March 16, 2023

Raising awareness

Flash Mob brings attention to Women’s Day by dancing; remembering Ursula Page 5A

Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870

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Hawley resigns, shares reasons

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES

—

In a move that shocked many, Naples Town Manager John Hawley announced his resignation and his plans to take another job — although he had not been actively job hunting.

In a very honest and somewhat lengthy resignation letter, Hawley explained why he accepted a job offer from the school district where he had previously worked, and why he had been dissatisfied with his position as town manager.

“Naples’ politically challenged environment has made it difficult for me to realize visions, priorities, and goals for an improved community. I understand government is slow, but Naples is slower and will need an administrator who is not easily dispirited by the pace,” Hawley wrote.

“I feel very accomplished in most of the things I have done in the past five years, and we have made some good strides. However, I have become exhausted by the constant demands for more from the municipality without

Naples’

the proper resources. The criticisms from those vocal in public or hidden behind social media keyboards [who] don’t take the time to attend public meetings to understand what local government is doing are very destructive to this community. Perceptions without

— John Hawley

facts are dividing Naples. You are not always going to see perfection, but you are going to see the best efforts utilizing the finances and tools that are made available,” he said. “Every person working for this community gives their best effort. Monday

morning quarterbacking and attempts at micro-management will hinder anyone in this position, no matter how strong an administrator is. More faith must be put in that person to do the job they are hired to do. All these nuances have taken a negative toll on me healthwise, and therefore when the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was a sign to make a change.”

This letter was addressed to Chairman Jim Grattelo and the Naples Board of Selectmen. It was dated March 10. Copies of the letter were posted on the

John Hawley Outgoing Naples Town Manager

community Facebook over the weekend. Hawley’s last day with the Town of Naples will be May 12. That is after

Board shocked, upset over manager’s decision

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — In front of the public and the cable TV cameras, the Naples Select Board refused to make a motion to accept the town manager’s resignation.

That was Monday, and only a weekend had passed

since selectmen learned that Naples Town Manager John Hawley intended to make a career change. “We wanted to make a statement. We want to make a unified statement as the Naples Select Board that we are deeply upset and saddened and did not want

to accept his resignation,” according to Chairman Jim Grattelo. “We know that his contract says he can exit on a 60-day notice.”

The chairman had already penned a response to the resignation letter he received from Hawley last Friday. In the letter, Grattelo

talked about the process of hiring Hawley and praised the qualities that made him an excellent town manager.

“I had the pleasure of being part of the committee [that] hired John. We posted the job twice in order to find the right person,” Grattelo said. “I can say without res-

SAD 61 budget

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

As Lake Region area town managers pieced together their budgets, they waited — likely holding their breaths — for one vital figure to arrive.

What will be our school tax?

The answer is in.

ENGULFED — Fire tore through the second and third floors of a Portland Road home last Thursday night. (Photo courtesy BPD/Todd Perreault)

Woman escapes; house destroyed

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

A space heater on a second floor possibly started a fire last Thursday night, which destroyed a Portland Road home.

Bridgton Fire Chief Glen Garland said State Fire Marshal Ken Tabor investigated the cause of the blaze Friday, interviewing a woman who lived there and was the only person in the building when fire erupted after 11 a.m.

“The investigator still has a couple of interviews he wants to do,” Chief Garland said. “He wanted to give her a couple of days to settle down. Sometimes, people remember a few little things they didn’t think of during a first interview. At that point, their minds tend to be scrambled.”

A passing motorist noticed the fire and called for help. That individual saw the home’s occupant and checked to see if she was okay.

A neighbor and another passing motorist also called in the fire.

Meanwhile, Bridgton Fire Department member Todd Perreault, who lives nearby, was one of the first BFD members on the scene. Chief Garland said Perreault “called in a second alarm right away and got more resources on the scene.”

Firefighters tapped into a hydrant located across

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Bridgton Police Chief Phil Jones reads about lawsuits municipalities across the country face regarding law enforcement incidents, the “common threads” circle back to failures in training and supervision.

One solution is to employ a Deputy Chief.

“The deputy chief can

lift some of the responsibilities off the shoulders of our sergeants,” Chief Jones told Select Board members during their recent budget workshop. “The deputy chief would be second in command, and handle internal investigations. It would be a non-union position.”

When asked if he would look outside of BPD or promote from within, Chief Jones responded, “I would

SAD 61 Finance Coordinator Sherrie Proctor walked the full School Board through the proposed 2023-24 budget last Wednesday night during a workshop session.

The bottom line is the proposed budget is creeping close to $35 million — $34,849,044.

The increase to local taxpayers is $1,458,780.

Superintendent of Schools Al Smith explained that tax assessment is still based on state valuation and student population figures. Enrollment figures for each town (April/October average): Bridgton 596, Casco 385.5 and Naples 558.5 for a total of 1,540.

So, what is the price tag for each town?

• Bridgton — $10,401,466, an increase of $507,053 or 5.12%. Last year, Bridgton experienced a $297,112 tax hike.

• Casco — $6,691,973, an increase of $365,689 or 5.78%. Last year, Casco saw a $167,119 decrease in tax assessment. In 202122, Casco’s tax dropped $145,659 from the previous year.

• Naples — $8,081,536, an increase of $586,038 or

look for the best possible, qualified candidate.” He noted other Maine departments such as Falmouth, Gorham, Windham and Scarborough all employ a deputy chief.

The police department has an “open” detective position Town Manager Robert Peabody supports the deputy chief position, but based on other department needs,

7.82%. Last year, Naples experienced a $517,029 tax decrease. In 2021-22, the town saw its tax assessment jump $86,060. Budget overview

What is driving this budget? As one might expect, rising costs due to inflation and salaries/benefits (see accompanying pie chart).

Proctor noted that 81% of the budget is negotiated salaries — $20,941,818. Meanwhile, benefits cost $6,743,545. So, of the $34plus million, $27,685,363 is tied to personnel.

New staff requests totaled over $500,000, which were paid with federal money through the Education Stabilization Fund. Congress set aside $13.2 billion for

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — Where water run-off goes is a always a concern, especially when it is near a valued watershed or into a neighbor’s yard.

But, in the case of a car wash — which by nature uses lot of water — the run-off is addressed in its design.

“The project design will utilize a 10,000-gallon filtration tank that will be pumped out periodically as needed. The wastewater will be transported to an authorized licensed wastewater receiving facility,” according to Casco Code Enforcement Officer (CEO)

he suggested that the request be put on the shelf until the next budget season. Selectman Bob McHatton was quick to voice his non-support for the proposed deputy chief position. After some discussion, Selectman Paul Tworog joined McHatton’s side. Selectman Ken Murphy supported the request saying, “I believe in

ervations, John is one of, if not, the best town managers in Maine. He plays no politics, remains neutral, and is as fair as the day is long. Whether he agrees or not, he will give everyone all the information needed and requested.”

Grattelo, too, addressed

the social media criticism that Hawley mentioned in his resignation letter as being something that factored into his decision to leave.

“The small-town politics, especially the backdoor politics, has ramped up in

$34.849M

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). Three stimulus packages were created — two for Covid relief, one as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

Wiesemann.

John

Also, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will scrutinize the project’s storm water management plan.

On Monday, the Casco Planning Board approved, 4-0, a proposed car wash off Route 302 in Casco, providing the applicant is granted permits by the DEP.

Voting at Monday’s planning board meeting were: Chairman Ryan McAllister, Marc Rocque, Kendra Osborne and alternate Tiffany Payton.

On Feb. 27, the planning board members took a site walk. McAllister The location of the future car wash is 385 Roosevelt Trail. Driving towards Windham along Route 302, the area is a wooded location on the left-hand side, past Coveside Conservation Products and a red-colored home. According to

CAR WASH, Page 3A SAD 61, Page 7A The Bridgton News Established 1870 P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-2851 Fax: 207-647-5001 bnews@roadrunner.com BN Index Calendar 3B, 8B Classifieds 7B Country Living 4B-7B Directory 6B Obituaries 2B-3B Opinions 1B-3B Police 4B Sports 7B Student News 7B Games 6B Legals 4B www.bridgton.com Vol. 153, No. 11 16 PAGES

Proctor reported that SAD 61 has ESSER funds remaining and will carry that money forward to 2023-24, thus preserving “most, if not all” requested

the 2022 valuation done by Vision Government Solutions, the land is worth $27,400; and it is owned by Hurteau Holdings.

“The proposed car wash has two automatic wash bays, measuring 45 feet by 16 feet, and three self-service bays one of which will be intended for large trucks and/or trucks with trailers. Two of the self-serve bays will be 30 feet by 15 feet each with the oversized bay being 45 feet by 17 feet with a 16-foot high entrance,” CEO Wiesemann said.

During the discussion on Monday, several abutters showed up.

One of the abutters who spoke did not state his name. He asked the board if this was the kind of business that Casco needs. He expressed concerns to the board that the run-off would jeopardize neighbors’ property.

politically challenged environment has made it difficult for me to realize visions, priorities and goals

RP Museum director leaving

Karla Leandri Rider, executive director of the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity since November 2018, will be leaving the role at the end of March 2023 to assume a new position in Bethel.

Leandri Rider has led the organization during a period of great expansion, many changes and COVID19 related challenges. Administrative and financial policies, external relationships and social media development have all been enhanced during her tenure.

Additionally, she can be credited with participating in successful fundraising, creating interesting exhibits and supporting many well received presentations and events.

Coalition works to expand access

A new coalition is working to expand access to highspeed Internet service in southern Maine while ensuring that people who lack financial resources or technical skills will also benefit.

“Internet access is now a critical part of civic engagement and participation, employment and access to essential services, such as telehealth and education,” said Project Manager James Rather, director of Strategic

Initiatives at the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission.

“Access to the Internet is so important to function in society now. We don’t want to leave anyone behind.”

Clara McCool, Regional Broadband Coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, said the agency will be holding several community workshops across the region this month to inform the public about

this work and to gather input.

“It’s important to know what barriers people face so we can make sure that everyone in society can take advantage of digital technology,” she said.

A workshop will be held at the Bridgton Public Library on Friday, March 31 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

(https://www.eventbrite. com/e/accessing-highspeed-internet-bridgtonpublic-workshop-tick -

ets-569699786397)

Expanding broadband access is the goal of a new federally funded Regional and Tribal Broadband Partners Program, which the Maine Connectivity Authority administers.

The program will support community-driven planning efforts to develop solutions for expanding broadband infrastructure and assuring everyone has access.

“Digital inclusion is critical to achieving rural equity to access information, social services, medical services, and employment opportunities,” said Bridgton Library Director Amy Stone, who has joined the coalition. “Public libraries are uniquely positioned to provide local support to local residents as we move forward with universal broadband access. We help people get connected, feel comfortable with devices, and use the Internet safely.”

Leandri Rider has been greatly involved in the planning for a third building, a post and beam exhibit barn, expected to open on the Museum’s campus in 2024. Her attention to detail and efforts with this project have been critical.

“The Museum is truly indebted to her for her work in bringing this important addition closer to reality. The Board of Trustees is grateful for the time she has been with the Museum and wish her the best in her new professional undertaking.”

Applications are currently being accepted for the museum’s executive director position. Potential candidates should e-mail a cover letter and resume to search@ rufusportermuseum.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution celebrating the life and times of a Yankee genius who once called Bridgton home. It is open to the public at 121 Main Street from June to October and by appointment throughout the year.

LELT renews accreditation

Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) announced this week it has renewed its land trust accreditation — proving once again that, as part of a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation, it is committed to conservation excellence.

RESOURCE CENTER — Kezar Lake Watershed Association board members gather outside the building in early March.

KWLA finds new home

LOVELL — Kezar Lake Watershed Association (KLWA) plans to open a resource center and office next to the Center Lovell Market in Lovell.

Renovations of the building began in early 2023. The building will serve as a resource center for the community with family-friendly information on the ponds, lakes, and streams in the watershed, as well as a home

for KLWA staff and board members.

KLWA would like to thank the Pilsbury family for sponsoring building renovations and the Center Lovell Market for making this new chapter possible for the organization.

KLWA is gratefully accepting donations to hire local craftsmen to complete the building’s interior and create educational exhibits.

To donate or learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact KLWA at kezarlakewatershed@gmail.com

KLWA was founded in 1969 with a mission to preserve, protect and maintain the ecological, scenic and recreational resources of Kezar Lake and its watershed for the benefit and enjoyment of residents, summer residents, and visitors, now and in future generations.

Society seeks interns

LOVELL — The Lovell Historical Society is offering two $2,500 part-time summer internships to qualified college students or recent high school graduates with matriculation plans for fall of 2023.

The internship is for eight weeks beginning June 14, although that date is flexible. Hours of work are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and two Sunday events (approximately seven hours each). The salary, paid on a semi-monthly basis, will be payable on the Saturday following the completed two-week period and is subject to required withholdings. The selected candidates are required to complete the entire eightweek program. Applicants should be willing to: help organize the Society’s collection; learn the museum software program; assist with event planning; conduct research; guide museum tours; and assist with general office tasks.

The internship is available to college students or recent high school graduates with matriculation plans for fall of 2023. Strong organizational skills, computer skills and an ability to work independently are preferred, as is a strong interest in history and working with the local community. Both local and summer residents are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must submit a cover letter and

resume, with names of references. No phone calls please. All applications will be reviewed and selection made by committee within two weeks of the deadline. The application deadline is April 15, and candidates should mail or e-mail their application to: Lovell Historical Society, P.O. Box 166, Lovell, ME 04051 or lovellhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

The Maine Connectivity Authority has divided the state into 12 regions to implement the initiative. Each region will develop a regional digital inclusion plan, identify a regional representative to serve on the statewide task force focused on digital equity, and identify community anchor institutions to recommend projects to fund. In addition, the state is working with Tribal Nations to ensure that tribal priorities are reflected in the state’s plan.

Over the next five years, the state will spend as much as $250 million in infrastructure investment and approximately $125 million in digital equity and inclusion strategies to expand access to and adoption of high-speed

ACCESS, Page 6A

“Renewing our accreditation demonstrates Loon Echo’s commitment to permanent land conservation,” said Matt Markot, Loon Echo’s executive director. “Our strength means special places — such as Pleasant Mountain, Hacker’s Hill and many others — will be protected forever, enhancing public access to the outdoors, and ensuring the Lake Region remains a resilient place for us and future generations.”

LELT provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving this distinction. This included a review of financial processes, donor relations, stewardship practices, conservation easement monitoring and practices, board governance and record keeping. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that LELT’s lands will be protected forever.

“We are proud to recognize Loon Echo Land Trust’s continued commitment to conservation excellence,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Commission. “The accreditation seal is a mark of distinction that stands for excellence, trust and permanence. Accredited land trusts like LELT inspire confidence and respect among their peers and in their communities.”

