March 9, 2023

New BH prez

Lucretia Stargell is the new president of Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital. She assumes the president’s role on March 29, taking over the helm from Steve Littleson.

Central Maine Healthcare announced the move Monday. Stargell is also the new senior vice president of CMH.

Stargell brings years of experience in executivelevel hospital administration, most notably in leadership positions at rural hospitals and a critical access hospital in North Carolina with Duke LifePoint Healthcare. In these roles, she introduced new service lines and expanded healthcare access to rural parts of that state. She also has extensive experience in strategy, marketing, communications, community partnerships, recruitment and foundation work.

Stargell holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Western Carolina University and a B.A. in Art History and Communications from Hollins University in Virginia. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and is a certified professional in-patient safety from the Institute of Healthcare improvement.

“The Bridgton community drew me in immediately,” Stargell said. “It is remarkably similar to where I have spent most of my professional career and raised my family. I am looking forward to a leadership role with Central Maine Healthcare and being a familiar face in Bridgton, working in partnership with team members and local leaders.”

“What a joy it is to introduce Lucretia Stargell and her family to our Bridgton community,” said Marney Chalmers, Central Maine Healthcare Board of Directors. “Lucretia understands how vitally important it is to keep healthcare ‘close to home,’ and will be a wonderful addition to our hospital. I look forward to the leadership, care and innovation she will bring to our beautiful town of Bridgton.”

For nearly four months, Steve Littleson, president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare, served as interim president of these two critical access hospitals following the resignation of Peter Wright.

“I have greatly valued and enjoyed my time serving as interim president for Bridgton and Rumford Hospitals. My time there left me a stronger leader for the health system as I saw firsthand the very unique challenges of rural healthcare. Lucretia’s background is perfectly tailored for rural Maine and I am very pleased to pass the baton to this well-seasoned leader,” said Littleson.

Choices — Needs vs Wants

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

As Robert Peabody develops Bridgton’s municipal budget, the town manager finds himself trying to balance residents’ service level expectations, the fiscal impact of capital projects, catching up with items shelved for budgetary reasons during the Covid-19 pandemic, while keeping the tax rate affordable.

“It’s been challenging,” Peabody told the Select Board Monday to open their two-day budget review process. “It is my charge to provide the town with the services it requires and desires as cost effectively as possible. Doing so requires the balancing of compet-

ing needs, future planning, resource allocation and no small amount of gazing into the crystal ball.”

Before department heads pitched their budgets, Peabody noted a “healthy” Unassigned Fund Balance will allow the town to lower taxpayer burden. He will recommend using $600,000 to reduce taxes.

He noted that the proposed budget includes the following:

• $585,000 for paving and street reconstruction of Pond and Dugway Roads ($50,000 offset by Capital Projects Reserve).

• $60,000 for installation of a generator at the Bridgton Community Center, which functions as the town’s warming center when the need arises.

• $115,000 for Church Street sidewalk construction, plus a shared cost of $130,000 from CDBG funds (total estimated cost of the project is $244,150).

• $95,000 to complete Ham Complex Snack Shack (offset by $20,000 donation by the Chamber of Commerce, $54,938 from Moose Pond Land Trust, and $20,000 from Municipal Building Reserve). The

work list includes siding, interior wallboard, replacement of doors (current ones do not meet code) and purchase of equipment such as freezer, refrigerator, fryolator and exhaust vent). An upstairs space could be finished off as a large meeting room, which could be used for coaching/officials’ clinics.

Peabody noted that administrators will be developing a master plan for the complex, which is needed when seeking grant money. The town is looking to develop two pickleball courts, as well as tennis courts/basketball court along with walking trails.

• $25,000 for four AC/

Black Balloon Day ...heartbreaking reminder & hope

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

During the weeks building up to International Overdose Awareness Day, the local recovery center prepared for March 6 by making a banner with the names and photos of people whose lives were cut short by opioids.

Lakes Region Recovery Center (LRRC) Support Specialist Candy Greenberg had the tough task of putting together the banner.

“It’s hard, of course, to receive picture after picture in the email and to process each picture and information. I have to print each out and create a balloon for the person with their name. To have each picture in my hands and know this is someone’s loved one isn’t an easy task, nor should it be,” Greenberg said.

“We speak directly to the people when they submit their photos in person.

Some are very long and heartbreaking conversations,” she said. “Almost 100 lives were added to this year’s banner through pictures and teardrops,” she said.

Library finishes Phase 1 repairs

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

One cannot see the 18

inches of foam insulation or the replaced baffles between the ceiling and the roof.

However, the patrons of the Casco Public Library have been commenting that

they like the new lighting that was installed.

“Everybody thinks we got brand new lighting, but we didn’t,” according to Head Librarian Michelle

Brenner. “We already converted all our old fluorescent bulbs to LED lights during an Efficiency Maine rebate, and that was about five years ago. The fact that the ceiling is freshly painted makes the lighting pop out.

Everyone says, ‘Wow you got new lights.’ People did remark on the nice bright ceiling. That is the only thing you can see. Taking out older insulation and putting in new — you can’t see that.”

“It IS more energy efficient,” Brenner said. “We invite people to stop in and see how nice it looks, and how warm it feels.”

In late January, residents at Casco Special Town Meeting approved the use of $125,000 for the library upgrades that had been identified. That is approximately half of the cost for needed repairs. Grants covered a lot of the expenses, Brenner said, including the work which improved the energy efficiency of the library.

“One of the grants was specifically for insulation work. That was the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) Sustainable and Resilient New England Libraries Grant,” she said.

In 2022, an estimated 716 Mainers died from opioid overdose, according to a report distributed by Sen. Susan Collins’ office.

On Monday, as part of International Overdose Awareness Day, the center held an open house. LRRC’s objectives are: To keep the issue in the public eye, to decrease the stigma associated with addiction, and to offer help to people desiring it.

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a stark reminder of the harm that drugs inflict on our society. It is a day to remember

those who have fallen victims to overdose as well as those who have come out of the dark hole victorious with the help of loved ones,” according to LRRC Executive Director Tracey Martin.

“It’s a day to come out and stand in solidarity to reduce future overdose deaths,” she said.

“International Overdose Awareness Day also aims to reduce the stigma attached to the issue, most of which is faced by the families of the victims. Many who are not aware of the factors

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — In an effort to better communicate with citizens, the Casco Board of Selectmen has been considering a second digital sign to be installed along Route 302.

The existing digital sign stands between the Casco Central Fire Station and the Casco Town Office, which is off Meadow Road. However, not every Casco resident travels in that area regularly.

This discussion has been on-going for a few months. The board is still trying to make a decision on where along Route 302 such a sign would be

CASCO — Many of the improvements remain hidden to the eye.

Lucretia Stargell, Bridgton Hospital president

PUTTING NAMES and faces to the numbers of people who have died from an opioid overdose is what people are trying to accomplish through the Black Balloon Day banner. (Photo courtesy of Lakes Region Recovery Center)

BRIGHT SPOT — Librarian Michelle Brenner gestures toward the ceiling in the Fireplace Room of the Casco Public Library. Last month, contractors sprayed foam insulation in the space between the ceiling and the roof in three of the library’s oldest rooms. (De Busk Photo)

SKETCH SHOWS what the digital sign would look like in comparison to the height of an adult.

(Image courtesy of Neokraft Signs Inc.)

Casco LED sign

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there. The board members concluded that town-owned land or a public place would be preferable.

Neokraft Signs Inc is the company that provided the town with the existing LED sign and the software to manage the messages, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.

“We have had very good luck with the sign,” he said. “It would be one program, the same information would go to both signs.”

The cost would be approximately $39,240, Ward said. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used toward this purchase, he said.

“If you wanted it sooner, the select-board is authorized to spend ARPR funds. If you want to put it in the budget, it would be article on the warrant,” he said.

Ward pitched a couple potential locations to the board.

“This is what we are looking at for options. There are two options: on town-owned property and the other is Cove Communities property,” Ward said.

He added that if the board decided to put it on Cove Communities’ land, there would be consideration with following that entity’s standards and rules for signs.

Selectman Grant Plummer asked about feasibility of erecting the sign near the US Post Office in South Casco.

“I am thinking of somewhere that people would see it,” Plummer said. “I am of the opinion it should be on townowned property or a public place like that.”

Ward pointed out that the cost would be more on the townowned lot because it lacked an electrical hookup.

Chairman Robert MacDonald spoke

“I agree with Grant. Town-owned or public property is better than privately owned. It avoids any being conflict of interest,” he said.

Chairman MacDonald asked Ward to check with the post office to find out who the landlord is.

Ward said whether it is government property or leased to the postal service by someone else, the town would seek a long-term contract in case the land changes hands.

“I think post office is excellent location in Casco,” Plummer said. A few weeks ago, when the topic was brought up, one resident spoke out against the investment.

Casco citizen Sam Brown, who was in the audience, stepped to the microphone.

“I wanted to share my reflections with the board as you consider this. It seems the spirit of this is really well-founded. It’s about getting voter information out, about what’s going on in the town, and making it easier for more people to have access to what we do,” he said.

“You do make an effort. You make a big effort. At some point, it is the responsibility of the community member to listen, check out the website, come to a meeting, talk to their neighbors,” he said.

“The sign that we have is very visible. Before we make an investment in another light sign, which further eliminates dark skies that we are lucky to have [to see] the moon and the stars around here, take a moment and think about it,” Brown said. “Reflect on all good work you are doing to get word out.”

“I hope we aren’t being reactive. Is putting up another really bright, expensive light that is expensive to maintain the best idea,” he asked. “And, do we need it?”

Library finishes Phase 1 repairs

(Continued from Page 1A)

The construction on the three oldest rooms took place from Feb. 6 through Feb. 23. Those rooms are: the Fireplace Room that was established in 1952, the Far Room that was added in 1957 and the Adult Fiction room, which became part of the library in 1962.

“The three oldest rooms have been done. For one week the library was closed. There were three total weeks construction, and then we were able to start moving things back,” she said. “We were closed for just one week. There were two more weeks that these three rooms were not accessible but we moved out the books to offer people choices.”

Brenner explained the logic behind being closed for one week.

“The construction would be messy, and the ceilings were open so it would be cold. It is typically the coldest week of the year, but we lucked out it, and it was cold the week before,” she

said. “We didn’t want to be closed for the entire construction project because the Children’s Room is available. It was not included in the construction area.”

Brenner explained why the upgrades had become necessary, if not dire.

“The library’s 6,000 square foot structure was built over the course of 50 years with six rooms being added at different times. From the outside, it looks like a typical mid twentieth century village building; and on the inside, it a welcoming comfortable light-filled space,” she said. “However, the incremental addition of the four oldest rooms has resulted in air infiltration pockets, non-contiguous and inadequate attic insulation, and moisture issues in the crawl spaces and other areas.”

Also these infrastructure upgrades will allow the library to continue to hold its free, relevant programs for the public and provide a safe gathering space to do these programs. Another

plus is the ability to be a daytime warming-cooling center for citizens when the temperatures are extreme.

The recent improvements have bettered the integrity of the buildings and have resulted in less heat loss, she said. That means the heat pumps are not operating only to send heat outdoors. (A Stephen and Tabitha King grant helped with the heat pump installation about five years ago, Brenner said.)

“It is nice to have the ball rolling, to have some visible improvements,” she said.

“We have identified projects to undertake in the next 12 to 18 months, starting in February,” she said.

“Next [on the repair list] is the vestibule, the old entry way closest to Meadow Road. We are still trying to identify the source of a leak. Also, the fourth oldest room that we will be addressing at some point, we still need to have a revaluation done,” she said.

“When we finish the

building repairs, we eventually want the generator and the solar panels — those are the big, long-range goals after we get things squared up with the building,” she said.

The town money will help with the most pressing improvements, and that was greatly appreciated, Brenner said. But that is not the only source of funding to finish the projects, she said.

“The library has a multipronged plan to raise these needed funds. To do, we have commitment totaling $45,500. We have also identified five other grant opportunities that we will be pursuing in 2023,” she said.

