversight Committee. Same reviews need to happen with the Department of Labor and its divisions, for its past to recent systematic issues and problems.

It is up to the American people, including we Mainers, to demand better of their government at all levels, with greater accountability and responsibility of this government and accountability of all our elected political leaders who are supposed to represent the American people vs. other outside special interests. We need greater transparency with more enhanced governmental oversight at the state level too, with increased transparency and accountability of all state departments and their bureaus and divisions. Same needs to happen the federal level.

In closing, we must address and remedy government’s many “system failure” woes. Let’s not have more of the same ineptness and “system failure” issues, with recurring misfeasance and malfeasance by those in government and their departments’ bureaus and divisions. Let’s move forward in a meaningful way.

Let’s get to it and fix our governments. Enough of chronic “system failures” and chronic bad “public policy.”

David Hall Cornish

Thomas H. Hill

Thomas H. Hill, 67, of Bridgton, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at his home. He was born in Lewiston on January 19, 1956, the son of Howard M. and Dorothea Foss Hill. He attended Hope Training School and had worked as a landscaper for Landmark in Bridgton for 10 years. He always had a smile on his face and never forgot anyone he meet.

He is survived by his sisters Betty Jones, Sandra Poland and her husband Ken, and Charlot Wormwell and her husband Robbie; Arthur Hatch, several nieces and nephews, Matthew Jones, Kimberly Poland, Shane Poland, and Justin Wormwell. He was predeceased by his parents, and an infant brother Charles Hill.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Wayside Cemetery in West Paris. To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to www.chandlerfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris.

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

THE BNEWS production manager Lori Plourd bundled up and headed out on a quick snowshoe hike this past Saturday, braving the below zero wind chills but enjoying the blue sky and beautiful vista of Basin Pond in Evans Notch, N.H.

New tool to reduce overdoses Views from Senate

The opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of far too many people in our state and throughout the country. In 2022, an estimated 716 Mainers died from drug overdoses, taking an extraordinary toll on families and communities. Last year was the third consecutive year that Maine set a tragic record of fatal overdoses. Annual overdose deaths have more than quadrupled in the past decade.

The 716 overdose deaths in Maine in 2022 were part of the more than 10,110 total overdoses that were reported. The skyrocketing rate of non-fatal overdoses helps to reveal the enormous and growing scale of this crisis that has been exacerbated by the flood of deadly fentanyl. Law enforcement and public health officials have told me that more accurate and timely information on non-fatal overdoses is needed to help combat the opioid epidemic by better identifying trends, targeting drug education efforts, informing response efforts, and allowing responders to focus resources where they are needed most.

As a member of the Senate Health Committee, I have pressed top federal officials to do more to track non-fatal overdoses since they are a leading predictor for future fatal overdoses. In addition to raising this issue at a hearing last March, I included a provision in the 2023 government funding law requiring the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to identify ways to improve the timeliness, accuracy, and accessibility of fatal and non-fatal overdose data.

Recently, ONDCP launched the first-of-its-kind data dashboard for non-fatal opioid overdoses nationwide. With

When panic hits?

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Both were dominated by laissez-faire capitalists, arrogant, super-rich people who squandered money with reckless abandon, simply because they could. One thing Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk have in common is that they’ve accumulated more money than they can spend wisely, so they spend it foolishly — undermining Twitter or running a taxi service to space for other rich folks. Add nonsense like crypto currency speculators, corrupt foreign oligarchs and rampant, homegrown fraud, and you have a system rigged for disaster.

The financial community recently spawned a new word, “polycrisis.” It was a major topic of discussion at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Economic historian Adam Tooze writes that a polycrisis “challenges our ability to cope…the shocks are disparate, but they interact so that the whole is even more overwhelming than the sum of the parts.” Climate change aggravated the COVID pandemic, which helped ignite the war in Ukraine, which interfered with the global economic system to disrupt trading networks and supply chains, which triggered high inflation and food shortages, all of which resulted in the first global population decline since 1945.

Faced with such threats, one of our major political parties, and about a third of our citizens, already have abandoned their faith in our government, threatening to overthrow it violently. Meanwhile, the world remains as chaotic as it was in the 1930s, and exponentially more dangerous because of nuclear weapons. This is neither a time for optimism nor pessimism. They’re just magical thinking — false hope or unfounded despair. Rather, we need realism.

Realists deal with life as it is. Historical precedent suggests we’re on the verge of another panic in America, which could begin as soon as the next few months. If the insurrectionists, who now control the House of Representatives, should send our economic system careening into unprecedented financial default, things will get really bad, really fast, even faster than they did after 1929.