For more information about Loon Echo Land Trust, including information about their trails, free public events, and how to get involved, visit lelt.org or their Facebook page.

Karla Leandri Rider

PUBLIC WORKSHOP regarding the expanding Internet access and gathering community input will be held on March 31 at the Bridgton Public Library. BPL Director Amy Stone (left) is a member of the coalition.

HELP WITH HEATING NEEDS —

Giving back to community

HARRISON — The Western Maine Council of the Mountains to Shore Board of REALTORS® continued their strong tradition of giving back to the communities in which they live and work.

At the membership meeting held last Wednesday, March 8 at the Olde Mill Tavern in Harrison, Lisa

McKee of Community Concepts accepted a check for $8,086. This amount consisted of donations from the Western Maine Council and the Maine Association of REALTORS® Foundation. This money will assist many local households through the “Keep ME Warm” program. In this time of high ener-

gy prices, this represents the largest donation by the Western Maine Council. REALTORS® and Affiliates attended both the membership meeting and the three-hour “Best Practices with Buyers” Continuing Education class. A portion of each registration fee is collected and donated to the “Keep ME Warm” fund.

Beach dredging starts

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES —

When the Town of Naples worked with an engineer to get dredging quotes from contractors, the initial response was as cold as the layers of snow and ice under which the town beach is covered.

Kent’s Landing needs a deeper shoreline for the swimmers and for the boaters trying to dock there.

On March 8, that dredging work started at the Naples Town Beach, which is often referred to as Kent’s Landing. While the dredging work is being done, the recreational area will continue to be open to the public.

On Feb. 27, the Naples Board of Selectmen supported the motion, 4-0, to get the dredging job done for $57,650, using about $17,000 from Kent’s Landing and taking the remaining amount from the Causeway Reserve. Later, money from the TIF fund would be used to repay the Causeway Reserve account.

Waiting until it was approved at town meeting,

Manager shares his reasons

(Continued from Page 1A)

annual town meeting in late April. That end date is in accordance with the 60-day notice required in his job contract.

In the letter, Hawley said he felt it was important for everyone to know that he was not job searching. He had been approached, and decided to accept an offer to return as the operations director for the Regional School Unit 16.

“I do want it known that

I was not actively seeking other employment, although I have questioned my effectiveness in Naples for the last couple of years and debated whether it was time to move on. I only slightly considered changing [jobs] when I was indirectly approached last fall and then formally contacted in January,” Hawley wrote.

“After many sleepless nights and consultations with my wife, I determined it would be best to make this

Casco car wash

(Continued from Page 1A)

“Does Casco really need a car wash? For Christ sakes, they built one in Naples. They took it down,” he said. “I have concerns about this. I really do. If something bad goes wrong, what happens to my land?”

He said the water run-off onto his land is considerable at certain times of the year. Standing water has impacted his shed, he said.

The project calls for a landscaping buffer to make the car wash less visible. However, the buffers won’t stop the water from flowing downhill, he said.

“Consider putting a car wash on a side of a hill that is going to drain into your backyard,” the abutter said in conclusion.

Dustin Roma, of DM Roma Consulting Engineers, spoke to the landowner’s worries.

“Environmental concern — this is something we do not take lightly. We’ve been working on how the water gets captured,” he said.

He said that a commercial car wash isn’t the same as someone washing a vehicle in their yard and allowing the soap and water run wherever.

“Here all the washing takes place in contained facility,” Roma said. “It captures the water, recycles it back through the car wash. The water that doesn’t get reused is captured into a holding tank and pumped and taken off site. It is the water that runs off vehicles with detergents mixed in.”

“When you go out to the site today, there is a fair amount of drainage,” he said, citing the actions put into place to control drainage. “We have designed flow diversions. We will maintain the drainage pattern alongside the road. We built a small retention pond that get directed over the culvert. We have done storm-water analysis.”

“I can understand you being skeptical and wondering what if,” Roma said. “We have a strong interest in making sure it is run efficiently. We don’t want anyone complaining.”

shift back to a less publicfacing position. This decision did not come lightly as I have enjoyed working in Naples with an incredible staff whom I will miss dearly and elected officials and committee members who have mostly been helpful and supportive.”

He praised the town employees again, later in the letter.

“I feel I am leaving on a high note, but I attribute most of the success to the fact that my team has made us successful. I may have been their leader, but they are the real foundation of this organization, and I could have never done it without the expertise that each of them brought to work every day,” he said. “They are underrated and overworked, and yet still give their best efforts daily despite any public criticisms. I will miss work-

ing with them and thank them from the bottom of my heart for their support, respect, cooperation, and friendships.”

The letter also addressed the selectmen, who in essence have been his bosses, which is the case in a selectman-town manager form of government.

“I genuinely appreciate the Select Board members, both previous and existing, for putting their faith in me and allowing me to serve Naples. I truly feel that I have been treated fairly over the years and compensated accordingly, which in no way has impacted my decision to move on,” he said. “In fact, I will be taking a significant pay reduction in my new position. The relationship has been professional, respectful and challenging, but by no means dull and uneventful.”

which is scheduled for April

27 would be too late to wait for funds. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) only allows dredging between Nov. 15 and April 15.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley explained how the contractor came forward, and what logistics the town had to overcome to get the job underway.

“After our last meeting, a gentleman named Rob Durant, of Durant Excavation and Barge Services, contacted me,” he said, adding Durant looked at the site and reviewed the permits provided by DEP.

“This gentleman is very well-versed and experienced in this type of work. He offered us a quote of $57,650,” Hawley said. “Part of the reason for the high price. It has been so many years that it wasn’t maintained. Typically, that area should be done every couple of years. Because of the amount of material that has washed in there, it is going to be a lengthy process.”

“That is the good news. Now, I have a contractor,” he told the board.

However, DEP deadlines and other minor obstacles could make difficult to tackle the job before the boating season. If the town waited until the fall, the price would likely increase because another summer’s worth of material would have been deposited in the already shallow water.

“The not-so-good news is that the DEP permit only allows dredging from Nov. 15 to April 15. To get the work done by this April, Durant needs to know now to get us into his schedule. That work would have to start within the next couple weeks for him to be out of there by April 15,” he said.

“More bad news: this is above our bidding threshold,” he said.

By the time that Town of Naples goes through the bidding process, it would be too late to meet the DEP deadline in the spring, which would push the project start date to mid-November.

The other bad news is

that the town did not budget for the dredging, but Hawley had an option to remedy that problem.

“We have $17,000 in Kent’s Landing account that we could appropriate, and we could take the remainder from the Causeway Account, and pay it back with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds,” he said.

Chairman Jim Grattelo asked if it was possible for the board to waive the bidding process, and if so, under what circumstances that was permissible

“Yes, the board can if there is a lack of services. If this guy hadn’t come out of woodwork, we wouldn’t have found him,” Hawley said.

Comp Plan funding

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Town of Naples is setting aside the total amount of money needed for the comprehensive plan.

That means — if the amount is approved at town meeting — the town could hire a firm and begin the two-year process of updating a comp plan that was completed almost two decades ago.

After some discussion, the Naples Board of Selectmen decided to support the entire amount being budgeted in the upcoming fiscal year. That amount is $95,000.

A Naples resident who was involved in the last comp plan process said that an important part is implementing what citizens desire in their town.

Naples Town Manager John Hawley introduced the topic during the selectmen’s meeting on Feb. 27.

“Discussion and support at the [Naples] Budget Committee level were split, and comments suggested

PLAN, Page 6A

Board upset over Hawley decision

(Continued from Page 1A)

Naples over the past two years. Micro-managing of day-to-day operations has increased, and the staff is frustrated! The Town of Naples is struggling, and the rhetoric has to stop! To any of you, who has played a part in this, you should be ashamed: Running this town from behind the scenes or on Facebook just cost you a talented town manager,” he wrote.

“I was told recently by an elected official, that it’s too late for Naples. That ship has already sailed. Apparently, I am one of the few who thinks otherwise. Naples is worth saving and preserving. With the

current trend, this unique Town of Naples will continue to go backwards and become another commercial town like Windham and OOB. Unfortunately, that’s what some of you want. Naples just took a huge step backwards, of which it may never recover from. Naples needs a neutral town manager that will look out for everyone and not just the vocal minority,” he wrote.

“It’s time everybody thinks long and hard about what role each of you play on Facebook. The potential destructive nature of Facebook can ruin a small town like Naples,” Grattelo wrote.

Then, he talked about how the citizens acted about town services or lack thereof.

“The citizens vote down a Public Works Department, but bitch every day about trash and the road conditions! The citizens want minimal to no tax increases, but complain when lack of staff does not return a call within a half hour! The citizens come into town hall and yell at the clerks because they don’t have the right paperwork to register a car,” he wrote.

Grattelo said this anger (both in-person and on social media) has increased since COVID and so often town employees get the brunt of it.

“I thought his resignation letter was well thoughtout. He worked very hard at the verbiage he chose. He made a point to point out the struggles that Naples has, and that it’s had a toll on the staff,” Grattelo observed.

Going forward, the selectmen are very aware that the candidate pool is small for town managers; and therefore, the town may

not find a suitable candidate prior to Hawley’s departure.

“At our next meeting [March 27] we will be going into executive session to discuss the process to appoint an interim town manager, and to begin the process of formulating a hiring committee,” he said. “Maine Municipal Association (MMA) has nine qualified names on website that perform those duties of an interim town manager. There are former town managers that offer services.”

Still, Grattelo believes the best candidate is the person who has the job now, and there might be a way to win him back.

“Last night was the first time that the Select Board was able to meet since he tendered his resignation on Friday. The select-board has not given up hope that we may possibly be able to retain him,” Grattelo said.

“The Select Board has not thrown in the towel yet.”

Jocelyn O’Rourke-Shane (left), president of the Western Maine Council of the Mountains to Shore Board of REALTORS®, presents a check to Lisa McKee of Community Concepts.

Bridgton Police blotter

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

Monday, March 6

8:55 p.m. Juvenile female reported missing at Brickyard Hill Road. A short time later, police were notified that the girl had been located.

Tuesday, March 7

2:05 a.m. Assist citizen on Fosterville Road.

7:26 a.m. Assist fire department with structure fire on Sweden Road.

10:02 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

CLEANING UP AND INVESTIGATING a fire that destroyed a Porrtland Road home late last Thursday night. A space heater possibly triggered the blaze according to a state investigator, Bridgton Fire Chief Glen Garland said.

Fire torches home, woman escapes

(Continued from Page 1A)

the street, and also utilized a hydrant just down the road near the future home of Living Well Family Medicine (the former Chamber of Commerce property).

“One benefit to fighting this fire was having hydrants nearby, and not us having to tie up people driving tankers to bring in water. We were able to put all of our resources at the scene,” Chief Garland said. “It all went as well as it could. There wasn’t a lot of wind and no one was hurt.”

Nine fire departments responded with about 45 to 50 personnel working to put out the fire.

Departments on hand were Bridgton, Denmark, Sebago, Naples, Harrison, Sweden, Fryeburg, Norway and Lovell. Fire fighters from Waterford, Lovell and Sweden provided coverage at Central Station in case of another fire call.

There was “heavy fire” to the middle/rear section of the three-floor building. Chief Garland said the stairway and third

floor were unsafe, so fire fighters used ladders and worked through windows to fight the blaze.

“Typical of a lot of fires,” Garland noted.

Fire fighters cleared the scene around 2:30 to 3 a.m.

Chief Garland said the property was insured, and the resident, who was dressed in pajamas when she fled the home, spent the night with family.

10:43 a.m. Harassment complaint between property owners and renters on Wildwood Road.

2:42 p.m. Suspicious situation on Holden Hills Road.

8:50 p.m. Assist to Yarmouth Police regarding

an active investigation.

Wednesday, March 8

5:56 p.m. Welfare check of a male, who seemed confused and acting suspiciously, on Portland Road.

6:21 p.m. Police received a report of stolen medication.

11:53 p.m. Suspicious subject at Knights Hill Road property. Police later learned the subject, caught on camera, was a friend of the caller.

Thursday, March 9

2:25 a.m. Mental health event on South High Street. Subject transported to the hospital.

4:52 a.m. A car and deer collided on North High Street, near Rivard Lane.

8:44 a.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

10:48 a.m. Citizen dispute at Ward Acres.

10:47 p.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

11:09 p.m. Assist fire department with structure fire on Portland Road.

Friday, March 10

1:11 p.m. Citizen assist on South High Street.

Saturday, March 11

12:08 a.m. Dispute between domestic partners at Hoyts Ridge Road; individuals separated.

11:46 a.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

6:17 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Zion Hill Road and Harrison Road.

Sunday, March 12

5:13 p.m. Citizen assist on Sandy Creek Road.

Monday, March 13

2:29 a.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

6:32 a.m. Suspicious situation on Portland Road.

Fryeburg Police log

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

Monday, February 27

10:47 a.m. Motor vehicle stop on Main Street.

Tuesday, February 28

12:21 a.m. Assist citizen on Portland Street.

7:56 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Dearborn Drive.

10:30 a.m. Theft complaint on Main Street.

Wednesday, March 1

8:03 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Haley Town Road.

8:10 a.m. Harassment complaint on Cobb Street.

11:25 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Fish Street.

12:30 p.m. Complaint on Cobb Street.

12:55 p.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Maple Street.

5:16 p.m. Assist agency on North Fryeburg Road.

6:25 p.m. Peace officer detail on Ice House Road.

Thursday, March 2

8:40 a.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Dearborn Drive, unfounded.

11:18 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Union Hill Road.

3:01 p.m. Welfare check on Fish Street.

4:36 p.m. Disturbance on Fish Street.

6:49 p.m. Non-reportable motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Fish Street and Lovell Road.

Friday, March 3

4:50 p.m. Parking problem on Warren Street.

5:10 p.m. Disturbance at Fryeburg PD.

9:50 p.m. Disturbance at Ice House Road.

Saturday, March 4

1:02 a.m. Welfare check at Main Street business.

4:12 a.m. Burglary alarm on Dearborn Drive checked.

5:50 a.m. Parking problem on A Street. 9:51 a.m. Harassment complaint on Cobb Street. 12:25 p.m. Complaint on Osgood Lane.

5:54 p.m. Motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Portland Street and Oxford Street, warning issued.

Sunday, March 5

5:18 p.m. Motor vehicle stop on Main Street, warning issued.

Monday, March 6 10 a.m. Police checked a possible violation of a protection order on Main Street.

10:30 a.m. Solicitation complaint on Fish Street. 1 p.m. Assist agency on Fairview Drive.

3:23 p.m. Harassment complaint on Ela Lane.

6:17 p.m. Animal complaint on Bridgton Road.

Tuesday, March 7 10:14 a.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Battleground Road unfounded.