She compared the library to an old house: it needs to be maintained to have longevity.

“People really do like the ambiance of the place. It feels like a house. We are trying to make sure we can maintain the building because people really do enjoy the ambiance and the feel of it,” she said.

Black Balloon Day at LRRC

(Continued from Page 1A)

behind overdose unfairly blame victims. Such an attitude only works to flair the negativities surrounding the topic, suppressing any efforts to raise awareness,” she said.

There is no one stereotype of an addict.

“This disease does not discriminate. There are so many people suffering and we are here to offer hope. Whether you or someone you know is struggling, we are here to be that support and lifeline to you,” Martin said. “This is a no-judgement zone.”

Greenberg also expressed hope through awareness and recovery.

“ We ’re here. We’re available. We have tools to help: Support through peer group involvement, information about where to find clinical help in the way of therapy and Medication

Assisted Treatment and access to Narcan through trainings and distribution,” Greenberg said.

This is the fourth year, since the center opened in September 2018, that International Overdose Day has been observed. It takes about two weeks every February to create and update the banner in time for it to be displayed by the beginning of March.

“There are 28 photos on our banner. There are also 716 tear drops which represent every life lost in 2022,” Martin said.

“We invite people to come see it. We will keep the banner up the entire month of March and then we will send it to Crooked River Counseling for a period of time,” Martin said.

“If you want to hang it in your community or add to it, please call us at 207803-8707,” she said.

Loon Echo events

Winter is back and Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) is offering a number of events to help you get outside and enjoy the snow and meet fellow community members this month. All events are free, and snowshoes are available to borrow free-ofcharge for all events.

Registration is requested at lelt.org/events or by e-mailing maggie@lelt.org. Events will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. Please check the LELT

Facebook page or lelt.org for final notice.

Pondicherry Park

Community Walk Monday, March 13, 12:15 p.m. Join LELT staff for a casual walk in the park. No agenda, just a chance

EVENTS, Page 3A

Greenberg commented how people have reacted to the banner.

“People who visit the center to see the banner specifically have told us how glad they are to see their loved ones are not forgotten. People who happen

to see the banner who don’t know about it are usually taken aback and sometimes uncomfortable, but that’s the point. We SHOULD be uncomfortable with the growing numbers each year of lives lost to the opioid crisis,” she said.

GLLT seeks interns

Greater Lovell Land Trust is seeking high school/college-aged people interested in conservation to fill two paid summer intern positions from mid-June to mid-August. Duties include trail maintenance, property monitoring, helping with

1T51

1T9

HOURS OPEN TUES-SAT 10-3 CLOSED SUN & MON DONATIONS WED ONLY 8-3 935-4358 ext. #21

educational programs. The position is designed as an immersive experience in land conservation work. Visit www.gllt.org for more information and to apply. Applications due Monday, March 13.

Asher

Tiko…

Tiko is a ~4 y/o male who was returned to us because his owner was having a hard time managing his diabetes. This handsome guy is so charismatic and curious! He loves attention and to explore. Tiko is good with other cats and children. He is good with dogs as long as it’s not on his “turf.” Tiko is diabetic is going to require insulin injections twice daily. Visit our website at harvesthills.org to see other dogs and cats waiting for a new home!

This sweet boy is friendly yet independent, loves being outside, getting belly rubs, and is going to make a wonderful adventure partner! Asher can be stubborn, a tad demanding, and will vocalize his opinion shamelessly. This interesting boy is best suited with older children, and though has lived with another dog, may be a challenge coexisting in a home. Asher would thrive with an assertive owner who has husky experience. He has so much potential! Visit our website at harvesthills.org to see other dogs and cats waiting for a new home!

Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-24 school year in the MSAD #61 School District

NOW is the time to apply for Pre-K and register your child for Kindergarten. If he/she will be entering Kindergarten and will be five years old on or before October 15, 2023 or Pre-K, four years old on or before October 15, 2023.

Pre-K & Kindergarten Enrollment Form: Please go to our district website at www.lakeregionschools.org → District Information → Parents → Useful Forms → Enrollment Form, and complete and return your registration form to the appropriate elementary school by March 27, 2023. Once you have returned the form to the appropriate school where your child will be attending, please contact the school to schedule an appointment for screening, which is required by state law. School contact information is below.

April 10 & 11, 2023 Kindergarten

April 12 & 13, 2023 Pre-K

Songo Locks School for Casco and Naples Residents — 25 Songo School Road, Naples, ME 04055. Please call Mrs. Griffin at 693-6828 or e-mail at elaine.griffin@lakeregionschools.org with any questions.

April 3 & 4, 2023 Pre-K

April 5 & 6, 2023 Kindergarten

Stevens Brook Elementary School for Bridgton Residents — 14 Frances Bell Dr. Bridgton, ME 04009 Call Mrs. Lesure at 647-5675 or e-mail at marybeth.lesure@lakeregionschools.org with any questions.

Route 302 by the Bridgton/ Fryeburg Town Line 207-935-4358

Building Bridgton’s budget

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heat units for the Town Hall.

The capital expenditures total $880,000 with a net tax impact of $605,062.

Peabody pointed out that estimated revenue at $4,610,521, which is a $48,056 decrease from last year. Proposed appropriations are estimated at $10,759,680, which is a 12% increase ($1,170,318) over last year. The amount raised by taxes is $6,149,159 for a 25% hike ($1,218,347).

The current tax rate is $15.20 per thousand valuation. Peabody estimated that the proposed town budget, along with a “flat” valuation figure and an expected hike in the school tax, Bridgton could be looking at a tax rate between $16 to $16.70 per thousand, meaning a property of $100,000 would see a tax hike between $80 to $150.

With that financial picture before them, the Select Board spent two days pouring over department budgets and heard pitches by administrators regarding wages, new positions and new equipment. There were many valid requests, but board members ultimately fell on the side of was the

request a need or a want, that could be pushed to a future budget.

Here’s a snapshot of key departmental budget requests:

Cost of Living Adjustment — Peabody recommended 8.7% for non-union full-time and regular part-time employees. Union employees (Public Works and Police Department) wage adjustments are as approved in their respective collective bargaining agreements.

A year ago, the Select Board sided with several position salary hikes as job market adjustments.

The Select Board supported a 4% cost of living adjustment.

Recreation — This line generated the longest discussion of the Day 1 session. Rec Director Gary Colello proposed the addition of a second programmer position, citing the growth and needs of the pre/ post school childcare and enrichment program.

Select Board member Paul Tworog raised the philosophical question of how much is too much regarding rec services and the costs associated with

Pedestrian struck, killed

NAPLES — A Raymond man died Sunday night when he was struck by a vehicle on Harrison Road in Naples.

Donald Wallace, 48, was struck in the area of Rose Way, and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Naples Fire/ Rescue personnel and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 6:22 p.m. to the car/pedestrian crash.

A 2015 Chrysler 200S, operated by Paul Williams, 48, of Naples sustained “significant front-end damage,” according to CCSO. Williams and his two passengers were uninjured. The crash is under investigation. CCSO investigators are being assisted by reconstructionists from the Windham Police Department.

adding more programming?

Is the growth of the department and increasing budget more than what taxpayers can afford, he questioned.

The proposed rec budget is $749,230. Offsetting revenues (fees and funds from Salmon Point) reduces the line to $516,180. Additional salary costs push the figure to $589,905.

“There is a substantial dollar increase in this department,” Tworog said.

“The goal of the Select Board is to balance programming and what taxpayers can pay.”

While the development of childcare programming (80 to 85 enrolled) was a blessing during the pandemic, Tworog noted that someone in the private sector looking to offer similar services might be hard pressed to compete with the rates offered by the Rec Department.

Collelo defended expansion of Rec programming by pointing out many services were developed to meet a need in the community, and such offerings attract young families to live in Bridgton. He added a vibrant Rec program is a key component to economic development, and keeping kids “busy” is an effective tool to prevent delinquent behavior.

On the financial side, Collelo pointed out that user fees help fund many children programs, while money lost by giving out scholarships in the past can be recouped through state reimbursements. He also noted that Rec is a sevenday per week department, and as participation grows, the need for oversight in the form of more staff is required.

Peabody asked Tworog what programs he wants to cut?

Tworog suggested cut-

ting the second programmer position, and take a more cautious approach when considering future program additions. He said it should be a question of priorities and ultimately where is Rec headed?

Collelo had requested that the Deputy Director’s pay be moved from hourly to salary, but if the Select Board decided to stay with just one programmer, he would pull that idea since the DD would likely need to continue to work overtime, and should be compensated.

Collelo tries to use one staff member for eight children grades K-2, and 1 staffer to 12 at the teen level. The Select Board voted 4-1 (Tworog against) for the proposed budget, with the change of a 4% COLA.

Public Works — Public Services Director David Madsen gave a quick rundown of some upcoming work:

The “decorative” crosswalks on Main Street will again be repaired, but this time using a roll-on epoxy, which should last longer. Town workers will observe the application process this year, and will take on future reapplications, thus reducing overall costs. Those crosswalks “take a beating” from plowing.

“People love the way it looks, it’s attractive,” Madsen said. “Drivers also notice them right off.”

Madsen added that all other crosswalk lines will be painted white. “Due to construction, we weren’t able to do some painting last year, but it will be all done this year,” he added.

While the town is close to 95% complete with wastewater work along Portland Road, Madsen offered up that Maine DOT is not expecting to complete

Bridgton Police Department

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

Monday, February 27

3:25 p.m. Responding to a call about a vehicle traveling erratically on Harrison Road, officers stopped a motorist and charged the driver with operating while under the influence.

6:09 p.m. A vehicle and deer collided at the intersection of North High Street and Noncarrow Way. The vehicle sustained no damage.

6:42 p.m. Citizen dispute on Chadbourne Hill Road.

7:02 p.m. Court paperwork served on Chadbourne Hill Road.

9:33 p.m. Unattended death on Buswell Road.

Tuesday, February 28

9:53 a.m. Dispute between a landlord and tenant on North Bridgton Road.

5:29 p.m. Assist fire department at structure fire on David’s Way.

7:56 p.m. Dispute between neighbors at Holden Hills.

9:06 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Harrison Road.

9:25 p.m. A motorist on Harrison Road was charged with operating an unregis-

tered motor vehicle.

Wednesday, March 1

5:39 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Willett Road.

11:24 a.m. Court paperwork served on South High Street.

2:39 p.m. Request received to serve a trespass notice to recently evicted tenant on North Bridgton Road.

Thursday, March 2

1:34 a.m. Mental health event at Stonehedge Drive.

12:49 p.m. A parked vehicle was struck by another car on Main Street. The parked vehicle sustained “minor” damage.

3 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Portland Road; vehicle towed.

9:54 p.m. Citizen assist at Bells Point Road.

Friday, March 3

1:14 a.m. Suspicious situation on Main Street.

7:22 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of North High Street and Punkin Valley Drive.

7:25 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Portland Road and Sandy Creek Road.

8:35 a.m. Police issued a Knights Hill Road man summonses for leaving the scene of a crash and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

3:08 p.m. Disorderly conduct complaint at Sawyer Circle.

3:59 p.m. Attempt to locate vehicle reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed on South High Street.

7:38 p.m. Road rage incident on Portland Road.

8:45 p.m. Suspicious situation at Frances Bell Drive.

Saturday, March 4

12:40 a.m. Unsecured premise on Mountain Road.

6:02 a.m. Parking problem (vehicle obstructing snow plowing) on Green Street. Vehicle owner located, vehicle moved.

12:22 p.m. Parking problem on Hawk Road.

2:59 p.m. Disorderly conduct complaint on Cottage Street.

10:43 p.m. Open door found at Main Street business.

11:47 p.m. Citizen assist regarding ongoing issues between family members on Kansas Road.

Sunday, March 5

3:30 p.m. Citizen assist on Chadbourne Hill Road regarding protection from abuse order and an upcoming court hearing.

9:48 p.m. A car and deer collided on Harrison Road; vehicle sustained minor damage.