Writing in Esquire, Jack Holmes says, “We’re in dangerous territory when sticking it to Those People is a greater virtue for a big chunk of the body politic than maintaining the full faith and credit of the United States government, which just happens to undergird the world financial system.”

So, my friends, what are you planning to do when the panic hits?

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

This week’s puzzle theme: U.S. PreSidentS

ACROSS

1. Biased perspective

6. Male sibs

10. Monday Night Football audience

14. Tapiridae representative

15. Rock opera version of “La BohËme”

16. Object of worship

17. Opposite of alpha

18. ____ Spumante

19. Novice

20. *Unanimously elected

President

22. Gusto 23. Eggy drink 24. Jig music, pl.

26. Stashed in a hold

30. Penniless

32. Wood turning device 33. Toll payment, e.g. 34. Not slouching 38. Like nay-sayers

39. Of many years

40. Malaria symptom

41. Instagram post 43. River, in Spanish

44. Bell-bottoms bottom

45. Dodge

47. Unexpected

48. The Cat in the Hat’s headgear (2 words)

51. Campbell’s container

52. International Civil Aviation Organization

53. *President Hayes’ first name

60. “Through” in a text?

the data broken down to both state and county levels, first responders on the frontlines of the overdose epidemic will be better able to target life-saving interventions such as the overdose-reversal medication naloxone. The dashboard will also help inform state and local service providers as they connect people to life-saving treatment for substance use disorders.

Reducing the number of overdoses requires an all-ofthe-above approach. The 2023 government funding law provides $4.9 billion — a nearly $300 million increase over last year — to respond to the opioid epidemic. Funds will be used to improve treatment and prevention efforts; find alternative pain medications; address workforce needs, especially in rural communities; and promote research.

Another key provision included in the government funding law is the Medication Access and Training Expansion Act. This legislation that I co-authored with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) will improve provider training to ensure prescribers of controlled substances, such as opioids, have foundational knowledge of addiction

Sugar Bowl

(Continued from Page 1B)

sugar by early afternoon. “That’s not possible!” she stammered. But unfortunately, it was. Sugar was hidden in her instant oatmeal, non-dairy creamer, orange juice, banana, granola bar, yogurt, and the small cookie she had with lunch.

What can we do? Learning to identify sugar is step one. Use the tip given in our last column, Sweet Sabotage: Divide total sugars by 4 to find the number of teaspoons. This will give you a sense as to where you are in relation to the 12 teaspoons recommended.

My client was able to reduce her sugar by two thirds, not by radical changes, but by making a few adjustments. This included using half-and-half instead of creamer, eating an orange vs. drinking juice, mixing her favorite yogurt with plain yogurt, using unsweetened oatmeal and adding her own maple syrup, and swapping the granola bar for a higher protein bar. As for my son, we found a cereal we both agreed on, one with one-fourth the sugar. The next morning between mouthfuls, he blurted out, “Thanks mom, this is the best cereal EVER!”

No one wishes to be sugar celibate and it’s not necessary. But we must limit sugar as if our health depends on it. Because it does. Start by identifying where sugar may be lurking, then make a few changes. Above all, have fun. And enjoy the football game.

Donna Dodge of Denmark has 30 years of experience as a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant. Do you have a diet or nutrition question? E-mail The Bridgton News at bnews@roadrunner.com for a chance to have your question featured in next week’s paper. All questions will remain anonymous.

by Susan Collins United States Senator

prevention, treatment, and medication management. Other provisions I pushed for in the government funding law will support key investments in medical education and the removal of barriers to accessing needed treatment.

Together, these provisions will strengthen the ability of first responders and clinicians to save lives, provide more resources to individuals struggling with addiction, and give policymakers the information needed to respond to the opioid epidemic. As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work with federal and state officials and with those on the front lines to address this crisis.

Snowshoe Fest

graphs.

But that’s not all. After a day outdoors, the festival continues with a contra dance from 6 to 8 p.m. held at the Norway Grange, 15 Whitman Street, featuring the musical talents of Bill Olson and Pam Weeks. The suggested donation at the door is $10 per person and $25 per family.

Recognized in 2012 by the Maine Downtown Center as a uniquely Maine festival, the Snowshoe Festival returns for its 11th year to celebrate Norway’s rich cultural heritage of the arts (as in music), and crafts (as in snowshoe making).

Norway, once self-proclaimed as “The Snowshoe Town of America” was home to four major snowshoe industries between 1850 and 1980: Snowcraft, Tubbs, H.H. Hosmer and Mellie Dunham. Mellie was not only the first com-

(Continued from Page 8B) Give

mercial snowshoe maker in town, outfitting Admiral Peary’s expedition to the North Pole, he was also a renowned fiddler who was commissioned by Henry Ford to play traditional fiddle music across the country. In honor of Mellie’s talents, the Norway Snowshoe Festival always involves a contra dance in addition to athletic and family related outdoor snowshoe events.

