BN06-021121

Community FBI agent offers scam prevention tips to Rotary; Food Pantry’s new wheels Pages 4A, 5A

Hoops, Part 2

Inside News

Laker boys flip script behind Duprey’s 20; Hot start leads LR girls to sweep of Raiders

Classifieds . . . . . . . . 10A Country Living . . . . . . 5A Directory . . . . . . . . . 10A Obituaries . . . . . . 8A-9A

Page 6A

Opinions . . . 7A, 8A, 11A Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 6A Student News . . . . . 11A Games . . . . . . . . . . . . 8A Legal Notices . . . . . . . 8A

Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870.

Vol. 151, No. 6

12 PAGES - 1 Section

Bridgton, Maine

February 11, 2021

More notice sought

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer As Bridgton Planning Board Chairwoman Deb Brusini asked if abutters or members of the public had questions or concerns regarding two proposed storage unit facilities in the Mountain Road area, all was quiet on the Zoom front.

Were viewers’ microphones muted?

Board secretary Erin O’Connor pointed out that viewers attending the virtual public hearings could un-mute themselves to pose questions or make comments.

Resident David Lyons suspects the meeting lacked greater public participation because people did not realize that the board had quickly rescheduled their meeting to last Thursday night. The regular meeting last Tuesday had been postponed due to the snowstorm.

“I was disappointed to learn that the Bridgton Planning Board held a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4 with inadequate public notice, thereby undermining the opportunity for public comment and participation as required under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. I know that others who would also have liked to attend that public hearing but were unaware of the rescheduled meeting,” Lyons wrote in a Letter to the Editor appearing in this week’s edition. “…

It is quite disappointing that the Planning Board acted so hastily in a way that excluded property owners from participating in this allegedly democratic process and possibly unfairly skewed the outcome of this process in favor of the developer.”

Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Day Monday told The News that the meeting was rescheduled for last Thursday PLANNERS, Page 11A

(USPS 065-020)

95¢

Hancock Lumber, Casco enter into contract zone pact

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — The Old Mill Farms project got the thumbsup from two Casco boards as well as a comment on how it’s a much-needed revitalization for the north end of the Village.

Casco selectman Robert MacDonald said the project will do away with worn-down buildings and bring something aesthetically pleasing to that end of the village.

“The Spurwink School had been there for a few years — empty. It is a blight in that area of town,” MacDonald said.

“We want to present an image that when people come into town, they see something nice.”

The project would require the demolition of two abandoned buildings (the Spurwink School building and Hancock Lumber’s old offices) and the construction of five cottage-style single-family homes.

Selectman Scott Avery commented.

“This is a well laid out plan. The buildings (homes) look like what I’d expect them to be in the Casco Village,” Avery said.

Meanwhile, planning board chairman Stan Buchanan said he was glad that work was being given to local businesses.

“I like that you are using a lot of local people in the development of the property. That is a big plus,” he said.

Some of the local businesses that will be on the project team are Main Eco Homes, out of Bridgton, and RN Willey & Sons Excavating from Casco.

HANCOCK, Page 3A

ON THE MORNING OF FEB. 2, this house in Casco Village caught fire. All the occupants got out safely but the home was a total loss.

(Photo courtesy of Colleen Richards)

Fire destroys home

LOVELL — Greater Lovell Land Trust and Lovell Rec will host the first annual Community Snow Day this Saturday, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Choose your own adventure(s). There’s something for everyone.

No need to register.

Please keep in mind that face coverings and social distancing will be required.

Cookies, Hot Cocoa, Directions and a Firepit: The Lodge at Pleasant Point, 145 Pleasant Point Road, Lovell.

You’ll find all this and more so be sure to stop by from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gnome Hunt: Chip SNOW DAY, Page 5A

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — Life has infused Colleen Richards with thankfulness.

She is thankful that she decided to check her emails instead of taking a shower.

She is thankful that she followed the source of a weird plastic smell until she found the fire. She has experienced a situation where seconds really do count; she and her family escaped her Casco Village home while it was already being engulfed by fire.

Richards said she is also thankful for her neighbors in the Casco Village and for a generous community of Mainers who have shown kindness to her family, many donating money anonymously.

“A friend of mine started a GoFund me page. It’s so unbelievable all the donations, help and support we have received from this community,” Richards said one week after the fire.

“We are so grateful, thankful and blessed to all be alive! Everything everyone has done for us means so much to us! And, we are forever thankful,” she said.

Currently, the American Red Cross has covered the cost of a hotel room for the family. There were also two tenants who rented an apartment attached to the home.

Richards’ sister-in-law Sarah Kurchian started the GoFundMe page on the day of the fire. The link is: http:// gf.me/u/zhvbmq It’s entitled Help the FIRE, Page 3A

Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) is pleased to announce the conservation of 25 acres of forested land along the eastern shore of the Tenny River in Raymond.

While remaining privately owned by the Pine Tree Council (PTC) of the Boy Scouts of America, the newly conserved land is legally protected by a con-

servation easement held by LELT. The property is managed by PTC as a part of Camp Hinds, a wilderness camp in existence for over 85 years.

The protected land includes 900 feet along the river, as well as several streams and a wetland. The conservation of the 25 acres protects the water quality

Enjoy a Snow Day!

www.bridgton.com

LAST WEEK, Andrew Richards and his wife Colleen Richards, seen here in a photo taken during the summer, lost their home to a fire. A GoFundMe page has been set up for them by a family member.

(Photo courtesy of Colleen Richards)

Eight fire companies respond to blaze

Ice fishing: ‘Going full tilt’

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer Larry Scholz, the owner of Unc’l Lunkers Bait and Tackle in Bridgton, is pleased with the pace of business now that it has gotten cold enough to make ice fishing the hot ticket activity.

“It is going full tilt,” he said.

Thanks to the start-up of derbies, ice fishing has kicked into high gear this month. If anyone took a drive across the Moose Pond causeway, it was evident how many people partake in ice fishing.

“People are getting out. Moose Pond, this past weekend, had vehicles parked on both sides of the road. The cars were backed up to the fire station over the causeway bridge on both sides,” Scholz said. “The salmon are biting on Moose Pond. That’s kinda pushing people in that direction.”

THE WEATHER REPORT Like many outdoors activities since the pandemic began, COVID-19 restrictions have brought some new faces to the fishing scene. Ice-fishing gear has sold out quickly, especially the pop up tents. On the flip side, a good economy in the local construction business has caused some regular customers who work in the construction field to give up ice fishing for a regular paycheck.

Typically, ice fishing is run not by the economy but by the weather.

There is a proverb: As the day lengthens, so the cold strengthens. Scholz believes that proverb will ring true.

The Bridgton businessman is predicting that the cold will stay around long enough to keep ice fishing strong and safe for another 4 to 6 weeks.

“We have a big polar vortex coming in over the next two weeks. That will add a couple inches to the ice,” Scholz said.

FISHING, Page 2A

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — A home fire in Casco Village required the mutual assistance of eight fire departments to battle the flames during the first nor’easter of the winter.

Including Casco Fire and Rescue Department, six other stations sent people and equipment. Meanwhile, two departments covered for the stations that had all available staff at the scene.

The fire happened on the morning of Feb. 2; and the structure ended up being a total loss, according to Casco Fire Chief Brian Cole.

“It was last Tuesday. We were dispatched at 10:41 a.m.

We were the first arriving unit. We were there at 10:43 a.m.,” Cole said.

The other departments on scene were “Naples, Otisfield, Oxford, Raymond, Bridgton and Poland,” he said.

RESPONSE, Page 3A

A GOOD INVESTMENT is what Joel Leach calls his pop-up tent that he uses while ice fishing in one of the coves on Pleasant Lake in Casco. His three grandchildren pose by the tent: (left front) Mallory Valerine, 8, Alex Parmelee, 15, and Jeffrey Parmelee, 10.

The terms of the perpet- (De Busk Photo) ual conservation easement, which will run with the land regardless of future ownership, will preserve the qualEstablished 1870 ity of the water resources, plant and animal habitat, P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. and scenic character of the Bridgton, ME 04009 property, while also encour207-647-2851 aging the use of the property Fax: 207-647-5001 for educational and recrebnews@roadrunner.com RIVER, Page 2A

Easement protects Tenny River of the Tenny River and the waters it connects to, preserves the forested river corridor for nature observation and education, as well as low-impact boating and fishing, and allows for habitat preservation and sustainable forest management.

The land and river provide a rich habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.

The Bridgton News

Area news

Page 2A, The Bridgton News, February 11, 2021

Fishing (Continued from Page 1A) “I venture to say there is four to six weeks of good ice fishing left. The next four weeks will be fine and dandy.

We will have four strong weeks, and two weekends where it is going to be slowing down a bit,” he said.

Four inches of ice is thick enough to support activities like ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing and walking. An ice thickness of less than three inches should be avoided.

Earlier this winter, the warmer-than-usual weather postponed ‘ice up’ by about three weeks. The fishing season was “maybe three weeks late not quite a month behind,” Scholz said.

“The best time to make ice is when it is in the single digits. But it will make ice anytime it’s below 32 degrees. It doesn’t make real good ice at 32. You want single digits — more bang for your buck,” he said.

SHOPPING and ADVICE Scholz invited people to his bait shop, which is located 6 Gage Street in Bridgton, before the monument at the top of High Street.

“Business has been fantastic. Once things opened up, we’ve sold many dozens of bait fish,” he said.

“If they want ice traps from here. We could do it outside, or they can come inside with the proper face protection and pick it up,” he said.

Big sellers are: “Ice traps, ice augers, ice shelters, the pop-up tent type — they are picking up a lot of those,” he said. “Keep the kids comfortable. Keep the people comfortable. When it is 10 degrees out and the wind is blowing 15 miles per hour, there is a wind chill. People like to get out of the wind.

That’s why the ice shelters went really well this year.”

However, there is the drawback: Because these items are so popular, it is hard to find them on the shelves.

“The one thing about all this ice-fishing equipment.

There are so many new people going out and enjoying it and finding out what ice fishing is all about that a lot of places have sold out a good portion of their equipment,” he said.

The newbies aren’t the only ones with the ice augers.

“Oh, yeah, the regular ice fishermen are still out there

WHERE THE EAGLES FLY Joel Leach, of Casco, and his 8-year-old grand-daughter Mallory Valerine spend a Sunday afternoon in January on Pleasant Lake, where they were ice fishing and ice skating.

(De Busk Photo) still taking place, with virtual registrations.

No doubt, fishing doubles or triples in its excitement level when winning money is involved.

For a listing of derbies, look up ‘fishing derbies 2021’ on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website.

“It has been busy with people coming in to buy stuff. People need to get bait.

People buying jiggy sticks.

They are replacing their older equipment, also,” he said.

“My weekend starts on Friday and runs through Sunday. This past weekend, Friday and Saturday were really busy,” he said. “On Sunday, people backed off a little bit because 1.) it was snowing all day, and 2.) the Superbowl,” he said.

“Even though the Patriots ICE, Page 3A

Full-service payroll – Direct deposit available.

Designed for small businesses to make your life easier!

Serving the Lakes Region area for over three decades REGISTERED – INSURED 3 Elm Street – Bridgton (across from the Post Office) TF24

THE MARKETPLACE OF FINE HOMES

Richard H. Lewis & Son

(Continued from Page 1A) ational opportunities managed by PTC. Conserving this land is part of an effort to protect the Tenny River that began six years ago. In 2014, LELT worked with community members and PTC to permanently protect 28 acres of forest and nearly 800 feet of shoreline on the Tenny River. The newly conserved land is directly adjacent, creating over 50 acres of contiguous conservation land and 1,700 feet of shoreline on the river, protected forever.

“Thanks to the foresight of local landowners and community members, the Tenny River remains almost entirely BUILDING 40+ YEARS IN THE LAKES REGION AREA

Building & Remodeling Bridgton, Maine • 207-415-4476

TF24

JEFF DOUGLASS 207-595-8968 — OFFICE 207-647-3732

TF30

smallboat shop

Catherine J. Kasprak, RDH Independent Dental Hygienist Accepting New Patients

restoration & repair of wood/canvas canoes

Northeast Delta Dental MC Provider

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month also Healthy Heart Month!

Most Mainers have learned from trial and error how to best stay warm: what to wear, how to layer clothing, and what to do when they get chilled. Many people have grown to rely on materials like wool and polypropylene.

The Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) advices taking the cautious approach when it is really cold. The CDC website suggests the people limit the length of time they are outside. When there is a wind chill, it is advisable to not have bare skin exposed to the air. Frostbite can happen in minutes.

The CDC recommends dressing warmly and staying dry when going outdoors during the winter.

It advises that adults and children should wear: • A hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth • Sleeves that are snug at the wrist • Mittens (mittens are warmer than gloves) • Water-resistant coat and boots • Several layers of loose-fitting clothing Layer-up • Inner Layer: Wear fabrics that will hold more body heat and don’t absorb moisture. Wool, silk or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.

• Insulation Layer: an insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural TIPS, Page 3A

undeveloped, a rare occurrence in this area of the State,” said LELT Executive Director Matt Markot. “The conservation of this land ensures future generations will enjoy kayak paddles and the excitement of landing a fish on a wild and scenic Tenny River.”

Just 45 minutes north of Portland, the Tenny River allows boaters to experience an undeveloped river habitat.

The river is bookended at one end by Panther Pond and the PTC’s Camp Hinds, and at the other by Route 85 and Crescent Lake. A public boat launch on the south end of Crescent Lake provides access for boaters; lake residents and visitors travel through the Tenny to enjoy its natural beauty and to explore the lakes on either end.

The protection of the Tenny River corridor in turn protects the water quality of Panther Pond, Sebago Lake and the Casco Bay watershed. The river and its forested banks have been identified by both the Town of Raymond’s Open Space Plan and the conservation partnership Sebago Clean Waters (SCW) as a high priority for protection.

The conservation easement was made possible by the Pine Tree Council, a group of Panther Pond landowners, the support of many individual donors, and Sebago Clean Waters.

Searles Excavation Inc. EXCAVATION CONTRACTOR

394 hio ridge rd. denmark me 04022

Keeping your mouth healthy with routine dental cleanings will help keep your body healthy!

1T6

Tips to stay warm

Easement protects Tenny River

LJG PAYROLL

647-5711

drilling holes and catching fish,” Scholz said.

He has owned Unc’l Lunkers for 15 years. So, he has had time to observe some trends.

“It’s funny. But Bridgton doesn’t really have the following. It’s not as popular up here as you’d think.

People have to work. This year, there is a whole boatload of building going on compared to normal years.”

He mentioned that he hasn’t seen as much of the ice fishermen who work construction during the summer.

“This season, they didn’t get laid off. The slack has been made up by the new people,” he said.

WHERE TO ICE FISH Some of the fishing spots in Bridgton are: Highland Lake, Moose Pond, Otter Pond, and Long Lake. He suggested getting onto Long Lake by Power House Road, Plumber Landing or at the boat launch in Harrison.

“I tell people go to Moose Pond. You can access on both sides. Off the island or down right off the causeway.

That’s the best thing about Moose Pond— because of the road that runs right down through the pond, there is plenty of access. From the island, there is safe parking and you don’t need to get near the highway,” Scholz said.

Because some of the derbies are starting to happen, ice-fishing activities are picking up.

He said unfortunately the childrens’ fishing derby that he held on Highland Lake as part of the Winter Carnival was put on ice since the carnival has been cancelled this year. Still, some derbies are

207-256-9073

SITE EXCAVATIONS • SEPTIC SYSTEMS TF26

smallboatshop@fairpoint.net www.smallboat-shop.com

www.BridgtonDentalHygiene.com BDHC@MYFAIRPOINT.NET 207-647-4125 171-B Portland Rd., Bridgton, ME 04009

BOX 25 HARRISON, ME 04040

207-583-4948

TF

Hubka Construction, Inc. Building Contractor

e-mail: hubkainc@myfairpoint.net 207-647-2299 • FAX 207-647-2220 Terry Hubka Milo Blodgett Drew Laperle

TF23

DAY

TF23

MON SPECTI HLY CALL T ALS O

Repairs Remodeling Custom Homes

#112

TF24

YOUR LOCAL

Garth Tiko…

1T6 1T51

This 2 y/o Tikohandsome is a ~4 y/o cowboy came to us as male who was areturned stray. Independent, to us playful Garth because his loves chin and ear scratches, and owner was will purr ayour having hardheart to pieces!

He’s not afraid time managing tohisletdiabetes. you knowThis when Route 302 by the Bridgton/ he’s uncomfortable and can have handsome guy is though, so charismatic and a bit of Fryeburg Town Line catitiude he’s picked up orand irritated.

This curious!when He loves attention to explore. cutie isisadventurous and curious, and children. would likeTiko good with other cats and 207-935-4358 lyHebeisa good great mouser.