10:32 p.m. Dispute between workers at Lumberyard Drive.

work along that stretch until 2025. The town is committed to installing lights on Willett Road to address safety concerns voiced by citizens, who walk along that stretch.

Pole location has been determined, now the wait is on Central Maine Power.

Code Enforcement Code Officer Brenda Day will have a new tool available to check possible shoreline violations. The town will contract with FireFly Media to provide visual footage of shoreline properties taken by a drone.

Baseline footage will be shot, and if Day receives complaints of possible illegal work done at lakefront properties, the drone will be sent out to get updated photography.

Day also pitched a pay hike. Not receiving a market adjustment last year, Day did receive a 6% COLA

increase. She had instead put in a request for a department vehicle, but it was cut. Day considered proposing the addition of another staff member (some area towns have two code officers), but she “didn’t want to do it right now.” Instead, Day proposed a $1.43 per hour increase (she currently is paid $30.36). Select Board member Paul Tworog pointed out that the pay hike request had not been included in the department’s proposed budget before them. While Board Chair Carmen Lone praised Day’s work and commitment, she was not ready to do market adjustments this year. Select Board members Bob McHatton, Carrye Castleman-Ross and Ken Murphy supported the budget requests.

Editor’s Note: Next week, a look at the Police and Fire Department requests.

Loon Echo events

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to meet fellow community members and be active outside. The group will decide together on the route, and all experience levels are welcome. Meet at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge entrance to the park. No registration required.

Mayberry Hill Preserve Walk, Friday, March 17, 10 a.m., Mayberry Hill Preserve, Casco. Now that we have ample winter parking at Mayberry Hill, we invite you to join us for a walk in the woods! The hike will be about 1.5 miles round trip on gentle sloping terrain.

Spring Equinox Hike, Monday, March 20, 4:45 p.m., Bald Pate Mountain,

Bridgton. Join us for a hike up Bald Pate Mountain to bring in spring! The equinox is set for 5:24 p.m., so we’ll plan to make it to the summit in time. Feel free to bring a favorite spring quote or poem to share. Please also bring a flashlight or headlamp.

Invasive Pest Training, Friday, March 24, 10 a.m., Tiger Hill Community Forest, Sebago. Join LELT Stewardship Manager Jon Evans for a walk at Tiger Hill Community Forest to search for signs of invasive pests. We’ll be hosting these walks monthly to bolster our ability to monitor for invasive pests like Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.

LEA benefit concert

Warm up at LEA’s Spring Chill Chaser Concert on Thursday, March 23 and dance your winter blues away to the sounds of Hobson’s Choice. The band’s sound has been described as an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, country, and rock and roll. Bring your dancing shoes!

The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at The Hayloft at Dragonfly Barn, 95 Sanborns Grove Road, Bridgton. All proceeds will benefit Lakes Environmental Association, helping to keep local waters clean and healthy for all to enjoy. For mor inforamtion, go to mainelakes.org

IN TRAINING — Expected to join the Bridgton Police Department in the near future is K-9 Gibbs, pictured here with handler Officer Michael Chaine.

School & sports news

FA Robotics to World finals

FRYEBURG — Fryeburg Academy’s robotics team named 20005B “Free Cheese” earned a coveted spot at the VEX World Championships, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, on April 25-27.

The team finished the qualification matches at States undefeated and in first place, earning them the number one seed in the final bracket out of 48 teams. The state winning team includes Yeo Bondar ’23 (Ukraine), Chiara Saronni ’23 (Italy) and Chloe Sartory ’23 (Fryeburg).

“We took first place in the Skills Competition, which combines driver skills and autonomous programming skills,” says David Sartory, FA’s technology instructor and robotics coach. “Our first-place position in the tournament also was the highest season score in all Maine rankings, ultimately earning the team’s space at Worlds.”

The inception of FA’s robotics club was formed during the 2017-18 academic year and primarily student-led by the Academy’s first Ukraine Global Scholar (UGS), Tonia Zakorchemna ’19. Six years later, another UGS student, senior and team captain Yeo Bondar, took the team to Worlds for the first time this year.

“We began in an unused dorm room with two students and have grown to include around eight competition team members and another six club members each year,” continues Sartory. “Since that year, we’ve expanded multiple times and now have a beautiful full-time lab adjacent to the computer lab. The students built it, and it reflects them in every way. It’s truly their space, and they have earned the school’s trust by handling the gear and the space well.”

When asked what skill set the team employed to

yield such a successful outcome, Sartory said the team is well known for being a great alliance partner.

“The entire VRC program relies on effective use of mostly random partnerships, and our 20005B is helpful, cooperative, and fun to work with,” Sartory said. “Their well-deserved Sportsmanship Award, chosen by a team of judges who spend the day watch-

NE Track Finals

Fryeburg Academy

senior Jacob Adams saved his best jumping for the biggest spotlight.

Adams’ final jump at the New England Indoor Track & Field Championships held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston on Saturday measured 22-feet 3-inches to land him third place in the long jump.

Raider Coach Trevor Hope reported that Adams first jump was 21-8 followed by 21-11. Breaking the 22-foot mark was a “huge milestone,” Coach Hope noted, “The first time anyone from Fryeburg

Lake Region junior Campbell Johnson made the snowy trip to Boston Saturday to compete in the 35th New England Indoor Track and Field Championships held at the Reggie Lewis Center. Campbell cleared 5-feet 1-inch on her second attempt, then made three good attempts at 5-foot-3, but missed them.

“Making 5-foot-3 would have broken her school record and possibly placed in the meet, but it was not to be,” Lake Region Coach Mark Snow said. “Campbell ends her indoor season as our top point scorer, the conference long jump champi-

FA senior Jacob Adams

Academy has jumped so far.”

Senior Salter Arms of Moses Brown School won the event at 23-3, followed by junior Billy Albertson of Skowhegan at 22-7.50.

LR junior Campbell Johnson

on, our high jump school record holder, and our lone representative at New Englands. Congratulations, Campbell!”

Campbell placed 21st overall. Audrey Kirkutis, a senior at Conrad High School, won the event at 5-feet-7.

ing the tournament and interactions between teams, is further proof. In addition, this team really took the challenge seriously and, partway through the season, realized that they could be more effective by ignoring one of the larger aspects of the game (shooting discs) and focusing more on fast and accurate movement and a powerful endgame, allowing a partner more time to focus on discs. This strategy paid off repeatedly.”

As for the team’s goals for the future, their imme-

diate goals are to prepare for the upcoming VEX World’s Championship in April and recruit more students to join the club.

“The team is planning a complete rebuild, focusing on improving anything that broke, failed, bent, or otherwise surprised them during the regular season,” Sartory added. “I feel we have reached a great spot in our growth, but I’d love to see more of the teams reach three to four more students each, which is when dividing the work gets truly interesting. We’re attempting to reach out to more students who

don’t realize their skills are needed and valuable on a robotics team. Everyone assumes you need to want to build robots, and obviously, that’s a part of it, but the reality is so much more interesting. We need artists, designers, planners, people who love organizing, athletes who understand competition and strategy, coders, scouts, and researchers. I’m hoping we can use some of this momentum to get more kids involved in the less-obvious parts of the program.”

Other teams and members include:

FA ROBOTICS, Page 6A

The Outliers, top robo team

SALEM, N.H. — Several Lake Region youth who attend Baxter Academy in Portland participated in a very successful weekend of competition robotics as part of The Outliers (5687) First Robotics Competition team.

The group joined 39 teams from around New England on Thursday and Friday, March 2-3, 2023, at the Granite State District FIRST® Robotics Competition Event in Salem, N.H.

In the competition finals, The Outliers were invited to be part of what became the event’s winning alliance, taking home not only First Place in the competition, but also an award for the autonomous engineering on their robot. Other teams on the winning alliance included Windham Windup (3467) from Windham High School, and the Androscoggin Argonauts (8023) from the Lewiston Regional Technical Center.

Members of The Outliers from the Lake Region include Colin Murphy, Colton Nelson and Garrett Sawyer of Bridgton, Caleb Cole of Casco, and Baxter Engelman and Isabella Messer of Raymond.

FIRST® Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams of high school students are challenged to build industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game in alliance with other

OUTLIERS, Page 6A

THE BRIDGTON NEWS

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Production Manager

ROBOTICS1 Team captain Yeo Bondar ’23 and Chloe Sartory ’23 hold their first-place banner and Robotics Skills Award.

FA’s Robot 20005B “Free Cheese” (on left) during the State competition.

Remote days cover canceled days; they show their LR pride

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

For now, SAD 67 students and staff will not need to spend an extra hour at school to make up for lost time due to cancellations caused by bad weather.

Superintendent of Schools Al Smith informed the School Board Monday night that the district will gain credit for remote days used. Last week’s snowstorm forced the switch from inperson to remote.

“It’s not off the board,” said Smith regarding the possibility of extending some days by an hour as a makeup option. “At this point, if we use remote days we won’t have to do it.”

One issue SAD 61 will need to tackle is if a remote day is expected, the district is required to provide lunch.

So, parents interested in receiving lunch for the kids are being asked to fill out a form for Food Service, and lunches will be sent home the day before the expected in-person education school day. Smith plans to send out a memo to parents explaining the situation and process, and encouraged a call to the Central Office if clarification is needed.

Despite the news, March 17 will remain a regular education day. Originally, this date was scheduled to be a teacher workshop.

At this time, the last day of school is Thursday, June 15.

In other School Board

school system reaches the 50% level of students receiving free or reduced lunch, it qualifies for LD577 — an act to increase access to nutritious foods in schools.

Andy Madura, director of Transportation, Facilities and Food Service, explained during a public hearing that Crooked River Elementary had reached that mark, thus making SAD 61 eligible for the program.

There is a catch. While the program would make dinner available to those under the age of 18 as well as those disabled in the community, SAD 61 would be required to offer an enrichment program. Madura said a food service worker would be needed, and transportation “could be a big issue.”

Later in the regular meeting, directors voted unanimously to “opt out” of this program.

Laker Pride Awards

For the first time since COVID-19 raised its ugly head, SAD 61 principals and School Board were able to publicly applaud the efforts of students and staff selected to receive Laker Pride awards.

Since the pandemic, awards were given to students and staff at their respective schools, but on Monday night, parents saw their youngsters presented certificates and t-shirts by principals and SAD 61 Superintendent Al Smith during the School Board meeting held in the Great Room at Lake Region Vocational Center.

Laker Pride Awards are presented to students based on the following characteristics: positive role model, reliable, trustworthy, respectful, conscientious, consistently helpful to staff and fellow students and selfless. Staff members are honored for promoting, creating and enhancing a positive school community.

Honorees included:

Crooked River Elementary School: Jaxson Brill, Grade 3, nominated by Anne McNair, “Jaxson is kind to others, helps others, greets everyone with a smile, shows perseverance in all he does, has a positive attitude and shows responsibility following his daily schedule.”

Mathew McDonald

Grade 4, nominated by Kimberly Bright, “Matthew has worked really hard to become and engaged and responsible student. He has focused on making wise choices and is building positive relationships with peers and staff.”

Jackson Doyle, Grade 5, nominated by Betsy Mayo, “Jackson is a top student who continually challenges himself to be better. He is curious, energetic, helpful in class, and good to his classmates. He is always trying to help others and teachers and staff. He is a great kid!”

Kate Thibault, Grade 4 teacher, nominated by Elizabeth Shane and Steve Gagne, “Kate creates genuine relationships with her students; she is focused on helping students learn

March 9, 2023 The Bridgton News, Page 5A

and grow. She sets growth goals for herself and her students. Kate works well with her grade-level peers to support all students. She is dependable and approachable.”

Songo Locks

Elementary: Lorelai Brown, Pre-K, nominated by Mrs. Zeba and Mrs. Gieser, “She is always kind and a great friend. She goes out of her way to include friends in activities and centers. She is a role model in our classroom community.”

Cooper Kilmartin, Kindergarten, nominated by Miss Alyssa, “Cooper is always working hard and helping out friends! He always has a positive attitude!