This year’s festival sponsors include: First Light Communications, True North Adventureware, Fiber & Vine, Norway Brewing Company, Oxbow Beer Garden, Tru Strength Athletics, Dolce Amici, and Norway Downtown.

The full schedule of events can be found at www.wfltmaine.org/snowshoe-festival.

For more information or to volunteer for the festival e-mail info@wfltmaine.org.

61. Pelvic bones

62. Plural of #54 Down

63. Andrew Sean Greer’s 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner

64. Reverse action

65. Mother-of-pearl

66. *Lake off Ohio, the state known as “the Mother of Presidents”

67. Baseball’s “The Say

Hey Kid”

68. Navigate

DOWN

1. *Present tense of #26

Across

2. Tibetan priest

3. “Singes” in “La PlanËte des singes”

4. Nearly

5. Apprentice

6. Name on apple cider vinegar bottle

7. R in R&R

8. Cognizant of 9. “Sophie’s Choice” protagonist

10. *F in JFK

11. Bye, to Emmanuel Macron

12. Relating to Scandinavia

13. Casino bandits

21. Sign of assent

25. *Civil Rights Act of 1957 signer

26. Dueler’s blow

27. Hyperbolic tangent

28. Football great Graham

29. *Executive Mansion, colloquially (2 words)

30. Misrepresent

Local Happenings

Casco Church Supper

CASCO — The Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ is hosting a Youth Group Mission trip supper fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

This dinner will feature Italian cuisine, beverages, and dessert! It’s all for only $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 10 and under. The church is located at 941 Meadow Road in Casco. For more information, call 207-627-4282.

Maple Syrup Workshop

University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer an in-person maple syrup production workshop for beginners from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11. The class first meets at York County Extension Office, 15 Oak Street, Springvale; and finishes at Maple Moon Farm, 289 Chick Road, Lebanon. The snow date is Feb. 18.

The Backyard Maple Sugaring program teaches beginners how to identify and tap trees; collect and boil sap; and filter, grade and can syrup. Participants also will learn the logistics of installing and maintaining a sap collection system that uses tubing during a site visit to a local sugar making operation.

The workshop will be led by UMaine Extension assistant professor and maple industry educator Jason Lilley; Richard Morrill, owner of Nash Valley Farm in Windham; and Frank Ferrucci, owner of Maple Moon Farm in Lebanon.

The $18 fee includes the textbook “Backyard Sugarin’: A Complete How-To Guide” by Rink Mann. Registration is required; register on the event webpage. This program is sponsored and co-taught by the Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers Association. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Jason Lilley, 207-781-6099; jason. lilley@maine.edu.

Events at BPL

Events and programs at the Bridgton Public Library in February include: ALL MONTH

Storytime Crafts To-Go: various through the month

Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program: ask FMI

Every Friday, Storytime, 10 to 11 a.m. in Children’s Main Room

Every Friday, Kid’s Writer’s Café, 10 to 11 a.m. in Youth Services Reading Room

Every Friday, Build-It Lab, 10 to 11 a.m. in Youth Services Reading Room

Every Friday, Technology Help with Racheal, 2 to 4 p.m. in Resource Room

Every Saturday, Writer’s Cafe in the Main Reading Room, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

MEETING & BOOK GROUPS

Wednesday, Feb. 8,

Nonfiction Book Group, 10 to 11 a.m. by Zoom discussing The Color of Water by James MacBride

Tuesday, Feb. 14, Friends of the Library Meeting, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. by Zoom

Tuesday, Feb. 21, Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 to 8 p.m. by Zoom and in-person

Wednesday, Feb. 22, Bookies Book Group, 3 to 4 p.m. by Zoom discussing “Beneficence” by Meredith Hall

SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Saturday, Feb. 18, LGBTQ+ Parent/Caregiver Resources, 10 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room, presented by Partners for Thriving Youth and Out Maine

Friday, Feb. 24, Poetry at BPL, 6 to 7 p.m. in the Main Reading Room. Join local poets for writing workshop and reading.

RPM Director to be Rotary Speaker

Karla Rider, executive director of the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, will speak to the Rotary Club of BridgtonLake Region on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 a.m. at Stella’s on the Square, 6 North Main Street, Bridgton.

This will be an in-person meeting only. All are welcome. No charge. Coffee only. If school is cancelled due to weather, the meeting will be postponed.