Garth doit’s bestnot withon with dogs aswould long as older cat-savvy children (12+),isand seems to like his “turf.”

Tiko is diabetic going to HOURS other cats. He has not yet been dog tested. require insulin injections twice daily.

935-4358 ext. #21

Visit our website at harvesthills.org to see other dogs and cats waiting for a new home!

Trailer Hitches & Accessories Sales & Installations

BRIDGTON’S ONLY

Dale McDaniel, Owner Phone: 207-647-8134 Fax: 207-647-4314 487 Portland Rd., Bridgton, ME 04009

CALL NOW !

SNOW TIRES • BRAKES • LIGHTS • WIPERS

WE DO…TRAILER REPAIR Utility • Box • Cargo • Snowmobile • 5th Wheel . . . .…most any kind. Lights – Brakes – Hubs & More!

Ask About

SALES & INSTALLATION

W E R E PA I R A L L M A K E S & M O D E L S

TF47

OPEN TUES-SAT 10-3 CLOSED SUN & MON DONATIONS WED ONLY 8-3

Auto Body Collision & Painting Tires • Car & Truck Accessories

Find Us on TF23

Area news

February 11, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 3A

Hancock, Casco enter into contract zone pact Lumber President Paul Wainman provided the presentation.

It was pointed out that the former Hancock Lumber office is only 13 feet from Meadow Road (Route 121) is at its closest point 15 feet, 3 inches past the right of way setback line “We are actually improving the setback, and taking away the property near the roadside,” Wainman said.

A majority of the proposed homes will have setbacks of more than 20 feet: 38 foot, 46-foot and a 100foot setback. However, two units will have a 21-foot setback from Edes Falls Road.

Also, the homes will be closer than allowable by ordinance. Per the agreement, the net residential density requirement is reduced to 17,200 square feet per unit.

The developer has illustrated that more human and vehicular traffic occurred on the two lots when Spurwink School and the Hancock office were in operation.

The developer chose Scott Simons Architects to design the homes.

“They did the home office at the lumber mill.

The New England architecture is so important in this project,” Wainman said.

“It’s not just an approval for us. But we want the whole community to be involved,” Wainman said.

“It obviously is attractive for the people who live there, but also attractive for the village, and the people living off Edes Fall Road.”

During the presentation on Thursday and also during earlier presentations

by Kevin Hancock, it was stated if there were any profits from the sales of the homes, Hancock Leasing, LLC, would use the profits to invest in the village.

Some examples were donating money to bolster the library’s funding or the community center’s budget.

Buchanan asked if the town should get that in writing.

EMPTY AND UNUSED after Hancock Lumber moved into the new office building on Route 11, this building — along with the Spurwink School building next to it — will be disposed of. The developer, Hancock Leasing LLC will turn over the two building to the Casco Fire Department for training purposes.

(De Busk Photo) “We’ve heard several times about the project itself and the generosity of Hancock . . . if there are any profits that they would turn those over to the town. Do the selectmen want to have something in the agreed contract about that? Yes or No,” Buchanan said.

Casco Interim Town Manager Don Gerrish had

already poised that question to legal counsel.

“The town attorney told me that specific issues aren’t for a planning board to decide. That would be something that Hancock would have to look at. You really cannot force them to do it in a contract or not,” Gerrish said. “That is why it is not included in a contract.

• Ice fishing

•Tips to stay warm

(Continued from Page 2A) weren’t playing. Tom Brady was. And, people were watching to see if he would get No. 7,” he said.

FREE FISHING WEEK Interested in trying ice fishing for the first time? Has it been a while since you have set a trap?

Free Fishing License Week, Feb. 13-21, was created to give everyone a chance to enjoy ice fishing. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) who registers with the Department may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Nonresidents and residents may participate.

You must register online at mefishwildlife.com/icefishing.

Ages 15 and younger do not need to register.

(Continued from Page 2A) fibers like wool, goose down or a fleece work best.

• Outer Layer: The outermost layer helps protects you from wind, rain, and snow. It should be tightly woven, and preferably water and wind resistant to reduce loss of body heat.

Additional tips: • Stay dry — wet clothing chills the body quickly.

• Excess sweating will cause your body to lose more heat so remove an extra layer of clothing whenever you feel too warm

• Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing or fueling your car or using a snow blower. Getting these materials on your skin will cause your body to lose a lot more heat.

• Do not ignore shivering — it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat. Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.

• Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, Natural Disasters and Severe Weather, Winter Weather. — D.D.

Fire destroys Casco Village home (Continued from Page 1A) Richards Family. As of Tuesday afternoon, $2,325 had been donated. The goal is $5,000.

Richards recalled what happened.

“On Feb. 2, it was a normal morning. My husband [Andrew] and I got up at 6 a.m., had coffee and watched the news. My 7-year-old daughter [Aspen] had remote learning that day due to the snowstorm so she had a Google meet with her teacher and class at 9 a.m.

She came downstairs about 7 a.m. and had some breakfast and went back upstairs

to play on her computer in her bedroom. I told her I would call her downstairs 10 minutes before her 9 a.m. meeting with her teacher,” Richards said.

Nine o’clock “rolls around and she started her meeting. Meanwhile, I’m doing dishes and her dad is working in his office right off from our kitchen.

(He’s a graphic designer.)

It was 9:20 a.m. and my daughter was already done with her Google meets. We do her homework and she asked if she could go back on the computer. I told her she could go on for about

another half hour,” she said.

As these seemingly everyday events were unfolding, it was about 10:30 a.m., she said.

“At that time I thought to myself, ‘Maybe, I’ll jump in the shower’ but I thought, ‘Well, let me sit down on the couch and check my emails first,’ ” she said. “I sat down and started smelling plastic smell. My husband’s laptop was behind me on a window shelf plugged in so I thought maybe it was overheating so I smelled around it. Then, when I turned my head I noticed out the living room window flames blurring out

“Duringdifficult difficulttimes, times,children children “During “During difficult times, children “During times, children “During difficult times, children needthe thedifficult opportunity express need opportunity totoexpress need thethe to express need opportunity to express need theopportunity opportunity to express themselves. themselves. themselves. themselves.

Theydo dothis, this, throughtheir theirplay.” play.”

They through themselves.

They do do this, through their play.”

They this, through their play.”

They do this, through their play.”

——————————————— ——————————————— ——————————————— ——————————————— KimberlyLeighton, Leighton,BS, BS,CCLS CCLS Kimberly

——————————————— Kimberly Leighton, BS,BS, CCLS Kimberly Leighton, CCLS Certified Child Life Specialist in Private

www.playwarriorsinc.com

GREEN:

The first firetruck, a unit from Casco, arrived within three minutes of 911 dispatch notifying the station, according to Casco Fire Chief Brian Cole.

Seven departments, including Casco, were on scene for the house fire, Cole said.

Richards was amazed how many fire departments showed up.

“I just can’t express how thankful we are for everyone to come together for us like they have,” Richards said.

They had home insurance and they hope to use the same footprint for their new home.

“We do plan on rebuilding on the same spot,” she said. “We absolutely love Casco Village and our neighbors, who also were a huge help.”

$225/cord

SEMI-SEASONED:

$275/cord 2 cord minimum

TF2

Certified Child Life Specialist in Private Certified Child Life Specialist in Private Kimberly Leighton, BS, CCLS Certified Child Life Specialist in Private Practice Practice MainSt. St.Bridgton Bridgton207-387-7366 207-387-7366 8282Main Practice Certified Child Life Specialist in Private 82 Main St. Bridgton 207-387-7366 Practice 82 Main St. Bridgton 207-387-7366 www.playwarriorsinc.com www.playwarriorsinc.com www.playwarriorsinc.com Practice www.playwarriorsinc.com 82 Main St. Bridgton 207-387-7366 2nd & 4th

my tenants double doors.”

“I yelled out, ‘HUN, THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!’ My daughter screamed and ran down the stairs in seconds. She had no shoes on.

I picked her up in my arms, grabbed her coat that was hanging up, slipped on some shoes and ran out the door,” Richards said.

“Meanwhile, my husband grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran outside to try and tame the fire. It was already out of hand,” she said, adding she called 911 from her cell phone.

“When I ran outside with my daughter in the blizzard we were having, I took her to the neighbors’ house. They quickly got her a blanket, warm socks to put on and occupied her while my husband and I were outside waiting for the firetrucks,” she said.

You have their word.”

A public hearing on the Old Mill Farms Project has been scheduled for March 8, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Casco Community Center gym.

Response

(Continued from Page 1A) “Windham and Mechanic Falls were used for station coverage.”

When first responders arrived, dispatch had told them there were still people inside.

“There were reports of people trapped. When we got there, they were out” of the house, Cole said.

A section of the home collapsed while firefighters were on site.

“There were some people in close proximity. But, there were no firefighters in that immediate area of the collapse,” Cole said.

Cole said the collapse probably happened because “just the amount of fire that was involved in the building. It weakened the structure.”

While things calmed down after the first hour, crews were there most of the day.

“We had the fire under control in about an hour. We were there until about 5:30 p.m.,” Cole said.

The home, which was located 15 Leach Hill Rd., was “a total loss,” Cole said.

The State Fire Marshall has not yet determined the cause of the fire, he said.

Wrong name

NAPLES — In a frontpage news article which appeared in the Feb. 4 edition and was entitled, “Move to Protect Trickey Pond,” the proper name of the group involved in protecting Trickey Pond was incorrect.

A word was left out.

The correct name of the lake association is the Trickey Pond Environmental Protection Association (TPEPA). The website address is trickeypond.org.

Also, in the news article, a monetary amount was incorrect. TPEPA is asking the Town of Naples for $2,500 less compared to last fiscal year. The article incorrectly stated that the association was asking for $500 less. The total amount that TPEPA has requested from the Naples Budget Committee is: $500. — DD

l i n e es n i F

TELL ‘EM You’re bringing it to Finelines.

HAD AN ACCIDENT? er! mb e m Re

Maine State Law Let’s YOU Decide who’s fixing your vehicle!

Need a recommendation?

Ask Your Neighbor!

Route 302 • 1866 Roosevelt Trail • Naples Ray Hansen

693-3838 Mark Bridges

~ Proud Founding Member — Maine Auto Body Association ~

TF30

(Continued from Page 1A) On Thursday, Feb. 4, there was a joint meeting of the Casco Board of Selectmen and the Casco Planning Board to approve a contract zone agreement with Hancock Leasing, LLC. The selectmen voted, 4-0, that it had reached a substantial agreement of the draft contract zone agreement. The planning board voted, 3-0, in favor of the same motion.

Essentially, the contract zone agreement states that the developers will be allowed to do something that is against the Town Ordinance. This is concerning 1.) the net residential density requirement based on square footage, and 2.) the minimum setbacks from the roads.

As laid out in the contract zone agreement: The town will reduce the setbacks along Meadow Road and Edes Falls Road from 40 feet to 20 feet.

On Thursday, Hancock

Page 4A, The Bridgton News, February 11, 2021

Bridgton Police Department

Tips to avoid scams

When FBI Special Agent Andrew Drewer spoke to Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club members and friends at last week’s meeting, everyone was on the edge of their seats. At FBI Agent home, of course, because Andrew Drewer the guest speaker came to us via Zoom. The audience hoped to get a fix for every would-be scammer out there. However, it’s not that easy, especially during the pandemic when we are more isolated and getting our social interaction via social media and the telephone.

Agent Drewer said that fraud is a major problem in this country. Technology and people’s access to it has made everyone vulnerable. People can sit in Internet cafes anywhere in the world and prey on folks in Maine.

Some helpful tips: • Always renew your anti-virous protection.

• Never click on a link you don’t know about.

• Unplug your computer.

• Save your documents in I-cloud or external storage.

• Don’t click on pop-ups.

• Don’t wire money.

• Never give out your social security number.

• When in doubt, call police, another family member or a savvy friend.

• Use your credit card, not your debit, for online purchases.

• Check return e-mail address when receive something from your Internet provider, etc. which raises a concern.

• Avoid public access Wi-Fi, when possible.

When Rotarians were asked about their biggest take-away from the presentation, Dick Enright replied, “Realizing just how vulnerable we all are and how important it is for relatives/friends to help elders to be aware of fraud.”

Julie Forbes said, “These scammers are crafty about befriending their victims and getting them in their camp to the exclusion of friends and family.”

Rotarians, who are bankers in the finance business, asked how they can support their clients. Agent Drewer encouraged them to contact him (adrewer@fbi.gov or contact the Portland office of the FBI at 207-774-9322). He did provide some websites that could be helpful with information and tools. Copy and paste in your browser: http://www.fbi.gov/investgate/cyber http://www.Consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identityonline-security To get on the Rotary e-mail list to hear future speakers, contact LakeRegionRotary@gmail.com.

COVID-19 SCAM Got your Covid-19 vaccine? Great job! But don’t share a photo of your vaccination card on social media. The self-identifying information on it makes you vulnerable to identity theft and can help scammers create phony versions.

What to watch out for: You got your Covid-19 inoculation, and you are excited to share the good news and encour-age others to do the same. You take a selfie holding your vaccination card and post it to Facebook, Instagram or anoth-er social media platform.

Unfortunately, your card has your full name and birthday on it, as well as information about where you got your vac-cine. If your social media privacy settings aren’t set high, you may be giving valuable information away for anyone to use.

Sharing your personal information isn’t the only issue.

Scammers in Great Britain were caught selling fake vaccination cards on eBay and TikTok. It’s only a matter of time before similar cons come to the United States and Canada.

Posting photos of your card can help provide scammers with information they can use to create and sell phony ones.

Laker sweep

(Continued from Page 6A) the Lakers’ scoring with an offensive rebound and putback at the buzzer.

Fryeburg’s lone points of the period came on Emery sinking two foul shots and Audriana Mas Soto connecting in a jumpshot.

Scoring Lakers — Sheldrick 11, Smith 10, Hancock 5, Hall 5, Stone 4, Melissa Mayo 3, Brianna Sargent 3, Kasey Johnson 3, Dyer 3.

3-Pointers: Sheldrick 3, Hancock, Johnson, Dyer Raiders — McIntyre 5, Walker 4, Emery 4, Carbone 2, Rydman 2, Soto 2.

Rebounds — Lakers 35 (Hall 9, Stone 5, Smith 4, Sargent 4, Mayo 3, Dyer 3, Ava Smith 3, Sheldrick 2, Johnson 1, Hancock 1); Raiders 28 (McIntyre 6, Emery 5, Carbone 4, Camden Jones 4, Sharla Day 3, Soto 1, Walker 1, Taylor 1, Maya Mahan 1, Shelby Purslow 1, Lexi Therberge 1) Turnovers: Lakers 17, Raiders 38 Free Throws: Lakers 11-18, Raiders 3-3 Field Goals: Lakers 14-65, Raiders 7-38 In other action Yarmouth 46, Lakers 29: The Lakers (2-1) dropped a game on the road to the Clippers Tuesday night. Scorers for LR were: Melissa Mayo 10, ShelbyLynne Sheldrick 9, Shauna Hancock 7, Ava Smith 2 and Brianna Sargent 1.

Police news

These items appeared on the Bridgton Police Department blotter (this is a partial listing): Monday, February 1 8:26 a.m. A vehicle struck a deer at the intersection of North High Street and Hio Ridge Road, and sustained significant front-end damage. Vehicle towed.

10:27 a.m. Citizen assist regarding Main Street apartment “egged.”

8:48 p.m. Wellbeing check at Wayside Avenue and North High Street; unable to locate subject.

9:38 p.m. Report of suspicious motor vehicle parked in a North Bridgton Road driveway. Officer found that the subject was waiting for a friend to help change a flat tire.

9:46 p.m. Subject had questions regarding a protection from abuse order.

Tuesday, February 2 2:46 a.m.

Officer McCloud checked on a subject sleeping in a vehicle, parked off Depot Street.

Subject told the officer that he had an argument with his mother and left the house.

4:51 p.m. Vehicle off the road at intersection of North High Street and Knights Hill Road. Driver told police he

had attempted to go around another vehicle which was stuck in the middle of the intersection. Upon doing so, the vehicle went into a ditch.

Wednesday, February 3 7:23 a.m. Animal problem on North High Street.

1:08 p.m. Vehicle went into a ditch at the intersection of Wildwood Road and Pioneer Lane.

10:06 p.m. At the request of Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, BPD officer sent to the hospital to accompany a patient, who reportedly accidentally shot himself when he thought someone was breaking into his Porter residence, until a deputy arrived.

11:40 p.m. Following a motor vehicle stop on North High Street, police conducted a field sobriety test and then charged the driver with operating while under the influence.

Thursday, February 4 3:38 a.m. Four officers responded to a reported domestic situation at a North High Street residence.