Alexas Rizza, Grade 1, nominated by Mrs. McKenney, “Alexas shows kindness discreetly. Recently, a peer was upset because Alexas picked a book that he wanted. He was pretty upset about it. Alexas quietly went to her mailbox, got the book, and handed it to him with a smile. This sort of thoughtfulness and kindness makes for an awesome LAKER.

Alexas is silly and fun, but focuses on her work, always giving the teacher 100% of her attention. She’s a friend to everyone in our class. I’m proud to have her in our classroom!”

Jayden Merrifield , Grade 2, nominated by Miss Makela, “Jayden is always a trustworthy, reliable and helpful friend. He models excellent behavior for oth-

ers. He can be trusted to be a helper to others and is focused on being a rockstar student!”

Tim Bell, Staff, nominated by SLS Staff, “Tim is always supporting our students in a positive way. He is there to clean up any mess and/or provide support when an issue arises.”

Stevens Brook

Elementary:

Masie Arsenault, Pre-K, nominated by Mrs. Janelle Foster, “Maisie is a shining star in Pre-K! She is a curious, kind, and bright young girl who is a joy to have as a student and friend. I am confident she will do amazing things in the years to come! Way to go Maisie!”

Atticus Edwards , Kindergarten, nominated by Mrs. Melissa Warren, “Atticus is a hard-working and enthusiastic learner who always does his best. He is a kind friend to others and never hesitates to lend a helping hand when needed.”

Deanna Ezekial, Grade 1, nominated by Mrs. LeeAnn Van-Atta, “Deanna is a first-grade student that is always doing her best work with both her peers and adults throughout the school day. Keep up the great work!”

Zoe Meisner, Grade 2, nominated by Mrs. Deb Roy, “Zoe is a dedicated student who works hard every day.

Not only is she dedicated to her learning but she is a role model in our class and school community. Zoe is kind, trustworthy, and compassionate to others. She spreads joy wherever she goes.” Briggs O’Connell, Grade 3, nominated by Mrs. Karen Lepage, “Briggs is a great role model for other students in the building. He is a conscientious worker, a helpful classmate and respectful to everyone. We are lucky to have Briggs in our class.”

Mia Allen, Grade 4, nominated by Mrs. Fox, “Mia is a wonderful role model. She is a hard worker with a positive attitude whose always kind and considerate. She’s always looking for ways to help out her classmates and teachers.”

Emmalyn Miller, Grade 5, nominated by Mrs. Laura Varney, “Emma is an allaround fantastic student. Helpful, honest, hard-working, she is such a pleasure.”

Tracy Mushrow, Staff, nominated by Mrs. Riley Boutilier, “This school year has been full of change. Tracy has every change with a positive attitude. She always knows that when they go to her, she will respond with a positive attitude and simply say ‘we will make it work.’ Her trust in her team and eagerness to make everything work with a smile

STEVENS BROOK ELEMENTARY Laker Pride award honorees (left to right) Victoria Haines, Maisie Arsenault, Briggs O’Connell, Deanna Ezekiel , Emmalyn Miller and Tracy Mushrow. (Rivet Photos)

SONGO LOCKS ELEMENTARY Laker Pride honorees (left to right) Lorelai Brown, Cooper Kilmartin and Jayden Merrifield.

CROOKED RIVER ELEMENTARY Laker Pride honorees (left to right) Matthew McDonald, Jaxson Brill and Jackson Doyle.

LAKE REGION HIGH SCHOOL Laker Pride honorees (left to right) Titus Benton, Joe Dorner and Rianna Reynolds.

LAKE REGION MIDDLE SCHOOL Laker Pride honorees (left to right) Rachel Hubka, Hadley Spekke, Stephen Anderson, Melissa Almeida and Gabriel Francis. Full list of honorees in story below.

SAD 61 School Board notes

(Continued from Page 5A)

on her face has encouraged the team every day.”

Victoria Haines, Staff, nominated by Ms. Heather Stewart, “Victoria goes above and beyond to advocate and provide strategies for students who need them. She listens to all and offers excellent advice.”

Lake Region Middle School:

Hadley Spekke, Grade 6, nominated by Team Cadillac.

Melissa Almeida, Grade 6, nominated by Team Kibby. Stephen Anderson , Grade 7, nominated by Team Tumbledown.

Daisy Murphy, Grade 7, nominated by Team Acadia.

Gabriel Francis, Grade 8, nominated by Team Sugarloaf.

Brooke Randall, Grade 8, nominated by Team Kineo. Rachel Hubka, Staff, nominated by Team Cadillac. Brigitte Morse, Staff, nominated by Team Tumbledown.

Lake Region High School:

Giavanna Reilly, Grade 9, nominated by Mrs. Toohey.

Titus Benton, Grade 10, nominated by Mr. Custeau. Taylor Wright, Grade 10, nominated by Mr. Smith. Rianna Reynolds, Grade 11, nominated by Ms. Shorty.

Peyton Klein, Grade 12, nominated by Ms. Theriault.

Joe Dorner, Staff, nominated by Mrs. Snow.

Lake Region Vocational Center: Walter Ridlon, Staff, nominated by LRVC staff.

Transportation/

Facilities/Maintenance: Jason Brooker, Staff, nominated by Transportation, Facilities, Food Service staff.

Personnel — Directors approved Alice Cash as a long-term substitute at Lake Region High School. Cash holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, both from the University of Southern Maine. There were four applicants, one was interviewed.

Facility vote

Voters on Tuesday gave SAD 61 approval to construct a new storage building on the high school campus, near the district bus garage.

Funding was approved in May 2022 at $700,000 for the 60-by-100 facility. Here’s how the vote went:

Rick Lange has retired as Network Manager.

Donations — The following donations were officially accepted: art paper, watercolor paint, crayons, craft packs and highlighters (approximate value of $1,000) from Crayola to Crooked River Elementary; fasteners ($150) from Paris Farmers’ Union to the Lake Region Vocational Center Construction Program.

Principals’ reports — Stevens Brook Elementary School Principal Courtney Smith reported:

students spend an hour each week at SLS over a 10-week period. Two weeks ago, the SJC students toured the school. SJC students are also at Crooked River Elementary.

Crooked River Elementary Steve Gagne reported:

• Middle School reading buddies are working with

third graders.

• A Family Night is set for March 14.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences March 21 and March 23. Next meeting is set for Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Great Room at Lake Region Vocational Center.

In-person computer classes at library

Lake Region and Fryeburg Area Adult Education, in coordination with the National Digital Equity Center and the Fryeburg Public Library, is offering a series of computer classes. While these beginner classes are for any age, they are ideal for those who might be intimidated by technology.

E-mail Basics, is a two-part class and will offer students hands-on participation on the basics of navigating and composing e-mails. The E-mail Basics class is on Monday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

In Learning About Devices, students will learn about the wide variety of devices from the servers that receive, store and transmit our data, all the way to tablets, smartphones and wearable devices. The Learning About Devices class is on Monday, April 3 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Both of these classes are being held at the Fryeburg Public Library at 515 Main Street, Fryeburg. Please call 207-627-4291 or e-mail adulted@lakeregionschools.org for more information or to register for these classes.

The Outliers (team 5687) robot, places a game piece into position alongside fellow alliance member Windham Windup (Team 3467) under the watchful eye of their drive teams during the finals of the Granite State District FIRST® Robotics Competition Event in Salem, NH on March 3, 2023. (Photos by Kevin Murphy)

FA Robotics

(Continued from Page 4A)

• 20005A “Nuts and Also Bolts,” Seth Riddensdale ’23 (Fryeburg), Charlie Andersen ’23 (Lovell), Noah O’Connell ’23 (Brownfield), Rachel Pizzo ’24 (Fryeburg) and Michael Trumbull ’23 (Fryeburg).

• 20005C, Albin Darby ’25 (Brownfield) and Carter Franks ’25 (Brownfield).

YOUR

Members of The Outliers celebrate their victory at the Granite State District FIRST® Robotics Competition Event in Salem, NH on Friday, March 3, 2023.

Outliers take 1st

(Continued from Page 4A)

teams, while they also fund raise to meet their goals, create a team identity, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.

Local businesses Hancock Lumber and Messer Truck Equipment both provide sponsorship for the team in addition to Baxter Academy and Waynflete School in Portland.

The Outliers will compete in two more New England competitions, and hope to compete at the World Championships in Houston in late April.

• As part of a spirit week (Feb. 13-17), an emphasis on placed on kindness and ways to show it.

• Report cards are sent out digitally, but paper copies can be had upon request. ParentTeacher Conferences will be held March 21 and March 23 either in-person, virtually or by telephone.

Songo Locks Elementary Principal Bridget DelPrete reported:

• The school has launched a recognition program entitled Principal Stars.

• The first Parent Involvement Night will be Thursday, March 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. which will include a pizza dinner along with Camp Learn-a-Lot (a variety of hands-on activities).

• Students used several means (buttons and macaroni) to recognize the school’s 100th Day, while some also dressed as 100-year-olds.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences are March 21 and March 23.

• Four St. Joseph College sophomores are working with special ed staff to gain field experience. The college

There will be two more classes in this series offered later this spring; Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program and Identifying Frauds and Scams. Check out the Adult Ed website for more information. (lakeregionfryeburg.maineadulted.org)

Lake Region and Fryeburg Area Adult Education’s mission is to provide our communities with relevant and accessible education and training opportunities. We serve the communities in SAD 72 and SAD 61.

Opinion & Comment

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

Dietitian’s Corner

by Donna Dodge Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Consultant

Oh no, soy!

“We don’t eat soy, everyone knows it’s not good for you.”

This comment was made by my new traveling companion, John, as we sat in a train rumbling through the jungles of Peru nearly 30 years ago. We had met two days before and fell into step with one another after learning we shared a passion for visiting historical sites. John’s explorative nature, however, did not extend to his palette. Instead of shopping the markets for local Peruvian fare, he carried native foods and spices from his home in Korea, his backpack stretched to its limits with rice, dried fish and fermented vegetables. Being a dietitian, I was curious, and our conversation had turned to food.

“Wait!” I cried, following him off the train, “What’s wrong with soy, it’s good for you!”

Glancing back, John chuckled, “If it is, then why didn’t my parents eat it, or their parents, or their parents before them and so on?”

I didn’t have an answer. And in a rare moment, I was completely speechless.

I couldn’t wait to get back to civilization to dive into the research. I used soy myself, eating tofu stir-fry and ordering soy milk by the case; I encouraged my clients to use it, too. Surely my friend was mistaken, the benefits of soy hadn’t been extolled on him and his people yet. They just didn’t know.

The next five years, I kept an eye out for studies involving soy. I read countless articles — pro and con. During this time, I was employed at a company that produced protein bars and entrees rich in soy. As their dietitian, I had to write soy-friendly articles, something I found increasingly difficult as my research unfolded. In the end, I had to admit defeat, my friend was correct — soy is not a healthy food. Worse, it can be harmful.

The Chinese do not eat soybeans as they do other beans because soy contains phytic acid and trypsin inhibitors,

SOY, Page 1B

Winter Carnival Thanks

To The Editor: I would like to thank all the committee members and volunteers who participated in the Otisfield Winter Carnival. It was a great success!

We are fortunate to live in a town where multiple organizations come together for this community event. I would like to thank the Otisfield Volunteer Firefighters’ Association (OVFA) and volunteers for setting up and creating the games for the morning activities. There were some creative new games this year. A big thank you to the Social Outreach Committee, Spurr’s Corner Church, the Dyer family, and the multiple volunteers that cooked and baked all the amazing food for our lunch.

Having Andrew of the Silver Circus entertain the children and adults during lunch was very successful. There was much laughter and audience participation through his entire performance. Great job Andrew!

The East Otisfield Baptist Church provided make-andtake crafts along with cookie decorating at the town office.

Thank you to all who volunteered and baked for this activity. The children enjoyed sledding our little hill that was created this year. The cardboard sleds that were created were amazing! What an imagination of the children who created them.

A big thank you to the OVFA and volunteers for all the work in cooking and serving the Italian-theme dinner and the big cleanup of the community hall. All donations raised

Climbing the March Hill

Howdy neighbor! What a March it’s been already, with four snowstorms in one week! It’s enough to remind one of that old expression we used to hear at this time of year to describe the month of March, as we face that last ordeal of winter left to be gotten through.

