March 23, 2023

Sign of Spring

Sap has been running and area sugarhouses welcome all to Maine Maple Sunday Page 8B

Students in News

FA athletes honored at Sports Night; LR seniors in ‘Cinderella’ spotlight Pages 7A-8A

Lights off, for now? Company to appeal PB condition

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff

Writer

Stark Storage has seen the light, at least for now.

Following an executive session last week, the Bridgton Select Board unanimously agreed to pursue legal action against the storage company, which had disregarded a condition of approval by installing a commercial sign that uses “internal lighting” rather than the approved “external lighting.”

TURNED OFF — To avoid the Town of Bridgton moving ahead with legal action, Stark Storage informed the Code Office it will take out the light bulbs to its sign. Stark plans to appeal planners’ decision to require an externally lit sign as part of project approval.

The Bridgton Planning Board on March 16, 2021 approved construction of the storage facility at 116 North High Street, across from Mountain Road, with some conditions attached including the use of external lights to illuminate the roadside sign.

The town put the brakes on seeking legal action Monday when Stark agreed to “remove the bulbs from the sign” within a few days, according to Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Day.

Stark, which is represented by Dustin Roma of DM Roma Consulting Engineers of Windham, plans to return to the Planning Board to request rescinding the lighting condition.

“They are past the timeframe to appeal the original Planning Board application approval,” Day said, “However, they would enter a new 30-day appeal timeframe with the amendment (request).”

The storage facility is owned by Keith Harnum of Salisbury, Mass., according to the Planning Board’s Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. Roma spoke briefly to the Select Board last Tuesday after officials voted to seek legal remedy to the lighting issue. He noted the existing sign is identical to one at the Windham storage facility. Roma pointed out that the sign installed here is allowed in the Mixed-Use Corridor District, and the company objected to the Planning

Board’s decision to require an externally lighted sign.

“The Board imposed this condition for approval of an externally lit sign in order to maintain the character of the wooded and natural dark corridor, and to not detract from nearby properties and the area. Currently, there are no internally lit signs on this Mixed-Use District corridor, and adding such was deemed intrusive,” according to the Planning Board’s Finding of Facts.

Planners also noted that the applicant, Stark Storage, had previously “voluntarily agreed” to use an externally lit sign on Feb. 4, 2021 and “subsequently reversed that in an e-mail communication on Feb. 13 citing maintenance concerns.”

Planners “argued on Feb. 24 that maintenance could be largely avoided through certain design features such as how the lighting is mounted.”

Nearby business signs (Sportshaus

LIGHTING, Page 3A

They strive to make their community better Deputy’s actions helped swim victim

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES

Auger had a gut feeling to go to Sebago Lake State Park on an extremely hot afternoon in July. That decision put him less than one minute away from the sandbar where a young man had a spinal injury.

Auger is a Naples Marine Safety deputy harbor master.

However, he was off duty when he responded to

the 9-1-1 call on July 23.

Immediately, Auger talked somebody with a boat into taking him out to the scene, gathered information from two off-duty nurses helping out, established communications with dispatch, and sat calmly with the injured individual while waiting for a rescue boat to arrive.

Eventually, the victim took a LifeFlight to Portland.

There were some tense

moments on the sandbar. The victim was a young man who had jumped off his boat’s bow into shallow water, which resulted in a neck injury.

“I was two feet from his face. He kept saying he wasn’t in pain. I thought that was because he was paralyzed. He had no feeling in his legs. He broke his neck was what I thought,” Auger said.

Afterwards, Deputy Auger checked in on the young man, seeing how he was recovering.

“I knew the kid was going to be in rough shape. A week or so later, I called

MARINE, Page 2A

Volunteer impacts youngsters’ lives

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

When Kat Harju sat down at a table at the 2023 Maine Parks and Recreation Association annual awards dinner Monday night, she thought she was in the wrong place. She had joined Bridgton Rec Director Gary Colello and Deputy Director Leslie Hayes.

“I thought I was coming to the conference to learn about some programming for next

summer and attend some DEI workshops,” Harju said. “I actually thought we sat at the wrong table because it said ‘Reserved for Citizen Volunteer of the Year.’”

What Harju didn’t know was Colello had nominated his long-time volunteer for the honor. Harju was recipient of the award, and honored at the Association’s dinner in Rockland.