A male was charged with domestic violence assault and transported to the county jail. A female was taken to Bridgton Hospital.

8:44 a.m. A caller, who

These items appeared on the Fryeburg Police Department log (this is a partial listing): Tuesday, January 26 7:53 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at intersection of Portland and Pine Streets.

1:30 p.m. Assist at Fryeburg Academy.

2:24 p.m. Assist at North Fryeburg Road location.

4:28 p.m. Complaint filed at police headquarters.

7:34 p.m. Assist citizen at police headquarters.

Wednesday, January 27 12:01 p.m. Animal complaint at Portland Street residence.

1:33 p.m. Welfare check on Cobb Street.

3:12 p.m. Traffic complaint on Portland Street.

Thursday, January 28 7:39 a.m. Found property at Main Street store.

11:05 a.m. Animal complaint on Fish Street.

2:04 p.m. Radar detail at Molly Ockett Drive.

8:36 p.m. Assist Oxford County deputy at intersection of Pequawket Trail and Farnsworth Road in

Brownfield.

10:28 p.m. Assist Oxford County deputy on Main Street in Lovell.

Friday, January 29 2;06 p.m. Assist citizen on Cobb Street.

2:33 p.m. Suspicious activity reported at Silver Parkway.

5:43 p.m. Assist citizen at Saco Valley Sports.

11:46 p.m. Assist Oxford County deputy at Hillside Lane in Lovell.

Saturday, January 30 12;13 a.m. Traffic hazard at intersection of Bridgton and Stanley Hill Roads.

6:14 a.mn. Concealed weapon permit request.

Sunday, January 31 5:15 p.m. Assist fire department at transfer station.

7:10 p.m. Suspicious activity reported at Bridgton town line; unfounded.

7:12 p.m. Assault complaint at a Main Street location investigated.

Monday, February 1 1:51 p.m. Assist citizen on Pequawket Lane.

2:16 p.m. Welfare check

(800) 486-3312 (outside Maine)

3 p.m. Suspicious person report at intersection of Pine and Portland Streets.

11 p.m. Assist county deputy on East Main Street in Denmark.

11:40 p.m. Assist county deputy at police headquarters.

Friday, February 5 4:28 p.m.

Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Howe Street.

4:50 a.m.

Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Howe Street.

7:08 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street, near 302 West Smokehouse & Tavern.

9:52 a.m. Assist State Police on Island Road.

1:35 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Lovell Road.

4:59 p.m. Suspicious activity on Recreation Drive.

Saturday, February 6 10:40 a.m. Traffic hazard on West Fryeburg Road.

11:13 a.m. Patrol check at Eastern Slope Airport.

THE BRIDGTON NEWS (BRIDGTON NEWS CORPORATION) Established 1870

general email: bnews@roadrunner.com editor email: bnewseditor@roadrunner.com display advertising email: bnewsads@roadrunner.com website: bridgton.com

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME

Contact us today for a Free Market Analysis

at police headquarters.

8:59 p.m. Found property on Pine Street.

Tuesday, February 2 1:55 p.m. Assist State Police on Wakefield Road in Brownfield.

3:32 p.m. Assist agency on Wicks Road.

5:19 p.m. Traffic complaint on Bradley Street; warning issued.

7:09 p.m. Disturbance on Cobb Street.

9:23 p.m. Officer assist on Lovell Road.

Wednesday, February 3 5:37 a.m. Harassment complaint filed at police headquarters.

7:12 a.m. and 12:17 p.m. Radar details in Molly Ockett school zone on Bridgton Road.

3:53 p.m. Death investigation on Little Chatham Road.

Thursday, February 4 6:45 a.m. False burglary alarm on Bradley Street.

2 p.m. Sex offender registration at FPD.

P.O. BOX 244 • BRIDGTON, ME 04009 207-647-2851 207-647-8166 Fax: 207-647-5001

homesales@chalmers-realty.com

NOT SURE WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH?

ject “kicking in” a door and allegedly assaulting a family member; Sgt. Muise and Officer George responded.

6:11 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Highland Pines Road.

Saturday, February 6 6:28 a.m. Motor vehicle and deer collision at intersection of North High Street and Punkin Valley Drive.

7:23 a.m. Vehicle off the road on South High Street; vehicle pulled out of a snowbank.

Sunday, February 7 7:42 a.m. Mental health check on Kansas Road.

7:53 a.m. Criminal mischief (ticket booth deadbolt and latch damaged) incident at Shawnee Peak.

8:51 a.m. Burglary complaint on North High Street.

9:48 a.m. Mental health event on Portland Road.

11:13 a.m. Citizen assist (boundary line dispute and snowmobile riding up the side of another’s driveway) on Summer Hawk Lane.

6:14 p.m. Fire and ambulance personnel dispatched to a North High Street residence; fire was contained to a kitchen stove.

9:34 p.m. Mental health event at South High Street residence.

Fryeburg Police Department

100 Main Street Bridgton, ME 04009 (207) 647-3311 WWW.CHALMERS-REALTY.COM

was headed to drop a child off at school, claimed Public Works trucks were traveling too fast hauling snow behind Renys.

9:55 a.m. A caller requested to speak with an officer regarding a family member reportedly being arrested, as heard by family and friends over the scanner.

10:02 a.m. Welfare check regarding a woman and child.

6:11 p.m. Suspicious person report of young male following a female around Hannaford and into the parking lot, making comments that he wanted to give her a foot massage and offered to help with groceries. Police were able to locate the subject, who said he never asked to rub the female’s feet but was just “trying to be friendly” and asked if she needed help with her groceries.

Friday, February 5 10:18 a.m. Citizen assist with renewing concealed weapon permit.

1:54 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at intersection of South High Street and Willett Road.

3:24 p.m. Possible Medicare fraud call reported

by Cross Street resident.

4:27 p.m. Report of a sub-

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

Publisher & Editor..........................................Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writers...................................................Dawn De Busk Advertising ............................................Eric C. Gulbrandsen Circulation & Classifieds ..................Fran Dumont, Manager Production......................................................Lorena Plourd

Bridgton – Highland Lake’s premier new lakefront neighborhood, 100 ft. shared frontage on East Shore Highland Lake. 4.1 acres, lake and mountain views.

Boat slip and dock, stonewalls. $285,000

Bridgton – New East Shore Highland Lake lakefront neighborhood. 2.6 acres, 100 ft. shared waterfront with boat slip and dock, lake and mtn. views, one mile to golf and tennis club, close to Shawnee Peak. $225,000

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS PRINT EDITION 6 MOS. $18.99 (incl. tax) in state $19 out of state 1 YEAR $32.71 (incl. tax) in state $33 out of state 2 YEAR $62.25 (incl. tax) in state $61 out of state Call or send check

NEW LISTING

ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION Bridgton – New East Shore Highland Lake lakefront neighborhood, 2.7 ac, 100’ shared waterfront, lake & mountain views, boat slip & dock, stone walls, 1 mile to golf, Shawnee Peak close by. $225,000

Bridgton – Panoramic views of the White Mountains, Mount Washington, along with stunning westerly sunsets from this beautiful 2.5-acre lot. $104,900

Waterford – Meticulously maintained Country Inn w/8 guest rooms, 8.5BA, 17+ acres, Select Registry Designation, farm pond, 50x50 barn, wood floors, screened porches, private & elegant. $749,000

LAND Waterford – Private and quiet wooded lot in lovely area with beach rights to beautiful McWain Pond. 1.37-acre lot, .2 miles to the ROW offering access to the water. $59,900 Bridgton – 10 acres of wooded, level land on Mountain Road. Preliminary condominium layout done; soils testing done; 640 ft.of road frontage.

Shawnee Peak right down the road. $155,000

Waterford – Lovely two-acre lot with lots of red pines and a tote road already in. Dug well on site and easy to walk around as it’s thinned out. Stone walls surround the triangular lot. $29,900 Bridgton – Nice 1.77-acre lot in beautiful North Bridgton abutting the Academy fields. Private road, 200 ft. of frontage, area of nice homes. $27,000

1 MONTH $3.75 6 MONTHS $15.95 1 YEAR $28.95 Sign up ONLY online at bridgton.com

CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED

NEW!! DEADLINES EDITORIAL CONTENT (Press Releases, Calendar, Events, Etc.): MONDAYS BY NOON DISPLAY AD DEADLINE: THURSDAYS BY 4:00 P.M. CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAYS BY NOON Advertising Representative is available at The Bridgton News office Mondays — Thursday.

MEMBER OF MAINE PRESS ASSOCIATION

Country Living

February 11, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 5A

Open LEA invite

Lovell Snow Day

Instead of planning its winter walks months in advance, Lakes Environmental Association has decided to roll with the punches of weather, Covid-19, and anything else the world wants to throw at it by adapting and changing.

If you’re interested in joining LEA for a walk or snowshoe at Holt Pond or the Highland Research Forest, a cross country ski at the Highland Research Forest, or a skate out at Highland Lake, please join the LEA e-mail list and LEA will let you know when the group heads out.

LEA will follow all CDC guidelines for mask wearing and proper physical distancing. Each week, LEA will check the weather and let you know a couple days in advance when and where people will meet. If you can make it, please join in, and if not, they will catch you the next time around. This allows LEA to offer walks on the best days, and offer more opportunities to explore the area than it normally would through the winter season.

As an extra teaser, LEA has doubled its trail system at the Highland Research Forest for cross-country skiing thanks to Roger Lowell and some intrepid and hardworking volunteers! This is a great chance to explore close to home with someone who can show you the trails.

More information and registration can be found on the LEA website, www. mainelakes.org, or you can e-mail grace@mainelakes. org with questions or for a direct link to register. LEA has snowshoes and winter gear like boots and warm clothing you can borrow if needed.

THE HEATHER PIERSON BAND — Craig Bryan, Davy Sturtevant, Heather Pierson and Shawn Nadeau will bring the sounds of New Orleans to life on Mardi Gras evening, Tuesday, Feb. 16 in a live streamed concert. (Photo by Ray MacGregor)

Celebrate Mardi Gras

The Heather Pierson Band will perform from the iconic Majestic Theatre in Conway, N.H. on Mardi Gras evening, Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in a fun-filled, live streamed concert mixing hot jazz from New Orleans and cool tunes from Heather’s extensive songbook, to benefit Mountain Top Music Center and its students.

Come join the party from the comfort of your home (or from a ski slope, restaurant, or just about anywhere).

Virtual seats start at $15, and are available through www.

mountaintopmusic.org/concert-series/. The concert will remain online “on demand” until the end of February, so you can also tune in at a more convenient time or enjoy it multiple times, once you have reserved your seat.

Mountain Top Music Center is a community music school teaching over 300 students of all ages and talents, whose mission is to enrich lives and build community by providing inspiring music education and by offering performance and listening oppor-

tunities throughout the area.

As the owner and resident of the Bolduc Block in downtown Conway Village, which houses the now restored Majestic Theatre, Mountain Top is returning this landmark property to its former glory— and, more importantly, to its role as a community gathering place for the valley and a vibrant center for performing arts activity.

For information about Mountain Top Music and the Majestic Theatre, www. mountaintopmusic.org

Pantry adds much-needed van SWEDEN — The Sweden Food Pantry is pleased to announce the purchase and use of their new/used van to replace the aging sometimes inadequate vehicles of their volunteers.

Made possible with a grant from Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine and a donation from the Sweden Community Church, a used van was purchased through Ripley and Fletcher in South Paris. Previously owned by a local camp, the vehicle was in excellent shape with only 50,000 miles.

Ripley and Fletcher’s owner Joe Galletta gave them a great deal. According to Linda Bradley, director of Sweden Food Pantry, “Now, we will be protected from the snow, rain, sleet and hail when picking up food and delivering produce to the Pantry. Muddy

River Signs in Bridgton also gave us a great deal for their beautiful sign.

A generous donor who is always there for us, donated the cost of the insurance and registration.”

Sweden Food Pantry, located in the historic Sweden Community Church at 137 Bridgton Road in Sweden, is open twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving families from Sweden, Waterford, Fryeburg, Lovell, Stow, Stoneham and Bridgton. For more information: https:// www.swedenfoodpantry.org

Double Holiday Weekend

non-sale items

OFF

4 days, Fri-Mon

(

50% UP TO

in our famous Back Room

OFF

103 Main Bridgton 647-3672

Open Daily School Vacation Week 10-5

)

Organic & Local Groceries…And More Soups & Sandwiches Bulk Bins, Spices & Teas Fresh Local Breads & Produce Fine Beer and Wine, Gluten-Free Hot Organic Coffees & Baked Goods Friendly Atmosphere ✮ Great Prices

2nd

Where you don’t have to be Wealthy to be Healthy

17 Portland St. (Rte. 113) • Fryeburg • 207-347-1703 Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 10am-3pm & Thurs to 7pm

www.SpiceAndGrain.vpweb.com

TO GO COMMUNITY KETTLE DINNER The next Community Kettle Dinner “To Go” at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street will be held today, Thursday, Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. The turkey dinner — by volunteers at Camp Skylemar — is free to all; donations accepted. For more information, call 647-3116.

ST. JOSEPH FOOD PANTRY DATES Food Pantry (runs Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon) dates at St. Joseph Church in Bridgton for 2021: Feb. 23, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 21.

Valentine’s Day Hours 10am-5pm

fireflyshopmaine.com

10%

Valentine Sunday 2/14 Presidents’ Day 2/15

(Continued from Page 1A) Stockford Reserve, Ladies Delight Road. Gnomes are hiding in the forest. How many can you find?

I AM BIRCH Storybook trail: Kezar River Reserve, Route 5. Hike along the short trail and enjoy Maine author Scott Kelley’s delightful story and paintings inspired by Wabanaki legends.

Ice Skating on Kezar Lake: Pleasant Point Road. Bring your own skates and carve a few figure eights.

Nordic Skiing: John A. Segur Wildlife Reserve East, Farrington Pond Road. Bring your own skis and poles and enjoy the backcountry trail to Sucker Brook and then loop back to the parking lot.

Nordic Skiing: Lake Kezar Country Club, parking is at Lovell Historical Sociey’s lot on country club side of Route 5. Bring your own skis and poles and enjoy groomed trails at the golf course.

Snowshoe Scavenger Hunt: Flat Hill Trail, Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve parking lot #1, far end of Heald Pond Road. Bring your own snowshoes, or borrow some of GLLT’s from the library (six kid pairs; six adult pairs) and look for items on a scavenger hunt list found by the kiosk.

Build Your Own Snowman: Homestead Trail, Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve, parking lot #4, Route 5. Using natural items, and snow, of course, build and decorate your own snowman anywhere along the trail.

Pinecone Bird Feeders: Whiting Hill Loop and/or Otter Point spur, Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve parking lot. #2 after the boat launch, Slab City Road. GLLT will provide some pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, and twine. You create a feeder and hang it along the trail for our feathered friends.

Dog-friendly Ski, Snowshoe or Walk: Lovell Rec Athletic Field, Smarts Hill Road, Lovell. Fido likes to play too so bring him or Fifi along for a romp around the flat Rec Fields.

Schoolhouse Sledding: New Suncook Elementary School, Route 5, Lovell. Bring your own sled and feel the breeze in your face as you glide down the man-made snow hill.

Greater Lovell Land Trust will raffle off one extra small black GLLT vest, one large olive green GLLT vest and a copy of 2020: The Natural World in Lovell, a photojournal by Moira Yip. Tickets: $5 each or $20 for five tickets.

Purchase tickets at GLLT office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12 or at the GLLT/Lovell Rec Firepit

by The Lodge at Pleasant Point from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Mon., Thurs. thru Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.• Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!

Homemade Fudge • Hand-Dipped Chocolates Needhams • Caramels • Truffles & Turtles, and lots more.

$1 OFF any order $10 or more!

Please present coupon upon checkout

Szechuan, Hunan & Cantonese Cuisine Dine In or Take Out

DAILY SPECIALS Tel: (207) 647-8890 MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED OPEN 6 DAYS – closed Tuesday Summer/Winter Sun.-Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm/8:30 pm Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm/9:30 pm 160 Main Street Bridgton, ME 04009

TF46

2 Cottage Street, Bridgton, Maine • 207-647-2400

www.bavarianchocolatehaus.com • bch@bavarianchocolatehaus.com

For that special Valentine’s Day gift…

…Stop in for a unique piece of hand crafted jewelry made by artisans in the USA… Browse our American hand craft collections and view the art exhibit by Maine artists.

Sterling silver and gold-filled cuff bracelet at $96. Post hoop earrings to match $52.

(Pieces sold separately.)

Winter hours: Thurs. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Also by appointment.)