2:30 p.m. Harassment complaint on Cobb Street.

2:37 p.m. Mental health event on Lovewell Pond Road.

Wednesday, March 8 7:54 a.m. Theft complaint on Legion Field Road.

Thursday, March 9 7 a.m. Animal complaint

FRYEBURG, Page 5A

No go on Deputy Chief post; FD truck ok’d

(Continued from Page 1A)

a strong Police Department, always have. People need all the protection and help we can get.”

While Select Board member Carrye CastlemanRoss also supported the request, Board Chair Carmen Lone felt this was not the year to add another position.

The Select Board supported purchasing a new cruiser, but dumped the deputy chief position.

The police budget includes purchasing a new

cruiser ($49,000), keeping with the strategy to retire patrol cars just under 100,000 miles. On some occasions, the retired cruiser is then used by another department.

The town’s two part-time park rangers used the electric car, which is on loan from Efficiency Maine, or walked or bicycled. Peabody said the electric car three-year agreement ends April 2024. With the cost to purchase expected to be in the upper $20,000 range, Peabody expects the

town will return the vehicle to Efficiency Maine.

Chief Jones also included in his budget a portable drug testing machine, which scans a substance and determines what it is — thus limiting officers’ exposure to lethal drugs such as Fentanyl. There have been cases across the nation when officers collapse and suffer overdoses

due to Fentanyl exposure, requiring Narcan to revive them.

“The machine carries a high price tag, but the value is it helps limit our contact with narcotics,” Chief Jones said.

Fire Department — While Fire Chief Glen Garland said his proposed budget has “little change,” one big ticket item is

$72,000 for a new vehicle. The chief is currently using a retired BPD cruiser. He wants to replace the 2013 Explorer with a four-wheel drive, half-ton pick-up truck.

The selling point is Chief Garland wants to structure the capped bed area to serve

as a command post during fires and law enforcement emergencies.

“It makes sense,” Selectman McHatton said. The Select Board supported the purchase. While departmental reviews are in the book,

FD PROPOSAL, Page 5A

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

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FLAMES from the Portland Road home, which was destroyed by fire last week. (Photo courtesy BPD/Todd Perreault)

‘Mob’ flashes spotlight on Women’s Day

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

Dancing can be just for fun. Dancing can be expressive, healing and purposeful. In fact, activism can arrive in the form of dancing.

About a dozen women took part in a flash mob to bring awareness to International Women’s Day on March 8.

(Photo

LRRC open house falls on somber day

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

The Bridgton-based recovery center exists to address life or death situations stemming from addiction.

On Monday, the Lake Region Recovery Center (LRRC) cemented that objective by holding its ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day.

LRRC has been in existence since 2018. In late October 2022, the center moved from the Bridgton Hospital campus to its

new location in downtown Bridgton. It was a strategic move to wait until March 6 for the official open house.

“The decision to have the ribbon-cutting on the same day as Black Balloon Day was an easy one,” according to LRRC Executive Director Tracey Martin. “It was important to celebrate our opening in our new location, which showed how much we have grown over the last 4-1/2 years and also to honor those lost due to overdose.”

“It was a time to bring support to family and friends who have loved

Fryeburg Police

(Continued from Page 4A)

on Bridgton Road.

8 a.m. Assist citizen on Howe Street.

1:50 p.m. Responding to a call on Main Street, police charged John C. Pappas, 24, of Manchester, N.H. with violation of a protection order.

11 p.m. Police assisted with a fire on Buzzell Drive.

Friday, March 10

5:28 a.m. Call on Main Street regarding violation of a protection order.

7:21 a.m. Radar detail on Bridgton Road.

8:53 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Fairview Drive.

10:56 a.m. Call on Main Street regarding violation of a protection order.

12:34 p.m. Regarding an alleged incident at Wards Brook Cove Road, police charged Michael J. Korona, 42, of Brownfield with burglary.

3:47 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Lovell Road.

4:10 p.m. Police responded to a complaint on Stuart Street.

Saturday, March 11

6:08 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Bridgton Road.

9:51 a.m. Traffic complaint on Main Street.

5:38 p.m. ATV complaint on North Fryeburg Road.

8:03 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Oxen Pull Road.

11:12 p.m. Animal complaint at the intersection of Haley Town Road and Ela Lane.

Sunday, March 12 4 a.m. Assist agency on River Street.

8:04 p.m. Police responded to a complaint on Main Street.

9:30 p.m. Citizen assist on Fairview Drive.

Monday, March 13

4:28 a.m. Shoplifting complaint at a Main Street business investigated.

FD proposal

(Continued from Page 4A)

finalization will remain in the works. Peabody noted during Tuesday’s Select Board meeting that SAD 61 Superintendent of Schools

Al Smith will meet with town officials on March 28 to go over the school district’s proposed budget, as well as projected tax assessments (see related story).

ones on our black balloon banner. They know that we mourn with them and that we will never forget their loved ones,” she said.

“It was a way to bring people from the community inside the doors so they can see the faces of those lives lost. They may not have come to LRRC otherwise,” she said.

“The ribbon cutting was fantastic. We had a pretty great turnout,” Martin said. “It was about coming together as a community to support each other. There was so much laughter and meeting new friends. That is what a center is about.”

Martin talked about the advantages of the new location at 2 Elm St., where the center has been for four months.

“The benefits of being on Main Street now is that we are more accessible to people that are on foot. I feel that it takes some of the ‘stigma’ away from being right in our community. People who access our center are your neighbors, people you go to church with, people who may teach your kids. We are just people,” Martin said.

LRRC keeps track of the number of people who use the facility. Those numbers help when applying for grants.

“On an average, we have anywhere from 15 to 20 people a day. People come in who are curious about what we do here. They want to use our computer lab or they just want or need to have that connection with other people,” she said.

LRRC’s calendar offers groups on dealing with grief and healing through the written word as well as a crafts time. There are also Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings during the week.

“Recovery is recovery.

It can be anything, not just substances,” Martin said. “Please stop in. Take a look. See what we do here at LRRC. We are always looking for more volun-

The event was organized by the Town of Bridgton Arts & Culture Subcommittee. The flash mob took place at noon last Wednesday in the parking lot of Factor Fine Arts on Main Street in Bridgton.

The spirit of activism was big, although the 2023 turnout ended up being smaller than last year.

Bridgton resident Michele Senior has been part of the flash mob for three years now.

“International Women’s Day — I think it is more about empowerment, about making us feel like we are stronger and we contribute as much as everybody else,” she said.

“We do twice as much work. We work twice as hard to be approved. If a women gets a job, she has to prove herself for other

SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER — During a flash mob, participants took turns showing off dance moves and cheering for the person in the middle. Michele Senior (center) explores her own choreography.

women. We are capable, but we are not valued as easily,” Senior said.

“I hope that the children in the next generation going forward don’t have to do what we’re doing now,” she said.

Rachel Sylvester is employed at the Bridgton Public Library. This was her second year doing the flash mob.

“I am here to help support my community. Also, with this flash mob on

International Women’s Day, I am hoping it’ll reach a wider audience as well,” she said.

Sylvester explained why she set aside the time to be part of the flash mob.

“Awareness, solidarity for women, showing to our community and to other communities that you can do something like this: Get women together to bring awareness and start making those littles changes

MOVING IN UNISON — Women show solidarity by participating in a flash mob to bring public awareness to International Women’s Day. The flash mob took place (De Busk Photos)

Moment honors Ursula

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

The first dance of the third annual International Women’s Day Flash Mob was dedicated to Ursula Flaherty. The music for the first dance was a song called No Regrets Flaherty’s absence was felt by the people who knew her, by the women who danced in the flash mob with her last year, and danced without her this year.

“I feel like a little piece of my heart is gone because Ursula is not here anymore. There is a hole in my heart for her,” Bridgton resident Michele Senior said.

“It is really upsetting that she’s not here to dance with us,” she said. Flaherty passed away

SONG DEDICATED TO URSULA Flaherty (pictured front and center), a local activist, who took part in last year’s

COMMUNITY MEMBERS gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lakes Region Recovery Center, which moved to 2 Elm St. from its location behind the Bridgton Hospital.

courtesy of LRRC)

Lions Club goes ‘on road’

In a somewhat unusual, if not unique move, the Bridgton Lions Club took its usual bi-monthly dinner meeting on the road last week.

A Chinese repast was enjoyed by a dozen club members and two center staff at the Lake Region Recovery Center on Monday evening, March 13. It is believed that this is the first time the Lions have visited one of the agencies it financially supports for a regular dinner meeting. With sincere thanks to Ruby Foods for their generous discount,

dinner was taken next door to LRRC and enjoyed by all.

When the Lions visited the Center in January to present a $1,000 contribution to the renovation fund, it was noted what an exceptional change had been made to the former Sawyer Engineering offices. An idea was expressed that it would be great for the club members to see what their donation had helped to achieve. The dinner idea was born.

As Lions arrived at the 2 Elm Street site, informal tours of the new facility

SEEING THE NEW RECOVERY CENTER — The Lakes Region Recovery Center opened its doors to host the Bridgton Lions Club’s regular Monday meeting on March 13. Lions members look on as Candy Greenberg and Tracey Martin tell the Recovery Center’s story.

took place. After dinner, the two staff members addressed the club regarding their mission to serve those on the road to substance abuse recovery. The

Dance, a powerful tool

(Continued from Page 5A)

until eventually get to those big changes in the world,” Sylvester said.

Senior stressed the importance of solidarity.

“You can’t do it alone. We need many hands and many hammers keep chipping away at it,” she said.

This was the first year that Tracey Martin joined the flash mob.

“I came over for a few reasons: I’ve always wanted to do it. I have been the girl who drives by every time that I see the mob here and just haven’t had the courage to do that,” Martin said. “I just turned 50; and it’s time to celebrate me and it’s time to celebrate other women, and bring empowerment and not worry about what others think.”

Suzy Guthro serves as the president of the Bridgton Arts & Culture Subcommittee. She commented on what the day

meant to her.

“It means a day of being aware of all the wonderful things that women have brought to the world and the work that we do. Also to shine a light on the fact that women’s rights are still not 100% equal and we are still working on that,” she said.

Melinda Thomas brought empowerment into the conversation.

“It’s a day when we can really set our intention on the whole year ahead on empowering our daughters and our sisters, empowering our co-workers. Just really, really recognizing and inspiring women who are in our world, at our workplace, in our families. We can really make a point of being activists to achieve the goals we really want to achieve,” Thomas said.

“Also, because it is International Women’s Day, it brings to mind for me all the women struggling

around the world, especially in Iran, and the Ukraine and Ethiopia. Women are so often the victims in any kind of war and conflict,” she said.

Additionally, Thomas addressed how dancing is a way that women can feel empowered and connected.

“I think that gathering to dance is really powerful tradition that we don’t always recognize in the United States,” she said. “Women dancing together creates an incredible force of power and joy.”

Senior was particularly happy to be part of the flash mob. She had hip replacement on Feb. 13, and was planning to participate in the flash mob during its third year. So, she did the exercises to help heal her hip.

“I was so thankful that my doctor released me,” she said. “I am a big dancer.”

Plan funding

(Continued from Page 3A)

that a scaled-down approach should be considered,” Hawley said. “Since then, we have received a letter from the planning board that was directed toward the select-board and the budget committee, asking you to consider the full update.”

Last month, for budget preparation purposes, the selectmen asked Hawley to obtain a cost estimate for hiring a company to assist with the comp plan update.

“The Town of Casco just did their last year with Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) as the planning firm, so I reached out to them for an estimate. They provided us with a detailed scope of work and an estimate of $95,000 to complete,” he said.

The comp plan cost falls under Capital Improvement Projects in the budget, he said.

center’s main thrust is to assist those in recovery to reenter society in a useful and supportive manner.

Tracey Martin, executive director, and Candy Greenberg, Peer Support specialist, took turns explaining to the club how the centers programs are specifically designed to guide the clients on the path of “reentry.” At present, they are assisting a significant number of clients (which they call members) in the process. “People First” is their goal. The in-house dinner meeting was positively received by those in attendance and will perhaps lead to future adventures into the community. — Submitted by Lion Carl Talbot.

Recovery

(Continued from Page 5A)

teers and we are also hiring for a communications specialist.” Lakes Region Recovery Center is located 2 Elm St. in Bridgton. The website is www.lrrcbridgton.org The center’s Facebook page has a daily listing of activities. The phone number is 207803-8707.

Moment in honor of Ursula

(Continued from Page 5A)

July 19, 2022. She was 72 when she died unexpectedly in her sleep.

This year’s flash mob took place last Wednesday at noon. It is always held on International Women’s Day, which is March 8. The event happened right off Main Street, in the parking lot owned by Factor Fine Arts in Bridgton. A

This year, we are dedicating our flash mob to a very dear friend who we lost unexpectedly this past summer, Ursula Flaherty. For those of you who knew Ursula, you know that she was a fierce advocate for women’s equality, always stepping up and speaking out when things were unjust,” said Susie Guthro, who chairs the Town of

Bridgton Arts & Culture Subcommittee.

Flaherty served as the chair-woman of the Town of Bridgton Community Development Advisory Committee. Additionally, she was a strong supporter of the Arts & Culture Subcommittee.

“She was a terrific sport, always championing a fun time, and she loved participating in our flash mobs,” Guthro said. “Dancing and activism seem like the perfect way to honor her and all that she inspired within us.”

“Our first song is dedicated to her, it’s by one of her favorite artists, Edith Piaf. Although it’s a slower song, Edith Piaf’s No Regrets is the epitome of what Ursula embodied.

Strong, independent, and loyal we come together today and dance for our friend who lived with no regrets,” she said, kicking off the flash mob.

What appeared in Flaherty’s obituary summed up her dedication to speaking out against injustice and being an activist for women’s rights and human rights. Here is an except, which appeared in The Bridgton News on July 28, 2022.

“While Ursula had a deep love for friends and family, she also had a ferocity born of experiencing and seeking injustice, and she became a United States citizen because she wanted to make sure that she could participate in every U.S. election going

forward. She was proud to be part of the Bridgton community and her role on the community development advisory committee was born out of the desire to contribute. She was just as likely to be on a traffic island on Route 302 campaigning for racial justice or reproductive freedom, as she was to attend a town meeting. She was disruptor, a creator, and an advocate who was motivated by doing what was best for the community and for those in the community who were voiceless.”

“What are the wishes of the select board?” Chairman Jim Grattelo asked. “The question is: What would you like the budget committee to put in the budget? Do we want to put $25,000 — like we talked about at the last meeting — over a two-to three-year period?”

Selectman Colin Brackett had requested the comp plan be budgeted this year. He thought that many new residents had moved to Naples and might like to have a voice in the creating an updated version.