Some of our readers may recall hearing it said, once upon a time, that as March opens we’re all “Climbing March Hill” together. Now, the wisdom of this odd metaphor can be seen if we take the month of March and graph out as if it were a hill; if we’re all willing to bear with it and accept this novel act of chronological cartography, we’d find its summit falls just about the 15th or so, halfway through the month. There’s some hard-climbing left to do in those first two weeks of March to reach the top of that hill, but after which, the descent is easy, all the way down to the end of the month.

So too, the first two weeks of March are known for their snowstorms, cold chills, and generally unpleasant weather, but the second half is almost always a warm slide down to the advent of Spring. It’s not a perfect metaphor, but it fits well enough to describe the usual bipolar character of March weather in Maine, in that same vein as the more famous March maxim, “In like a Lion, out like a Lamb.”

For this issue, I had hoped to dig up some old story on a particularly large or important snowstorm in the early weeks

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

of March, and while I did find several in the back archives of The News which could illustrate this point, I also found something else which feels important to share, if only for a good laugh. As The News observed on March 9, 1883; “Wiggin, the Canadian almanac maker, being asked a week ago if he still adhered to his predictions as the storm of March 9th to 11th, said: ‘I do, positively; it will be as great a storm as ever occurred upon earth or can possibly occur. I am positive that a tidal wave will occur in the Bay of Bengal, to the coast of Australia and the Gulf of Mexico.’ The date fixed for the catastrophe is the date upon which this issue of The News is published.”

So far as I can tell, nothing worse than a light snowfall happened here in Bridgton on that date, and nothing at all hap-

MARCH, Page 6B

Gardening books in hand…

have gone to the recreation area and the fuel assistance program of our great town. The Winter Carnival cost was paid for by money raised from the OVFA plant sales.

Finally, a huge thank you to all who participated in the variety of activities throughout the day. Your involvement and enthusiasm made the Otisfield Winter Carnival a huge success!

The Otisfield Winter Carnival Committee

Fix the failures

To The Editor: Many opportunities exist for this current administration and the Maine Legislature to work together collaboratively and move forward with meaningful, necessary bureaucratic system improvements and reforms. This includes needed reforms with increased and improved oversight of Maine’s welfare system, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Maine people, among other services. Such services provided by Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) need to be streamlined and improved for eligible recipients. Further, such benefits need to be made readily available to those in lower wage brackets, senior citizens and other eligible people. Welfare fraud issues must be addressed and fully resolved expeditiously. Welfare funds to recipients must be used for their intended purpose. It appears that there may be more recurring welfare fraud issues. This is totally unacceptable and is unconscionable, including to the taxpayers of Maine forced to pay taxes to fund agency programs.

Reforms and meaningful improvements are necessary for improving and overhauling

A couple weeks ago, before Mother Nature provided four snowstorms in seven days, a friend from Rhode Island came to visit me for a few days. The first thing she wanted to do was to go to Bridgton Books to inquire whether two books she wanted were available. She was very pleased that the books were in stock and she purchased them. She chuckled when she saw the three books that I had purchased because of the predictable genre. The titles I purchased were:

• Saving Nature One Yard at a Time by David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth. It was published in 2022. The book provides education about a few native species of birds, insects, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, and plants that can be found in each of six bioregions of the United States. The authors describe the species, where to find them, and what a person can do to support the species.

• Bicycling With Butterflies by Sara Dykman. It was published in 2021. The author documents her round-trip bicycling adventure of more than 10,000 miles along the migration path of the monarch butterflies. She did this with a bicycle packed with 70 pounds of supplies that included a tent, a sleeping bag, a laptop computer, camera supplies, shower supplies, rain gear, a fleece jacket, a towel, tools for bike repairs, one folding chair, two cooking pots, a stove, a water bottle, and food for one day. While her adventure included challenging circumstances, as well as

Maine Department of Labor’s programs, including its flawed and very imperfect unemployment system. The Legislature needs to really step it up with more thorough agency reviews and programmatic oversight and reviews. What have the various Legislative committees done to address and fix Maine bureaucracy, including with these departments? Let’s move forward in a meaningful way to seriously address, fix and cure agency program shortfalls and resolve constituent issues, in a non-partisan way. Improved agency performance expectations and improved standards are needed before the budget is passed, IMHO. Maine state government is supposed to serve the people of Maine in an effective and efficient manner, without excessive “red tape.”

Let’s move forward and get this done!

In addition, overhauling of DHHS’ Child Protective Services (CPS) Division remains a high priority. It is imperative that the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee do all it can to expedite its investigations and reviews with the DHHS, its CPS division and other agency divisions. Same is also applicable to

DoL’s bureaus and divisions, to improve and overhaul their respective program areas. It is imperative that more is done to improve services to job seekers and provide means toward better jobs.

In closing, let’s move forward to fix, improve and overhaul state government and all its bureaus, to serve Maine people better. Let’s get this done sensibly and as expeditiously as possible to avoid further problems. Let’s not have a continuation of further governmental misfeasance and bureaucratic “system failures!”

David Hall Cornish

Corrupts Absolutely

To The Editor:

“Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely.” (Lord Acton).

Given Socialism’s, the Biden’s, and the Democrat’s management of the country’s property (wealth), it is a wonder that people keep reelecting these rapacious politicos. History shows us that the more the people’s property is controlled by government, the more government abuses the

Down the Garden Path

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

times of joy, the information about monarch butterflies that she provides alerts readers about the fragile status of the monarch, and a wake-up call for what we need to do to ensure that the gifts that we are provided in nature continue to survive. While I will not replicate her bicycling adventure because of my desire to survive, I will do my part by including milkweed on my land as it is the only plant where female monarchs deposit their eggs.

• Maine Invasive Plants Field Guide. This guide was published by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry in 2019 and the lead authors were Nancy Olmstead and Mary Yurlina. It is waterproof and bound by two rings and provides great information about 20 herbs and grasses, 12 shrubs, six trees, and eight vines that are categorized as invasive. For each species,

BOOKS, Page 2B

people’s Creator-given unalienable rights to life, liberty and property. The political class’s ability to take the people’s property creates so much money and so much power in government that corruption is inevitable. The power over the people, in contravention of the Constitution, has America’s political class “corrupted absolutely.”

Progressive donors and businesses contribute to progressive campaigns; progressive politicians promote laws and regulations that favor progressive businesses and donors with subsidies for approved products or services using taxpayer money. Progressive media and social media platforms receive advertising from progressive political campaigns; progressive media promotes progressive political policies. Each entity corrupts the process, corrupts the other entities, and corrupts themselves.

Progressives go into government to perfect society. In order to achieve their perfect society, Progressives need the power to force people into uniformly equal outcomes regardless of effort. The outcome of these policies kills incentive among the people and concentrates power, wealth, and

corruption among the political class.

The corruption of power is precisely why our Founders, using Natural Law, declared that our unalienable rights come from the Creator and not from government. Our Constitutional government’s powers are few, limited, and enumerated in the Constitution, which cannot be modified or changed by the Executive, Congress, or the courts. The Constitution can only be changed by one of the two ways allowed in Article V of the U.S. Constitution and confirmed by 75% of the States.

The purpose of government stated in the Declaration of Independence “…to secure these Rights [of the people], Governments are instituted by men… deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed…” Jock MacGregor, Sebago

National Debt part 2

To The Editor: The National Debt now stands at $31.5 trillion. That seems like a pretty big num-

AFTER THE STORM, a view from Little Mountain Lane in West Bridgton, photographed by John Schoenfeld.

DIETITIAN DONNA DODGE and her traveling companion John in Peru.

Opinions

The faith to trust science

By Rev. Robert Plaisted Guest Columnist

In 1960, a group of wide-eyed high school juniors stared at a patch of white powder in a metal dish. I was one of them. Our teacher had just performed a classic chemistry experiment — mixing a pre-measured quantity of hydrochloric acid (very corrosive), with a pre-measured quantity of sodium hydroxide (very caustic), and then heating the mixture over a Bunsen burner. Now, he was inviting us to wet our fingertips, dip them into that white powder, and put some of it on our tongues. We had studied the chemical reaction, worked through the equation, and understood in theory what should happen. Touching our tongues, with either the acid or base, would cause severe chemical burns. But, when the two were mixed, hydrogen and oxygen recombined to form water, while sodium and chlorine recombined to form sodium chloride. Heating that mixture would evaporate the water, leaving white powder, which should be ordinary table salt. Now, we were being asked to test that hypothesis with our mouths.

The Bible teaches that “faith is being sure of what we hope

Letters

(Continued from Page 1B)

ber. Each citizen of the United States now owes $94,359 toward the National Debt. Each taxpayer in the United States now owes $246,867 toward the National Debt.

Americans opened 202 million new credit card accounts in the second quarter of 2022. New credit card debt just hit a new record of $986,000,000 according to the N.Y. Federal Reserve, and the interest rates now average 19.14%, and those rates are rising rapidly. The average credit card debt is nearly $5,500 per person. 18.3 million people are behind in their credit card pay-

ments because they can’t keep up with the cost of living.

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), public debt in fiscal year 2022 was $24 trillion and is projected to hit $46

for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). I’ve rarely heard traditional, orthodox Christians talk about how much faith is required to trust science. There we were — mainline Christians like me, some hard-core fundamentalists, and others who didn’t believe in either side. Were we sure of what we hoped for? Were we certain of a chemical reaction we couldn’t see? Putting that stuff in our mouths would be an act of faith — the faith to trust science. Most of us chose to taste the powder; a few refused. Guess what? It was salt!

It doesn’t matter whether it’s high school chemistry or world-class climatology; the problem remains the same. Do we have the faith to follow evidence where it leads, and trust conclusions drawn from it? If the evidence points to facts that contradict our cherished beliefs, do we have the faith to change our minds and abandon traditional dogma?

For example, this winter hasn’t quite become “the winter that wasn’t,” but it’s made a good start. Here in southern Maine, it’s been among the warmest on record. Aside from two short, snowy cold snaps, it predominantly has featured mild days, little natural snow, ice-free lakes and slim pickings for winter sports enthusiasts.

trillion in fiscal year 2023.

With the gap between expenses and tax revenue expected to grow, public debt will be about equal to the total output of the U.S. economy in 2024, per the New York Times.

Harrison Water District

The Harrison Water District will be having their annual election on March 20, 2023, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Harrison Town Office. There are two openings for the Board of Directors for the upcoming term of three (3) years. The trustees shall be a bona fide resident of the Town of Harrison or Bridgton. 2T9

To all contractors using the Town of Lovell’s wood debris pile

Effective Monday, April 3 the wood debris pile in the Town of Lovell will be closed to ALL contractors. There will be a meeting to discuss this on Tuesday, March 21 at 6 p.m. at the Lovell Town office, 1069 Main St. Lovell, ME 04051

MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOMINATION PAPERS

Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office located at 3 Chase Street, Suite 1, in Bridgton for the following offices:

(2) Select Board Member/Assessor/Overseer of the Poor; 3-year term

(1) Planning Board Regular Member; 3-year term

(1) Planning Board Alternate Member; 3-year term

(2) MSAD #61 Director; 3-year term

(1) Water District Trustee; 3-year term

The filing deadline is the close of business hours on April 14, 2023.

3T10EOW

Public Notice

Earth Notes

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

A recent Boston Globe column opined, “Welcome to the new normal for New England winters, where increasingly, maple syrup producers are tapping trees over a month early, ski resorts and skating rinks are opening later or not at all, and T-shirt weather is arriving before Presidents’ Day. It’s February in Massachusetts, but you wouldn’t know it without a calendar. The climate I lived in as a kid is long gone. Climate change is stealing New England’s winters.”

Actually, winter isn’t being stolen. We’re throwing it away through our own bad choices. We brought this on ourselves, folks. So, flail away, denialists. Rhapsodize about “the most successful system in history,” right up until it fails. Wait for the Second Coming, and hope for the best. Reality won’t change to suit you, but there is a better response. Trust the evidence all around you.