Executive Director of the Rufus Porter Museum since November 2018, Karla Rider is originally from Connecticut. She moved to Maine after attending college in Boston to continue her education and gain more experience in the museum field. Karla has had the privilege of working for a

variety of grassroots non-profit organizations in Maine including the Old York Historical Society, Victoria Mansion, the Maine People’s Alliance, Maine Preservation, Museum L-A, and the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society.

Karla will share information about the latest projects at the Rufus Porter Museum, especially focusing on the expansion of its cultural complex with construction of a classic post and beam barn that will complement Main Street and the two other historic museum buildings on the site. The new structure will feature the Museum’s collection of over 30 wall murals, reconstructed and displayed in the design of the original rooms. The largest collection of wall murals of any kind in the United States, these beautiful murals have never been gathered together in one

Churches prepare A ‘Souper’ Bowl

While the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will be racking up points during Sunday’s Super Bowl, young Catholics from around Maine will be busy scoring donations to benefit those in need through the “Souper” Bowl of Caring.

The annual event, held this year on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, is a weekend of giving and serving during which 100% of the monetary and food donations collected will be given to local charities to help tackle hunger in the community. Maine parishes participating include:

St. Joseph Parish — Monetary donations will be collected before and after Masses at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Fryeburg and St. Joseph Church in Bridgton. The proceeds will go to Catholic Charities Maine’s food and nutrition program that provides daily meals and nutritious snacks for thousands of Maine preschool children and adults with special needs.

St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish — Monetary donations will be collected before and after Masses at St.

SOUPER, Page 6B

place or open to public view. This and other unique Rufus projects and programs make the region a locale for folk art, so popular in the United States right now.

For more information about the Museum and its contribution to the area, visit https://rufusportermuseum.org.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of BridgtonLake Region, visit the website: lakeregionrotary.com or its Facebook Page.

To ask questions about the club, contact Rotary President Aaron Hagan at lakeregionrotary@gmail. com.

RUFUS PORTER MUSEUM Executive Director Karla Rider will speak to the local Rotary Club on Feb. 16.

Curious Arts at Rufus Porter

The Rufus Porter Museum will offer its first in a series of new Curious Arts programs on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton.

The first class is “Welcome to Painted Floorcloths” and will be taught by Peg Puza.

To register (which is required), go to: https://www. rufusportermuseum.org/event-details/create-a-19th-century-style-floorcloth

Using designs inspired by Moses Eaton and other 19th Century stencil artists, this class is suitable for beginners or those who have limited experience with stenciling.

Participants will be creating a 2’ x 3’ floorcloth to take home. All materials will be provided to complete the project. Instructor Peg Puza will share a bit of history on the use of floorcloths and decorative stenciling in a brief presentation.

Cost is $80. Maximum per class: 8 students.

Please bring a hair dryer (if you have one) to expedite drying time! Bring a bagged lunch to eat

If class is full, please e-mail staff@rufusportermuseum. org so that organizers can start a wait list for a second class.

Sweet treats at Church

FRYEBURG — What better way to deliver a message than through chocolate, just before Valentine’s Day?

On Sunday, Feb. 12, the St. Joseph Parish Social Justice & Peace Commission will hold a chocolate tasting event featuring Equal Exchange

Fairly Traded chocolate at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, located on 857 Main Street in Fryeburg. All are welcome.

Parishioners and visitors will have a chance to sample different types of chocolate and will hear a presentation from Elisa Blanchard from

SWEET, Page 8B

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe Spatchcocked & Roasted

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

One of my favorite, and easiest meals to prepare through the fall and winter seasons is a roasted chicken. This provides us with a delicious meal of crispy, juicy chicken and leftovers for the coming days. Several years ago, I discovered the technique of spatchcocking a bird (works on turkeys also). By cutting the backbone out of the bird, you allow the body to lay flat in your roasting pan and create a piece of meat that will cook much more uniformly and more quickly. No more dry breast meat while waiting for the legs and thighs to come to temp. It also allows all the surfaces of the bird to brown up and crisp evenly to a beautiful golden brown. I have also found that if I spatchcock the bird a few hours before I plan to roast it and set it in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours uncovered, the skin will crisp even better.

We were talking about recipes at the market on “The Bitter Cold Saturday” and Michelle from Padruig Designs told me she spatchcocked chicken last week and had used Wicked Good Cupboards “The Flavah Basic Rub” on her chicken. It was a total rave. So very good!

We have several of our vendors at the Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market offering whole farm raised chickens for sale, Wicked Good Cupboard providing entertainment, and a selection of rubs and sauces to

enhance your meals. You will also find the onions, carrots and potatoes at our market for this recipe. Why don’t you come and see what we have to offer?