Contemporary American Crafts Fine Art & Sculpture

SALE

1544 Roosevelt Trail (Rte. 302) Raymond, ME 04071• 207-655-495 www.holeinthewallgallery.net

KITCHEN CAFÉ

We welcome you to surround yourself with good food and friends Dining Upstairs Fireside, Downstairs Inside, Outside If You Dare.

in s t o r e s + on lin e P ORTL AN D • N E WC A STL E • R AY M O ND • F RE E P O RT • BA N GO R

g i f t ca rd s excl u de d • sa le e n ds 2/ 28

Phone In For Curbside Or Take Out. 207-647-5211 Open Daily • WiFi 108 Main Street • Bridgton, Maine www.bethskitchencafe.com 2nd

Regional Sports

Page 6A, The Bridgton News, February 11, 2021

Hot start leads Lakers past FA FRYEBURG — Junior forwards Shelby-Lynne Sheldrick connected on three 3-pointers for a game-high 11 points and Liz Smith netted 10 points and hauled down 4 rebounds to lead Lake Region to a 47-19 victory over Fryeburg Academy last Thursday.

The Lakers jumped out to a 12-4 first quarter lead, going 5-of-6 from the foul line and Sheldrick knocking down a 3-pointer. Both clubs struggled early from the field with the Lakers failing to score over the final 2:27.

The Raiders shot 2-for-11 in the first, buckets scored by Emily Walker and Ky Carbone.

With FA turning the ball over 13 times in the second, Lake Region blew the game wide open with a 19-7 run.

Elle Hall (a game-high 9 rebounds on the night) got things rolling with a strong drive to the rim, plus a foul and a made free throw. With four different players scoring including another Sheldrick 3-pointer, the Lakers went on an 11-0 run.

Fryeburg’s Katy McIntyre netted her 5 points in the second, completing an old-fashioned 3-point play. Emma Rydman snapped the LR run with a made jumper with 1.2 seconds left in the half.

Shauna Hancock and Sheldrick drilled 3-pointers as the Lakers enjoyed a 10-4 third quarter. FA’s Brooke Emery netted her club’s second bucket of the period when she made a nifty steal and converted it into points with 1:21 left in the third.

Neither club shot well in the fourth — LR was 2-of-16, while FA went 1-of-9. Sophomore Carly Dyer snapped an 0-for-12 Laker shooting streak by sinking a 3-pointer with 20.8 ticks left on the clock. Junior Vanessa Stone closed out SWEEP, Page 4A

TIGHT COVERAGE — Above, LR’s Shauna Hancock ties up FA’s Brooke Emery on a drive; (right) Raider Ally Southwick drives to the hoop.

(Photos by Julian Zhu/FA)

Lakers flip script against Raiders

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Coaches know if players avoid stressing to be great and let the game simply come to them, good things will happen.

As a former outstanding guard himself, Lake Region varsity boys’ basketball Coach Ryan Martin knows junior point guard Noah Duprey has the talent to be an impactful player.

He just needs to relax and play the game.

Duprey found his comfort zone Friday night, filling up the stat sheet with a game-high 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals to lead Lake Region to a 47-34 win over Fryeburg Academy in Naples.

“Noah is a great kid and basketball player. He wants it so bad that sometimes he puts too much pressure on himself,” Coach Martin said. “Noah has put the time in this off season and has earned himself games like this. When he goes out and just worries about enjoying the game, then everything else seems to take care of itself.”

The rivals split this year’s series, each winning at home.

The Lakers avenged last week’s 47-44 season opening loss to the Raiders by flipping the script. LR shot well early — Duprey, Evan Willey and Jacob Chadbourne each canning 3-pointers — forced turnovers for quick transition hoops and controlled glass 11-7 to start the game.

Fryeburg, on the other BIG NIGHT for junior Lake Region guard Noah hand, managed one bucket, a Duprey who scored a game-high 20 points, including Will Hallam offensive rebound this second half layup.

(Photo by Kevin Murphy) and put-back with 2:27 left in

LR senior spotlight: Alli Vogel Name: Alli Vogel Residence: Bridgton Parents: Jen and Ryan Vogel Sports you play: Field hockey, Alpine Ski Racing, Lacrosse School groups/honors: ASTRA Club, Interact Club and National Honor Society Q1. Why did you choose these sports? My mom played field hockey so I tried it and loved it; my dad played lacrosse so I wanted to try it. I started ski racing because I loved skiing and wanted to be able to ski competitively.

Q2. What do you enjoy most about sports? I really like the friendly team atmosphere and the competition.

Q3. How has competing in sports changed you as a person? They’ve given me leadership skills.

This past summer, I organized practices when our coach couldn’t be involved yet.

Q4. During this period of Covid-19, what has been the most difficult adjustment (and why) and what have you been doing to occupy your time? The most difficult part has been adjusting to not always be playing a sport. I’ve been a threesport athlete since middle school so I’ve always been playing a sport year-round.

For most of the Covid-19 period, I’ve occupied my time by strengthening my leg after I had ACL surgery and focusing on my recovery.

Q5. What is your favorite sports memory?

Winning States my freshman year for lacrosse.

Q6. What is your most disappointing sports memory? Tearing my ACL at Ski States my junior year.

Q7. How has sports prepared you for your future? To be flexible and to focus on what you have rather than what you don’t.

the quarter. Shooting just 1-of11 from the field, the Raiders fell into a 15-3 hole. They went 2-for-11 in the second quarter, and fell back to 28-8 — and FA never managed to recover.

“Basketball is not a game you can just pick up where you previously left off. You need to hone your skills constantly. Shooting the ball comes down to muscle memory and constant reps. If you have not done this, you will not shoot the ball well. That’s where we are at,” FA Coach Sedge Saunders said. “Lake played a 2-3 zone for a good chunk of the game, which kept us off balance and took away our interior game and ability to penetrate. We were unable to knock down perimeter shots and convert on second chance points, thus a very disappointing offensive output. We also could not apply full-court pressure because of our inability to put points on the board.”

The Raiders did get good looks, but were unable to capitalize.

“We rushed our shots on the interior and did not finish well, which put a lot of pressure on our defense because we needed to get a stop almost every time due to our anemic offense,” Coach Saunders added. “We actually had a lot of offensive rebounds.

Will Hallem had 11 (he had 9 points and 13 rebounds off the bench), but we did not convert them into points.”

The Lakers’ defense was much more active than in the first meeting. Senior guard Jason Harlow had active hands

all night, deflecting several passes while also playing tight defense. He also mixed it up in the lane, coming away with 6 rebounds.

“The difference in this game was our energy on the

defensive end. I think because of this we got some easier looks in transition which gave us some easy looks early on,” Coach Martin said. “Jason is what gets us going in our H.S., Page 12A

JV hoop report

Raiders 41, Lakers 33: Gabe McKinney scored a game high 12 points and every Raider scored as Fryeburg Academy downed Lake Region in the season opener on Saturday.

Jordan Dutton chipped in 9 points, tallying 3-of-6 from the foul line. Other scorers were: Sean Davis 4, Jacob Indrek 3, Emerson Hall 3 (3-pointer), Baracka Decesere 3, JJ Piper 2, Tucker Barton 2, Boone Douglass 2 and Austin Warren 1. FA was 9-of-20 from the foul line.

Jac Mageles was to scorer for the Lakers with 9 points, including a 3-pointer. He was 4-of-6 from the foul line as the team combined for a 4-of-12 showing. Other scorers were: Wes Martin 6, Evan Duprey 5 (3-pointer), Abe Richards 4, Aidan Lajoie 3 (trey), Aidan Bourgoin 2, Grady Garland 2 and Trevor Belanger 2.

Raiders 56, Lakers 50: Austin Warren scored all six of his points in the fourth quarter and Gabe McKenney sank four foul shots as Fryeburg Academy rallied to beat the Lakers in Naples Friday night.

McKenney finished with a game-high 16 points, including the team’s lone 3-pointer. Bryce Richardson netted 13 points, while Jordan Dutton chipped in 7 points, JJ Piper had 6, Sean Davis 4, Emerson Hall 2 and Baraka Decesere had 2 points.

Fryeburg lead 19-18 after one, but fell behind 32-28 at halftime. The Raiders rallied in the fourth after being behind 40-38 after three quarters.

Wes Martin paced the Laker attack with 15 points, including going 7-of-10 from the foul line. Jac Mageles chipped in 8 points, including a first quarter 3-pointer.

Evan Duprey and Grady Garland each scored 7 points, with Duprey connecting on a trey in the opening quarter. Jack Bueler and Peyton Owens each added 5 points, while Aidan Bourgoin had 3 points. Owens and Bourgoin connected on 3-pointers.

LR (0-2) shot 10-of-19 from the foul stripe, while the Raiders (2-0) were 7-of-23.

FA senior spotlight: Bryce Micklon

Playing sports during the pandemic made me grateful for each game we got instead of focusing on the fact that we weren’t having as many games.

Q8. Name a coach who has made a difference in your life and in what way? Coach Whitney gave me the confidence that I needed my freshman year that I carried through my high school career.

Q9. What are your future goals? I’m planning on majoring in Chemical ALLI, Page 11A

Name: Bryce Micklon Residence: Lovell Parents: Rose and Colin Micklon Sports you play: Football, Hockey and Baseball Q1. Why did you choose these sports?

Because I like the physical-ness of the sport and that it’s a team sport.

Everyone on the team has an important role for the team’s success.

Q2. What do you enjoy most about this sport?

Being able to compete and the teamwork.

Q3. How has competing in sports changed you as a person? I feel that it has taught me respect, to be a hard worker on and off the field, to be a team player and to appreciate the ability to play.

Q4. During this period of Covid-19, what has been the most difficult adjustment? Not being able to practice or play like we normally would be

able to.

Q5. What is your favorite sports memory? Going to the State Championship game for football, and for baseball, the state and regional championship games.

Also, the many friendships along the way that I have made.

Q6. What is your most disappointing sports memory? When I tore my ACL and Lateral Meniscus.

Q7. How has sports prepared you for your future? It has shown me that respect and a hardworking attitude will go far in life. Also, that life throws you curves, but it is how you handle that curve that matters the most.

Q8. Name a coach who has made a difference in your life and in what way? I have enjoyed all of my coaches over the years and have learned something from them all.

Q9. What are your

future goals? Looking at going to college for civil engineering.

List of Favorites Favorite food: Cheese Burger Favorite movie: When the Game Stands Tall Favorite subject: Math Favorite athlete: Tom Brady, Zdeno Chara Favorite sports team: Patriots, Bruins, Red Sox Advice for future Raiders: To enjoy every second of it and don’t take it for granted.

Opinion & Comment

February 11, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

Viewpoint

We still have further to go

By Stephen Cunningham Guest Column I am a transplant to the State of Maine. There is a level of difficulty when answering the inevitable question, “Where are you from?”

The first answer is that I am the son of military parents, a bounce around kid from knee high, having been enrolled in 12 different schools inside of eight years. I have lived in multiple states in the southern half and the Midwest of our country. The longest span of time residing in any one state came following the mother’s medical discharged from the U.S. Navy. After a career of sacrifice that still pain her, we settled in St. Louis, Missouri.

The second and most fundamental answer to the question is I come from the bottom, a product of being born into poverty, a child of the welfare system. My residence in St. Louis was located in the lower income inner city. No time in my youth was an absent the fear of uncertainty, hunger, as well as many other abuses that is simply called “life” when living in that social class. That said, while my age is only 36, the sum of my experiences provides an interesting and not so common perspective to the way things should be, and to the reality of what actually is.

On Jan. 6 2021, we all watched the events at our Capitol unfold. The world watched as the Confederate flag flew within the walls that embodied our union. We saw the boldest demonstration of white privilege and false superiority from those who believed in their entitlement due to the lack of their pigmentation. Confederate sympathizers marched into our Capitol Building, waving the flag of sedition without fear of any consequence and with the full knowledge of the message they we were delivering.

As I drive through Bridgton, that same treasonous rebel flag has been sighted within 100 yards of the Civil War Memorial. Do we remember our history? Can we remember which side of the compromise we currently reside and realize the new generation has no time for racist mentality?

How far have we come from Bacon’s rebellion, to the insurrection 75 million people willingly chose a president who highlights the very points required by fascism?

In the words of Marlon craft, “If a leader more savvy and less sociopathic // with true fascist aspirations came along its going to be tragic // 74 million proved // if the right rhetoric is used. // we could all end up on the wrong side of World War Two, too.”

How far have we come?

We need to peel off the Band-Aid of verbal solidarity and air out the infection of systemic racism. As a country of all cultures and of all ethnic backgrounds, we need to open our eyes to the long-term consequences of our governmental policies.

It is time to become aware, not just “woke”; and it is time to do away with the “I am not racist” talk. One needs to realize that is merely a statement of neutrality. Author Ibram X. Kendi has brought the term “anti-racist” to the mainstream. In taking this stance, we stand aside from those like David Duke, who himself will say, “I am not a racist.”

Segregation by means of income has long been the preferred tactic post Jim Crow, and by doing this, the government developed a method of increasing and securing its permanent ever-growing workforce. Covid-19 has changed the vernacular of “working poor” to “essential workers.”

This social economic “trap” has an all-encompassing series of racist policies and ill formed social norms that create mental, emotional and physical borders to self-improvement.

CUNNINGHAM, Page 8A

Medicare Nugget:

By Stan Cohen Medicare Volunteer Counselor Medicare beneficiaries can get their coverage in two ways: “Traditional” Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

Many folks who are in “traditional” Medicare and who want to avoid some of the potential out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Parts A and B, opt for a Medicare Supplement plan (also known as Medigap coverage).

Currently, in all but three states, insurers are able to sell eight standard Medigap plans. The plans are labeled: A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N (there is also a high deductible version of Plan G with a low premium). They are called “standard” plans because, by statute, benefits are the same for all plans with the same letter, so price and service are really the only important issues to think about when you shop for a Medigap policy.

Medigap policies are automatically renewed each year, as long as you pay the premium. The premiums, of course, may go up each year. All Medicare supplement policies sold in Maine must have a 30-day Free Look period. This means that if for any reason you are not happy with the policy you bought, you can return it and all money paid will be returned to you. The policy will be treated like it was never issued.

Beneficiaries have a six-month Medicare Supplement open enrollment period. It begins the month you first enroll in Medicare Part B. After the open enrollment period, your option to buy a Medicare supplement policy may be limited. If you apply for a Medicare supplement policy during your six-month open enrollment period, any insurer you apply to must give you the plan you choose. Insurers may ask you medical questions during this period, but you cannot be refused coverage during your open enrollment, even if you have a medical condition.

In Maine, you have the right to change Medicare supplement plans as long as you change to a plan with the same or lesser benefits from the same or a different insurer, and you have never had a gap in coverage that supplements Medicare of more than 90 days since your Open Enrollment Period. A word to the wise: you can generally purchase a Medigap policy directly from an insurance company but using a qualified insurance broker to sort through the options is a smart way to go.

For more information, visit the Maine Bureau of Insurance. Here is the link: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/ insurance/consumer/consumer_guides/pdf/consumer_ guide_medicare_supplement.pdf Need help? Get some unbiased advice by calling 1-800-427-7411.

MORNING SUN highlights the cross-country ski trails in the apple orchard at the Five Fields Farm in South Bridgton.

(Photo by Suzanne Richard)

Letters to the Editor More notice?

To The Editor: I was disappointed to learn that the Bridgton Planning Board held a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4 with inadequate public notice, thereby undermining the opportunity for public comment and participation as required under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. I know that others who would also have liked to attend that public hearing but were unaware of the rescheduled meeting.

I would have, in particular, participated in the discussion of the storage facility proposed for the corner of Mountain Road and Route 302, a proposal that arguably violates Bridgton’s Land Use Ordinance. The “Mixed Use Corridor District” in which this storage facility is proposed is one where the Planning Board is legally obliged under the town’s laws to protect “the overall rural and scenic characteristics of this District.”

The proposed storage facility would clearly ruin those “scenic characteristics.”

The Planning Board cancelled its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2, when it was going to consider the above-referenced proposal and invite further public

comment. This meeting is the normal meeting provided for in the Bridgton Planning Board Bylaws (4.1.1 “Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at 5 p.m., current time, on the first Tuesday of each month”) and does not require public notice.

Evidently, the Board then convened a special meeting for Thursday, Feb. 4, with apparently less than 36-hour notice. I do not know exactly how much notice the Board gave for this meeting (or where it posted this notice), but there was no notice of the meeting on the Board’s website Tuesday night, so the notice was seemingly less than 36 hours.

(Editor’s Note — The News contacted Planning Board Chairwoman Deb Brusini, and was told by Brusini and Planning Board secretary Erin O’Connor that the Feb. 4 meeting notice was posted on the town website on Wednesday morning. The News checked the website early in the morning in regards to the Woodlands Senior Living project, which was also on the Feb. 2 agenda, and found the rescheduled meeting “to be determined.” The News did not receive notification of the meeting being rescheduled, but at the editor’s request and acknowledged

by Chairwoman Brusini that the BN will be included in

future notifications.)