“I would like to see it done now. I’d like to see the $95,000. That is a rough estimate. Sooner than later. Pushing it off is just pushing it off,” Brackett said.

Selectman Bill Adams commented.

“In two more years, we hit 20 years. That is when it was done, right? If we go two more years, it’ll be 20 years old. It should be done every ten,” Adams said.

Again, Hawley asked what number to put in the budget. Currently, $25,000 is the number that’s being proposed, he said.

“I would say increase it to the full amount,” Brackett said.

When the discussion wrapped up, audience member Larry Anton spoke.

“No matter how good the comp plan is, the whole key is the limitation,” he said.

He said when the comp plan was finished last time, “One of the selectmen would say, ‘We have too many damn ordinances already.’”

Therefore, no ordinances were proposed to support the comp plan, he said.

“If you are not going to look at the results of the comp plan, and have the select board work on it, planning when you can do the things, then the whole thing is a waste of money,” he said. “People complained, ‘We had the comp plan, and we didn’t do that or we didn’t do this.’”

“The comprehensive plan was a good plan. It gave us zoning, which was a big accomplishment. Before that the only zoning we had was the village district,” Anton said.

“I think we need a new comprehensive plan, but you have to look to the future. We can’t say all these things and not do anything again.”

Access workshop

(Continued from Page 2A)

Internet throughout the state.

This planning work on the regional level will lay the groundwork for that effort, helping state officials make decisions about how best to expand access by getting input from local communities and organizations, which have a better understanding of the opportunities and needs.

The bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act provides $65 billion to build high-speed Internet infrastructure nationwide. Digital equity is a critical component of the effort because the goal is to provide access to everyone, taking into account affordability, access to devices, digital skills, and Internet safety.

The Maine Connectivity Authority is asking residents to take a survey to help the state understand what infrastructure investments are important to residents.

(https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/613d40daec844226 a139850afb3ef6ef)

Leading the initiative in York County and a portion of Oxford County, the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission is partnering with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, the Southern Maine Finance Agency and the York County Community Action Corporation.

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.

March 16, 2023 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

SAD 61 budget hits $34.849M

WHERE THE MONEY IS SPENT — This pie chart shows the amounts tagged to each warrant article.

(Continued from Page 1A)

positions.

However, SAD 61 will need to budget money next year for its Pre-K program, which is using ESSER funds now, but that money dries up after this budget period.

Health insurance is expected to rise, at least 6%.

The district looked to purchase two buses at $190,493, but removed that item from the budget. However, officials hope to fund one bus by using Transportation Reserve funds.

Operation and maintenance special projects totaled $217,000, but the number was trimmed back to $101,000.

Proctor explained that the state increased the mil rate from 7.1 to 7.29, causing a $1 million increase to the local share, which taxpayers will need to pick up.

One break for taxpayers is the Food Service line. In past years, SAD 61 has requested $100,000 in a separate warrant line to cover losses incurred by the food program. This year, there is a fund balance, so there will be no request on this year’s warrant.

Proctor then read through the warrant list, and numbers attached. See pie chart for those costs.

Time to install generators?

Winter storms left many in the region without power for several days, bringing attention to the need for warming centers.

Crooked River is outfitted with a generator, and can act as a warming center or a community shelter if disaster strikes.

Superintendent Smith suggested that SAD 61 ask

taxpayers whether to phase in generator purchases for other school facilities.

While outfitting the high school, middle school, Stevens Brook Elementary, Songo Locks School and the Essential Services Building (ESB) all at once would be very costly — estimated at $1.465 million, Smith recommended to the School Board to include a separate warrant article asking taxpayers to add generators at the high school ($365,000) and Stevens Brook Elementary ($255,000) as Phase 1.

The high school is the largest facility, which has food service capability as well as shower facilities. With Crooked River being able to serve Casco and Naples residents, Stevens Brook could assist Bridgton residents left without power.

(The School Board was unaware during this discussion that the Bridgton Select Board has supported spending $60,000 to install a generator at the Community Center.)

Andy Madura, director of Transportation, Maintenance and Food Service, pitched the idea of including the ESB ($165,000) since it is the hub of district operations.

“We were close to a complete catastrophe and there was nothing we could do about it,” said Madura referring to the power outages during frigid days that left officials on edge whether pipes would freeze. “Our electrical systems are very vulnerable.”

Directors, however, felt the high school and SBES total is a big ask with taxpayers staring at a steep hike this year.

Lake Region Middle School and Songo Locks

LOCAL YOUTH ART DISPLAYED — Students from SAD 61 were chosen to be in the Portland Museum of Art Youth Art Exhibit and the Maine Educators Association in Augusta. They included: Iris Hurd (above), a second grader from Songo Locks Elementary School, whose work is titled, Landscape (medium: Acrylics) shown at the PMA; Evangeline Fitzcharles (right), a first grader at Songo Locks, whose work is titled, My Scarecrow (medium: Oil Pastels) shown at the MEA Art Show; Vera McClellan (top right), a fifth grader at Crooked River Elementary, whose work is titled, Sand Art shown at PMA; and Jacob Wentworth (top left), a fifth grader at Stevens Brook Elementary School, whose work is titled, Koi Fish (medium: Watercolor) shown at PMA.

Budget timeline

• Monday, March 20, 6:30 p.m., public hearing at the Lake Region Vocational Center’s Great Room.

• Monday, April 3, 7 p.m., SAD 61 School Board to vote on the budget, sign warrants at LRVC Great Room.

• Tuesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m., district budget meeting at Lake Region High School gym.

• Tuesday, May 23, budget validation referendum in Bridgton, Casco and Naples, polls open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

price tags would be $315,000 and $245,000 respectively. A $120,000

price contingency puts the total package at the $1.465

SAD 61, Page 8A

Experience the timeless Tale

The Lake Region Drama program is proud to present the classic fairytale of Cinderella, opening on Friday, March 31.

This timeless story has captivated audiences for generations and is sure to be a hit with theater-goers of all ages.

With a talented cast and crew, this production promises to bring the magic and wonder of Cinderella to life in a way that is both heartwarming and entertaining. From the lavish costumes, designed by Emily St. John to the splendid set design created by Chris Madura, no detail has been overlooked in creating an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Directed by Brian Tingdahl with music direction by Saphrona Stetson, and choreography by Ciara Harriman, this rendition of Cinderella is not to be missed. With its charming characters, memorable songs, and captivating

story, this production promises to transport audiences to a world of wonder and enchantment. Cinderella features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including In My Own Little Corner, Impossible and Ten Minutes Ago

The cast of talented high schoolers include Eva Fickett and Jenna

Jordan (Cinderella), Leah Edwards and Payton Vogen (The Prince), Alice O’Connor (The Queen), Tyler Lafontaine and Owen Young (The King) Sydney Mushrow and Reiyn Hart (The Fairy Godmother), Emma McKenney and Finley Parritt (The Stepmother), Zach Cross, Ayanna Coffin, ShannonMarie Goguen, Sierra

Allen (The Stepsisters), Jac Ordway (The Herald), Carly Dyer (The Chef), Olivia England (The Steward), Jae Plympton (The Footman), Mackenzie Putnam (The Coachman) and rounding out the cast, the talented ensemble Ash Armstrong, Gregory Blackwell, Willow Butters, Kasey Johnson, Madison Paradis, and Riley Young.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Cinderella at Lake Region High School, Route 302, Naples. Tickets will be sold at the door (cash or check only). Adults $12 and students/seniors $8. Show dates are Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April at 1 p.m., and Sunday, April at 2 p.m., as well as the following weekend April 7-9.

Cinderella is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization.

Athletes in News

Senior Zach Vogel of Lake Region recently competed in the Eastern High School Championship for alpine ski racing. The top 15 Slalom and Giant Slalom racers from the Class A and Class B State Meets compete at Shoutouts to earn a spot on the team that represents Maine at the Eastern High School Championship. Zach finished 8th in the state at Shoutouts to earn a spot on the Maine State team (top 12 make the team) and competed against the top racers from 12 states across the Northeast and MidAtlantic.

Senior guard Melissa Mayo represented Lake Region at Saturday’s 43rd Maine McDonald’s All-Star basketball game played at Husson University’s Newman Gym in Bangor. Melissa knocked down a 3-pointer, but it proved to be a tough outing for the Southern stars, losing 10557. Proceeds benefitted the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine for children.

Seniors Colby Chadwick of Lake Region and Owen Galligan of Fryeburg Academy were selected as members of the West squad for the 2023 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl football classic. The game will be played on Saturday, July 15 at 4 p.m. at the Don Roux Field at Lewiston High School.

Lake Region alpiner Zach Vogel

Casco Comp Plan unveiling

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — The Town of Casco is entering the home stretch of its Comprehensive Plan process.

It is important for people to know for that public comment can still make a difference and there will be opportunities this month and next to do so.

In fact, this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Casco Comprehensive Plan Draft Unveiling will be held at the Casco Community Center. This is a chance to hear the major concepts of the proposed comp plan. There will be a time to ask questions. Citizens will be able to share their thoughts — if they would like. In fact, feedback is being sought.

The event is listed on the calendar of the town’s website, www.cascomaine.org Also, it is being posted on the town’s Facebook page.

There will be some similarities between the upcoming unveiling of the draft and the Casco Planning Days events that took place in late March and early April a year ago, according to Casco Town Manger Anthony “Tony” Ward.

He updated the Casco Board of Selectmen about the comp plan progress. This was done during its regular meeting on March 7.

“The [Casco] Comp Plan Steering Committee met on Monday [March 6] to finalize the initial draft of the comp plan. What they are recommending is having an open house,” Ward said.

The open house will be one more opportunity for citizens to provide input about what most appeals to them in their town, he said. The participation and comments will give more direction for the steering committee, he said. Following the open house, members of the steering committee will meet to summarize the public input.

“Next, there is a two-week open comment period, at which point they will come up with a final recommendation, at which point there would be a public hearing held jointly by the select board and the planning board,” he said.

The public hearing will be held on April 11.

Finally, the comp plan will appear at Casco Annual Town Meeting since it must be approved by a majority of the voting residents in order to be adopted.

The board voted to lock in the dates.

The Comp Plan open house will take place this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Casco Community Center. The Comp Plan public hearing will be held on April 11, Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. The hearing will be a joint meeting of the Casco Select Board and the Casco Planning Board.

The Town of Casco hired Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) to help facilitate the process of putting together the town’s Comp Plan. The cost was approximately $95,000. The town saved half that amount in its budget over a period of two years.

TRAFFIC FLOW should be improved with the new design for the Casco-Naples Transfer Station. The design encourages citizens to drive to bins on either side of the facility. (Engineer sketch courtesy of Sebago Technics)

Transfer site upgrades approved

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO

— One objective of the construction project is to create a safer environment for employees and citizens who use the facility.

A project to upgrade the Casco-Naples Transfer Site & Bulky Waste Facility (TS&BW), which had funding approved by both towns last year, came before the Casco Planning Board for the first time on Monday.

Sebago Technics Senior Project Engineer Craig Burgess presented the site plan review to the board. The TS&BW is located on 449 Leach Hill Rd.

The biggest complaint — other than the potholes that will be addressed by paving — is the lack of flow of traffic dropping off trash and recycling at the transfer site. People tend to

pull up to bins on one side. Then, drivers who are at the beginning of the line must put their vehicles in reverse to leave the area, causing a bit of a cluster.

“First and foremost, this project is aiming to correct the traffic flow,” Burgess said.

After listening to the presentation of the site plan, the planning board voted, 4-0, to support the plan, pending Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approval of permits.

“The town would start construction of this project this year, either late summer or early fall after the bidding process,” Burgess said.

“What this project is proposing to do is to get rid of the big retaining wall and make it so vehicles can drive through on both sides. There will be new retaining walls to better disperse traf-

fic,” he said.

“Right now, all traffic favors one side of site,” he said.

The design calls for adding more bins so that traffic can go either way. Two bins for cardboard and one for single-sort recycling will be on each side of the facility. Each travel lane will be 19-1/2 feet wide, giving space for a vehicle to move around one that is stopped without endangering life and limb.

Additionally, there will be room for the truck drivers who are hired to remove the bins.

The existing transfer site building will remain standing. However, a new concrete apron will be placed in front of the structure.

One big change will be where vehicles enter and exit but that will be clearly marked, Burgess said.

ARPA funds for improvement projects

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — One aspect of Casco’s proposed budget is a sizable list of capital improvement projects that are promised not to raise the mil rate.

That’s because money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) can be applied toward the purchases, according to Casco Town Manager Anthony

Tony” Ward

“None of the capital expenditures will come out of new taxes,” Ward said.

Last week, Ward provided an overview of the proposed 2023-24 budget.

The presentation happened during the Casco Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting. He ran down a list that included upgrading the computers and IT software; replacing the die -

sel pumps; stripping and resealing the gymnasium floor, replacing the bleachers in the gym, acquiring portable radios for the fire department, and increasing the mulch level at the playgrounds; installing a gate in front of the sand and salt shed; and paying for the first year lease of a one-ton truck with a plow.

Another capital improvement, which would use already approved money, is upgrading the tennis courts behind the community center and on Libby Hill Road. “I have recommendations of what funds to use.

I am looking at using a substantial amount of the remaining ARPA funds [as well as money] from Unassigned Fund Balance and from current capital reserve accounts,” Ward said.

He had done the math, and figured out that the ARPA money would be the best source of funding. Plus, there would be some leftover.

“The Town received its second and last round of American Rescue Plan Act in October of 2022. The Town received a total of $404,000 over the two years. To date, the town has expended $175,438 of these funds on hazardous duty pay, the sign in front of the town office and Fiscal Year ’23 road projects. Thus, the Town has $228,561 in remaining ARPA funds,” he said.

“As part of the FY24 budget process, I am recommending utilizing $153,472 of these funds for capital projects. I obviously do not have the authority to allocate these funds; and that responsi-

bility lies solely within the select-board’s authority,” Ward said.

“If the board agrees with my recommendation that would leave approximately $81,561 in ARPA funds,” he said. “If the board does not wish to use any or part of these funds for capital projects, the available funds amount would vary.”

After listening to the list of proposed improvements, two selectmen asked if Ward would get a cost estimate for repairing or replacing the salt-sand shed.

“Could we at least get a proposal on the salt shed,” Chairman Rob MacDonald asked.

Mary-Vienessa

Fernandes was the other person who requested a price for that project during the selectmen’s meeting on March 7.

In related business, this week kicks off the beginning of the budget process for the Casco Finance Committee and the Casco Board of Selectmen.

Starting on Monday, the two groups held joint workshops at the Casco Community Center. More budget workshops will take place on March 14 and March 15, which is the following Monday and Tuesday. Another grouping of workshops has been put on the calendar for March 20 and March 21. The start time for all six workshops is 5:30 p.m.