Spatchcocked Chicken

1 - 4 to 5-pound chicken

1 or 2 onions

3 or 4 celery stalks

3 or 4 carrots (or as many as you might like for your dinner) sliced into thick sticks

Potatoes — optional. I cut them into pieces if it is a medium or large potato

Salt and pepper

Thyme — fresh or dry

Olive oil

To spatchcock the chicken: Turn the bird breast side down on a cutting board. With a sturdy pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife cut out the back bone by cutting along the edge of the backbone and separating the ribs and skin. This is pretty easy on a store-bought bird and a bit more difficult with our healthy, farm-raised birds that have much stronger bones. Turn the bird over and lean on the breastbone to crack the wishbone and allow the bird to spread and lie flat on the cutting board.

A few hours ahead of time: I set the spatchcock chicken in a pan and place it uncovered in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This allows the skin to dry out and creates a crispier skin. Before roasting,

Love for Cafe Nomad

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE LOVE in Winter this February and March? Come to Cafe Nomad.

NORWAY — The work of 16 New England artists is currently on display at Cafe Nomad in Norway. The show, which opened on Feb. 1, will run through Saturday, March 25.

Called Love in Winter, the show invited artists to submit work that referenced the heart and love. Though there are a number of hearts, there

are also many other forms, including two embroidery lovebird owls on a small leaf, a sculpture of Cupid’s arrow, a wooden boat filled with animals and birds, broken ceramic hearts repaired using kintsugi, a father’s wartime signature and a crocheted closeup of trees. Mediums and techniques are varied. They include printmaking,

Area births

Kai Anthony Stevens, son of Victoria Smedley and Mikyle Stevens of South Paris was born on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 at 6:19 a.m. at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. Kai weighed 9 pounds, 15.8 ounces.

Maternal grandparents: Dennis Brine and Vivian Smedley of Oxford.

Paternal grandparent: Mandy Stevens of Oxford.

Seeking artists

crocheting, quilting, mixedmedia collage, painting, pottery, metal work, encaustic, and wood carving. Cafe Nomad is located at 450 Main Street in Norway, and is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

LOVELL — The Lovell Arts & Artisans Fair committee is currently seeking new artists and artisans for the 48th annual event, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Suncook School on Route 5 in Lovell.

ARTISTS, Page 8B

‘Souper’ Bowl

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Catherine of Sienna Church in Norway and Our Lady of Ransom Church in Mechanic Falls. The proceeds will go to Catholic Charities Maine’s food and nutrition program. Since its inception in 1990, churches across America have raised well over $100 million for soup kitchens, food pantries, and other charities through the Souper Bowl of Caring.

pull the chicken out and let it rest at room temperature for a while.

Preheat your oven to 450 to 500 degrees. While the oven is coming to temperature, salt and pepper the underside of the chicken, turn the bird over and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme (or Wicked Good Cupboards Basic Rub with no additional salt and pepper).

In my roasting pan, I make a “rack” out of onions, celery and a few of my carrots and place the bird on top of the vegetable rack. I spread more vegetables, carrots and potatoes around the bird. Drizzle the bird and veggies generously with olive oil.

Place the chicken in the oven for 15 minutes at 450 degrees.

Reduce the temperature to 325 degrees and cook for another 45 minutes. In my oven, it took an hour. Check the breast for temperature with a probe. It should be between 150 to 160 degrees. Remove from the oven and cover with foil and let the meat rest for 15 minutes before carving. Yom-Yom!

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

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

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

BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

Lions Chuck Wagon at Winter Carnival

Dependent on the support and generosity of the public for the funds necessary for their charitable outreach, the Bridgton Lions Club will have its Chuck Wagon food trailer on the town beach for the annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 18.

In conversation with project chairman Cliff Tuchon, he stated the menu for the day will feature the usual array of homemade chowders and chili.

“We will introduce our not yet ‘semi-famous’ pulled pork,” he added. Mulled cider will also be featured for the first time.

All income from the Chuck Wagon, which appears at various public functions in Bridgton, is donated to local agencies, organizations and charities after expenses are met. Over the past two years, the club has been able to nearly double its outreach and has added four new causes to its list of benefactors.

The Lions wish to extend thanks to individuals and area businesses who so generously support the club’s efforts. See you at the beach on the 18th for the best “comfort food” you can find anywhere.

SELF-STORAGE Bridgton Storage 409 Portland Rd. 28 units & 4000’ open barn Bridgton

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)

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)

Thursday, February 9

Author Sarah Perry will 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 www.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.

Bald Pate Hike, 8:30 a.m.,

join the Loon Echo Land Trust staff for a winter hike up Bald Pate in South Bridgton. Snowshoes or some other form of traction will be required.