However, the Planning Board’s Bylaws (4.2.1) state that “additional meetings [beyond the first Tuesday of the month] of the Board may be scheduled at the discretion of the chairperson or by majority vote of the members. All Board members, the municipal officers, and the general public shall be given adequate notice as to time and place of any special meetings.” (emphasis added).

In addition, the Maine Freedom of Access Act states clearly that “Public notice shall be given for all public proceedings ...

This notice shall be given in ample time to allow public attendance and shall be disseminated in a manner reasonably calculated to notify the general public in the jurisdiction served by the body or agency concerned.” (emphasis added).

It is quite disappointing that the Planning Board acted so hastily in a way that excluded property owners from participating in this allegedly democratic process and possibly unfairly skewed the outcome of this process in favor of the developer. It also seems to be a violation of the Maine Freedom of Access Act, which may negate any Planning Board votes taken on these matters.

We should expect more

of our public servants and their respect for democratic processes. In addition, this hasty evasion of public access to town proceedings could result in the town having to spend more money on legal fees to defend a faulty decision-making process.

David Lyons Bridgton

History lessons

To The Editor: Reading last week’s letter by Bob Casimiro, I myself went back in time to a place in history that impacted me and the world greatly. Apparently, I am not as old as Bob, who I must applaud, remembers names and details of the Stalin era in which I assume he was a child. I was only 3 years old when Stalin died and my knowledge comes from history books.

It seems Bob equates Stalin and his regime’s methods and philosophies with today’s Democrats and the pending impeachment of Donald Trump. Quite a stretch if you ask me, but obviously Bob’s historical assumptions.

I was born several years after the end of WWII to an Austrian mother and a German father from the eastern part which is Poland today. My mother was a young but observant eyewitness to the rise of the LETTERS, Page 10A

Who really runs our schools?

There’s a certain look on students’ faces when they’re learning. When I see it, I know they’re absorbing what I’m trying to get across. Behind that expression, their brains are making connections, associations, projections. Their imaginations formulate questions: “If that’s true, then what about…?” And “What would happen if…?” and “Could it be that…?” A good teacher knows the lesson is working by the questions it generates. I wish I could have pulled out a camera and photographed those expres-

sions, but that would have ruined the moment.

I loved seeing that look in the classroom and now I’m seeing it on the faces of my grandchildren. Not, however, when they’re doing “remote learning.”

Because of continued overreaction to Covid-19, they seldom go into classrooms anymore and that’s too bad.

When four of them visit me, they bring along their laptops to access their teachers through Zoom at certain designated times. Zoom learning is okay in an emergency, but it’s a poor substitute for

Front Row Seat

by Tom McLaughlin BN Columnist being in a classroom with a good teacher. I look for the telltale expression as they’re gazing at their screens, but I’ve yet to see it.

Another daughter asked me to teach U.S. History to my grandson this year

and I’ve been doing that once a week for months.

I’ve thus seen examples of “remote learning” and I’m not encouraged. Public school systems are pretending that all is well, but it’s FRONT ROW, Page 8A

Groundhog Day & other traditions

Howdy Neighbor!

This week, we’ll finish out our focus on the weather. I feel it is only appropriate to close this series with a note on the recent events at Punxsutawney, Pa. Yes, this last Tuesday was that sacred holiday, that immemorial tradition of our forefathers; Groundhog Day, and for a brief moment it seemed that all America stood waiting with baited breath for the prediction of that venerable “seer of seers, prognosticator of prognosticators” Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog. While not quite a New England tradition, and thus slightly outside my wheelhouse, I nevertheless find much to admire in the tra-

dition, from the quaint lineage it draws, harkening back to the old days of the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers, to the pomp and circumstance which still surrounds it today. How often does one get to hear that rustic, Dutch dialect spoken in the modern age, which once greeted the bold ears of Henry Hudson and first lured old Rip away for his lifetime’s slumber in the Catskills? And this year, old Phil did indeed see his shadow, thus proclaiming the dreaded forecast; six more weeks of winter! While this is in some respects a happy departure from last year (the past two years remain the only time on record that Phil has

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

ever predicted an early spring twice in a row), I do have a modicum of reservation about how the ceremony was conducted this year. All those bright lights and television camera flashes – it’s enough to make him see his shadow at midnight, let alone first thing in the morning. But I digress.

Only time will tell, and for

now I retain my faith in the oracular abilities of the humble groundhog, right behind only the Farmer’s Almanac itself.

All in all, the idea of predicting the weather has long been something our rural communities desired, and indeed depended on. Here GROUNDHOG, Page 12A

Obituaries

Opinions Continued

Page 8A, The Bridgton News, February 11, 2021

Views from the Front Row Seat

Joan Bartlett

(Continued from Page 7A) not. While I was still in the public schools 10 years ago, I observed and steadily declining academic standards and wrote about it often. That was bad enough, but the recent school shutdowns have been disastrous.

My only hope at this point is that teachers’ unions, long the scourge of public education, are being exposed for the selfish, controlling bullies they are as they use their clout to keep schools closed.

When first hearing about Covid-19, we all agreed to shut down schools along with everything else last winter. More recent evidence, however, indicates that school closures weren’t necessary because the chance of children dying from Covid-19 were and are extremely remote. We didn’t know a year ago, but we do now. To continue the school shutdowns, as the teachers’ unions are insisting, is madness. The unions

claim they’re still at risk for Covid-19, but there’s simply no science to back that up.

All scientific literature published so far or issued by the U.S. government points in the opposite direction.

My first exposure to teachers’ unions was in 1979-80 when I left school administration and went back to the classroom, this time in a Maine public school. I signed a form to allow union dues to be deducted from my paycheck and soon found myself serving as chief negotiator for the local NEA affiliate. It troubled me that all classroom teachers got the same pay regardless of ability or performance. All teachers were paid under a formula that only considered years served and number of degrees. Performance evaluations had nothing to do with salary and there were more than a few incompetent teachers who were veterans with advanced degrees.

Some intelligent, wellmeaning people get teaching contracts, but are not able to do the job for various reasons. They could be let go for any reason during their first two years, but after they signed a contract for the third year they could only be fired for “just cause.” That wording seemed okay with me during negotiations until I realized that if a lazy or otherwise incompetent teacher was protected by the union, it would cost the district at least $200,000 to fire him or her, and that was in the 1980s. It would likely cost several times that now.

Each year, a state union official with a fancy vehicle, a big expense account, and a pushy personality would take the negotiating team out for a lavish dinner. He would tell us to demand nothing less than a certain starting salary for beginning teachers, how much to demand in annual incre-

ments, and how big a benefit package to insist on — all based on what other teachers in Maine and nationally were getting. When I asked about merit pay, he looked at me like I had ten heads and advised me to avoid it.

Later in the eighties my political views were moving rightward, but I noticed that virtually all my union dues and everyone else’s went to left-wing causes.

When I tried to change that I got nowhere. In Maine, I could resign from the union but it took a Supreme Court decision before teachers in other states could. In some states, they still must pay the union to represent them in negations ever if they don’t belong, and they aren’t allowed to negotiate on their own.

That was a long time ago, but teachers’ unions have become far more powerful since. Just look around at who really runs our public schools now.

(Continued from Page 7A) Now, full disclosure, I am white, and in our if/ then world, my lack of pigmentation leads directly to a lack of questions. When interviewing for a new job after an extended period of unemployment, I am not questioned about these gaps of time. Why is that? The

answer is simply because I am not “lazy” I am “disenfranchised.” My improved odds of employment, not only lead to opportunity. It more importantly removed me from a position where there is no “good” decision to make.

One must understand and empathize with the

millions of people, mainly minorities that have a record, simply because the socio-economic environment pushes them to a place of survival math. We as a people, as a nation, must shake off the shell of udder indifference and embrace the truth in front of us, as uncomfortable as it is. Nothing changes. Until actually unity is achieved.

When will the epiphany occur? If we learn to ignore the differences that they say make us incompatible, we will realize that we all have one thing in common above all, we are the working poor.

The easily lead cattle reporting to our shift work praying to whomever we worship that the face mask and sanitizer work.

Are we essential workers or disposable workers?

Either way, the unemploy-

ment queue is getting longer daily, a steady, humble, and desperate group of placeholders willing to work for the chance to merely survive. The change has to come not just from the top, but from the middle, and from the bottom. Jan. 6 showed much, some has changed but also revealed how much other things have not changed. The insurrection drives home the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.

Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”

No matter how far we have come. We still have further to go.

Cunningham: We have ways to go

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Board of Appeals

The Naples Board of Appeals will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Office Building located at 15 Village Green Lane. On the agenda: A.) An application for a 10-ft. left yard setback to construct a garage with bonus room for property found at 153 Harbor Rd., Tax Map U28, Lot 33A submitted

by H. Brown.

Public Notice

Applications can be viewed online at www.townofnaples. org. Public welcome.

1T6 Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Nomination Papers

Public Notice

TOWN OF DENMARK

TOWN OF NAPLES

Nomination Papers will be available in the Clerk’s Office on February 24, 2021, for the June 4, 2021, Town Election for the following positions: Selectman, Assessor & Overseer of the Poor One vacancy for a 3-Year Term Member of the Board of Directors for SAD 72 One vacancy for a 3-Year Term

The Naples Planning Board will be holding a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021, at 7 p.m. On the agenda: 1. A 480 square foot Dock Permit for Katie Blenk for property located at Whipporwill Drive found on Tax Map R01, Lot 4-15.

Nomination Papers

Planning Board Members Two vacancies for 3 Year Term each The date to have Nomination Papers back to the Town Clerk’s Office will be April 2, 2021, at 4 p.m.

Town Elections will be on June 4, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Town Meeting will be on June 5, 2021, beginning at 9 a.m.

Joan Bartlett, 93 of Portland and Casco, passed peacefully at her residence on January 5, 2021.

Born Joan Bennett Bailey on March 5, 1927, in Lawrence, Mass., she was the only child of Edwin Marble and Doris Mildred Bailey. She grew up in Amesbury, Mass.

On February 4, 1955, she married the love of her life, Franklin Sherwood Bartlett. Together they raised ten children, five boys and five girls over a period spanning four decades! She had the most important job in the world, that of a mother, wife and homemaker. She managed a very busy household, was an excellent cook and despite ten children, kept a clean and organized home. She saw her children off to school and was there for them when they returned home.

In 1972, she and Frank moved their family to Maine, purchasing an inn located in West Bridgton close to what is now Shawnee Peak. They called it The Bartlett Family Inn-tel, and together they began a new adventure as a family with seven of the children participating in the operation of the business.

After selling the inn, the family moved to a home on a hill in West Bridgton overlooking the White Mountains. There Frank and Joan used their experience from the inn to host the wedding receptions for three of their daughters. Finally, in 1982 with only one child left in tow, she and Frank moved to Edgewater, Fla., where they would retire together.

Throughout her life, Joan loved a gathering. Holidays, parties, cookouts, or dining out, she loved getting together with family and friends. She loved a good Manhattan, a swim in the pool, anything that sparkled, and decorations of all kinds. She smiled through adversity and relished the good things and times in her life. She was proud of her family roots and the family she and Frank raised.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Frank. She is survived by all ten of her children; Kenneth Bartlett and his wife Deb of Yucca Valley, Calif.; Linda Maurice of Oxford; Donald Bartlett and his wife Elena of Winthrop, Mass.; James Bartlett and his wife Debbie of Sebastian, Fla.; Sue Harper and her husband Frank of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; Pattie McIntyre of Bridgton; Clifton Bartlett and his wife Johanna of Casco; Eleanor Connolly and her husband Mark of Fayetteville, Ga.; Cherie Knight and her husband Jack of Bridgton; and Edwin Bartlett and his wife Chris of Casco. Joan also leaves behind 24 grandchildren.

A family celebration of her life will be held this summer.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the management and staff at the Birchwoods at Canco Assisted Living Community and the Woods at Canco Independent Living for the love and support given Joan in her final days.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, Maine. Please consider sharing your kind words on her Tribute Wall at www.hallfuneralhome. net.

Planning Board Meeting

Plans may be viewed online at www.townofnaples.org.

This meeting will take place on zoom and live on LRTV. To join the meeting via zoom, go to www.zoom.com or call (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 845 7959 0380 and use Password: 592838

2T5

Nomination Papers will be available on February 16, 2021 at the Naples Town Office for the following positions: • Select Board – Three-year term (2) • Planning Board – Three-year term (2) • Transfer Station Council – Three-year term (2) • Budget Committee – a. One-year term (1) b. Two-year term (1) c. Three-year term (2) • SAD 61 Board – Three-year term (1) The Election will take place May 25, 2021.

Completed papers must be returned to the Naples Town Office no later than April 16, 2021. Please contact the clerks at 207-693-6364, ext. 3, during normal business hours if you have questions.

s/Micki Warner Town Clerk

2T6

This week’s puzzle theme:

Golden Age of TV

ACROSS 1. *Quiz show whistleblower, ____ Stempel 5. Time std.

8. “____ Like it Hot” movie 12. Walkie-talkie word 13. Wild hog 14. Blender setting 15. Coniferous tree 16. Of long ago 17. Gastric problem 18. *A show that had a Ball 20. Surveyor’s map 21. Changes to a manuscript 22. Mai follower 23. Get a move on 26. *Superman portrayer 29. Knot-tying words 30. Like unskilled work 33. Play with a bow 35. New Mexico’s state flower 37. Will Ferrell’s Christmas classic 38. On the radio 39. Nobel Peace Prize capital 40. Beat around the bush 42. Toddler 43. SAT administrator 45. Software plug-ins 47. Facebook photo option 48. Indulgence of impulses 50. Brees or Barrymore 52. *”Dragnet” sergeant 56. Old Brazilian coins

57. Pakistan’s official language 58. *”Your Show of Shows” comedian Reiner 59. Novelist Zola 60. Not made up 61. *”The ____ of Night” 62. Extinct bird 63. Call minus c 64. Gloom’s companion DOWN 1. Arizona tribe 2. Bad to the bone 3. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe 4. Warrant for officer promotion with no pay 5. As opposed to stay in 6. Chagall and Anthony 7. 3-pointer in basketball 8. *”Toast of the Town” host 9. Willy of “Free Willy” 10. Track event 11. Always, to a poet 13. Reference to the writer 14. Between larvae and adults 19. Allergic reaction to bee sting 22. ____ Aviv 23. *Ranger’s call to Silver 24. Sunbaked, archaically speaking 25. Wall or pedestal support 26. Kon-Tiki, e.g.

27. One of the Muses 28. Offspring 31. Getting warm 32. Not in good health 34. Tiny leftovers 36. *Abbott’s comedic partner 38. Online purchase 40. *Marjorie Reynolds in “The Life of Riley”

41. Scolding 44. Schoolmarm’s whip 46. Defrosted 48. Popular winter boot brand 49. Put it to the metal 50. Audition tape 51. SWAT attack 52. France/Switzerland border mountain range

53. Carpenter’s groove 54. Ben Affleck’s 2013 Oscar winner 55. Original matter

56. *Buttons or Skelton

Solutions on Page 11A

2T5

Obituaries

February 11, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 9A

Phyllis J. Parritt

Richard A. (Dick) Johnson

Peter C. James

NAPLES — Phyllis J. Parritt, 79, of Naples, peacefully passed away early Thursday evening, Feb. 4, 2021, at her home in Naples surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Jan. 7, 1942, in Portland, the daughter of Alton and Ruby (Thurlow) Proctor and attended Raymond schools.

Phyllis made her home in Naples and worked locally at Sebago Shoe Company for 20 years.

On Dec. 31, 1988, she married Robert Parritt Sr. in Naples.

Together they enjoyed traveling.

They visited friends in Nashville for 25 years. They also enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri, taking trips Down East to visit family, and going out to eat, especially at the Clambake in Scarborough.

Phyllis enjoyed being in the outdoors, sewing, and knitting.

She was smitten with her husband’s music and never missed one of his gigs. She also loved being a grandmother and supported her granddaughter’s Girl Scout Troop by meticulously counting returnables for their bottle drives.

She is loved by her husband, Bob, of Naples; children, John Small and his wife Penny of Casco, and Joyce Small and her husband Richard of Sebago; stepchildren, Robert Parritt Jr. and his wife Sharon of Windham, Nan Marie Parritt of Naples, and Tracy Noyes and her husband Kevin of Raymond; siblings, Cathy Griffin and her husband Alan of Naples, Edward Proctor and his wife Julie of Westbrook, and Alton Proctor Jr. and his wife, Jackie, of Raymond; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents.

A spring committal service will be held at the Murch Cemetery in South Casco. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco. Please consider sharing your condolences on her Tribute Wall at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Richard A. Johnson passed away Jan. 13, 2021m in New London, Conn. He was born May 1, 1927, in Westbrook, Maine, to Everett and Frances Johnson. They moved to South Bridgton when little Richard was three months old.