The current entrance and current exit to the transfer station will be shifted slightly and those old curb cuts will be abandoned and incorporated into the landscaping. Also, a new chainlink fence and gate will be installed around the facility.

There was a spot where the transfer site exit conflicted with bulky waste’s entrance, Burgess said.

The new design “defines that better so there’s not so much confusion, so people are not exiting at the same area where community members are coming into the bulky waste facility,” he said.

The bulky waste entrance will be paved, he said.

“The existing concrete pads in the walls are failing. Part of the project involves the replacement of the walls and those pads,” according to Burgess.

“Part of the project is a complete maintenance of the [storm-water management] systems. There will be some tree clearing within the infiltration basins, the retention pond,” he said.

The proposed work will add about one-third of an acre, or .3 acres of additional impervious area around the bulky waste area, Burgess said.

(Continued from Page 7A)

million figure. The board decided to go with the LRHS/SBES option in a separate warrant article.

Superintendent Smith will be meeting with town managers and Select Boards over the next few weeks to talk about the budget and answer questions officials might have.

Opinion & Comment

March 16, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Earth Notes

Bird vs. Birdwatcher

By Mary Jewett Guest Columnist

I often use these terms interchangeably, but I believe there is a difference. I consider myself both a birder and a birdwatcher. There may be actual definitions of each, but I’m going to not look them up and tell you what I think. After all, this is my column and I can write about (almost anything) I want.

I consider birdwatching to be just that, watching the birds. I imagine this to be a calm experience, possibly watching feeders while drinking hot chocolate on your couch. This could also be the act of standing quietly in a field, serenely scanning the area with binoculars, also while drinking hot chocolate.

In my mind, a birder is a different person altogether. A birder seeks out our avian friends, striving to see as many as possible, or to catch sight of a particularly special species. For me “going birding” usually involves driving/hiking/flying long distances, camera in one hand and binoculars in the other, with none free for hot chocolate.

I am both of these people, often at the same time. This occasionally becomes a bit confusing, like on a recent trip to South America.

Let me now paint the scene: I am with my bird guide, Natalia, at an Amazonian Lodge in Ecuador. It is hot, and humid, and there are stinky domestic ducks pooping everywhere. But there is a beacon of hope, a staircase to the top of an amazing tower, overlooking a lush landscape of tropical trees and flowers. From this stage, I am observing dozens of species, from the loquacious chachalaca to the tiny black mango hummingbird. My birder persona has a kinked neck from whipping around, trying to see everyone at once.

Suddenly, the birdwatcher in me stops, standing quietly as I witness amazing bird behavior. A red-capped cardinal couple (looks nothing like a Northern Cardinal) has just flown down to a banana feeder, with a large, chunky bird in tow. I know what is happening here, and it occurs all the way up here in Maine, as well. The chunky bird is a shiny cowbird, and it is a young one at that. You see, cowbirds are obligate parasitic nesters. Adult cowbirds have no nest-building instinct, so they lay their eggs in the nests of other species. In this case, the much smaller red-capped cardinals had brought “their” fledgling bird to the tower to feed them bananas.

After allowing my inner birdwatcher a moment to simply admire the view, my birder side sprang into action setting up my tripod and camera for some videos. All the while Natalia is announcing new birds as they come into view. I vaguely hear her calling out “striated heron, blueheaded parrot, blue-necked tanager, Amazon kingfisher,” but I spare only a glance while I admire the fascinating bird behavior I am witnessing.

And then, she calls out “hoatzin” and I’m dragged away from my perch like a fish hooked in the lip. I am now treated to the site of the coolest looking bird I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. When looking at this bird, I have no trouble believing it evolved from dinosaurs. I am back to spinning around, trying to see everything at once. I have, of course, left my camera rolling on the cardinals this entire time. I’m not going to miss an opportunity to capture this very cool bird behavior in the wild.

So, that’s my opinion on birder vs. birdwatcher. If you would like to chat about it, and see photos and videos of my birding/birdwatching adventures, please join me for a Zoom presentation, Birding in Ecuador, on April 5 at 6 p.m. You can sign up by e-mailing me at mary@ mainelakes.org.

Mary Jewett is Director of Education and Invasives Prevention at Lakes Environmental Association.

The facinating story of Big Austins

Howdy neighbor! Today, I’ll be sharing one of my favorite kinds of historical items, of that class of data once called “a curio.” Looking back on old newspapers from our area it is very common to find, around the turn of the last century, special stories on extraordinarily long-lived people. It being, of course, an informal New England tradition “to live to a ripe old age,” whenever anyone actually managed to do it, they could rest assured that before long some country editor would soon be along to document it.

There was, of course, the famed “Festival of Septuagenarians” held in Fryeburg in 1904, and regularly one finds special birthday articles on oldest living citizens hereabouts, such as Harrison’s Dorothy Scribner, of Scribner’s Mill, who turned 100 in 1900, or Pricilla Chaplin, of the Peabody-Fitch house, now Narramissic, who celebrated her 96th year in 1906. (Incidentally, isn’t it fascinating that the two oldest people living in the neighboring towns of Bridgton and Harrison in the first decade of the 20th century, were each living in homes that are now preserved as historical museums? There must be something to that, in the grand scheme of things.)

pounds; their total height is 18 feet and 4 inches. All are farmers and lumbermen; all are of the same political faith; and all have the same kind of laugh — hearty, strong and resonant. Merrill is the Champion heavyweight, and Fessenden is the tallest of the three — 6 feet 4.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but it seemed to me that a story whose subject is so large deserved more than such a little treatment, and when I first read this paragraph in the archives I knew there had to be more to the story. I began researching, and today I am very glad to be able to share what I found.

Though the article, which prompted this research dates to 1900, the association of Bridgton’s Big Austins together as a set began in 1897, when their extraordinary dimensions and equally similar lives were documented in an exhibit at the Bridgton Fair, where the

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

Brigham, which occurred recently, suggests to the writer that not long ago the town contained a remarkable trio of men, each of whose given name was Austin. For stature and weight, they might not inaptly have been termed ‘Bridgton’s Big Austins.’ And not only in this respect were they a notable trio, but they moreover constituted a curious combination of parallels and coincidences.

Ten years ago — October, 1897 — while the annual fair was being held, Frank A. Webb, oculist and business man (son of the late ex-Sheriff Isiah S. Webb) took a snapshot photograph

came of Massachusetts and Revolutionary lineage. Each was a busy farmer and lumberman. Politically, each was always a Democrat, yet neither sought nor accepted political office. All were born within a few miles of each other. At the time they sat for their picture, each was fair, fat, and over forty. Each was jolly and fun-loving, ever ready with humorous story and sharp, good-natured retort. They had a laugh alike — a peculiar Austinian laugh, deep, resonant, hearty, that could be heard a good-ways off, and was infectious by its power and sincerity.

In a chat with Mr.

To The Editor:

Common Cause is advocating a plan to “Fix the Broken Electoral College.” This is an idea whose time is now. In the presidential elections of 2000, President George W. Bush received 50,456,002 votes and Al Gore received 50,999,899 votes. In the presidential election of 2016, Donnie received 62,984,828 and Hillary Clinton received 65,853,514 votes. Bush and Donnie becoming president is a major threat to our Democracy.

Common Cause is offering an alternative, namely the “National Popular Vote Compact.” This compact ensures all state legislatures retain control over their states’ electors while ensuring the candidate with

the most popular votes across the nation — wins!

Thus far 15 states and the District of Columbia have signed this agreement.

Common Cause needs a total number of states whose electors add up to 270 in order to have this Compact go into effect.

When this agreement goes into effect, all states would then cast their electoral votes for the candidate who won the popular vote across the United States. On June 19, 2019, the Maine Senate voted 18 to 16 for LD816 — a vote for the “National Popular Vote Compact.” The bill was sent to the House in Maine, but the legislative session ended leaving the matter unresolved. Perhaps another attempt to pass such a bill will come up before 2024.

Trumplicans will not like this Compact for two reasons:

1.) It is a positive idea; Trumplicans only like no. 2.) The idea is for democracy across the

But in addition to these, there is a second type article focusing instead on characters who, rather that attaining a great volume of years, have instead simply attained great volumes dimensionally. So, we find also plenty of articles on the largest, the tallest, and the heaviest citizens who walked these parts in days gone by, whether the “Two Tons of Chadbournes” who once lived all together in Standish, or that remarkable Giant, the noble sheriff and politician Sumner Burnham of Norway. While these towering representatives of the human frame each have their own connection to Bridgton, for today’s column, I wanted to look a trio of our own citizens, born and bred, who in their day became famous as “Bridgton’s Big Austins.”

The following brief appeared in The Bridgton News of March 16, 1900, exactly 123 years ago. “In the crowd at the town house Monday was seen a trio of Bridgton’s ‘heaviest’ men. They are ‘Bridgton’s Big Austins.’ They are Austin Merrill, Austin Brigham and Austin Fessenden. Their united weight is 854

three men posed together for a public photograph. But the broader history of Bridgton’s Big Austins would only be sketched several years later, after the deaths of two of their number, when in October of 1907 a much-expanded biography of each was published in the Lewiston Journal by local historian Charles O. Stickney. I here give Stickney’s account in full, together with a print of that remarkable photo of the men he called; “A Trio of Remarkable Size and Stature and of Curious Parallels.”

“The death of Bridgton’s well-known and greatly esteemed citizen, Austin

of the three Austins as they sat in front of the fair exhibition building. Through his courtesy, I am enabled to give Journal readers a cut of the famous group. Within the last few years, two of them have passed away, Austin Fessenden and Austin Brigham; the other one, Austin Merrill, is ‘alive and very much alive.’

Physically, each man was a Hercules — large, tall and powerfully strong. Their joint weight was 854 pounds; their total height, 18 feet and 4 inches. They were no-wise related to each other, yet in nearly every respect they were similar.

To begin with, each man

Merrill the other day, I asked him why it was that the three Austins were so cheerful, healthy and happy. His answer with a merry eye-twinkle was: ‘It was because we all had clear consciences, which enabled us to sleep soundly!’

I was one of the crowd, who gathered near the group to see the fun when Mr. Webb posed them and took their picture, and I recollect that we couldn’t help noticing with what judicious care the cameraman sought a very strong settee and equally stout chair for their use. And well he might, for their burden was nearly half a ton.

SAP BUCKETS IN PLACE at Weston’s Farm Stand (48 River Street) in Fryeburg. The 40th annual Maine Maple Sunday is set for March 26. Weston’s will be among sugarhouses across Maine to take part in the rite of spring — sampling maple syrup and checking out how it is made. Other area sugarhouse taking part in Maple Sunday include: Balsam Ridge, 140 Egypt Road in Raymond; Colonial Hill Farm, 201 Mill Hill Road in Waterford; Dad’s Maple Sugar Shack, 1061 Naples Road in Harrison; Dawes Hill Sugar Shack, 60 Dawes Hill Road in Harrison; Grandpa Joe’s Sugarhouse, 103 Murch Road in East Baldwin; Gray Farm Maple LLC, 30 Hilton Road in Denmark; Greene Maple Farm, 723 Bridgton Road in Sebago; Jim’s Sugar House, 296 Maple Ridge Road in Harrison; and Sweet William’s, 66 Spiller Road in Casco. (Photo by Pam Ward)

HOATZIN, one of the coolest birds Mary Jewett has seen.

Story of the Big Austins

(Continued from Page 1B)

Austin Brigham at that time was 54 years old, and weighed 266 pounds. He was six feet tall. He cultivated his large homestead farm, on lovely Upper Ridge, in the north part of the town, and in winter did a large lumbering business. His late father, Aaron Brigham, was selectman. His great-grandfather, who

BHS

The mission of the Bridgton Historical Society is to collect, preserve, interpret, and share the history and traditions of Bridgton and the surrounding communities, to advocate for preservation, and to consult on matters which affect our town’s identity and sense of place. We are 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Visit us at https://www.bridgtonhistory.org

settled there, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

Austin Fessenden, who spent many years in Bridgton and whose death occurred there about three years ago, was a native of East Denmark, just over the town line from where the Bridgton portion of his life was passed. He was a boyhood neighbor of two illustrious natives of the same town, the late Gov. Hazen S. Pingree of Michigan, and the late Major-General Rufus Ingalls, Grant’s Quartermaster-General in the Civil War. He came of a large family that were noted for tallness. He was a brother of Boston’s famous policeman, Lieut. R.G. Fessenden – ‘Big Rufe’ –who is an inch taller than was Austin, who was 6 feet, 4 inches in height and weighed 276 pounds. He was a relative of William Pitt Fessenden. He was 58 years of age when the photo was taken. He was a road builder in Massachusetts, as was his late father William Fessenden, and was a lumberman besides cultivating

Carol M. Correard

Carol Manning Correard departed for her last adventure on February 25, 2023, from her home in Bridgton. Carol’s love of travel started as she completed an airline correspondence course her senior year in high school. She then left home at 18 in her 1959 Chevy, destination New York City and Northeast Airlines. In her life she visited all 50 states, more than 25 countries, and most of the Caribbean.

Carol was born July 28 1939, to Nathaniel (Deac) and Helen Manning in Franklin, Conn. She was one of six children raised on a farm where the hard work ethic originated that she maintained her whole life.

Carol met Ronald Correard on January 13, 1961, in Miami, Florida. They were married on September 12, 1964, and moved to Bethel, Conn., where they raised their three children. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy; she loved actively participating in their travels, sports and activities.

People were the most important part of her life. Whether you were family or friend she made you part of her “family.” She made friends wherever the road took her. She always said, “The difference between a stranger and a friend is ‘Hello’.” She maintained contact with loved ones all the way back to childhood, as well as work, neighbors, volunteers and social connections. Carol was also very giving to others; she volunteered no matter which state she lived in she, finding organizations and people to give back to in any manner she could.

She will be deeply missed by her three children and their families: Annette and Michael Mullarky, Greg and Kris Correard and children Max, Nate and Abby, Stephanie and Troy LeBlond and children Shelby and Cole, her sister Audrey, as well as all who knew her.

Words written by Carol: “I have had a good, full, and healthy life! Thank you to ALL, who have been part of it!!”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol’s name to either the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine, P.O. Box 263, Norway ME 04268 or Denmark Congregational Church, P.O. Box 816, Denmark ME 04220.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, 5 Tyler Dr., North Franklin, Conn., on April 29 at 1 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Denmark Congregational Church, 70 E Main St., Denmark, Maine, on June 3, 11 a.m. followed by a gathering at the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St., Bridgton, Maine.

Warren’s Florist

~ Always Fabulous Florals ~

~ Fruit & Gift Baskets ~

~ Ganz Plush Animals ~ Balloons ~ 39 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-8441 • 800-834-8407

his farm in the west part of the town.