LELT has limited quantities available to borrow. This event is free, but space is limited so please register at lelt.org

Benefit Supper. The Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ is hosting a Youth Group Mission trip supper fundraiser from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This dinner will feature Italian cuisine, beverages, and dessert! It’s all for only $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 10 and under.

Sunday, February 12

Pancake Breakfast. The Harrison Lions Club will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake 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. Chocolate Tasting. The St. Joseph Parish Social Justice & Peace Commission will hold a chocolate tasting event featuring Equal Exchange Fairly Traded chocolate at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, located on 857 Main Street in Fryeburg. All are welcome. The chocolate tasting event will be held following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Monday, February 13

Pondicherry Park

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

Tuesday, February 14

Ribbon cutting at The HeartGlow Center, 328 Main Street, Bridgton, 10 a.m.

Thursday, February 16

Guest Speaker. Karla Rider, executive director of the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, will speak to the Rotary Club of BridgtonLake Region at 7:30 a.m. at Stella’s on the Square, 6 North Main Street, Bridgton. This will be an in-person meeting only. All are welcome. No charge. Coffee only. If school is cancelled due to weather, the meeting will be postponed.

NARCAN Training. Learn about NARCAN and how you can save a life. Lake Region Recovery Center, 2 Elm Street in Bridgton, will hold a community NARCAN training session at 4 p.m. Contact LRRC at (207) 803-8707 if you are interested or have any questions.

Friday, February 17

First Winter Carnival Ice Queen Pageant, Bridgton Town Hall, 6 p.m., participants

18 years and older, cash prizes.

Saturday, February 18 Winter Carnival 2023, sponsored by the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, Highland Lake Beach in Bridgton. Events include: 8 a.m. register kids for Ice Fishing Derby at Unc’L Lunkers Bait and Tackle Shop, 8 Gage Street;

10 a.m. registration for Rail Jam ($15 entry fee); 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. horse-drawn wagon rides (button required, $5);

11 a.m. juggling by Richard Hagerstrom (button required);

12 p.m. sign up for Freezing for a Reason; 12 to 6 p.m., Ice Bar on Highland Lake (button required);

1 p.m. Freezing for a Reason Polar Dip to benefit Harvest Hills Animal Shelter; 1:30 p.m. Rail Jam; 1:30 p.m. Spicy Chili Eating Contest; 6 p.m. fireworks on the lake (for safety reasons, no one will be allowed on the lake). All day, music, food and town ice rink open. Bridgton Rec is holding a craft and vendor fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bridgton Town Hall Gym.

11th Annual Norway Snowshoe Festival at Roberts Farm Preserve (58 Roberts Road, Norway). Activities begin at 10 a.m. The full schedule of events can be found at www.wfltmaine.org/ snowshoe-festival.

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.

Tuesday, February 21

Solar Energy talk. Join the Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth, N.H. and the Chocorua Lake Conservancy live via Zoom at 7 p.m. for a “Solar Energy 101 & Beneficial Electrification” with Ten Vansant, founder and president of New England Commercial Solar Services. Ted will give an overview of solar energy and beneficial electrification possibilities for residential, commercial, municipal, and school settings, and answer questions. For more information and please register in advance at bit.ly/ CC-022123.

Wednesday, February 22

Bonfire and Night Walk at Holt Pond, sponsored by Lakes Environmental Association from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join LEA for a guided walk in the preserve at night, a bonfire and light refreshments. Please park between Perley Road and Chaplins Mill Road by the dirt road entrance to the preserve. For more information, e-mail Shannon@mainelakes.org

Saturday, February 25

Create Floorcloth. The Rufus Porter Museum of Art

Calendar of Events Classified Advertising

positions:

• BUSINESS OFFICE ASSOCIATE (full-time)

• ART TEACHER (full-time)

• FILM WORKSHOP TEACHER (part-time)

• DRIVERS (part-time)

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 get

ting a great tan and have a never give up attitude. Please call or text 207-557-2801

BN 6 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

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

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 SALE

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

and Ingenuity in Bridgton presents “Create a 19th Century Floorcloth,” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://www.rufusportermuseum.org/eventdetails/create-a-19th-centurystyle-floorcloth Otisfield Winter Carnival at the Otisfield Community Hall. The Winter Carnival offers carnival games (10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), The Silver Circus (12 to 1 p.m.), a community lunch (12:15 to 1:30), make and take crafts (1 to 2:30), cookie decorating, the classic Cardboard Sled race (2:30), topped off with an Italian dinner (4:30 to 6:30). Donations benefit town office playground and winter fuel assistance!