He grew up in the house by the saw mill.

His infatuation with books started at an early age. He became an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction and amassed a collection of tens of thousands of books. When all the bookshelves in his house were filled, he built more bookshelves, on wheels, in front of them.

Dick graduated from Bridgton High in 1945 and was keen to become a pilot, so he signed up for the Army Air Forces. But by the time he finished basic training, the need for fighter pilots had ended and he was assigned to the motor pool. Being Everett’s son, he could drive anything that could move. He was part of the post-war occupying force in Europe. Two years later the Air Force broke apart from the Army and he chose to re-enlist in the Army.

He went to officers candidate school, refused his commission (“I didn’t want to be an officer. I just wanted to know what the officers knew”), and received an honorable discharge in 1949.

Richard married Maybelle Blake of Naples, Maine, in June of 1950. The couple moved to Poquonnock Bridge, Conn., for the first of their 70 years together. Richard started working as a mathematician at Electric Boat in Groton while also taking classes at the University of Connecticut. In 1955 they moved a few miles north to Norwich, Conn. Soon he had a degree in mathematics, and started a job across the Thames River from EB at the Navy’s Sound Lab in New London. There he became a computer programmer, among the first generation of people to be so-called. The Sound Lab became the Underwater Systems Center, where he worked as a programmer until his retirement in 1989.

Baseball was also part of Dick’s life from an early age. He played for the high school team and the Bridgton town team, which consisted of mostly adults. He loved to tell of the time he got to watch Jimmy Foxx play at Fenway Park. He and Maybelle watched all the games together. That’s 162 dates per year. Plus spring training and sometimes the playoffs! Often he would keep score, just for fun.

Richard was also a music lover with a fine ear for pitch. He sang for seven decades in the choir at Central Baptist Church in Norwich. He was also a life member of the Barbershop Society (SPEBSQSA) and sang baritone with both the Norwich and Providence, R.I., chapters and in several quartets.

Chess was another of Dick’s favorite avocations. He played in tournaments throughout New England. He also directed many tournaments in Norwich and New London and one year directed the New England Open. Perhaps most importantly, he patiently taught his three children to play chess.

Dick owned a set of golf clubs and took his sons out to play.

He also bowled and owned a set of duckpin balls and a couple of tenpin balls, although his real love was candlepin bowling.

Dick learned Morse Code in the 1950s and for a while kept a Ham Radio operator’s license. In the 60s he took flight classes and achieved his longtime goal of gaining a pilot’s license. And he took us up not to go anywhere but just for the magic of it.

“Look, we’re flying!”

Richard is preceded in death by his youngest son, Eric, his sister June Peaco (Johnson), sister-in-law Evelyn Blake and his brother-in-law Gordon Peaco. His wife, Maybelle, died the same morning as Dick. They were exposed to COVID together the last week of December. He is survived by his brother, Lee Johnson, and sister-in-law Judy Johnson of Bridgton, brother-in-law Wilfred Blake of Voluntown Conn.; children, Frank of Albuquerque N.M., and Rosemary of Norwich, daughters-in-law Lee Ann Johnson (nee Backer) of Oakdale and Zelda Gordon of Albuquerque N.M.; granddaughters, Stephani Goss and Kelley Johnson, grandson Lee Johnson of Conn., and many Johnson, Blake, Peaco and other nieces and nephews and beyond.

NAPLES — Peter C. James of Naples, died Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at the age of 73, with his children and his wife lovingly by his side. He was born in Lewiston, on Sept. 19, 1947, the eldest son of the late Donald and Nedra (Cushman) James of Phillips, Maine.

He married Suzanne Lajoie on Sept, 2, 1968. They would share 53 wonderful years, bearing four children: Stephanie (Davis), Scott, Shawn, and Steven James.

Peter graduated from Phillips High School in 1965 and went on to study at the University of Maine in Orono, earning a master’s degree in education. He began his career at Lake Region High School in 1969 as a science teacher and eventually assumed the positions of athletic director, vice principal, and principal. During his 25 years at Lake Region, Peter was generous with his commitments, coaching football and downhill skiing, managing the concert choir, and volunteering as a bus driver for after school activities. Peter taught driver’s education and was a high school basketball referee for many years.

In the mid-1980s, Peter served on the Maine School Principals Association Basketball Tournament Committee in Augusta. In the early 1970s Peter worked for several years as the waterfront director at Camp Agawam in Casco, and was a volunteer and captain of the Naples Rescue Unit for many years.

Upon leaving the Lake Region school district in 1994, Peter changed career paths and served as executive vice president at Rediker Software, a school administrative software company in Hampden, Mass. He would work at Rediker until his retirement in 2013.

Peter enjoyed traveling, boating, watching sporting events and most of all, spending time with his large family, whom he adored beyond measure.

Peter is survived by his wife Suzanne, his four children, Scott and wife Susan of Plymouth, Mass.; Stephanie and husband Scott Davis of Naples, Shawn and wife Victoria of East Longmeadow, Mass.; and Steven and wife Erin of Somerset, Mass.; his eight grandchildren Taylor (23), Paige (19), and Logan Davis (18); Gavin (14) and Olivia James (11); Dylan (17), Ava (9), and Hadley James (7); as well as his brother Kevin and wife Dori James of Phillips, and several nieces and nephews.

Private family services are in the care of Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. Graveside services will be held in the spring at the Crooked River Cemetery in Naples.

The family recognizes that athletics served as an integral part of Peter’s life and asks that any donation in his memory be sent to Lake Region Athletic Boosters at 1877 Roosevelt Trail Naples, ME 04055. Please share your kind words on his Tribute Wall at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Maybelle L. Johnson Maybelle L. Johnson (nee Blake) passed away Jan. 13, 2021, in New London, Conn. She was born Dec. 4, 1927, in Westbrook, Maine, to Herbert and Almira (Alice) Blake. They moved to Naples, Maine, when Maybelle was just three months old. She grew up just down the hill from the Manor House in Naples on a piece of land between the main road (Rt. 302) and Long Lake. She enjoyed skating on that lake, playing baseball, and riding her blue bike. After graduating from Bridgton High, she attended Westbrook Junior College and worked for a time at B&M in Portland, Maine.

Maybelle married Richard Johnson of Bridgton, in June of 1950. The couple moved to Poquonnock Bridge, Conn., for the first of their 70 years together. In 1955 they moved a few miles north to Norwich, Conn., where Maybelle raised her three children, Frank, Rosemary and Eric. She made sure they went every week to Sunday School at Central Baptist Church where she was a member the rest of her life.

Maybelle collected many thousands of postcards and spent a great deal of time organizing them. She was also proficient at knitting, crochet and all manner of handiwork, distributing her finished products to family members and various fundraisers.

Maybelle was a devoted Red Sox fan, an affliction passed to her by her father. In the old days, she would move closer to the radio whenever Ted Williams came to bat. In later years the only television she would watch was a Red Sox game.

Maybelle is preceded in death by her youngest son, Eric; her sisters-in-law Evelyn Blake and June Peaco (nee Johnson) and her brother-in-law Gordon Peaco. Her husband, Richard, died the same morning as Maybelle. They were exposed to COVID-19 together the last week of December. She is survived by her younger brother, Wilfred Blake of Voluntown, Conn., brother-in-law Lee Johnson and sister-in-law Judy Johnson of Bridgton; children, Frank of Albuquerque, N.M., and Rosemary of Norwich, Conn., daughters-in-law Lee Ann Johnson (nee Backer) of Oakdale and Zelda Gordon of Albuquerque N.M.; granddaughters Stephani Goss and Kelley Johnson, grandson Lee Johnson of Conn., and many Johnson, Blake, Peaco and other nieces and nephews and beyond.

John W. Huether John (Jack) W. Huether, 58, of Casco passed away on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born in Mt. Holly, N.J. on July 31, 1962, the son of Fritz and Mary Kiper Huether. He attended schools in Camden, N.J. and a three-year program at the vocational school in Pennsauken, N.J. John was a “jack of all trades,” he worked as a forklift operator at the shipyard, as a roofer since the age of 17 and a long-haul trucking helper.

John is survived by his mother, Mary and stepfather, Darrell Roak of South Casco; his children, John, Jennifer and Jessie; nine grandchildren; his brothers and sisters Fritz, Michael, Nora, Diana, Marion, Laura, Gary and Alvin.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann; and brothers Raymond, Johnnie, Dwane and Lonnie.

There will be no services at this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

Obituary Policy

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

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

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

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

Leon W. Frank NAPLES – Leon W. “Lee” Frank, 72, of Naples, died early Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, 2021 at his home in Naples.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1948, in Casco, a son of Leon R. and Edith J. (Eggert) Frank. Lee attended local schools, graduating from Casco High School.

On March 18, 1967, he married Jeanette Tenney in Casco. Shortly thereafter, Lee enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began a 23-year career as a flight line mechanic, which included his being stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Lee and his family were stationed throughout the country upon his return ending with 13 years at the Pease Air Force in 1990.

Upon retirement from the service, Lee and his wife returned to Naples. He took a job with the Postal Service in Portland, where he supervised the physical plant maintenance for over 20 years, retiring as a civilian in 2015.

Lee was an exceptional woodworker and in recent years enjoyed cooking.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette of Naples; children, Belinda L. Casey of Rochester, N.H., Troy A. Frank of Newmarket, N.H., and Chad A. Frank of Griffin, Ga.; a sister, Sheila Frank of Florida; a brother, Keith Frank of Auburn; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was predeceased by his parents.

A time of memorial visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 at the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco.

Spring interment will be at the Tenney Hill Cemetery in Casco.

Lee’s family welcomes your kind words on his Tribute Wall at http:// www.hallfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lee’s memory to the: American Legion Post 155 or the Disabled American Veterans Charity.

Daniel J. Leary HARRISON — Daniel J. Leary of Harrison, 86, died on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 after a long illness. He was home surrounded by his loving wife, Joanne F. (Lukow) Leary and his children when he peacefully passed.

Dan and Joanne were married for 62 years. Many of these years were spent working and raising their family in Walpole, Mass. In 2000, they retired to Harrison, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Dan was a quiet, hard-working father who gave great hugs. He was known to be able to fix anything and still wielded a chainsaw into his 80s.

He was always working outdoors. With his police scanner close by, Dan loved to play solitaire on his computer and watch the comings and goings of the Harrison Fire Department from his window.

One of his greatest pleasures was attending “Leary Camp,” where his children, grandchildren and friends camped on his property and celebrated family and nature. He has kept the family tradition going for 25-plus years and will continue on in his memory.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne F. (Lukow) Leary; son, John Leary of Mansfield, Mass.; daughter, Dianne Campos of Burlington, Mass.; son, David Leary of Walpole, Mass.; daughter, Ann Marie Ford of Barrington, N.H.; eight grandchildren and a great-grandson. All who loved and cherished him deeply.

A celebration of his life will be held later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to: Beacon Hospice, 245 Center Street, Suite 10A, Auburn, ME 04210.

Order Valentine’s gifts early!

Roses…candy, cut flowers, arrangements, blooming plants and Ganz plush animals.

OPEN SUNDAY ALL DAY

Warren’s Florist 39 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009

207-647-8441 • 800-834-8407

Always Improving We just completed a major renovation to be more comfortable and up-to-date for today’s families. And Chandler Funeral Homes is constantly advancing and offering more services than any other funeral homes in the area.

Family and friends attending services now have a stunning reception area to share a meal after the service. Also, our casket selection is now online for your convenience.

Improvements all done with our families in mind to give quality service above and beyond the rest at affordable prices.

While we are adding more, we are still committed to keeping our prices fair. That’s one important reason we are the most preferred funeral home and we won’t ever forget that.

Family Owned and Operated

TF25

8 Elm St., Bridgton (207) 647-5502

45 Main St. • South Paris (207) 743-8402 Fax: (207) 743-0497

Greenleaf Chapel 37 Vernon St. • Bethel (207) 824-2100

26 W. Dwinal St. Mechanic Falls (207) 345-5691

Oxford Hills Funeral Svc. 1037 Main St. • Oxford (207) 743-0270

www.ChandlerFunerals.com

Wood Funeral Home 9 Warren St. • Fryeburg (207) 935-2325

Eric Nelson, Owner and Funeral Director ©2019 MKJ Marketing

TF43

165 QUAKER RIDGE RD., CASCO, ME 04015 207-627-4538 • HALLFUNERALHOME.NET

Opinions

Page 10A, The Bridgton News, February 11, 2021

Letters

Classifieds HELP WANTED

ARE YOU LOOKING — for a fun place to work? Do you want to be more involved in your community? The MSAD 72 School District in Fryeburg, Maine, has a variety of anticipated and current positions available! We are an E.O.E. See our website www.msad72.org for specifics and to learn how to apply. tf12 CREW LEADERS — Do you have leader abilities? Are you looking for health insurance benefits, 401k, employee ownership and much, much more? Visit: Q-Team. com/Benefits today. tf51

WORK WANTED

LOOKING FOR — Interior painting jobs. 31 years experience. Fullyinsured. Free estimates. Dirigo Custom Painting. 743-9889.

24t37x LICENSED MASTER PLUMBER ­— Service, new construction. Call or text Eric 207-749-5716 4t6x

FOR SALE

HARDWOODS — For woodworkers. Assorted Species and sizes.

Call 207-452-2165 2t5x REDS FIREWOOD — by the cord any amount. 124 State Park Rd. Naples, ME 04055. 207-6156342. Philmorton57@gmail.com.

Campfire wood bundled or by the truckload. Delivery available. tf3 LITTLE GUYS FIREWOOD — Cut, split, delivered. Prompt delivery. 603-960-2537 or 9356302. Fryeburg area $210 cord, over 20 miles add $10.

52t2x

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

12-ACRE LOT — for sale. Milbrook Rd., Bridgton. Rock walls. A town road. 647-2047.

10t50x

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

FOR RENT

CASCO — Rooms for rent. Starting at $140 per week furnished with Internet and laundry onsite. Call Tommy at 207-595-4946. 26t38x

WANTED TO RENT

COUPLE — and 2 cats looking for rental in/around Bridgton. Relocating from NM for midwifery school!

A house is preferable but open to apartments. Laundry onsite, please.

Would consider shared space. Our kitties are the sweetest! Emily – 720.980.5876

Green Firewood $225 per Cord Minimum two cords for delivery.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Order online at westernmainetimberlands.com or call 207-925-1138

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

When You’re Away Property Care & Management

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX

GREEN: $225/cord SEMI-SEASONED:

$275/cord

TF2CD

D&G SNOWMOBILERS — Discount. New and used parts. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.

Masks required. Harrison. 5832312.

9t3x

DRIED FIREWOOD — Dried twelve months. Selling seasoned hardwood year-round. One cord $260, cut, split, delivered. Call 207-595-5029; 207-583-4113. maineseasonedfirewood.com

52t32x

(Continued from Page 7A) Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler. He was born only an hour from her hometown and she recalls his fiery, charismatic speeches. She reported the crazy personality cult, her words, by his followers. His rise to power happened gradually and started as a member of the German workers party, later the NAZI party. His influence increased with speeches in the Beerhalls of Bavaria, traditionally separatist. There was fertile ground with widespread discontent and resentment of the central government, high unemployment caused by a lost WWI and a severe peace agreement, the contract of Versailles. In 1921,

2 cord minimum

$5 FOR TATTERED — U.S. Flag when purchasing new U.S. Flag 3’x5’ or larger. Maine Flag &

SERVICES

TF23CD

Richard Lewis Storm Damage • Security Heat • Lights • Plants Home Check

Cell: 207-415-4476

207-452-2157 The WINTER BRIDGTON

FARMERS MARKET

4 Nulty Street, Saturdays 10 - Noon

Pre Order Curbside Delivery ONLY

Applications are being accepted until March 1.

For more information on either program: https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or e-mail bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DENTAL SERVICES

Chandel Associates Accounting, Taxes Audits, Full Service Payroll 3 Elm St., Bridgton Office 647-5711

Servicemaster Prof. Carpet Cleaning – Home/Office Fire/Smoke Damage Restoration 1-800-244-7630 207-539-4452

Mountain View Dentistry Dr. Shilo Annis, DMD Cosmetic/restorative & Family Dentistry 207-647-3628 MountainViewDentistryMaine.com

Jones & Matthews, PA Certified Public Accountants Accounting and taxes Roosevelt Trail Prof. Bldg.