Austin Merrill’s age at that time was 57. He was the champion heavyweight of the three, tipping the beam at 312 pounds. His father, the late Capt. Jonathan Merrill, was a captain of militia, and his greatgrandfather, John Chaplin, served in the war of the Revolution, then settled in

Bridgton. Mr. Merrill owns and cultivates a farm in the south part of the town, and owns and occupies a stand a short distance therefrom. Although lacking only three

Letters

United States; Trumplcians only like autocracy wherever they can find it. However, Independents will endorse the Compact

years of the allotted threescore and ten, he bids fair to continue a long time to come, the living representative of a remarkable triumvirate, whose like we may

because democracy is our number 1 priority.

Joseph Angelo Bridgton

never expect to see again.” Can any group of locals now claim so remarkable a coincidence? If so I’d love to hear it, though it will of course have to wait, Till next time!

(Continued from Page 1B) Hobglobin LETTER, Page 3B

To The Editor: When it comes to

Obituaries

Amy Lynn Morton

Standish, Maine

On March 5, 2023

Amy passed on after bravely battling Pancreatic Cancer. She will be greatly missed.

Paul M. Gallinari

Paul Mark Gallinari, 59, passed away March 3, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. Paul endured a courageous threeyear fight with pancreatic cancer.

Paul was born to Paul Antonio Gallinari and Anne C. Wheaton on July 10, 1963, at Pease Air Force Base in Kittery, Maine. He grew up and lived in Bridgton. He attended Bridgton schools and graduated from Lake Region High School in 1981, where he made and still had lifelong friends. It was there that he participated in the Automotive Vocational Program, which he said, “kept him in school.” He always spoke very highly of the program and his late teacher Ollie Irish.

Paul had a lot of respect for his elders. He would look up to and learn from Enoch Cook, Gordon Brill, Maurice Keene, and Sheldon Prentice. If they didn’t know how to fix something, Paul would figure it out himself. He could fix anything and found a use for everything.

Paul worked as his father did, in the excavation business. He was one of the first to be certified by the Lakes Environment Association to do tractor work around waterways. Paul’s work was featured in the 2021 LEA Homeowners Guide and pictured in The Bridgton News. His customers would say that he was the “Michelangelo of dirt and rock.”

Paul married his High School sweetheart, Penny Brown of Bridgton in 1993, at the Gallinari’s Brookline Cottages on Highland Lake in Bridgton, where Penny and their two sons will continue the family rental business.

Paul was very proud of his families contributions to the town of Bridgton. The Gallinaris historically ran several businesses and owned many properties throughout the town and surrounding areas.

When not working, Paul loved hanging out with a beer in his hand, listening to music, and visiting with friends and family. He enjoyed years of snowmobiling, skiing, dirt biking, boating, water skiing, four wheeling, yard saleing, working on antique cars and motorcycles, snowplowing, and excavating. He loved a good story and a spontaneous laugh. Paul’s outward personality, red hair and beard, loud voice, and distinct laugh will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, his grandparents Anselmo “Sam” and Olga Gallinari, and Ruth and Al Wheaton, all of Bridgton. As well as his Uncle John Gallinari and cousins Michael and Keith Gallinari, of Florida. Most recently Paul was predeceased by his father-inlaw Allen Dean Brown of Bridgton.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Penny Brown Gallinari, and two sons Mason Palmer Gallinari, and Paul Allen and his wife Samantha (Marucci) Gallinari, AKA Paul’s “bonus daughter.” He is also survived by his Uncle Terry Wheaton, as well as two brothers and one sister and their families, all of Bridgton.

In lieu of flowers, because in Paul’s words, “flowers just means somebody died,” please donate in Paul’s name to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg, as he loved animals and animals loved him.

Online condolences can be made at www.chandlerfunerals. com. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton.

“squaring reality” when Mr. St. Laurent is involved, his thought process seems often to be visited by his very own special brand of hobgoblins. Before he gets into the more substantive assertions (substantive is probably an

Richard E. Dyke

It is with profound sadness and with a great sense of loss that we announce the death of Richard Earl Dyke of Naples, Maine, and Henderson, Nev. Dick was born on January 29, 1934, and died of heart failure in Henderson on March 1, 2023, at the age of 89.

Dick was larger than life and lived life to the fullest every day right to the end. He touched countless lives in his personal and business life and helped so many people with his caring generosity.

Born in Wilton, Maine, with his first job in the shoe factory, he worked hard and took advantage of every opportunity he could throughout his life to become an extremely successful entrepreneur owning a total of nearly 70 small businesses mostly in Maine. Dick cut short his education at Husson College to go into the military service and served in the 108th Counter Intelligence Corps in South Korea, then returned to Husson College to get his degree in finance and taxes. After several years working as a U.S. Treasury agent with the IRS, then as treasurer of Burnham and Morrill in Portland, he opened his own accounting firm Dyke Associates. Over the many years, Dick bought distressed companies and worked hard to get them healthy and profitable again. Some of the most notable companies were Bushmaster Firearms, Martin Office Products, Leavitt & Parris, Admiral’s Inn and Falmouth Beach Apartments in Antigua, Chipco International, Candles International, Naples Golf & Country Club, Maine Poly, White Pines Inn, J.R. Mains Company, New England Marble and Granite, Port of Maine Airport, Mr. D’s Restaurant in Raymond, Charlie’s on the Causeway restaurant in Naples, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of Northern Trading Company in Madawaska for many years. Dick sold Bushmaster Firearm’s in 2006, and after the new owner closed the Windham facility in 2011 and laid off everyone, he started a new company, Windham Weaponry to put his longtime, loyal employees back to work. He also founded the Windham Indoor Shooting Range and Retail Store. He was a real estate developer with projects such as the Windham Business Park, Sebago Lake condos in Windham, Madison Condos in Rumford, East Shore Cottage Condos in Rome, Maine, and several apartment buildings and nursing homes.

Dick was very dedicated to “giving back” with his time and money, by supporting many nonprofits throughout Maine. He served on the boards of Maine Medical Center, Goodwill, Opportunity Farm, Husson College for 35 years, National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Small Business Administration. He was also a significant supporter of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland. He was most proud of funding and developing the Dyke Center for Family Business on the Husson University Campus. He was also a longtime member of the Wilton Lion’s Club and the Wilton Masonic Lodge.

Dick enjoyed life and over the years could be found flying in his seaplane, his helicopter, playing cribbage with his friends and family, playing his favorite slot machines at the casino, and most dear to his heart spending time at his fishing lodge at Lac Legare in Quebec, Canada. Lac Legare was where he went to recharge and to think about any important decisions he needed to make. It was a very special place where he spent time with his son Jeff, and then his grandchildren, JD and Taylor.

Dick is survived by his brother Bruce Dyke and his wife Judy of Wilton; his son Jeffrey Dyke and his partner Kaitlynn Daigle of Windham; his grandchildren, Taylor Dyke and JD Dyke and their mom Gail Dyke; his devoted life partner of 23 years, Yung Edwards; his nephews, Warren Dyke and his wife Monique and their son Ben of Turner, and Rob Gardner; his niece, Terri Haslet; his cousin, Lorraine Rackliff and her son, Rick McDougold; his previous partner of nearly 20 years, Katie Cummings, and her children, Larry Eliason and his wife Jackie and their children Erik and Connor, Cheryl Eliason, and Mark Eliason; his first wife Myrna Dyke; and his longtime friend and associate, Allen Faraday. Dick was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Dyke; his father, Earl Dyke and his wife Agnes Dyke; and his sister, Jackie Iaconeta. Dick will be missed dearly by his family and the countless friends and employees that he considered part of his extended family.

There will be no immediate services, but there will be a Celebration of Life sometime in June. A notice will be published when the event is finalized.

Always Improving Family Owned &

Obituary Policy

To run at no charge, The News will include: who the person was predeceased by (i.e. parents, siblings, spouse, children), or survived by (i.e. spouse or significant other, children, and parents). Names of spouses of surviving relatives will not be included. Names of grandchildren will not be included, but the number of grandchildren or nephews and nieces will be used. If the deceased individual’s only connection to the area is a nephew, niece or grandchild, that person will be listed by name. E-mail to news@bridgton.com

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

E-mail to ads@bridgton.com

Opinions

March 16, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 3B

Calendar

Wednesday, March 15

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.

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.

Friday, March 17

WELCOME MAINE ADAPTIVE SPORTS & RECREATION! Attending the recent Greater Bridgton

Chamber of Commerce

Author speaks tonight

LOVELL — The Hobbs Library Speaker Series continues on Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. with a Zoomonly 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.

The talk is co-sponsored by the Greater Lovell Land Trust.

This is the story of how

over half a million acres of Maine came to belong to everyone. The story of the state’s Public Reserved Lands and how we got them speaks to the very essence of Maine’s identity. With dramatic moments and colorful characters, the book weaves its way from 1820 to the present, providing an engaging and informative overview of conservation and preservation in Maine.

Former Maine Audubon

director Thomas Urquhart is the author of For the Beauty of the Earth. He has written extensively on Maine’s natural resources for such publications as Down East magazine, Audubon Habitat, and Port City Life He lives in Portland.

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.

The Hobbs Library Speaker Series is supported in part by a generous contribution from Norway Savings Bank.

Photography exhibit

NORWAY — Visitors to Norway Memorial Library can enjoy a glass case art exhibit, “A Walk Through Norway,” which features 14 8x10 photographs of local places by Morgan Richardson. Morgan Richardson was born and raised in Oxford Hills. As a child, Morgan would steal her mother’s camera and take pictures of anything and everything around her. She often would document her family’s life and travels. Morgan was always drawn to any creative process and began to find her niche in her sophomore year of high school.

After graduation, Morgan has managed to balance the life of a working artist, creating graphic design promotions for businesses, assisting well-known wedding photographers, and has begun taking on her own clients for weddings and other life events.

Visitors may enjoy this display whenever the library is open during March and April. There is an artist reception on Wednesday, March 22, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Viewers have an opportunity to meet the photographer and hear her talk about her work and inspiration. Light refreshments will be served.

Obituaries

Robert A. Lincicome

Robert (“Bob”) A. Lincicome, longtime resident of Sun City Center, Fla., and Sebago, passed away on March 3, 2023. He was the son of Arthur and Myrtle Lincicome of Urbana, Ill., and was born on October 30, 1929. His early years were spent in Urbana until the family moved to Chicago. As a teenager, he spent summers in Urbana where he worked summer jobs at the University of Illinois Dept. of Agriculture. He completed high school at the Chicago University Lab School. He moved on to the University of Illinois where he was a member of Acacia fraternity and earned his bachelor degree. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for two years, working with munitions.

He had a successful career in journalism and his employment in the power industry necessitated several moves and afforded him the opportunity to travel in Europe and Canada and, in time, become the editor of the Electric Power and Light Magazine.

In his personal life, he was active in the Boy Scouts. He was involved in little theatre and had lead roles in the productions of The Man of LaMancha and The King and I. His hobby was painting and it brought him great joy. He was an active soloist in the churches the family attended. He was an avid pilot and loved having his own plane. He was a Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for 56 years and affiliated with the Kora Shriners of Lewiston.

Following retirement, he served his communities, becoming an Emergency Medical Technician licensed in both Maine and Florida. After 15 years he began his second retirement and enjoyed life with his family, traveling between Maine and Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his first wife, the former Joyce Munro Brewer. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jane Strickland Lincicome; daughters Julia Withers (Robert “Jake”) of Attleboro, Mass.; Katherine Whittier (Stephen “Steve”) of Naples, Fla.; stepdaughters, Lisa Adkins-Cepurna (Richard) of Marietta Ga.; Tracy Pyle (Larry) of Nashville, Tenn.; two granddaughters Jennifer Dirzius (Matt) of Sanderstown R.I.; and Amy Kapilow-Cohen (Liam) of Norfolk Mass., and four great-grandchildren.

He was a talented painter and vocalist and all-around great father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a terrific husband. He was well lived and well loved.

He is sorely missed.

A celebration of life will be held later. Burial will be in Sebago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifepath Hospice or to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad.

John E. Towne

John Edward Towne, 76, of Sidney, Ohio, formerly of Maine, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at 8:03 a.m. at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born the son of Norman and Elsie (Treadwell) Towne on August 26, 1946, in Bridgton.

John is survived by his wife, Loretta (Dubreuil) Towne, children Carrie (Ron) Loring of Naples, Cindy Towne Jones (Tom Pool) of Naples, stepson Frank (Melissa) Nataluk of Houlton, stepdaughter Samantha (Samuel) Love of Sidney, Ohio, stepson Mark (Ginney) Nataluk of Hiram, and Nicholas Nataluk of Lovell, siblings, Norma Clayton, of Hockessin, Del., Ken Towne of South Bridgton, and Jerry (Carol) Towne of South Bridgton, 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law John Clayton, and sister-in-law Kathy Towne.

John was a dedicated Air Force Veteran from 1965 to 1969. He was an aircraft mechanic on the F-111 stationed at Nellis AFB, Nev. Member of Windham Assembly of God, Windham, Maine from 1998 to 2020 where he was an usher. John and Loretta moved to Sidney, Ohio, in November 2020 and attend Russell Road Church. John graduated from Bridgton High School. He was a talented woodworker and worked at JR Mains in Bridgton, and Forest Industries in Fryeburg. He also performed janitorial operational services for Windham Assembly of God/Windham Christian Academy for five years. John loved his Savior, Jesus, his wife, his family, church family, and living in Maine. He enjoyed his John Deere mower and working in his yard. He enjoyed bird watching, playing cards with friends and was always ready for a piece of homemade pie. He loved his kitties Lewie and Gus very much.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Russell Road Church, 340 Russell Road, Sidney, Ohio, with Pastor Fred Gillenwater, officiating. Services in Maine are pending. Arrangements are in care of Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home, 302 South Main St., Sidney, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed to the Towne Family at www.cromefh.com.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Wilson Hospice for the wonderful care and comfort John received at home, and also for being there for the family. You all have the Hospice heart and are truly God’s helpers.

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.

Shamrock Showdown — a talent show fundraiser for fire relief supporting a local family — will be held at 6 p.m. at the Lake Region High School auditorium. Show admission is $10 or by donation.

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.

Texas Hold’em Tournament presented by the Harrison Lions Club at the Lions’ Den, located in the back of the Block CALENDAR, Page 8B

Letter to editor

(Continued from Page 2B)

inaccurate characterization), perhaps he should reflect on how somebody typing a letter could be engaged in caterwauling. So, Mr. StL, no points for an inappropriate use of an arcane term.

I’ve always found very amusing his self-assumed ability to understand other’s thoughts and motivations. In his most recent effort, he has decreed that my previous letter reflected anger.

Well, wrong again Mr. StL. I was not angry, but rather frustrated by the rather obtuse inability of people to characterize Jan. 6 in a fashion consistent with the much more numerous transgressions (i.e. riots) of the beloved progressives.