Saturday, March 4 Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, sponsored by American Legion Post 67, 8 to 11 a.m., Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot Street. Recommended donation, $8 per person. All proceeds benefit American Legion Post 67. Winter Fun Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Peabody-Fitch Woods. Join Loon Echo Land Trust for a day of winter activities at Peabody-Fitch Woods in South Bridgton. There will be a combination of free adaptive and non-adaptive crosscountry ski gear, fat bikes and snowshoes. More details to be posted on the LELT website. This event is free, but please register. Weather date is Sunday, March 5.

FOR

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

OFFICE FOR RENT 82 Main Street, Bridgton for therapy/ massage/office. Furnished, heat/ AC, WiFi, printer. $15/hr. Call207-329-5545. 4t5 SEBAGO — One-bedroom apartment, private, $950, utilities, deposit, no pets, background check, 207-400-5633. 1t6x

VEHICLES FOR SALE

JESUS IS LORD — new and used auto parts. National locator. Most parts 2 days. Good used cars. Ovide’s Used Cars, Inc., Rte. 302 Bridgton, 207-647-5477. tf30 BUSINESS SERVICES DENMARK HOUSE PAINTING — Since 1980. Interior and exterior painting. Free estimates. Call John Mathews 452-2781. tf40x 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 March in quiet Bridgton/ Waterford/Harrison area. Nonsmoker. Have older cat. Please contact Paul at 207-393-0411. 1t6x

A peek at Peaked Mountain

After much of January with bare ground or only a skim of snow, winter has finally come to Maine and New Hampshire with three major storms in less than a week. Deep snows from the storms were garnished with sleet and freezing rain on the Wednesday storm leaving a thick icy crust on top of everything.

Middle Mt. They went ahead and we followed. Part way down, Maryanne took off her snowshoes and decided that the walking was much easier on the narrow path. We arrived at the trailhead at 1:44 p.m.

Peaked Mountain (1,739 feet) summit is a pointed knoll mostly bare except for picturesque red pines, the result of a wildfire in the early 1800s. From the summit, there are nice views of North Conway village and on clear days you can also

Senior Rambles

Hiking Trips & Tips

by Allen Crabtree

Three Denmark Mountain Hikers climbed Peaked Mountain on Jan. 27. Breaking trail through the kneedeep plus snow and crust from recent storms would have been very wearying, but thankfully some of the trail up Peaked Mountain had been broken by two snowshoers making the hike to the summit much easier. The very narrow crusty path made by the snowshoers was encrusted after last night’s hard freeze that had us tripping on our snowshoes at times. In hindsight, bare booting with microspikes might have been possible. The hike up was mostly uneventful. We did see some blood spotting in the trail and it appears that a deer may have used the trail and cut its hoof area on the crust. There was evidence that whoever broke trail the day before also snowboarded down.

As we passed the first trail junction, we noted that the left loop was not broken out so continued counter clockwise. The snowboarding stopped near the upper junction with the Middle Mt. trail and the trail was broken out but a bit rougher. The Middle Mt. trail was not broken out, but three gentlemen from the Portland area caught up with us and were going up Middle. They had bare booted up, but donned snowshoes to start trail breaking.

We arrived at the summit at 11:44 a.m. and enjoyed the views and each other’s company heading down at 12:07 p.m. We returned the same way as the upper junction of the loop was still not broken out and we had no appetite to break through that heavy top crust tripping our way down.

We met up with the three gentlemen again at the same junction as they were just returning from summiting

Sweet treats

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Equal Exchange about how fair-trade practices benefit farmers in Latin America.

“In view of the Corporal Works of Mercy, ‘feed the hungry,’ we wanted to support the small-scale farmer, so that they can sustain their livelihood and families. And by supporting them, we are also contributing to a more equitable food system. We thought our chocolate event would be a delicious way to introduce the Equal Exchange/Fair Trade concepts,” said Kathleen Stevens, a member of the Social Justice & Peace Commission.

The chocolate tasting event will be held following the 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. For more information, contact the parish at 207-647-2334.

Seeking artists

(Continued from Page 6B)

This perennially popular summer fair benefits the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library. All disciplines and media will be considered, and past fairs have featured painting, pottery, jewelry, quilts, rugs, wooden items, photography, fiber arts, home goods, textiles, and stonework. There is room for 50-plus artists in the indoor gymnasium space and outdoor lawn space.

Interested applicants should submit their work electronically for the Arts & Artisan Fair jury to assess by June 1. E-mail aafair@hobbslibrary.org with the following information:

• Full name and address of the artist and the business name

• Photographs of the artwork to be sold at the fair

• Photograph of your exhibit booth

• Description of the materials used and price points

Once juried, accepted artists will receive an Accepted Artist Agreement to complete and return with the non-refundable $50 registration fee. Additionally, fair organizers offer an online digital option. For further information or questions about the Fair or application process please e-mail aafair@ hobbslibrary.org.

see Mount Washington, Middle Mountain, Black Cap, and Cranmore Mountain.