Interest costs grew 35% last year and are projected to grow by another 35% in 2023.

According to CBO, interest payments on the national debt were $475 billion in fiscal year 2022 — the highest dollar amount ever.

Within 10 years, net interest costs will exceed federal

spending on crucial programs like Medicaid and defense, and within the next 30 years will become the largest program in the federal budget. We don’t have an income problem. Tax revenues have been rising since the Trump tax cuts. (See graph CBO). We have a spending problem. (See CBO projection of net interest costs through 2053.)

Does this scare you? It should! Joe Biden lit a fire under government spending and inflation, and he wants to continue spending our money. He must go!

Bill Preis Bridgton

Private Idaho

To The Editor: The Oxford English Dictionary defines “insurrection” as “a violent uprising against an authority or government” in sharp contrast with its definition in the private Idaho of the mind of Don Vose of Naples.

For the last two weeks, Mr. Vose has submitted

TOWN OF NAPLES

Budget Hearing

The Naples Budget Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Town Office Building located at 15 Village Green Lane. On the agenda:

• Naples Town Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The public is encouraged to attend. 2T10

Public Notice

TOWN OF DENMARK Select Board and Budget Committee Meetings

The Select Board and the Budget Committee will be tentatively meeting on the following dates to discuss the Fiscal Year 23/24 budget. These meetings will be held at the Municipal Building, 62 East Main Street, meeting room with a start time of 6 p.m. March 14th March 21st March 28th April 4th April 11th April 18th April 25th

This is a tentative schedule and may change as needed, changes will be posted on the Town’s website. For further information contact the Town Manager 452-8850.

PUBLIC NOTICE

When I put that powder on my tongue, I thought, “My God, it’s really salt!” I had the faith to trust science then, and I still do. Climate-science deniers could do the same with the evidence they see every day. But that requires them to have as much faith as believing in God.

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

angry letters caterwauling about both the editor’s and guest columnist Robert Plaisted’s lexicon regarding their use of the word “insurrection” as a descriptor of violence prosecuted against lawmakers in the Capitol in a joint session of Congress and Capitol police personnel on the part of the lynch mob incited by tfg Jan. 6, 2021.

By his twice-stated reckoning, Mr. Vose’s criterion for what constitutes an insurrection has everything to do with whether or not participants dine at home or not on the day of the event and must presumably vanish into the jungle. He is correct that most of tfg’s mob did go home that night without being remanded into custody by law enforcement, but since then, nearly 1,000 of them have been indicted, tried, and sentenced with scores more still pending

prosecution including the inciter in chief himself as investigations continue. This convoluted rationale on Mr. Vose’s part simply doesn’t square with reality.

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

On the wrong path

To The Editor: President Biden constantly reminds us how much he despises the 75 million Americans that didn’t vote for him. Never has an American president been so petulant and vindictive toward a large portion of his fellow citizens. The recent train derailment in Ohio that brought so much tragedy to the lives of Ohioans was a perfect opportunity for Biden to show he cares

LETTERS, Page 3B

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES

Planning Board Public Hearing

ORDINANCE CHANGES

The Naples Planning Board will conduct a Public Hearing to discuss Ordinances changes on March 21, 2023 • 6 p.m. 15 Village Green Lane Details on the Ordinances can be found at www.townofnaples.org/notices or by visiting the Town Office. 2T10

Public Notice

Town of Sweden

Notice of Public Hearing on the proposal

“To see if the Town will recommend that the Maine State Legislature prohibit the operation of personal watercraft on Stearns Pond in Sweden, Maine”

Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: Town Meeting House 1T10

TOWN

OF SEBAGO PRIORITY NOTICE FROM THE SEBAGO BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING CANCELLED

Unfortunately, the changing forecast for Saturday’s weather forced a decision to cancel the 9 a.m. Special Town Meeting on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Town Hall building to vote on Zoning Amendments and the expenditure of ARPA funds.

The overall safety of the town’s residents and attendees is our priority.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING RESHEDULED

The Special Town Meeting is now scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the upper level of the Town Hall building. For your convenience, several volunteers have offered to provide babysitting services in the lower level of the building.

Sebago Board of Selectmen

March 3, 2023

TOWN OF CASCO PLANNING BOARD AGENDA

MARCH 13, 2023

6:30 PM

COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM

• DM Roma – Site Plan Review Decision – Representing R.J.R., LLC for a Car Wash – 385 Roosevelt Trail Tax Map 2, – Lot 18. The Casco Planning Board performed site Walk on February 27, 2023.

• Discussion on the Workshop Meeting regarding The Town of Casco Solar Ordinance

• Michael J. Skolnick – Representing Nathan Wardwell –Owner of a Parcel of Land located off Martha Road, Tax Map 51, Lot 32 – Regarding Zoning Map Amendment –Northwest Bank of Kettle Cove – Currently in Resource Protection

• Site Plan Review Application – Sebago Technics – Representing the Town of Casco and Naples – Proposing Site Improvements at the existing Transfer Station and Bulky Waste Facility, located at 449 Leach Hill road in Casco.

Tax map 7 – Lot 6 – Commercial District/Aquifer Protection/Resource/Stream Protection Respectfully Submitted, Mary Tremblay Deputy Code Enforcement Officer Town of Casco

This week’s game solutions

Letters

about their pain and suffering. Instead, he retreated to one of his Delaware mansions, where he spends most of his time, rather than being available to the 330 million people

he was elected to represent. Initially, he lied as he and many of those surrounding him often do and claimed that because the derailment wasn’t a natural disaster, he couldn’t offer help to the thousands so terribly affected. After some of the fat cats calling the shots behind the scenes told Biden how cruel and petty

Beverly R. Larimore

PORTLAND – Beverly R. Larimore, 83, died Wednesday March 1, 2023, at the Cedars, in Portland. She was born in Meredith, N.H., on May 2, 1939, the daughter of Charles and Emma (Roberts) Lang.

Beverly graduated from Bridgton High School, with the class of 1957. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Joseph’s College in 1999. Beverly worked in the Payroll Department at Bridgton Hospital until her retirement in 1996. She married Norman Larimore from Walkertown, N.C., on December 17, 1960. After spending 17 years following him around the world while he served in the Air Force, they settled in the Bridgton area to raise their family.

Beverly was a Past Queen of Arok Temple No. 94, Daughters of the Nile, Past Matron of Pondicherry Chapter #192, Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Bridgton United Methodist Church, and a member of Beta Sigma Fi Sorority. She enjoyed working on the public suppers at the BUMC and Masonic Halls in Bridgton during the summers as well as ceramics, painting, knitting, crocheting and traveling; she loved her family and the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Beverly is survived by her children Deborah Christianson of Fargo, N.D., Robert Larimore and his wife Carrol of Jacksonville, N.C., and Patricia Larimore of Bridgton, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Norman, her parents Charles and Emma, brother Kenneth Lang and his wife Peggy, and son-in-law Paul Christianson.

A memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Bridgton Masonic Hall, RR 117, Bridgton. In lieu of flowers donations in Beverly’s name may be made to the Daughters of the Nile Foundation, 6705 Mesa Drive, Austin TX, 78731-2817. To share online condolences and memories with the family please go to www.chandlerfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Elm Street, Bridgton.

Chester Osgood

May 21, 1944 - March 3, 2023

EAST WATERBORO — Chester “Chet” Osgood, 78, passed away at home on March 3, 2023, with his loved ones at his side due to vascular dementia.

Chet was born at the Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary in Portland, Me (also known as Holt Hall on Congress Street). Chet sustained an injury during birth, causing Erb’s palsy. He spent nine years at Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine, which was dedicated to helping children to learn and live with their disability. This made it possible for him to try and do anything, he just found his own way to do it!

Chet worked many different jobs learning skills that helped him throughout life. He started his own culminating company, Chet’s septic pumping in the Brownfield/Fryeburg area and ran it for 28 years when he retired.

Chet had many great adventures throughout his life. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, boating and camping. He loved dancing and music and whistled happy tunes often. He was an avid cribbage player, enjoying tournaments and playing for fun.

Chet was a warm, kindhearted, devoted father, husband, and friend. He was a loving gentle man with a smile on his lips, and a song in his heart!

He married Priscilla in 1996 and began their beautiful love story. They blended their families, Priscilla’s three daughters and one son with Chet’s two sons. Together they traveled around the United States, flying, driving and exploring. They spent summers as camp workers enjoying their camper on a seasonal site. Chet and Priscilla shared a home in Waterboro with their fur baby Ginger, surrounded by family, neighbors and friends.

Chet passed away at home with loved ones by his side.

Chet is predeceased by his mother and father Charles and Dorothy, and brothers Melvin, and Robert, son William Comeau.

Chet is survived by his wife Priscilla, two sons Leroy and wife Tina of Sebego, Kris and their mother Jane Moore Osgood of Dayton, three daughters Michelle Comeau and partner Dan Simard of Merrimac Mass., Annette and husband David Plante of Limington, Valerie and husband Brian Gurney of Peru, and grandchildren Matthew, Shyla, Cassondra, Nicole, Kristyn, Bryor, Kurt, Ashley, Kevin, and Dannielle, and one great-grandson Cooper. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton.

Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com

that would look to American voters in the upcoming 2024 election, he then foolishly sent his Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, to the crash site. Like most of Biden’s cabinet picks, Mayor Pete is woke to the hilt, but has zero experience or knowledge in the area he oversees other than being a bike rider.

Most of Biden’s appointees are colossal failures who have

inflicted catastrophic damage on the nation that will plague us for decades to come. If we continue down this insane path, we will see the eventual collapse of America and certain takeover by China and/or Russia, the latter of which the Biden family has numerous close connections and financial arrangements.

Robert M. Howe Jr. Bridgton

Obituaries

Norma Thorn

Norma Thorn, 89, of Bridgton, died early last Thursday morning, March 2, 2023, at the Ledgewood Manor in Windham.

She was born on Dec. 9, 1933, in East Sebago, a daughter of Earl Lawrence and Grace Irene (Hill) Crawford. She attended local schools.

As a young woman, she lived in the Portland area and worked in the local fish factories and cleaning homes as a second job.

Norma later settled in the Lake Region after many years in Gorham and built a home in Bridgton in 2004 with her husband Edwin.

She was a faithful Christian woman and was always very active in the church, both the Cornerstone Gospel Church in Naples and later at Bridgton Alliance Church in Bridgton. She also volunteered at the Gorham House during her time in Gorham.

Norma loved animals including dogs, but especially cats. She also loved growing plants and flowers and took great pride in decorating her patio with them in the spring.

She is loved by her son Richard Osteen of Hollis; her daughters Monica Chretien of Bridgton and Margaret Bennett of Portland; a sister Connie Gonzales of South Portland; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin in 2010; three children Norma Jean Comeau, Diane Spradlin and Lesley Harold Jr.; siblings Bob Crawford, Barbara Comeau and Earlene Laliberty.

Visiting hours were held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced at the Bridgton Alliance Church. Condolences and tributes may be shared with Norma’s family and friends at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Tina L. Callanan

Tina Louise Callanan, 61, of Denmark, Maine, reluctantly left us on February 26, 2023, after her short battle with cancer. Despite her diagnosis her spirit and happiness remained unphased.

She graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1980. She married and built a home in her beloved Denmark on her family property. She soon welcomed her two children that would become the focus of her life. She immersed herself into raising her girls and was active in her community for all things large or small.

She had an infectious laugh and contagious smile, she loved to connect with people. A stranger approaching her was a friend she had yet to meet. She absolutely loved her entire family. Even the simplest things in life brought her great joy. She loved cribbage and other games, as easily as her many adventures of travel.

She is survived by her loving husband Joseph Callanan, daughter Charlotte and husband George Allen and their furry children Bryn and Oswald, daughter Christina, and husband Seth McAlister and their children, Mackenzie, Zaidyn, and Effie, sister Brenda and husband Murray Harding, sister Sylvia and husband Bill Wells, sister Pam Feeney and partner John Landers, brother Phillip and wife Debbie Richardson. We will be gathering to share our favorite memories of Tina with a celebration of life to be held, March 18, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Municipal Building at the Town Hall in Denmark.