“I was shocked. Gary and Leslie did a great job of keeping it under wraps,”

Harju said. “Volunteerism is important because the kids are important. Growing up, it seemed like every adult I knew was a volunteer coach — the local dentist, my doctor, my friend’s mom, my dad. They all created an environment letting kids know they were important and valued. I want to be a part of that environment today.”

Harju had such “great experiences” with Bridgton Recreation when she was in elementary school that it spurred her to give back to the community as an adult.

“Being able to be a part of recreation experiences for

Gleeson named new BA Head of School

The Bridgton Academy Board of Trustees has selected Diana Gleeson to serve as the Academy’s 49th Head of School.

She will begin her tenure on July 1, 2023.

The selection of Ms. Gleeson, a career educator and school leader, comes at the end of a national search conducted by Carney Sandoe & Associates. The committee gathered feedback from the Academy community on the characteristics, qualities, and experience it hoped to see

its next Head of School possess, which was instrumental in laying the foundation for the process.

The Academy’s Search Committee ultimately reviewed application materials from an impressive field of nearly 100 highly qualified candidates, from which three finalists were selected. Each of the finalists visited campus in March to meet with an array of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and trustees.

“The Board (unanimous-

ly) selected Diana as our new Head of School because she is the right person to lead the Academy over the next decade,” said Board President Vicker DiGravio in a letter to the community. “She has held significant leadership positions at several boarding and day schools over the past 30 years, including extensive experience with postgraduate students. We are excited for what the future holds for Bridgton Academy under Diana’s leadership.”

Upon accepting the

Academy’s offer to become the next Head of School, Ms. Gleeson said, “I began my career as a teacher and a coach — learning quickly that trust and fairness were cornerstones of creating a community within my

team and classroom. It is clear that Bridgton’s mission and values align with who I am: Community, Curiosity, Sportsmanship, Accountability, and Excellence. I have been liv-

— Butch

WELL DESERVED — Kat Harju (second from left) was quite surprised Monday when she received the Citizen of the Year Award. She is pictured here with Bridgton Rec Director Gary Colello (left), Deputy Director Leslie Hayes and Naples Recreation and Community Activities Director Brian Crockett.

HEROIC ACTIONS — Naples Marine Safety (NMS) Deputy Harbor Master Butch Auger (on left) receives the Marine Unit Citation Award from NMS Harbor Master Shawn Hebert for an incident that occurred in July. (De Busk Photo)

Diana Gleeson

BA Head of School

Residents take look at ‘vision’

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — Casco citizens can still have a say-so.

People — who were busy this weekend when the Casco Comprehensive Plan draft was unveiled — will have an opportunity to share their thoughts.

In fact, from now until April 3 is the public comment period. Therefore, residents have about two weeks left to provide input on the draft.

Currently, the comp plan draft is on the town’s website. It is divided into six files for those trying to download it. Also, paper copies of the draft will be made available at the Casco Public Library, the South Casco Fire Station and the Casco Town Hall.

On Saturday, the comp plan unveiling took place. About 30 people showed up to the Casco Community Center during the two-hour period. Pages from the document were placed on the walls of the meeting room. Residents used sticky notes to write down comments after reading the sections.

Rather than sitting through a presentation, the unveiling was more of a hands-on experience for residents.

“It has been almost a year since we had our big planning days. There is a lot of work that has gone into this document,” according to Planning Director Vanessa Farr.

The town hired Greater Portland Council of Government (GPCOG) to help facilitate the comp plan process. GPCOG partnered with Principle Group, an urban design and development firm where Farr is employed.

“What we have all worked towards is consolidating of what we are hearing from the community,” Farr said.

“If you suggested an idea, I am sure you are going to find it in these words on the walls somewhere,” she said. She pointed out an exercise called big ideas that took place during Casco Planning Days in April of last year.

“If you were part of the creation of the big ideas, what you see is going to look really familiar,” she said.

“There shouldn’t be any real big surprises,” she said.

Zoning, or the lack of zoning changes to back up the previous comp plan, is a topic that many people brought

up. Decades ago, when the last comp plan was finished, elected officials and residents were not open to zoning changes because they didn’t want to be told what to do on their land.

Now, zoning changes could reinforce some of the desires of the community to maintain the rural feel and relegate development to certain areas of town, Farr said.

“Pam [Edwards] was around for the development of the last plan. And, she speaks a lot about what that plan included and how this plan is quite similar and about the step that never happened, which is the implementation and zoning,” she said.