This is not an either-or-situation. If Jan. 6 is an insurrection because it reflected the antipathy directed at the government, then so too are many of the 352 documented previous demonstrations against government facilities like police stations and court houses. You can’t have it both ways, but the left doesn’t propagandize that way. Lying, misrepresentation and exaggeration are the tools of their trade.

In what is probably a vain attempt to explain what a full-nuanced insurrection is to Mr. StL, please refer to France in 1789, Europe in 1848, and Russia in 1917. Those were insurrections!

An “honest” assessment of Jan. 6 would recognize it as the 353rd riot of the last few years with the score 352 to 1 in favor of the left.

Now, if per chance, Mr. StL is reading this in the late afternoon, I urge him to go home to dinner. It’s the peaceful, and responsible thing to do!

Don Vose Naples

P.S. Mr. St L, please explain the Idaho reference.

Pepper

Tiko…

1T11

1T51

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

HOURS OPEN

TUES-SAT 10-3 CLOSED SUN & MON

DONATIONS WED ONLY 8-3 935-4358 ext. #21

Pretty Miss Pepper is a ~one year old hound who came to us because of a move. Pepper enjoys cuddling, playing, and running in the warm sun. She is a young, energetic hound dog though, and loves to sing the sound of her people and smell absolutely everything! This shy lady hasn’t been around other animals but would likely adjust to a friendly dog. Respectful 8+ children would be best.

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!

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

ribbons cutting held at Pleasant Mountain were (left to right) Georgiann Fleck, Bridgton’s Deputy Town Manager; Keri Montague, Bridgton’s Deputy Community Development Coordinator; Dana Beth Wells-Goodwin, Chamber Volunteer; Chamber Executive Director Angie Cook; Charlotte Kelly of Key Bank; Emma Creighton, Glenn Yale, Karyl Langill, Patrick Gregory, Karl McEntire, Lynne Cole, Al Curns, Charlie Scribner, Dave Gunville, Elaine Farmer (in front), and Maureen McDevitt; back by the sign, Luke Paliocha.

Thomas Urquhart

Morgan Richardson’

Legals

TOWN OF DENMARK

Country Living

Physics Road Show returns

Magic Lantern Innovation Center offers Experiential Learning and the Physics Road Show!!

The Magic Lantern Innovation Center offers

TOWN

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

TOWN OF

Public Notice

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

TOWN OF DENMARK

incredible programs for youth and the community. Over 2,700 youth have been involved with our educational events in the past year.

PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION NOTICE

Lake Region Safe Storage

Online Auction

On Tuesday, March 21, the Magic Lantern will offer a Physics Road Show presentation at 5 p.m. This is back by popular demand! This exciting, even magical presentation will introduce Physics in the most enlightening of ways! David Sturm, University of Maine

Lake Region Safe Storage will be having an online auction for storage units #509 – Nicholas and #440 – Pearson, starting March 24, 2023, to satisfy all liens due to default of payment. Contact Lake Region Safe Storage at 803-8497 for more information. 2T11

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 2T10

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

SPECIAL AMUSEMENT PERMIT

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Bridgton will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, to accept oral and written comments on a Special Amusement Permit Application from Bridgton Highlands Country Club located at 379 Highland Road for live music and entertainment.

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES

PUBLIC HEARING

Liquor License Renewal

The Naples Select Board will conduct a public hearing and meeting for the following:

• Liquor License Renewal Application for the property found on Tax Map R02, Lot 16-B, 18 King Hill Road (also known as Lake Region Caterers).

The meeting will take place the Naples Town Office, 15 Village Green Lane on Monday, March 27, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. The public is welcome. 2T11

Public Notice

Town of Sweden

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

March 25, 2023, at 9 a.m. at the Sweden Town Meeting House at 147 Bridgton Road, Sweden, Maine

The Town of Sweden has several vacancies for town officials who can be elected at the Annual Town Meeting. Nomination papers are not required; however, a town resident must nominate a candidate at the Town Meeting on March 25. If the nomination is seconded, a vote on the candidate will be taken.

Residents are encouraged to become involved in the town and to share their knowledge and interests.

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

BOARD OF APPEALS

The Bridgton Appeals Board will conduct a Public Hearing at the Bridgton Town Office, Three Chase Street, Suite 1, Bridgton, Maine on Thursday March 23, 2023, beginning at 5 p.m. to consider the following:

An Administrative Appeal filed by Alison Bailey and Gerry O’Meara, from the Bridgton Planning Board’s Decision dated February 7, 2023, of the Camp Woodlands/11 Camp Woodlands Rd., application for a Subdivision, located at 11 Camp Woodlands Rd., Bridgton, Maine 04009, known as Bridgton Tax Map 6 Lot 40.

The application is available for viewing at the Bridgton Town Office by appointment only. All interested individuals are invited to attend at the above place and time to present any legal argument concerning the decision of the Planning Board.

Elected Vacancies Available:

Select Board, Assessors and Overseers of the poor 1 Member, 3-year term (paid)

Planning Board 1 Alternate Member, 1-year term (volunteer)

Planning Board 1 Member, 5-year term (volunteer)

Appeals Board 1 Member, 5-year term (volunteer)

S.A.D.#72 Board Member 1 Alternate Member, 1-year term (volunteer)

If you would like to know more about any of the open positions, feel free to e-mail the town at adminassistbos@swedenmaine.org or call the Town Office at 207-647-3944. 1T11

Physics Instructional Lab & Lecture Demonstration Specialist is bringing his fun and highly educational roadshow to Magic Lantern Mayfair Theater Stage. Admission is $5 per person.

On Sunday, March 26 and

LANTERN, Page 5B

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF CASCO

NOMINATION PAPERS

Nomination papers are available at the Casco Town Office for the following positions:

• Two (2) members of the Casco Select-board for a three (3) year term.

• One (1) member of the Casco/Naples Transfer Station Council for a two (2) year term to fill a vacancy.

• One (1) member of the Casco/Naples Transfer Station Council for a three (3) year term.

• One (1) member of the MSAD #61 Board of Directors for a three (3) year term.

The filing deadline is the close of business hours (4:30 p.m.) on Friday April 14, 2023.

1069 Main Street, Lovell, ME 04051

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIQUOR LICENSE HEARING

There will be a public Hearing on Tuesday, March 28 at the Lovell Town Office at 7 p.m. to review the liquor licenses for the following establishments:

Lake Kezar Country Club Quisisana Resort

Kezar Lake Marina Severance Lodge

The Lodge at Pleasant Point Ctr. Lovell Inn Ebenezer’s Pub

The public is encouraged to attend to discuss any concerns that they might have.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 61 INTENT TO FILE

Please take notice that Maine School Administrative District # 61, 900 Portland Road, Bridgton, ME, 04009, (207) 693-6467 intends to file an Air Emission License application with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) pursuant to the provisions of 38 M.R.S.A., Section 590 on April 1, 2023. The application is for Renewal of the Current License for operating Heating Boilers at Lake Region High School 1877 Roosevelt trail, Naples, ME, 04055. According to Department regulations, interested parties must be publicly notified, written comments invited, and if justified, an opportunity for a public hearing given. A request for a public hearing or for the Board of Environmental Protection to assume jurisdiction must be received by the Department, in writing, no later than 20 days after the application is accepted by the Department as complete for processing.

The application and supporting documentation will be made available for review by contacting the Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) DEP offices in Augusta, (207) 2877688, during normal working hours. A copy of the application and supporting documentation may also be available at the municipal office in Naples Maine. Written public comments may be sent to Jane Gilbert at the Bureau of Air Quality, State House Station #17, Augusta, Maine 04333. 1T11

This week’s game solutions

Powerful acts at Dragonfly

The HAYLOFT at Dragonfly Barn in Bridgton will open its 2023 music series with an evening of Americana blues featuring A Tale of Two (vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lessard) on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Entering into their sixth year of musical performances, The HAYLOFT has officially published its 2023 Music Series calendar!

Spanning a wide variety of genres, with integrations of art and storytelling, this lineup is certain to be full of pleasant surprises!

May 13, A Tale of Two, Americana Blues

June 10, Heather Maloney, Folk Pop

June 24, Heather Masse and Jed Wilson, Jazz

July 6, Heather Pierson Trio, Jazz, Folk & Blues

July 22, John Brown, singer and songwriter

July 29, House of Hamill, Celtic

Aug. 6, Abbie Gardner,

Americana

Aug. 12, Jen Chapin, Urban Folk

Aug. 19, David Wilcox, singer & songwriter

Sept. 2, Second Local Songwriter Showcase, various genres

Sept. 9, Clare Longendyke, Classical

The season begins on May 13, 2023, with a powerhouse American blues performance by “A Tale of Two.” Following their Bluebird Cafe debut, this Nashville based duo is an undeniable rising star in today’s Americana music scene.

Combining the best of Americana and blues melodies with timeless Southern storytelling, award-winning vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lessard draw influence from the likes of Tom Waits and Ray LaMontagne, along with bedrock artists such as Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Sr. Not unlike the artists who inspired

them, the duo’s songs frequently dabble in stories of revenge, drinking and feature sinners of all stripes and persuasions.

On their debut EP which was recorded com-

Learning at the Lantern

(Continued from Page 4B)

Sunday, April 2, the Magic Lantern Innovation Center will offer Experiential Education and Outdoor

Experiential Learning for educators and the community.

• March 26 — Teach young people to love to learn! Mark Schrader, M.Ed., Ph.D. will lead the group to explore the values and tenants of experiential learning. Participants will learn how to actively design a hands-on applied learning experience for students. Explorations will include the importance of reflective learning and effective student-based evaluation strategies. The class will discuss strategies to increase student involvement, motivation, and to stimulate curiosity. Additional strategies will be explored to help stu-

dents set goals, to minimize conflict, and to work effectively in teams. The skills learned will be applicable both in and out of the classroom. CEU’s will be available. Cost for one day $50.

• April 2 — Teaching and learning outdoors is amazing and critical to youth development for our students. Connecting our youth to the natural world is important for their health and well-being as well as instilling a love for the environments. There is no better way to teach environmental science than in the outdoors. Along with teaching outdoors comes great responsibility. The outdoor elements and environmental conditions can quickly turn an amazing outdoor learning experience into a risk situation without the right training. As teachers

and educational leaders, it is important to know the basic outdoor health and safety protocols for a number of situations, even if you are only planning a partial day outdoor experience.

Bill Kane of the Kane Outdoor Schools will share years of experience and basic outdoor safe practices. Cost for the one day is $50. Check out other March programs. In addition to the Physics Road Show, the schedule includes a comedy show, the Women’s Adventure Film Tour, the Fly-Fishing Film Tour, and a hypnotist coming into the theater. Check out the website to see what else the Magic Lantern is bringing into the Innovation Center.

How to support — Help us to support youth and the community by coming to our hometown theater that you have always known by attending our movies, live shows, special events https://www.magiclanternmovies.com/innovationcenter and dining in Web’s Tavern.

Donations in support of youth programming can be made at https://extension. umaine.edu/4hfoundation/ donate/and are much appreciated!

Tobacco-Free Maine speakers

The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club will host representatives from Tobacco-Free Maine Works via Zoom on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 a.m. This is a Zoom only meeting. All are welcome. For the access link, contact gszoksbox@ gmail.com.

Tobacco-Free Maine Works is a coalition of Maine business leaders who are dedicated to reducing youth tobacco use, the cycle of addiction and disease, in order to promote a healthy workforce for the future. So far, more than 40 Maine-based businesses have signed on as partners of Tobacco-Free Maine Works. That covers companies from Portland to Bar Harbor and Caribou and includes retail stores, food service, childcare centers, professional services and insurance companies.

pletely live, Adlington and Lessard channel southern lullabies, front porch blues, and even hints of nostalgic love songs. The resulting body of work is a refreshing take on timeless themes of loyalty, heartbreak, and the struggle of the human condition.

Oozing an infectious stage presence and chemistry that carries over from the music to the backand-forth banter between songs, “A Tale of Two” offers a different kind of Americana — storytelling by a swampy pair of retro raconteurs spinning blues arias with soul, intrigue and power.

Tickets: www.hayloftatdragonfly.com

Met Opera

FRYEBURG —

Upcoming events at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fryeburg Academy include:

• Met Opera Live in HD: Lohengrin, Saturday, March 18 at noon. Wagner’s soaring masterpiece makes its triumphant return to the Met stage after 17 years. In a sequel to his revelatory production of Parsifal, director François Girard unveils an atmospheric staging that once again weds his striking visual style and keen dramatic insight to Wagner’s breathtaking music, with Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct a supreme cast led by tenor Piotr Beczała in the title role of the mysterious swan knight. Soprano Tamara Wilson is the virtuous duchess Elsa, falsely accused of murder, going head-to-head with soprano Christine Goerke as the cunning sorceress Ortrud, who seeks to lay her low. Bassbaritone Evgeny Nikitin is Ortrud’s power-hungry husband, Telramund, and bass Günther Groissböck is King

OPERA, Page 6B

The Coalition is acting now to reduce youth tobacco use to help prevent additional health care costs down the line once young people enter the workforce. That’s why Tobacco-Free Maine Works supports solutions like ending the sale of flavored tobacco products that lure kids into becoming life-long tobacco users.

Speakers Matt Wellington and Anne Donnelly will discuss the issue facing Maine employers who, already faced with a challenging labor market, are being pushed to the breaking point due to employee illness, leading to more days out and higher health care costs. Tobacco use makes employees sicker. Matt is the director of Public Health Campaigns, PIRG, and Anne is an associate in the same organization.

For more information about the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club, see its website: https://lakeregionrotary.com or its Facebook Page.

For specific questions, reach out to Club president Aaron Hagan at LakeRegionRotary@gmail.com.

Naturalist to talk at HVL

HARRISON — Popular speaker and naturalist

Chris Lewey will return to Harrison Village Library on Monday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m. to present “The Ecology of the North Woods: A Closer Look at Spring.”

This program will take an ecological look at spring in our region, from the harsh heights of Mount Washington down to the forests and valleys below, examining the flora, wildlife and birds that call the northern environment home. We’ll examine how birds and mammals are shaped by this environment, and the strategies adopted to survive the drastic changes in New England’s seasons.

Monday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Chris Lewey is the executive director and founder of RAVEN Interpretive Programs and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University. His graduate field work included research on New Hampshire’s threatened osprey population. He has led tours and programs for RAVEN, as well as such organizations as the Maine Audubon Society, Smithsonian Study Tours, Road Scholar, Tauck World Discovery and the National Wildlife Federation.

This program is free and open to the public. If a snow date should be needed, it will be rescheduled to March 27. For more information, please contact the library at 583-2970.

First climate workshop

HARRISON — The first workshop in Harrison Maine Climate Action’s Resiliency Skills series will be “Gardening with the Planet.”