To share online memories and condolences with the family please go to www.chandlerfunerals.com. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton.

In lieu of flowers Tina’s family would love to see donations to Maine Health or Cancer Screening Research: https:// www.mainehealth.org/Maine-Medical-Center/Philanthropy/ Donate-Now

Gardening books in hand…

(Continued from Page 1B)

there is a picture, a description of the leaves, flowers and fruit, the habitat in which it grows, how the species reproduces and methods to control the growth. At the end of the guide is a list of very useful resources (phone numbers and websites) that may be consulted for questions and advice regarding invasives. This is a guide that I will consult often and will be included in my backpack during my own adventures. The first step to eliminating invasive species is to be able to identify them.

I suspect that many readers may utter words that they may not use in public when pulling weeds from gardens. The bulletin #2536 of the Maine Cooperative Extension on their website describes a weed as “…simply a plant growing in a place where it’s not wanted.” The Maine Invasive Plants Field Guide defines invasive plants as “…those which are not native to a region, and which cause harm to the environment, human health, or human economic resources (e.g. agriculture or forestry).”

The authors continue with the information that about 30% of Maine species are not native and that approximately one in ten of the non-native species can become invasive. The guide also informs readers of two lists of invasive plants that are published and can be found on websites maintained by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).

The first is an advisory list of invasive plants that was published in 2019 that can be found on the website https:// www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/ invsheets.htm

This list provides the common name, the scientific name, the invasive ranking (severely invasive, very invasive, etc.) the habitats threatened, and the status in Maine (localized, widespread, etc.). Readers can click on the plant name for a comprehensive fact sheet about the plant.

The second list is the “Do Not Sell” list that includes all species that “…may not be imported, exported, bought, sold, or intentionally propagated for sale.”

In my previous column about the invasive vine called Oriental bittersweet (Good Red Versus Bad Red), I outlined that the vine causes extreme damage to native plants, shrubs, and trees. It can actually kill a tree as it spirals the tree and strangles it. Indeed, this week I plan to put on my snowshoes and bring my folding saw down to the trees that are on my land to cut some climbing Oriental bittersweet from several trees. I want to do this now before the snow melts (I am ready for more colors outside vs my pink and yellow shovels) and the ticks appear.

The three books that I described above each provide actions that each of us can do to ensure that beneficial and beautiful native species found in Maine can continue to survive. I am thankful for the authors that write books that assist in that goal so that I do not have to ride 10,000 miles to be educated.

Jonathan T. Cabral

January 5, 1980 – February 24, 2023

Jonathan T. Cabral, 43, of Naples, Maine, died tragically in a house fire on February 24, 2023. He was born January 5, 1980, to Thomas J. Cabral and Margaret “Peg” A. (Kenney) Cabral of Wakefield, Mass.

Jonathan graduated from Wakefield High, in Wakefield, Mass., in 1999. From there he attended night classes at Northeast Technical School and obtained his journeyman plumber license. From there he became a highly skilled and talented heat technician. Jonathan moved to Maine in 2009 and lived in his family’s house on Long Lake. Jonathan, fondly called “Jofie” was a hardworking, dependable friend and neighbor. He had a love of fixing things and would help anyone with any kind of project. He also had a love of the outdoors, living on Long Lake he was able to frequently enjoy fishing and waterskiing. If he wasn’t found sitting down by the lake he was out snowmobiling or motorcycling. Jonathan was an outgoing, smart, funny, and talented man. Everyone who met him loved him. Jonathan had a strong love for his family. He loved his mom and dad, and especially his sister, Sharon Cabral, who was his best friend.

Jonathan is survived by his loving sister, Sharon Cabral of Naples, his Aunt Barbara and Uncle Al Gauvin and sons, his Aunt Nancy Serino and daughters, and his Aunt Judy Cabral and daughters. Jonathan leaves behind many friends who he loved dearly. Jonathan is predeceased by his parents Thomas J. Cabral and Margaret A. (Kenney) Cabral, his grandparents, Arthur and Helen Cabral, and Jack and Peg Kenney, and his uncle Joe Cabral, and uncle Bob Cabral.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 2 p.m. at Dolby, Blais, and Segee Funeral Home, 434 River Road, Windham, ME 04062. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Naples volunteer fire department, 1100 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, ME 04055.

Always Improving

Eric Nelson, Owner and Funeral Director 165 QUAKER RIDGE RD., CASCO, ME 04015 207-627-4538 • HALLFUNERALHOME.NET

Classified Advertising

BN 10 ATTENTION

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

HELP WANTED

MSAD72 SCHOOL DISTRICT

(EOE) in Fryeburg, Maine has immediate openings: van drivers, bus drivers, bus aides and substitutes. Visit www.msad72.org, call 207-935-2600 or pick up an application today at Door #10, 25 Molly Ockett Drive, Fryeburg, ME tf7

SEASONAL HELP WANTED at Wyonegonic Camps in Denmark: Full and part-time kitchen positions including meal cook, assistant/prep cook and general kitchen assistants; part-time housekeeping; part-time grounds maintenance/driver; part-time office administrative support. Position start dates available May 29 to June 19 and ending August 19 to 31. Online preliminary application available at Wyonegonic.com; compensation commensurate with experience. Call 207-452-2051 to arrange a local interview. 9t9x PSS — Looking for people to work in home care in local area. Will train. Competitive pay. Call 8038424, Mon.-Fri. between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 2t9x

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

CUSTOM MADE — Board and batten doors. Multiple styles and designs. Indoor, outdoor, stained or clear finish, closets, room dividers, etc. 207-595-4606, call or text.

12t10x

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

Oh no, soy!

(Continued from Page 1B)

It is possible to eat soy without ill effect, but it must be in a fermented form such as miso, tempeh, natto, and soy sauce. The fermentation process neutralizes some of the harmful compounds. Some suggestions:

• Stick to fermented soy.

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

52t31x

VEHICLES FOR SALE

JESUS IS LORD — new and used auto parts. National locator. Most parts 2 days. Good used cars. Ovide’s Used Cars, Inc., Rte. 302 Bridgton, 207-647-5477. tf30

BUSINESS SERVICES

DENMARK HOUSE PAINTING

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

LAKE REGION Transportation Service. From shopping trips, pick-up and delivery to personal errands, airport, and special requests. Call or text your request to 207-2910193. 4t7x

WANTED

RETIRED PROFESSOR — seeks temporary, preferably longterm housing beginning March in quiet Bridgton/Waterford/Harrison area. Non-smoker. Have older cat. Please contact Paul at 207-3930411. 1t9x

LOOKING FOR — a female to rent a room. It is a single room with your own bathroom, fully furnished and very clean. May be a traveling nurse or a female looking for a nice place to stay. The home is in a very quiet place with plenty of time to relax. The home has a very nice porch to sit on. The home overlooks Mt. Washington and Pleasant Mountain Shawnee Peak ski area. If interested call 207-3187203 ask for Arlene. 2t10x

Henry’s Concrete Construction is looking to hire for a few positions: concrete laborer, concrete floor finisher, and Class B boom truck operator. Please DO NOT respond if you: are unable to set your alarm, text out sick once a week, have to find a ride to work, or think checking social media every five minutes is part of your daily tasks.

DO REPLY if you are a dependable hard worker that doesn’t whine, is able to be part of a team that provides quality work, you don’t mind working 50+ hours a week earning great pay, staying fit and getting a great tan and have a never give up attitude. Please call or text 207-557-2801 TF43rCD

which interfere with protein digestion and mineral absorption. In test animals, these compounds stunted growth. Compounds in soy called phyto-estrogens — similar to the hormone estrogen — disrupt endocrine function and can harm the thyroid gland. In addition, when soy is processed carcinogenic compounds are formed, the presence of which prompted Cornell University to issue a warning for women at risk of breast cancer to limit soy, a statement also published in The Journal of American Dietetic Association These are just a few issues with soy. Using the Internet, much more can be researched. I no longer recommend soy to clients and strongly discourage it for children, especially soy formula for babies. Apparently, the Food and Drug Administration agrees and, due to concerns regarding toxins and carcinogens, never granted soy GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe).

SALE

• A few cubes of tofu in your soup, okay. More than this is too much.

• Avoid soy milk. Too many phyto-estrogens.

• Never give a baby soy formula.

• Healthier protein options include whey, casein, egg, and pea.

John and I parted a few days later. He was off to Chile, I was headed to Bolivia. The last time I saw him, he was hoisting his bulging pack onto his back, and with a slight wave of his hand, disappeared into a swarm of people on a busy street in Cusco. Sadly, we never did exchange phone numbers. I wish I could tell him that he was right; I wish I could tell him “thank you” for daring me to challenge what I thought was fact. He’ll never know the impact he had, or the people he helped. Now, I counsel clients to avoid soy especially growing children and teens and the new moms eager to try soy formula for their newborns. It has certainly impacted my family, too. And for all of this, I am forever grateful.

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

Country Living

BCC Kettle Dinner

The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club will host a Community Kettle at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street in

Bridgton today, Thursday, March 9 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or until the food runs out. This will be an eat-in

Local Happenings

Lions Meeting at LRRC

In an unusual if not unprecedented move, the Bridgton Lions Club will hold its Monday, March 13 meeting at the Lake Region Recovery Center at 2 Elm Street in Bridgton. Following at 6:30 p.m., Chinese food repast and tour of the newly renovated facility, members of the center’s staff will outline their mission to the Lions.

The local club recently gave LRRC a $1,000 donation toward their renovation fund.

Waterford World’s Fair supper

WATERFORD — The Waterford World’s Fair is hosting a public supper at the North Waterford Congregational Church, Five Kezar Road in North Waterford on Saturday, March 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The menu includes a New England boiled dinner with ham or corned beef and all the vegetables, beverage and delicious homemade pies for dessert. Cost $15 per person. 50/50 raffle and door prize.

For more information, please call 207-890-7669.

Blood Drive

HARRISON — The Harrison Lions Club and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Monday, March 20 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the United Parish Congregational Church at 77 Main Street in Harrison.

Please call 1-800-REDCROS or go online to RedCrossBlood.org and enter HarrisonMe to schedule an appointment. This could be your most impactful gift of the season.

This week’s puzzle theme: College BasketBall

supper with the option for “take-out.” Everyone is welcome.

The menu: lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and festive cookies.

The meal is free to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted. Rotarians will be hosting this meal with Rotary helpers. Interact Club members from Lake Region High School (young Rotarians), Rotarians and Friends of Rotary will be assisting with food preparation, serving and clean up.

For more information about the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club and its activities, check the website at https://lakeregionrotary. com or the Facebook Page. Or contact Rotary president Aaron Hagan directly at lakeregionrotary@gmail. com.

Colello to speak

Gary Colello, Bridgton’s director of Recreation, will speak to the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club on Thursday, March 16, at 7:30 a.m. This is a rescheduled, inperson meeting at Stella’s on the Square, 6 High Street, Bridgton. The previously scheduled meeting was cancelled due to snow. Colello will talk about the Rec Department: past, present and future. Hired in 2013, Collelo has run the ever-expanding recreation program for the Town of Bridgton since then.

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STUDENT ART SHOW at Gallery 302 — Lake Region High School students presented their artwork on Sunday at group student show at Gallery 302. The work will be on display through March 31 at 112 Main Street, Bridgton. Pictured from left to right: LRHS Art teacher Ian Carlson, Sam Kilgore, Annabelle Montgomery, Rachel Lake, Indigo Morse, Jac Ordway, Kalee Charette, Abby Miller and LRHS art teacher Teal Carlson.

Youth Art at Gallery 302

Gallery 302 welcomed Lake Region High School art students to a reception on Sunday to kick off the 2023 Student Art Show. The annual event is part of a national celebration of visual arts for grades K-12. LRHS students and their families enjoyed refreshments and an afternoon viewing of the group show which includes paintings, photography, mixed media, and sculptures. Many of the gallery’s exhibiting artists were on hand to talk to students about art and art education and encourage applications for the Gallery’s scholarship.