Peaked Mountain’s summit is reached by the Peaked Mountain trail. It, the Pudding Pond trail and Middle Mountain trail, all follow the same route from the parking lot on Thompson Road to an information kiosk at 0.2 miles. From there, the Peaked Mountain and Middle Mountain trails diverge left, cross under a power line and follow the “Trail” sign nailed to a tree — do not go right as this is a snowmobile trail. The combined trails follow an old woods road climbing very gently.

At 0.7 miles from the trailhead, the trail enters the Green Hills Preserve and comes to a trail junction where the Peaked Mountain trail goes left and the Middle Mountain Trail goes straight, climbing moderately. The Peaked Mountain trail follows the contours of the mountain for another 0.5 miles to another trail junction with modest “ups” and “downs.” Go right and ascend the ledges through pretty stands of red pine. At 1.9 miles from the trailhead is a final trail junction where the Peaked Mountain trail climbs 0.2 miles over the final ledges to the summit, Peaked Mountain, Middle Mountain and Rattlesnake Mountain form the western side of the Green Hills Preserve. The Green Hills Preserve was established through the efforts of local conservationists and the Nature Conservancy starting in 1990.

Near the summit of Peaked Mountain is a plaque on a large boulder honoring Marland P. and Katherine F. Billings. Katherine was a summer resident of New Hampshire, who along with Anna B. Stearns of Randolph, spent a great deal of time hiking on Peaked Mountain and recognized the high conservation value of its unusual geology, vegetation, and surrounding forests. It was through their efforts, and other visionary conservationists, that the Green Hills Preserve was established; today 4,200 acres are protected in the Preserve and are open to hiking and outdoor recreation.

Peaked Mountain in Carroll County, North Conway, N.H.

Difficulty – Easy

Trail distance (one way) – 2.1 mile

Hiking times (one way) – 1 hour 40 minutes

Elevation – 1,739 feet

Vertical gains – 1,200 feet

Coordinates – 44° 2’ 38” N 71° 5’ 26” W

Topographic Map – USGS North Conway East 7.5-minute quad / 44.10567; -71.094

Directions to the trailhead: From Routes 16/302 or from the North-South Bypass in North Conway, take Artist Falls Road and follow it under the railroad track overpass. After 0.4 miles, take a right onto Thompson Road. A small Town of Conway/Pudding Pond Conservation Area signed parking lot will be on the right about 0.3 miles further, just before the power lines. Please do not park at the end of Thompson Road.

11th Annual Snowshoe Fest

NORWAY — Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 18 as the Western Foothills Land Trust kicks off Winter Carnival week with the 11th Annual Norway Snowshoe Festival.

The festival includes a variety of family-oriented races and activities, and the day culminates with a contra dance at the Norway Grange Hall that night. Celebrating Norway’s history as the Snowshoe Town of America, the festival is a welcoming event for participants and spectators alike.

Held at Roberts Farm Preserve, 58 Roberts Road, activities begin at 10 a.m. with 2k, 5k, and 10k snowshoe races with prizes for top women’s, men’s, and youth competitors. All registrants will be eligible to win one of six pairs of snowshoes to be raffled off.

Registration for the race is $5/10 and $10/15 onsite and can be found at www. wfltmaine.org/programs.

The festival program also includes less rigorous activities like snoga (yoga on snowshoes) with Kat Larsen, family games on snowshoes (three-legged

ENJOY ACTIVITIES on snowshoes like snoga (yoga on snowshoes), three-legged race, 100-yard dash, musical chairs, family pulk pull), team tug-o-war and more!

race, 100-yard dash, musical chairs, family pulk pull), team tug-o-war, corn toss biathlon, a snowshoe fashion show, and a guided snowshoe to cocoa served at the Preserve’s iconic view across Norway Lake. All activities are on snowshoes; snowshoes are available for use on site.

Norway Brewing Company will be serving light snacks at the fire pit and Lucky Cat Food Truck will be onsite serving up Hong Kong bubble waffles and warm drinks.

The Norway Historical Society will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 18, featur-

ing a new exhibit “Norway Maine: Snowshoe Town of America” showcasing the

Society’s collection of historic snowshoes and photo-

SNOWSHOE, Page 4B

NORTH CONWAY VILLAGE from the summit of Peaked Mountain. (Photo by Dale Nelson)

DENMARK MOUNTAIN HIKER Mary Ann Johanson at the summit of Peaked Mountain. (Photo by Dale Nelson)

DENMARK MOUNTAIN HIKERS Mary Ann Johanson (left) and Tina Estes take a break on the Peaked Mountain trail. (Photo by Dale Nelson)