Our gardens and our decisions about how to tend them make a difference. We can feed ourselves and our families, and at the same time contribute to a healthier planet Earth. We will talk with Bonnie Pooley about how to see our own gardens, our own yards, as important small parts of a much

CLIMATE, Page 6B

A TALE OF TWO featuring vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitarist Aaron Lessard open the 2023 music series at The HAYLOFT at Dragonfly Barn in Bridgton on May 13 at 7:30 p.m.

MATT WELLINGTON, director of Public Health Campaigns, PIRG, to speak to Rotary Club.

GUEST SPEAKER and naturalist Chris Lewey will offer a talk at the Harrison Village Library this coming

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

The sap is running and this is one of Maine’s sweetest times of year. In recognition of maple season, I am going to find recipes that celebrate the sweetness provided to us by our beloved maple tree. I heard of this recipe on a radio program around Valentine’s Day. I needed a special, but easy dessert for company a few weeks ago and went looking for it. It is stellar! These cookies have all the best things an oatmeal raisin cookie could have: a crispy edge and a sweet chewy center. Made with maple syrup and a small amount of sugar, they are sweet yet earthy, and the toasted pecans, oatmeal and raisins are complemented by the warming spices, cinnamon and ginger.

These are a new family favorite. Double the recipe, they go fast and make sure you allow time to let them sit in the fridge before baking, at least one hour and up to a day. They are a loose dough that spreads into a lacy 2-inch cookie that is irresistible!

Maple, Pecan, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

makes 16 two-inch cookies

Ingredients

½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted

6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

½ cup sugar

½ cup maple syrup

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 small egg or ½ large egg, lightly whisked

½ cup all-purpose flour

teaspoon ground ginger

1 cup old-fashioned oats

½ cup golden raisins, raisins or sun-dried cranberries

Instructions

Place a Silpat sheet or sheet of parchment on a cookie sheet and set aside.

Place a medium skillet over moderate heat.

Add the nuts and cook, stirring frequently, until the kitchen smells nutty and the nuts are beginning to darken in color. Remove, let cool for a few minutes and coarsely chop. Reserve.

In a stand mixer or a bowl using a hand-held mixer, whip the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the maple syrup, vanilla and egg and beat until well incorporated, about 1 minute.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, beating the dough together on low speed. Add the oats, raisins and chopped nuts. Mix until just incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough and roll into a ball. Place on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. (They will spread while baking.)

Bake on the middle shelf for about 15 minutes; the cookies are done when the edges are crisp and firm and the center is still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the hot cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Remove and cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Enjoy!

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

For a full list of vendors and information on ordering or to sign up for the BFM weekly newsletter, visit https://www.facebook.com/ BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact BFM at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com

Please no dogs. Sorry, we have a lease to honor. BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

Summer camps at Arts Center

Opera

(Continued from Page 5B)

Heinrich. Estimated run time: 4 hours 35 minutes. The Opera Lecture for this performance has taken place, there will be no lecture the Thursday before the Opera. Website for ticket information: www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac

E-mail: boxoffice@fryeburgacademy.org

Phone: 207-544-9066

Climate

(Continued from Page 5B)

bigger picture. The program will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at Snowbird Lodge, 83 Temple Hill Road, Harrison. RSVP or questions: harrisonmaineclimateaction@gmail.com. Snacks will be served.

DENMARK — It may be winter, but it is time to think about summer camps offered at the Denmark Arts Center.

You may be building an igloo now, but this summer you could be choreographing your own hula-hoop performance or having your own art show! DAC has a fun summer planned for you!

You asked for more art classes and Ms. Benish is back!

• June 27-30, Advanced Art Camp for 11-year-olds and up

• July 5-7, Beginning Art Camp for 7-10-year-olds

• July 11-14, Hoop Dance Camp for 8-year-olds and up

SUMMER CAMPS, Page 7B

PLUMBING & HEATING

Ken Karpowich Plumbing Repairs/Installation/Remodeling Master Plumber in ME & NH

Over 20 years experience 207-925-1423 (12/23x)

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape Organic lawn & garden maintenance

Shoreline restoration Creative stonework, property watch

Snowplowing & sanding 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com (12/23x)

REAL ESTATE

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

(3/23x)

QuirkWorks Photography Commercial, Product & Lifestyle photography and video quirkworksstudio.com / 207-239-4154 (12/23x)

PILATES

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

PLUMBING & HEATING

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

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

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

Worsters Rubbish Removal Trash hauling Docks – Demolition Snowplowing/Sanding Harrison 207-583-6914 (3/23x)

SELF-STORAGE

Bridgton Storage 409 Portland Rd. 28 units & 4000’ open barn Bridgton 272-8085 (3/23x)

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING Dyer Septic Septic systems installed & repaired Site work-emergency service-ecofriendly 1-877-250-4546 207-583-4546 (12/23x)

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS Call 647-2851 for details or e-mail ads@bridgton.com

SURVEYORS

F. Jonathan Bliss, P.L.S. Bliss & Associates Surveying,

*Plant in Zach Galifianakis’ 2019

Those not opposed

*Popular meme move

Show helps fire victims

The Shamrock Showdown — a talent show fundraiser for fire relief supporting a local family — will be held this Friday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lake Region High School auditorium.

Acts are still being sought with registration deadline today, Thursday, March 16. Contact Jason Ward (Jason. ward@lakeregionschools. org) if you wish to take part. Scan the included QR code to register. Shamrock Showdown

Registration code for performers. Deadline is today!

was created and organized by a small group of students at Lake Region High

DAC Summer Camps

(Continued from Page 6B)

• July 24-28, Musical Theater Camp for 7-year-olds and up

Online registration link will be available May 1. If you would like to register by printing out a registration form and send a check, you can do that now! Hey, you may be interested in a scholarship for your child or grandchild!

DAC Bag Month at Hannafords

Denmark Arts Center will receive $1 from every $2.50 Community Bag sold at Hannaford in Bridgton in March. It’s as good as gold for DAC …and thanks a bunch!

Lions’ Texas Hold’em

The Harrison Lions Club will be holding their Texas Hold’em Tournament this Saturday, March 18 at the Lions’ Den, located in the back of the Block Building on Main Street in Harrison.

There will be a $60 entry fee. Doors open at 12 p.m. with a start time of 1 p.m. Great food and refreshments will be available. Proceeds will be used to support the Harrison Food Bank and Harrison Rec activities.

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

School. The mission is to not only offer financial support, but also to provide the family with the comfort of knowing their community has their backs.

“We hope you will choose to support our cause either by attending the event or testing your luck on stage at the Shamrock Showdown this Saint Patrick’s Day!” the group said. Show admission is $10 or by donation.

HOBSON’S CHOICE band members

Spring chaser concert benefits LEA

Warm up at Lakes Environmental Association’s Spring Chill Chaser and dance your winter blues away to the sounds of Hobson’s Choice on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at The Hayloft at Dragonfly Barn, 95 Sanborns Grove Road in Bridgton.

Hobson’s Choice has been described as playing an eclectic mix of blues, jazz, country, and rock and roll. Band members who will perform are Merrill Rollins, Krister Rollins, Jerry Hobson, Scott Davis, John Rousseau, and possibly a “special guest.”

An assortment of luscious homemade desserts will be served up at intermission, along with a selection of wine, beer, and coffee.

Hobson’s Choice generously donated their performance and Dragonfly

CONCERT, Page 8B

Classified Advertising

BN 11 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

BUSINESS SERVICES WANTED

HELP WANTED

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 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

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

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. 1t11x

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

Previous successful coaching experience in assigned sport. Instructs athletes in the fundamental skills, strategy, and physical training. Has demonstrated leadership ability and the ability to communicate effectively. Interested candidates please visit schoolspring.com to apply

I.D. #4119617

Open until a qualified and suitable candidate is found

Amos Mountain

After postponing the hike from Feb. 17 because of bad weather, we all gathered at Dale and Kitty Nelson’s place on the side of Amos Mountain in Lovell for a combination snowshoe hike and party! Two snowstorms had come through the area on Wednesday and Thursday before our hike that had dumped about six inchdes of new, fluffy snow on the trails, but the roads were clear and Dale had snowblowed his driveway so travel and parking were easy.

Thirteen Denmark Mountain Hikers gathered for the hike. Three stayed at the cabin getting the party set up for the hikers when they returned from the mountain, while 10 donned snowshoes and followed Dale, breaking trail, setting out at 10:10 a.m. Dale has laid out a hiking trail from their back porch through woods behind their house to connect to other trails on the mountain including the Rogers Family Trail and the Amos Mountain Trail leading to the summit of Amos Mountain.

Skies were mostly blue with a nippy 15 degrees Fahrenheit when we set out through the woods. A frigid wind was howling up a storm in the treetops and

sounded like a freight train, but we were a bit sheltered hiking on the trail through the trees at ground level and the wind chill sounded worse than it was.

About a mile from the cabin there is a trail junction with the Amos Mountain trail and a convenient picnic table, and the group reached it at 10:55 a.m. after 45 minutes of snowshoeing. Allen and Jeff’s LLBean thermometers agreed that the temperature was 20° under sunny skies, and everyone was bundled up and stayed warm with the effort of snowshoeing.

After a brief stop, four of the group headed back the way they had come to the Nelson’s cabin reaching it in 45 minutes, while the other six climbed to the summit, arriving at the top around 11:45 a.m. There were good views under the clear and sunny skies with wind that blew off and on during the hike making the low temperature sting somewhat. The group returned by the Roger’s Family Trail and the Nelson trail to the cabin.

The first section on the descent is easy because it follows a snowmobile trail that also goes to the summit. Then, the trail turns off

Senior Rambles Hiking Trips & Tips

by Allen Crabtree

the snowmobile section and onto the foot trail. The trail is quite steep in places, which is challenging on snowshoes, and the steepness caused a couple of minor falls as our snowshoes skidded out from under us. However, no one was injured as the snow provides a fairly soft surface to cushion the fall.

We passed a wellknown rock called “The Pulpit,” which forms a seat where a large chunk broke off the larger piece. The views of the valley below were nice as they were unimpeded by the leaves that are present on the trees in the summer.

The group arrived at the Nelson cabin at 12:45 p.m. after about three miles of hiking where they joined the rest of the crew enjoying chili, seafood chowder and various goodies, and a poem that Susan Gassett had sent along. Thank you, Dale and Kitty for your hospitality in hosting the group, and everyone for bringing along treats to share.

We presented Margaret Mathis with a “Hiker Emeritus” certificate — she first hiked with the group in February 2012, climbing Mount Willard, and has been a regular hiker since then. She is moving to Orono and won’t be hiking with the group again except once and awhile — we will miss Margaret, our oldest hiker at 94 years old.

Amos Mountain

Amos Mountain (955 feet elevation) is one of three summits in the Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve in Lovell. The 802-acre reserve is owned by the Greater Lovell Land Trust and was acquired by the Land Trust beginning in 1996. The mission of the Land Trust is to protect the ecosystems of the Kezar Lake, Kezar River and Cold River watersheds, in perpetuity, for the benefit of this region’s natural and human communities. Amos Mountain is an easy, local hike in the reserve with an interesting early history.

LEA benefit concert

(Continued from Page 7B)

Barn donated the venue to LEA. All proceeds will benefit Lakes Environmental Association, helping to keep local waters clean and healthy for all to enjoy.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40.

Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/3Ye6Hjf or https://mainelakes.org/event/spring-chill-chaser

Calendar

(Continued from Page 3B)

Building on Main Street in Harrison. There will be a $60 entry fee. Doors open at 12 p.m. with a start time of 1 p.m. Great food and refreshments will be available.

Monday, March 20

of both Captain Lovewell and Indian war chief Paugus. The French and Indian War was fought between English settlers, the French and several tribes of eastern Indians from 1722 till 1725. Ultimately, the French and their Indian allies were defeated by the English colonists.

At the conclusion of the French and Indian War, land grants in this area were issued to soldiers for their service and to encourage settlement. Unfortunately, the land grants were slow in coming and by the time they were released most of the soldiers had died and the grants were inherited by surviving members of their families.

Amos Mountain is named for the mountain’s first resident, Amos Andrews. Andrews purchased a 100-acre lot in 1843 on the mountain from a land speculator who had purchased several land grants from surviving family members of the French and Indian War soldiers. Amos was a hermit and lived alone on the side of the mountain raising sheep until about 1862. Today, Amos Mountain Trail passes by his old homestead. All that is left is the stone foundation of his house and barn and the remains of the stone walls used as sheep pens, but it is interesting to explore the site and imagine what life would have been like for Amos, living alone here on the mountain for nearly 20 years with only his sheep for companions.

Amos Mountain in Oxford County, Lovell, ME

Difficulty – Easy

Trail distance – 3.1 miles total loop circuit of the mountain

Hiking time – 2.5 hours

Elevation – 955 feet

Vertical gain – 400 feet

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.

Naturalist Chris Lewey will return to Harrison Village Library at 6:30 p.m. to present “The Ecology of the North Woods: A Closer Look at Spring.” This program is free and open to the public.

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/ maple-032223. 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. Tobacco Free Maine guest speakers Matt Wellington and Anne Donnelly will hold a Zoom conversation with the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome. For the access link, contact gszoksbox@gmail.com.

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/eventdetails/rug-hooking-with-elizabeth-miller

Sunday, March 26

Maine Maple Sunday pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon at the Sebago Town Hall.

Wednesday, March 29

Mammals of Maine. Bridgton Public Library will host the Chewonki Natural History Traveling Program for their Mammals of Maine program from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program also provides a living example of a non-releasable wild mammal. BPL has a maximum limit of 30 spaces, so please contact the library by e-mail (bplreference@bridgton. lib.me.us), phone (207-647-2472), or stop by either circulation desk to RSVP.

The Town of Lovell, where Amos Mountain is located, is named for Captain John Lovewell. Lovewell led the third expedition against the Indians that culminated in the Battle of Pequawket (Fryeburg) on May 9, 1725, at Lovells Pond as one of the engagements during the French and Indian War. This

Directions to trailhead: Take Route 5 north from Lovell. The parking lot is on the right about 1.5 miles north of the Slab City Road (a right turn) and just before Palmer Lane (on the left). There is parking for several cars at the trailhead.

Gardening with the Planet. Our gardens and our decisions about how to tend them make a difference. This is the first workshop in Harrison Maine Climate Action’s “Resiliency Skills” series. Bonnie Pooley will talk about how to see your garden in small parts and a much bigger picture. The workshop is at 7 p.m. at Snowbird Lodge, 83 Temple Hill Road in Harrison. Snacks will be served. RSVP or questions: harrisonmaineclimateaction@gmail.com

Denmark Mountain Hikers on the Amos Mountain trail. (Photo by Jeff Sturgis)