Gallery 302 awards two annual $1,000 scholarships to area students from Bonny Eagle, Fryeburg Academy, Lake Region, Oxford Hills, Poland, or Windham.

Graduating home school students from these districts may also apply. This year’s deadline for application is May 1. Details about the scholarship can be found on the Gallery 302 website at: https://www.gallery302. com/bridgtonartguild-scholarship

The annual scholarship is part of an endowment of the Burr Chase Center for Education in the Arts, the space at the gallery used for classes. The center is named for John Burleigh “Burr” Chase, a beloved past president of the Board of Directors at Gallery 302.

A compassionate man and skilled potter, Burr and his wife Pam had co-founded Mud City Studios in Sebago. Pottery was a special way Burr connected with people and he made his art with

the idea that it should be accessible to all. When Burr passed away in October 2014 after a battle with lung cancer, his family created an endowment in his name to support art education. In Burr’s memory, and the Chase Family’s generous support, Gallery 302 strives to encourage artists of all ages.

March is Youth Art Month, a time to emphasize the value of art and art education for all children. It recognizes the skills developed in visual arts as experiences that are not possible in other curriculum areas and that are vital skills that contribute to the success of our children in a global society.

Gallery 302, now in its 20th year, is a visual arts cooperative gallery featuring over 40 artists from the Lake Region. Artists not only display their works for sale, they also volunteer their time to run the gallery yearround, teach classes, host monthly guest artists events, put on the Annual Art in the Park July event and participate in other arts-related community events.

The student works will be on display at Gallery 302, 112 Main Street, Bridgton through March 31.

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ENJOYING DINNER — Carmen Lone, former director of the Bridgton Community Center, on right, and others enjoy a Rotary hosted Community Kettle from the fall of 2022.

Special showing

A story about a teen who tries to pull her mother out of drug addiction unfolds today, Thursday, March 9 at the Magic Lantern Theatre. The public is invited to attend the amazing film, Jacinta, which tells the story of the teen who follows her mother in and out of jail, trying to break free of an inherited cycle of drug addiction and incarceration. Upon release, she hopes to reconnect with her young daughter. Jacinta will be at the Magic Lantern for a Q&A, along with Tracey Martin of Lakes Region Recovery Center and Kirsten Wears of Tucker’s House (a women’s recovery home in North Bridgton). Doors open at 4:15 p.m. with the movie starting at 5 p.m. Open to all! Concession stand will be open! A $5 donation suggested at the door.

Colello to speak

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Coffee only. No charge. All are welcome. For more information about the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club, check out its website at https:// www.lakeregionrotary.com or its Facebook Page. Further questions, contact Rotary president Aaron Hagen at LakeRegionRotary@gmail.com.

Calendar of Events

Tuesday, March 14

Self-Defense Workshop. A self-defense workshop — focusing on mindset, defensive tactics and fun — will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bridgton Town Gym on North High Street. In this three-hour workshop, participants will learn skills to protect themselves with lots of physical practice. For more information, contact instructor Renshi Lisa Magiera at RenshiLisa@gmail.com. The recommended donation is $15 per person. All proceeds benefit Tucker’s House, a recovery home for women in North Bridgton. The workshop is sponsored by the Bridgton Police Department, Bridgton Recreation and Bushido Karate Dojo.

Thursday, March 9

Kettle Dinner, BridgtonLake Region Rotary Club at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street in Bridgton from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or until the food runs out. This will be an eat-in supper with the option for “take-out.” Everyone is welcome. Menu: Lasagna, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, and Festive Cookies. The meal is free to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Schedule of events and programs at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street include:

Thursday, March 9

a.m., Dan Fitness

p.m., Bits and Pieces, free

p.m., Rotary Kettle Dinner

p.m., Lake Region Republican Party

Friday, March 10 6 a.m., Dan Fitness

a.m., AARP

a.m., Chair Yoga

p.m., Mahjongg

p.m., Main Room, Easy Riders Snowmobile Club

Special Showing of Jacinta at the Magic Lantern Theatre in Bridgton, presented by Lakes Region Recovery Center and Tucker’s House, a recovery residential home for women. Watch an amazing film about Jacinta, who follows her mother in and out of jail, trying to break free of an inherited cycle of drug addiction and incarceration. Upon release, she hopes to reconnect with her young daughter. Jacinta will be there for a Q & A. Tracey Martin and Kirsten Wears will be available to discuss Lakes Region Recovery Center and Tucker’s House. Bring your teens. Doors open at 4:15 p.m., movie starts at 5. Open to all! Concession stand will be open. A $5 donation suggested at the door.

Friday, March 10

Fill the Plate Breakfast. SeniorsPlus, the designated Agency on Aging for Western Maine, will hold a breakfast to benefit its Meals on Wheels nutrition program from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Hilton

Main Room, Lions Club

Tuesday, March 14 6 a.m., Dan Fitness

10 a.m., Chickadee Quilters

12:30 p.m., Bridge, $3

Wednesday, March 15 6 a.m., Dan Fitness 12 p.m., Senior Lunch 1 p.m., Mahjongg

2:30 p.m., Cooking Matters

4:30 p.m., Rick Hagerstrom

5 p.m., Kayley – Crafts

6 p.m., Walter Riseman

6:30 p.m., Main Room, C.A.R.E.S. Support Group

Thursday, March 16 6 a.m., Dan Fitness 12:30 p.m., Bits and Pieces, free 12:30 p.m., Painting fun

4:30 p.m., Lake Region Vineyard Church

7 p.m., Main Room, Chickadee Quilters

Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn. The breakfast will honor Auburn resident Eloise O’Neill with the 2023 Ikaria Award and feature a talk by former WGME-TV awardwinning, longtime anchor Kim Block. Tickets are $25 per person ($30 at the door) and are available at www. seniorsplus.org or by calling 207-795-4010. Seats are limited and advance registration is recommended.

Saturday, March 11

Pihcintu Multinational Girls Chorus at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, 18 Bradley Street in Fryeburg at 4 p.m. War-torn villages, bloodshed, refugee camps, famine, and political turmoil were devastating realities for many of these young singers before being embraced by the warmth, companionship and harmony that Pihcintu provides. This is a free concert with donations accepted to support a worthy organization like this and the LHEPAC’s ability to make these events possible.

Irish Songs. The Sebago Lake Ukulele Group will present your favorite Irish songs at 6 p.m. at the Raymond Village Community Church, 27 Main Street, Raymond. All ages welcome. No charge.

Monday, March 13

Pondicherry Park Community Walk, 12:15 p.m. Join LELT staff for a casual walk in the park. No agenda, just a chance to meet fellow community members and be active outside. The group will decide together on the route, and all experience levels are welcome. Meet at the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge entrance to the park. No registration required. Registration is requested at lelt.org/ events or by e-mailing maggie@lelt.org. Events will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. Please check the LELT Facebook page or lelt. org for final notice.

Wednesday, March 15

Hobbs Library Speaker Series continues at 7 p.m. with a Zoom-only talk by award-winning Maine author Thomas Urquhart, who wrote Up for Grabs: Timber Pirates, Lumber

Barns, and the Battles Over Maine’s Public Lands. This is a Zoom-only talk. The link can be found by going to www.hobbslibrary.org . For queries, contact the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library at 207-925-3177.

Ecology Walk, join the Chocorua Lake Conservancy for a Late Winter Wildlife & Ecology Walk with CLC Stewardship Director Debra Marnich, Charlotte C. Browne Woods, Washington Hill Road, Chocorua, N.H. from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Storm date is Wednesday, March 22. Free; space is limited— please register in advance at bit.ly/CLC-031523. For more information visit www. chocorualake.org

Thursday, March 16

Gary Colello, Bridgton’s director of Recreation, will speak to the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club at 7:30 a.m. at Stella’s on the Square, 6 High Street, Bridgton. Colello will talk about the Rec Department: past, present and future. Coffee only. No charge. All are welcome.

Friday, March 17

Mayberry Hill Preserve Walk, 10 a.m., Mayberry Hill Preserve, Casco. The hike will be about 1.5 miles round trip on gentle sloping terrain. Registration is requested at lelt.org/events or by e-mailing maggie@lelt.org. Events will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. Please check the LELT Facebook page or lelt.org for final notice.

Saturday, March 18

Public Supper. The Waterford World’s Fair is hosting a public supper at the North Waterford Congregational Church, Five Kezar Road in North Waterford from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The menu includes a New England boiled dinner with ham or corned beef and all the vegetables, beverage and delicious homemade pies for dessert. Cost $15 per person. 50/50 raffle and door prize.

Monday, March 20

Blood Drive. The Harrison Lions Club and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the United Parish Congregational Church at 77 Main Street in Harrison. Please call 1-800-REDCROS or go online to RedCrossBlood. org and enter HarrisonMe to schedule an appointment.

Spring Equinox Hike, 4:45 p.m., Bald Pate Mountain, Bridgton. The equinox is set for 5:24 p.m. Feel free to bring a favorite spring quote or poem to share. Please also bring a flashlight or headlamp. Registration is requested at lelt.org/events or by e-mailing maggie@lelt. org. Events will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. Please check the LELT Facebook page or lelt.org for final notice.

Wednesday, March 22 Maple Medicine. Join the Chocorua Lake Conservancy (Tamworth, N.H.) and the Cook Memorial Library for “Maple, New Hampshire’s Medicine of Connection,” with Damian Costello, live via Zoom 7 p.m. Register in advance at bit.ly/maple032223. For more information visit www.chocorualake.org.

Thursday, March 23 Benefit Concert. Warm up at LEA’s Spring Chill Chaser Concert and dance your winter blues away to the sounds of Hobson’s Choice. The band’s sound has been described as an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, country, and rock and roll. Bring your dancing shoes! The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at The Hayloft at Dragonfly Barn, 95 Sanborns Grove Road, Bridgton. All proceeds will benefit Lakes Environmental Association, helping to keep local waters clean and healthy for all to enjoy.

Friday, March 24

Invasive Pest Training, 10 a.m., Tiger Hill Community Forest, Sebago. Join LELT Stewardship Manager Jon Evans for a walk at Tiger Hill Community Forest to search for signs of invasive pests. We’ll be hosting these walks monthly to bolster our ability to monitor for invasive pests like Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. Registration is requested at lelt.org/events or by e-mailing maggie@lelt. org. Events will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. Please check the LELT Facebook page or lelt.org for final notice.

Saturday, March 25 Rug Hooking with Elizabeth Miller from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration link = https://www.rufusportermuseum.org/event-details/rughooking-with-elizabeth-miller

Climbing the March Hill

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pened in the Bay of Bengal worth noting.

However, if we are awarding partial points, the Canadian almanac maker Wiggin perhaps deserves some praise, given that some five months later on August 27, 1883, there actually did occur a tremendous tsunami in the South Pacific, originating at the volcano of Krakatoa just south of the Bay of Bengal. Just to be brief, this actually was the largest tsunami ever recorded in human history, and the explosion of this volcano produced what is believed to be the loudest sound ever produced on Earth, ranking in at some 310 decibels. The resulting sound waves did reach Australia — no word on any heard in Mexico — and by way of barometric pressure readings, the atmospheric shockwave travelled fully three and a half times around the globe. The great volume of ash and sulphurous gasses emitted in this explo-

sion darkened the sky for years afterwards and caused a worldwide cooling trend similar to that which took place in 1816-and-starve-to-death (the subject of an earlier column), as well as producing incredibly vivid, blood-red sunsets which many religious and spiritual groups spilled considerable volumes of ink worrying over. It was a catastrophe of quite literally Biblical proportions, and an estimated 36,000 people died from the explosion alone, which vaporized over 70 percent of the island of Krakatoa. So, while he was almost half a year off in his calculations, for these reasons I think it is still worth mentioning the remarkable March prediction of Mr. Wiggin. Like a lion indeed.

P.S. We have a very special column prepared for next week that will include a rare photo, a very funny story, and some news from the Bridgton Historical Society, as well. Till next time!