“We don’t want that to happen again. That was big deal from our conversation with the [steering] committee. We heard from you [the public] as well. We did a plan, the plan generally feels good to us still, but we need to do zoning, which is the next part,” Farr said.

She explained how people could keep the comp plan

Marine deputy’s actions honored

(Continued from Page 1A)

him at Maine Med. I asked him if it was okay if I had lunch with him. He said that I’d have to drive to Boson to do that. The next day, he was being flown out to Boston. He went to New England Rehabilitation Hospital,” he said.

Just this week, Auger reached out to the young man again to discover some really good news.

“He was walking by Thanksgiving,” he said.

The man had a bruised cervical disk, rather than a broken neck, he said.

Last week, Auger received the Marine Unit Citation Award for his heroic actions.

Naples Harbor Master Shawn Hebert presented the award during the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting in mid-March.

“On Saturday, July

23, 2022, during the peak summer recreational boating season and activities, Deputy Harbor Master Butch Auger, while off duty, was alerted to an emergency call reported to be in the area between Sebago Lake State Park and the sandbar,” Hebert said.

This incident required the response of more than 10 public safety agencies around the Sebago Lake area, he said.

“During the initial response, there were conflicting reports as to the patient’s status and exact location. Deputy Auger’s local knowledge of the lake and landmarks allowed his response to put him in the closest-most point to the patient when he arrived at the scene in that area,” Hebert said. “Deputy Auger assumed initial operational command of the inci-

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dent, and with lack of communication ability with Cumberland County Regional Communications Center and responding units, Deputy Auger was able to commandeer a vessel to make patient contact, to receive reports from two off-duty nurses who were on scene helping to render aid to victim. Deputy auger was able to coordinate additional response and medical support.”

“Without his actions, the potential outcome of the incident could have taken a completely different path,” he said.

“Deputy Auger followed up with his efforts by contacting the patient several days later to offer support and encouragement during his recovery,” he said.

“His selfless act during off-duty hours and on his own initiative brings great credit upon himself and the Marine unit,” Hebert said.

Auger shared the details of the experience, which happened about nine months ago.

“I had just got done working a 4-hour shift. I was at Kent’s Landing. There were a couple guys that got into a tussle about launching their boat off the dock. It was one of the hottest days of the summer. I said to myself, ‘If it’s like this here, I wonder what it’s like at Sebago Lake State Park?’ That is not even in my jurisdiction. I wanted to go and see what it was like. So I got in my truck and drove there,” Auger said. “I was sitting there at Sebago Lake boat launch, at the day use area when the call came over the radio. It literally happened at the mouth of the (Songo) River.”

Auger needed to evaluate the victim’s injuries, but that required a boat, he said. He came across somebody waiting on the shore next to his boat. Auger introduced himself as being from marine safety and asked to be driven out to the sandbar. The person said he couldn’t do it because he

alive by reviewing it periodically to see if objectives are being worked towards and reached.

“The plan should be continuously reviewed, reevaluated. Are we getting there? What still needs to be done? What needs to be changed or updated,” Farr explained.

“On that note, volunteer. If you aren’t already serving on a committee, volunteer,” she said.

One of the pages of the draft document is entitled, “Five directives supported by the community:

1.) The villages of Casco should be protected, but limited small-scaled development should be allowed to provide local neighborhood amenities

2.) Pike’s Corner and Cooks Mills, historically considered as villages, have an opportunity to evolve into walkable mixed-use village neighborhoods with new

had been drinking alcohol. The stranger held up a red solo cup to prove it. Auger insisted. So, they got in the boat and headed to the sandbar.

At that point, Auger met the 26-year old male victim and a couple of women who were RNs.

“He dove headfirst off his boat into a foot of water. They stabilized him, put towels around his neck to keep him still,” he said. “Out at the sandbar, I am communicating with Cumberland County Regional through Bridgton Police Department. I was able to establish communication. That was crucial. I could ask them to get the stuff out there that was needed because of [the recommendations from] the two off-duty nurses.”

Time was ticking away. A landing zone was being set up off Route 302 in Casco while the Town of Raymond’s rescue boat was heading to the sandbar.

“Raymond Rescue Boat 1 took him from the outer sandbar to that state park ramp. From the state park ramp, an ambulance took him to Watkins Flats, where an LZ had been established and he was LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center,” he said.