Route 302, Bridgton 647-3668 cpas@maine.com

TLC Home Maintenance Co. Professional Cleaning and Property Management Housekeeping and much more 583-4314

Shelley P. Carter, Attorney Law Office of Shelley P. Carter, PA 110 Portland St., Fryeburg, ME 04037 935-1950 www.spcarterlaw.com Michael G. Friedman, Esq., PA 132 Main St. P.O. Box 10, Bridgton, ME 04009 647-8360 Hastings Malia, PA 376 Main Street – PO Box 290 Fryeburg, ME 04037 935-2061 www.hastingsmalia.com

CARPENTRY Robert E. Guy General Carpentry – Additions Repairs – Remodeling www.bobguy@myfairpoint.net Harrison 743-5120 239-4804 (cell)

CARPETING Thurlow’s Carpet & Home Center Carpet and Flooring Sales and Installation 21 Sandy Creek Rd., Bridgton 647-5562 800-310-5563

The Clean Sweep LLC Chimney Cleaning Service Supaflu and Stainless Steel Chimney lining and relining Dana Richardson 935-2501

D. M. Electric Inc. & Sons Dennis McIver, Electrical Contractor Residential/Commercial/Industrial Licensed in Maine & New Hampshire Bridgton 207-647-5012

Grammy Geek Tech support for seniors (jr.’s too) 1-1 support at your home Malware & virus removal/PC repair Free pick-up & delivery 207-310-0289

J.P. Gallinari Electric Co. Residential - Commercial - Industrial Aerial - Auger - Lifting Service Bridgton 647-9435

McIver Electric “Your on time every time electricians” 221 Portland Rd., Bridgton Naples Computer Services PC repair/upgrades – on-site service 647-3664 www.mciverelectric.net (5/21x) Virus and spy-ware removal Home and business networking R.W. Merrill Electrical Contractor Video security systems 24 hour Emergency Service 71 Harrison Rd., Naples 207-693-3746 Residential & Commercial Harrison 583-2986 Fax 583-4882 (7/21x)

DANCE INSTRUCTION

The Ballroom Dance - Exercise - Yoga - Aikido Main St., Harrison, Maine 207-583-6964

DENTAL SERVICES Bridgton Dental Associates Dr. Paul Cloutier Complete dental care 138 Harrison Rd., Bridgton www.bridgtondental.com 207-647-8052 Bridgton Dental Hygiene Care, PA Family & Periodontal Dental Hygiene Svcs.

Infants, Toddlers, Teens and Adults InNetwork; N.E. Delta Dental & MaineCare 207-647-4125 bdhc@myfairpoint.net

FLOORING Bolsters Decorating Center Carpet – vinyl – ceramic Always free decorating consulting bolsters@megalink.net 9 Market Sq., So. Paris 207-743-9202

FOUNDATIONS Henry’s Concrete Construction Foundations, Slabs, Floors Harrison Tel. 583-4896

GARAGE DOORS

693-3988 Ask for David Allenson 639 Roosevelt Trail Naples, Maine

HEATING Bass Heating Oil Burner Service Sales and Installations Waterford (207) 595-8829

INSURANCE

PLUMBING & HEATING

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

Collins Plumbing & Heating Inc. Specializing in repair service in The Lake Region 647-4436

Dyer Septic Septic systems installed & repaired Site work-emergency service-ecofriendly 1-877-250-4546 207-583-4546

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

SURVEYORS

F. Jonathan Bliss, P.L.S. Bliss & Associates PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Surveying, Land Planning 693 Main St., Lovell 207-925-1468 blissinc@fairpoint.net Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape Oberg Insurance Organic lawn & garden maintenance Maine Survey Consultants, Inc. Shoreline restoration Auto, Home, Business, Life Land info services – Surveys Creative stonework, property watch Boundary/Topographic/Flood elevation 132 Main St., Bridgton Snowplowing & sanding Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858 PO Box 485, Harrison, Maine 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com Off: 583-6159 D. A. Maxfield Jr. PLS Southern Maine Retirement Services (5/21x) Over 10,000 surveys on file Medicare Supplements & Prescription Plans REAL ESTATE Life and Senior Dental Insurance TREE SERVICE 150 Main St., Bridgton 207-647-2900 Chalmers Real Estate (5/21x) Q-Team & Cook’s Tree Service 100 Main St., Bridgton Removal-pruning-cabling-chipping Tel. 647-3311 INTERIOR DESIGN Stump grinding-bucket work-bobcat Crane-licensed & fully-insured Kezar Realty Q Team 693-3831 or Cook’s 647-4051 Universal Designz Homes, Land & Vacation Rentals Toll free 207-693-3831 www.Q-Team.com Lovell Village 207-925-1500 Consulting – Design KezarRealty.com Decorating – Aging in Place Rice Tree Service – Sheldon Rice www.UniversalDesignzMaine.com Complete tree service – free estimates Oberg Agency 207-754-0730 Removal-prune-chipping-stump grinding Residential, Business, Lake Shore Licensed and insured Property Utility and Landscape Arborist INVESTMENT MANAGERS 132 Main St., Bridgton Waterford ME – 583-2474 Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858 Daniels D’Amelio Group VETERINARY Donald M. Daniels 207-803-8389 RUBBISH SERVICE Donald Daniels Jr. 561-427-5857 Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital (53/20x) www.ddimg.org Small Animal Medicine & Surgery ABC Rubbish Route 302, Fryeburg Weekly Pick-up OIL DEALERS 207-935-2244 Container Service Tel. 743-5417 Dead River Co. WINDOW TREATMENTS Range & Fuel Oil Worsters Rubbish Removal Bolsters Decorating Center Trash hauling Oil Burner Service Custom window treatments Docks – Demolition Tel. 647-2882, Bridgton Always free decorating consulting Snowplowing/Sanding bolsters@megalink.net Harrison 207-583-6914 PAINTING CONTRACTORS 9 Market Sq., So. Paris 207-743-9202 Chalmers Ins. Agency 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311

Redo Properties.com “AWARD WINNING” Interior/Exterior painting & repairs Local, experienced & professional Call/text 207-693-4663 (Home) (12/21x)

Webber Painting & Restoration Roberts Overhead Doors Commercial/residential – free estimates Interior/exterior painting & repairs Waterfront specialists – Free estimates Now offering Master Card & Visa Fully insured – References 207-831-8354 207-595-2311

SELF-STORAGE Bridgton Storage 409 Portland Rd. 28 units & 4000’ open barn Bridgton 272-8085 JB Self Storage Rt. 5, Lovell, Maine Monthly/yearly secure storage 207-925-3045

Universal Designz Window Treatments – Upholstery Slip Covers – 207-754-0730 www.UniversalDesignzMaine.com FEB 2021

CHIMNEY LINING

ELECTRICIANS

COMPUTERS

One year experience preferred Must be 18 years old

Apply now if you are interested in selling your handcrafted product or specialty grown produce. All market vendors must live within 30 miles of Bridgton and be fully licensed and insured to become a participating member

CLEANING SERVICES

ATTORNEYS

Part-time Pizza Maker

Our Summer Market is accepting applications for new vendors NOW!

CONSULT OUR LISTING OF BUSINESS SERVICES AND LET AN EXPERT DO THE JOB! ACCOUNTANTS

The Umbrella Factory Supermarket in Naples, Maine is looking for this position:

2T6

THE BRIDGTON NEWS

2T5CD

The Town of Sweden, Maine is seeking a part-time Planning Board Assistant to support the Planning Board and other town officials with record-keeping and other administrative duties. This is a part-time position anticipated to require 25 – 30 hours per month (6-8 hours per week). Hours are generally flexible and some of the work can be performed remotely at home. Although this is not a public-facing position, a portion of work will be required to be completed at the Sweden Town Office. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and/or at least 3 years’ experience in an administrative capacity. Top-notch attention to detail is an essential skill for this role. Must also have very good computer skills, particularly in MS Word and Excel. Municipal experience is a plus but not required. Hourly pay will be commensurate with experience.

Qualified candidates should email their resume and cover letter to laurachadbourne@swedenmaine.org, or mail the information to Town of Sweden, Attn: Planning Board Secretary, 147 Bridgton Road, Sweden, ME 04040.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE?

To The Editor: When the election ended in November, I looked forward to two things. One was no more negative TV ads, the other was that maybe Rev. Plaisted would spike the football and celebrate the Democratic victory. No such luck. Rev. Plaisted has since written five more letters, the last two have vilified Republicans as the cause for attacks on the Capitol. The nuts and anarchists dressing like characters from the movie “Braveheart” and carrying Confederate battle flags do not represent the rank and file Republican any more than the BLM protesters, who burned and looted police stations, churches, businesses and banks represented the typical Democrat. Rev. Plaisted blamed Republicans for Trump. Former Republican Presidential candidates Bush, McCain and Romney refused to support Trump or vote for him. Trump or any other Republican presidential candidate could never win election without the support of Independents and blue-collar Reagan Democrats.

Over the last four years, Rev. Plaisted has written over 50 letters with the same anti-Trump message. The Bridgton News used to have the policy of LETERS, Page 11A

10' x 10' Unit – $75/mo.

10' x 20' Unit – $125/mo.

Town of Sweden Planning Board Assistant (part-time)

NEED A

Half empty

DENMARK SELF-STORAGE

E-mail: Ricklewis2011@hotmail.com

Help Wanted

THE TOWN OF SWEDEN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

was to give contradictory orders to subordinates. He fostered distrust, competition and infighting. He demanded absolute obedience and loyalty. All this to benefit his own power. The enablers surrounding him made his path to a dictator possible, to name a few, Himmler, Goebel and Goering. Hitlers ascent involved conservative politicians sharing power with an extremist party and being outmaneuvered. Does that sound familiar? In an era of rising political extremism around the world, this period — 1939 to 1945 — holds important lessons for the present. For politicians sharing power with extremist in your own party or in other parties is dangerous.

In conclusion, I support the impeachment trial and find it necessary in order to assure a continuation of our democracy. The events of Jan. 6 were scary, threatening and disturbing. Donald Trump — through his actions and rhetoric — clearly carries responsibility for the violence and deaths, the sheer act of insurrection. Conservatives in Congress letting Donald Trump of the hook out of fear or self-serving motives will enable potentially anti-democratic events. What’s going to be the next step for Donald Trump if once again he will not experience consequences for his actions?

Ursula Flaherty Bridgton

TF33CD

ATTENTION

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

Banner, Windham, 893-0339. tf46

TF49

BN 6

Hitler became the Party’s leader. In 1923, he led the beerhall Putsch, insurrection against the Weimar Republic with the assistance of the SA, which were paramilitary troops, loyal to him. Hitler was convicted and imprisoned for only nine months due to concessions made by a weak President Friedrich Ebert and conservative politicians. The Nazi party grew, the paramilitary grew to two million and was essential for Hitler to gain power in 1933 when he was named chancellor. He also used the news well spreading his propaganda with false narratives as we see now in the right-wing media. After the burning of the Reichstag (Congress), Hitler assumed dictatorial powers through the Enabling Act. Hitlers leadership style

Opinions & School

February 11, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 11A

Letters

(Continued from Page 10A) limiting authors to one letter on any given subject.

This policy protected News readers from being subjected to redundant messages and gave more readers the opportunity to express their views.

At this point, I don’t think News readers get any benefit from Plaisted’s redundant letters. It is unfathomable what he gets out of them.

Hopefully, he can come up with a new idea or better yet count his blessings and take a break.

Stephen Shorey Bridgton

True or not?

To The Editor: How to determine the truth?

Part I. Netflix did a documentary The Great Hack on the British company, Cambridge Analytica (CA). The function of this company was to collect data, from all Social Media platforms and manipulate that data. CA used Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, WhatsApp, Spapchat and so on. Take it or leave it, the documentary makes an interesting point. When collecting personal data on millions of users, Cambridge Analytica was able to identify people they called persuadables. CA found persuadables did not hold any strong conviction on any particular issue, but were easily manipulated.

Part II. Cambridge Analytica (CA) moved from collecting personal data for academic purposes to using data for political purposes, for example advocating for BREXIT. CA would formulate an untruth and then get behind a leader, in Brexit’s case, Nigel Farage. The rest is history. Then, CA became involved in the 2016 U.S. election. Lies were formulated; a leader identified — Donald Trump — and the rest is history.

Part III. Now to determine what is true and what is a false, let’s take a test.

I will identify you and/or myself as “Individual A.” One day, the police read on Social Media that Individual A just shot and killed their neighbor. The police proceed to arrest Individual A. Individual A is indicted for murder and brought to court for trial. However, there is no body of the dead neighbor, no weapon, no motive, no opportunity, no witnesses, and no physical evidence of any kind. There is only a statement, taken from the Internet. Further, there is “Individual B,” a juror in this case. Individual B is ultimately asked, is Individual A guilty or not guilty?

Part IV. Surely, the readers of this letter are aware of all the electronic information coming from all over the Internet, every minute of every day. We are bombarded by “news” and/or conspiracy theories promulgated by self-proclaimed authori-

This week’s game solutions

ties and talk hosts. However, no one who listens to this information — from whatever source — will take the time to apply a litmus test — would you want to be convicted of — or judge — a crime where there is no verifiable evidence whatsoever?

If anyone answers “no” to this question, then why do they automatically believe whatever the Internet offers?

Just because the leader says it’s true, does not make it so no matter how frequently it is repeated, nor by how many “authorities.”

Part V. All Social Media platforms proclaim their mission, “To bring people together.” That may be the stated mission, but what are the unintended consequences of collecting huge amounts of personal data and then not accounting for how that data is used? It is naive to think Social Media is going away or that all users should give it up their accounts?

However, before we identify as “persuadables,”, perhaps we should ask ourselves — guilty or not guilty? Do we only listen to information which feeds our preconceived notions or do we ask, true or not true?

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

Change narrative

To The Editor: In reading the Bridgton News of Jan. 21, I’m amazed that people still believe Trump’s lies. He doesn’t know the meaning of truth.

Therefore, Trump’s followers can only repeat Trump’s lies as their truth.

McLaughlin’s column could have been written by the Trumper himself.

Both Ron Farmarin and Roger Hale feel we are now in a communist state. Yet, their idol — Trump — was closer to Russia’s Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un than all of our allies. Putin did his best to elect Trump.

I hope we’ll see a change in narrative from Trumpeteers like R. Casimiro, Representative Cebra, Don Vose and Jock MacGregor.

Thank God for the voice of truth and reason from Rev. R. Plaisted. He makes more sense than anyone else in his letters. I agree with every word he writes.

In the Dec. 17 edition, Framarin says freedom is extinct because the Supreme Court didn’t agree with Trump’s lies. He feels the court didn’t protect and preserve the Constitution, and yet, Trump did everything but wipe his bum on the Constitution.

Russell Sprague West Baldwin

Immortal chaplains

To The Editor: Feb. 3 marked the 78th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Dorchester in 1943, a story of selflessness and heroism of four chaplains.

Commander Don Mulcahy

of American Legion Post 67 in Bridgton wanted this story told, with comments by two local pastors.

The S.S. Dorchester, a civilian liner converted to military use, left New York on Jan. 23, 1943, en route to Greenland, carrying approximately 900 soldiers. During the early morning hours of Feb. 3, the vessel was torpedoed by the German submarine U-223 off Newfoundland in the North Atlantic. The chaplains – George L. Fox, a Methodist minister; Alexander D. Goode, a Reform Rabbi; Clark V. Poling, a Reform Pastor, and John P. Washington, a Catholic priest – helped the other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.

Why did they do this?

Two of our local pastors responded to our request for comments. Reverend Stephen Michaud of the First Presbyterian Church of Bridgton answered: “Although these men had different personalities and perspectives, they were all made in the image of God and thus were imaging God in this noble act. In giving themselves selflessly, God was using them providentially to work great good for their fellow troops. Because of this, it behooves us to say that the lives of these heroic men truly mattered, and that there was a reflection of God’s common benevolence in their sacrifice – the same God who would send His only begotten Son into the world to teach His disciples, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” and going on to demonstrate that love by sacrificing Himself in the place of His people on the cross.”

Pastor Mike Zullo of the Bridgton Alliance Church, Public Safety Chaplain to the Bridgton Police and Fire Departments, had this to say: “The Chaplains did exactly as they were trained.

With selfless courage, they chose to absorb as much of the stress of the moment as they possibly could. God gave these men great wisdom as they helped to keep everyone calm during the evacuation. Having done all that they could do physically, their final act was to unite in prayer for those they served.”

The Arruda Charitable Trust, which provides assistance to worthy organizations in the local area, sponsored a spaghetti dinner for the benefit of the Post 67 that was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at the Bridgton Community Center.

Bob Casimiro, Trustee Arruda Charitable Trust Bridgton

Header

To The Editor: It is interesting when people choose to express themselves how they endeavor to make their point. Certainly, Mr. St. Laurent’s letter last week provides a treasure trove to speculate on his choice of terms, analogies and ultimately the efficacy of the point he’s trying to make.

He starts by referring to the episode as a coup d’etat. My understanding is that term involves an extensive, comprehensive process whereby a tightly integrated group of people move quickly and decisively to seize total control of governmental power. Thus, a group of people exercising their First Amendment rights, the vast majority of whom went home for dinner, would hardly qualify to be described as participating in a coup. Even those relative few who penetrated the Capitol would better be described as vandals rather than insurrectionists as Mr. St. Laurent chooses to do.

As a matter of fact, in the spirit of unity that our new President espouses, perhaps they could be described as our friends on the left so charitably describe ANTIFA and BLM, who spent last

summer and fall engaging in similar activities as “mostly peaceful protesters.”

If Mr. St. Laurent looked up the actual legal definition of treason, I’m sure he would eagerly withdraw it to avoid participating in “inflammatory hyperbolic inaccuracies.”

It would be fascinating to know what inspired his admiralty analogy. I’ve heard the Coast Guard referred to as the “knee high navy,” but never had I heard of a dry land navy. Perhaps, it’s Washington’s proximity to the Potomac that inspired him. In any event, this reference is both irrelevant and serves no useful purpose.

Apparently, he could not resist the obligatory leftwing gaslighting accusation that the hundreds of thousands of fellow citizens there were “white supremacists.” Really? Would the basis of this ridiculous claim be from a survey everybody filled out or perhaps be from the ultimate purveyors of truth — CNN and MSDNC. Unless we accept the definition of a white supremacist to be anyone who disagrees with Mr. St. Laurent, that accusation can only be viewed as patently unsustainable and irresponsible.

Don Vose Naples

Quick clean-up

To The Editor: On Monday night, Feb. 1, and all-day Tuesday, the snow fell. At least eight inches accumulated – and snow drifts up to a foot in places. Yet by Wednesday late morning, every street in Bridgton was clear and almost dry. I don’t know how they do it, but we owe a big thanks to our town Public Works Department.

Stan Cohen Bridgton

Diet of Lent

To The Editor: I miss Mardi Gras. I miss being in crowds on Fat Tuesday. I’m hoping for a speedy recovery from the pandemic so we can all congregate again.

After Fat Tuesday, Lent begins. Lent is the 40-day period before Easter when Christians stop eating meat and dairy in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of reflection. As a Christian, Lent has meaning to me.

For me, I already don’t eat meat and dairy. My plant-based diet helps reduce chronic diseases, environmental degradation and animal abuse.

Countless reports have linked consumption of animal products with risk of heart failure, stroke, cancer and other diseases. A U.N. report named meat production as a source of greenhouse gases and water pollution. Investigations have revealed animals raised for food under horrible conditions of caging, crowding, drugging and mutilation.

These actions go against what I believe.

Lent offers an opportunity to honor Jesus’ powerful message of compassion and love for all living beings, stop subsidizing the meat industry, and choose a nonviolent plant-based diet. It’s a diet that goes back to The Bible (Genesis I:29) and observed in the Garden of Eden.

Enter “plant-based Lent” in Google and explore hundreds meatfree recipes.

Brandon Newcomb Bridgton

Thanks

To The Editor: We wish to thank all those who purchased spaghetti dinners, those who made cash contributions, and our volunteers for the success we had on Saturday to benefit American Legion Post 69, at our drive-up dinner at the Bridgton Community Center.

Bob Casimiro, Trustee Arruda Charitable Trust Bridgton

By Madelyn Litz SAD 61/72 Adult Ed Director Adult education offers a variety of resources to plan for your future, change careers, or prepare for that next workplace certification.

If college is in your future, we can help you earn a required credit through our College Success class or upgrade your academic skills to pass the Accuplacer exam.

If changing careers is your plan, we can help you prepare and enroll in a workplace certification program.

If you need advising deciding what and how to increase the quality of your life by upgrading skills, we can help with that, too! Our college transition and career advising programs, along with all our academic classes, including high school diploma, are open enrollment and accessible year-round.

Upcoming workplace training programs are the Today’s Teller program for entry into the banking and financial field (begins March 10), and IC3-Digital Literacy – the first of two certification classes to become a Computer Support Specialist (begins March 16).

Check out our website: lakeregion-fryeburg.maineadulted.org to see what opportunities await you, or e-mail adulted@lakeregionschools.org for more information.

College note

Garrett Fillebrown, a graduate of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School who attends the University of New England College of Dental Medicine, was one of 21 students that were selected for the 2020 Alva S. Appleby Scholarship from the Maine Dental Association Charitable Foundation.

Each of the students was awarded $2,500. To be considered for the annual Appleby Scholarship, a student must be a resident of the state of Maine, Garrett Fillebrown have completed their first year of dental school, and be currently enrolled in a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association. The MDA Charitable Foundation also provided $50,000 earlier in 2020 to the MDA to purchase personal protective equipment for dental offices in the state.

Garrett is the son of Paul and Marlene Fillebrown of Waterford.

Spotlight: Alli Vogel

(Continued from Page 6A) Engineering and then go into the environmental or pharmaceutical industry.

List of Favorites Favorite food: Sushi Favorite movie: The Giver Favorite senior athlete: Rene Carver, she’s always been there for me in and outside of athletics, she helped me a lot through my recovery after surgery. Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds Favorite school subject: Science Favorite athlete: Lindsey Vonn, she’s the best skier in the world and is very inspiring with her comebacks after injuries.

Favorite sports team: New England Patriots Advice for future Lakers: Appreciate every game and practice you get.

Bridgton Planners

(Continued from Page 1A) due to the high volume of items already slated for the Feb. 16 and March agendas. Last week’s meeting was over three hours in length.

“We’re already playing catch up,” Day said. “If people missed the meeting, they can watch it on LRTV (the segment is now available, go to the station’s website) and if they have any comments or concerns, they can send them to the Planning Board, and they will be reviewed before the next meeting.”

Notice of the rescheduled meeting was posted on the town’s website Wednesday, O’Connor said.

If residents wish to be notified of such changes, they can sign up for “alerts” by registering on the town’s website, Day said. Go to the website, click the “Love Always Bridgton” logo and find the “Subscribe to E-Mail Alerts.” One can select topics of interest, such as meeting agendas/minutes, public notices, career opportunities and eventas. Simply include your e-mail address and click “subscribe.”

Planners heard changes made to both projects, but took no final action. The projects will be up for deliberation and Findings of Fact at the next meeting, set for Feb. 16. Planners heard: • Dustin Roma, representing Keith Harnum, gave a quick overview of the plan to build four storage units on property across the street from Mountain Road. The facility will mimic one built in Windham last year. Roma feels various features such as pitched roof, cupolas, sandstone-colored siding and green roofing, and gable ends with stonework facing the roadway so motorists don’t see the garage doors, make these units “nicer than some built in the past.”

The project will mostly fit in the already cleared portion of the property. Existing tree lines will serve as buffers to abutting properties. Fencing will be installed at the front of the facility, while the tree lines on both sides will serve as barriers. The facility will have an automated gate.

Realtor Nancy Hanson of The Masiello Group in Naples spoke for a client, whose property abuts the project. Hanson said the owner, who has seen photos of the proposed facility, “feels good about what is going on” and “has no concerns.”

• Craig Sweet, representing Mark Lopez, updated the Mountain Road Storage plan, indicating the following changes — parking lot lighting will be motion sensored, lighting will be lowered from 20 to 12 feet, lighting bulbs will be “less intense,” landscaping will include 32 new trees and 49 bushes/shrubs.

With no public comments made, Brusini — at the request of the writers — read two submitted letters. One noted that the project fails to develop new jobs and would “ruin a treasured asset” of Bridgton.

Continuations

H.S. basketball (Continued from Page 6A) full court run and jump pressure defense. He is a great on ball defender and makes other teams ball handlers feel uncomfortable all game long. He is starting to show signs of playing defense like Ethan McMurray did for us last season.”

While senior center Evan Willey failed to reach double digits in the scoring column, he was a big factor. He hauled down a game-high 17

rebounds, blocked a pair of shots and found others while double-teamed. Willey finished with 9 points, including a trey.

“Although his shooting percentage wasn’t good for him, Evan still dominated the game. He finished the game with 17 rebounds and was a leader on the court for us,” Coach Martin said.

The Raiders started to make a little noise in the third quarter as Eloi Terricabras and

Liam Quinn drained 3-pointers. Kyeni Musembi converted a layup to cut the LR lead to 33-23.

LR senior forward Liam Grass, however, took a little air out of the comeback attempt.

He first connected on a deep, straight-away 3 pointer and then made a nifty step through two FA defenders for a layup to close out the quarter.

“Liam is usually the best athlete in the gym any time we play. He can do a lot of things on the court that a lot of high school players cannot. I thought he played with very high energy this game,” Coach

February 11, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 12A

Martin said. “He rebounded (8 boards) extremely well for us, and had some possessions where he was on the big kid. He had a phenomenal game.”

Hallam made 1-of-2 foul shots for the Raiders with 24.9 seconds left, but LR was up 40-24.

Like the Lakers a week ago, the Raiders refused to pack it up and head home early. Instead, FA battled but was unable to get any closer than eight points as Duprey sealed the win.

After a Terricabras 3-pointer and reverse lay-up by Eli

Groundhog Day & other traditions

(Continued from Page 7A) in Bridgton, especially in the pre-Statehood era, a wrong bet or a miss-chancy guess about when the first snowfall would come could, and often did, spell disaster for our forebears. How many still recall the tale of old Asael Foster, that unlucky neighbor of old Enoch Perley in South Bridgton, who broke his potato hoe in the first weeks of autumn and thus put off his harvest under the assumption that it would not snow until December. He thought he’d get around to buying a new hoe the next time he made it out to Portland, only to wake up shortly afterwards to the first snowfall of the year, come months early. He had to walk to Portland, without a horse, all while his wife dug halfa-barrel’s worth of potatoes from the freezing ground with her mixing spoon. That’s all they had to eat that year. Now if old Asael had only had an almanac, things would have been different.

And that’s how it was for the better part of Bridgton’s history, we had only the almanac and the ability to discern omens in the sky to predict the coming weather, and not always were we the best at it.

After the great comet came blazing from the east in 1770, many in our region looked to its greenish hue and predicted

therefrom that it meant coming strife and political discord, which the Revolutionary War soon brought – or so the stories go. I don’t think I’m going out on too much of a limb here to question the causal relationship between the two.

But either way, such were the main tools we had until the advent of modern radar and electrical weather detecting systems. Admittedly, earlier than this we did have such things as thermometers and atmospheric pressure gauges, and Ben Franklin’s gift of the lightning rod did spare many a home and church in our village, but in the main – from the days of the early settlers on down through the early 20th’s century – the almanac remained the gold standard, and one which folks trusted in almost as strongly as the good book itself.

Recalling some of these old weather traditions; one knew it meant another cord of firewood to haul in when grandfather looked up and judged from the beehives and hornet nests built high in the eaves that a heavy snowfall was coming, and likewise that you’d better run out and round up the chickens every time grandmother foretold a coming thunder storm by dint of her rheumatism. Here in Bridgton, not so long ago, old Zeph Sanborn up on Highland

Ridge used to say that if we had lots of crows and chipmunks through summer and fall it meant we were sure to have an “open winter” with little snow until February. I can’t speak for crows, but I did notice an abundance of chipmunks last autumn; we had a colony of three of them in one hole in our front yard, and several more in the trees and bushes besides. With two heavy snows now in February, and little in January before that, I’d say this piece of wisdom still holds true.

Looking even further back in our local history, the itinerant “Indian Charlie,” a local canoe-maker who made camp at the head of Highland Lake in the 1820s, had a saying that if deer dragged their antlers low to the ground in autumn, it foretold little snow and an early spring. As I am not a hunter, I cannot attest to the accuracy of this prediction, but I would be curious to know if anyone noticed this last year. Even today just over the hill in Fryeburg, and indeed all along the border country in the upper valley of the Saco, one can still hear the solemn assurance that when old Kearsarge first puts on its cap, it means snow isn’t far off for all the villages which can see it. Having attended Fryeburg Academy and looked across the valley

Bridgton Dental Associates

Mahan, Duprey canned a stepback 3-pointer.

A Hallam offensive rebound and put-back made it 42-34 with 40.2 seconds left, but Grass hit Duprey in stride for a layup with 28.1 seconds left, and Duprey closed the game out by sinking a pair of foul shots.

“We learned how good we can be when we pride ourselves on defensive effort. We practiced a lot on game situations and learning how to play with a lead, understanding good shot vs bad shot with time and score. We put in some things to help us space the floor on offense. We won the game with our energy in the first half,” Coach Martin said. “Have to credit FA for their fight at the end of the game. We need to do better at not giving a team a chance after running out to a big lead. We will do that by keeping the same energy that got us the lead, playing smart with the lead and valuing the basketball.”

For the Raiders, Coach Saunders saw the rematch with the Lakers as a learning experience for his club.

“We need someone, preferably the point guard, to recognize what defense our opponent is in and get us organized.

Lake did a nice job of mixing up their defense and right now we don’t have anyone able to figure that out,” he said. “We will get better. We always do.

But, some people, especially the seniors, really need to step up their focus and intensity in practice. We have programs that have to shut down and

as I told the kids we need to cherish every minute we have because it could all come to an end pretty quickly.”

Scoring: Lakers, Duprey 20, Willey 9, Grass 9, Harlow 4, Chadbourne 3 Joe Bueler 2; Raiders, Hallam 9, Mahan 6, Bobby Hallam 6, Terricabras 6, Roy Mugabe 4, Quinn 3.

Rebounds: Lakers 37 (Willey 17, Grass 8, Duprey 7, Harlow 6); Raiders 39 (W. Hallam 13, Terricabras 7) Turnovers: Lakers 17, Raiders 18 Free Throws: Lakers 3-7, Raiders 3-13 Field Goals: Lakers 19-53, Raiders 13-59 In other action Yarmouth 76, Lakers 35: The Clippers’ big three — Peter Psyargeus (18 points), Matt Waeldner (17) and Cam Merrill (16) — were all Yarmouth really needed Monday night in a road win against the Lakers (1-2).

After a tight opening quarter, Yarmouth stretched out its five-point lead to a 34-17 halftime advantage and never looked back. The Clips kept their foot on the pedal, scoring 27 points in the third to add 16 more points to the lead, and finished the game with a 15-5 run.

No Laker reached double digits — Jacob Chadbourne 7 (including a 3-pointer), Evan Willey 6, Liam Grass 6, Jac Mageles 5 (including a trey), Brody Sanberg 4, Noah Duprey 3 (trey), Jason Harlow 2 and Joe Bueler 2. A good note: LR was 8-of-10 from the foul line. Yarmouth was 10-of-14.

at that dog-toothed peak for many a year, I can assure you this remains a tried-and-true practice.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this special focus on old weather over the last month or so; we’ve had several people write in with notes of thanks and support since the year began. I want to take this space to thank every one of our readers, whether you subscribe regularly or just pick up a copy at the local diner, service station or market.

Your support is why we have continued this column past its projected end-date, and with such an active and interested community as we have developed, if I may make one last prediction in this column, firmly believe we’ll be continuing this column for many years to come.

Next week will bring a return to our regularly scheduled programming, but stay tuned for other specials and Upcoming Lake Region basketball live streams: the upcoming list of sumThursday, Feb. 11 mer features at the Historical JV Girls vs Yarmouth, 5 p.m.

Society. After a year and https://youtu.be/7YW8uxWrcC0 half without anything in the Varsity Girls vs Yarmouth, 7 p.m. way of historic celebrations, https://youtu.be/khDINU-6NXs and with the vaccine rollouts Thursday, Feb. 11 well underway, I have every JV Boys at Yarmouth, 5:15 p.m. hope that by summer we can https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicPSoHUel5Vej_ return to a more active state.

Bridgton’s long overdue for w1-uoAVg Varsity Boys at Yarmouth, 7 p.m. a good old-fashioned festival, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicPSoHUel5Vej_ don’t you think? w1-uoAVg Till next time!

Follow the Lakers

YOUR FAMILY IS GROWING, SO WE GREW OURS, TOO.

Paul C. Cloutier, D.D.S. John Eliassen, D.D.S.

Emergencies, Extractions, Root Canals, Fillings, Crowns, Dentures, Implants, Cleanings

Safe, Modern Dentistry with over 60 years combined experience

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

PERSONALIZED PEDIATRIC CARE

At Western Maine Pediatrics, we’re growing our team and expanding business hours to deliver the best pediatric care possible. These improvements allow us to welcome new patients, operate 7 days a week, and exceed your family’s unique healthcare needs so you can keep building your best life. Call 207-743-8766 to schedule an appointment.

Call today for your appointment

647-8052 138 Harrison Road, Bridgton, Maine EOWE

Imagine a network of hospitals, health care providers, and specialists, built with your needs at the very center. We did – that’s MaineHealth.