Auger joined marine safety in 1989.

“My family had property on the lake plus I was one of the commercial captains on the waterways. I’ve driven the River Queen, the pirate ship. I’ve worked out of Point Sebago, driving their boats for a few years,” he said. “I just enjoy being on the water.” This is the second citation award given to a Naples employee.

CONVERSATIONS EMERGE — Planning Director

Vanessa Farr, of Principle Group, and Mary-Vienessa Fernandes, who serves on the Casco Board of Selectmen, have a conversation during the unveiling of the comprehensive plan draft on Saturday. (De

RESIDENTS READ the pages of the Casco Comprehensive Plan draft during the unveiling of the document on Saturday. Now, there is a public comment period until April 11. (De Busk Photo)

Busk Photo)

VISION, Page 5A

Volunteer impacts youngsters’ lives

(Continued from Page 1A)

kids for the past 12 years has been truly special,” she said. “But, the absolute best part is seeing kids I have coached (including my own children) pick up a whistle and give back to the sports they love and their community, as well.”

Harju is a Day Treatment Support Technician at LRHS. She serves as co-advisor for the Class of 2025 and as president of the Lake Region Athletic Boosters. She includes Robert Frost’s quote, “I never feel more at home then at a ball game,” as part of her e-mail signature.

In his introduction to those in attendance at the awards dinner, Colello said, “In a day and age where time is a precious commodity and a person chooses to volunteer, it is important to find the opportunities to appreciate them. When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share that most precious of resources –your time – to make life better for those who are in need. I have seen Kat impact hundreds of community members, young and old, over the course of my 10 years in Bridgton. Whether it was volunteering for our athletic events, parades, town events, or enrichment programming, you knew you could count on Kat to be there. The impact you have created for the Bridgton community is seen throughout each and every event and program, and the fact that you are willing to share your time and talents to lend a helping hand, makes the greatest difference to our community.”

Colello noted that along with her time spent volunteering for the Bridgton Recreation Department, Kat can be found helping the Sebago and Naples Rec Departments, coaching both rec and middle school sports teams. Kat is also an avid supporter and raises money for March of Dimes,

and MS research.

“I know that you choose to volunteer selflessly and without expectation of being recognized or rewarded, but today we celebrate you. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I, the Bridgton community and staff of the Bridgton Recreation Department have for all of your dedication. Please know that your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued and cherished,” Colello said.

He added, “I look forward to many more years of ridiculous out of box program ideas and all of the go big or go home request that you and Leslie so very often bring to my office. I will always give you my best Ron Swanson facial expressions when you do. But now, just like Ron Swanson, you can claim this:

‘Everything you do has the attitude of an award winner, because you are now an award winner.’”

Public quiet about budget

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

While the public posed no questions or made any comments regarding the proposed SAD 61 budget during Monday’s hearing, Superintendent Al Smith experience will likely be different when he meets with local officials.

Smith was scheduled to discuss the $34.849 million budget with the Casco Select Board Tuesday, and will make trips to Naples on Monday and Bridgton on Tuesday.

Finance Director Sherrie Proctor pointed out that taxpayers can review budget documentation by accessing that information on the SAD 61 website (www.lakeregionschools.org).

The district budget meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Region High School gym.

The budget validation referendum vote in Bridgton, Casco and Naples is set for Tuesday, May 23. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In other school board news:

Trip to Augusta — Lake Region Middle School eighth graders Jayla Davis and Madison Olsen, along with School Counselor Jenny Dunn, traveled to Augusta on Monday to take part in the 27th annual Girls Day at the State House, put on by the Maine Women’s Lobby.

The girls spent the day learning about state government, took a tour of the capitol building, and got to

SAD 61 NOTES, Page 5A

Company to appeal PB lighting condition

(Continued from Page 1A)

and the new Pleasant Mountain Ski Resort) use external lighting.

“In this case, we are not understanding how any of our neighbors would be permitted to build the exact sign we put up. The only place prohibited for an internally lit sign is the village,” Roma said. “The only explanation we’ve been given from the Code Office is it’s because of the condition placed by the Planning Board. We understand those conditions were put on the plan, but we don’t feel the Planning Board has the ability to just single us out as one property owner and say you can’t have an internally lit sign. I just want to make you understand that we weren’t just doing this in complete defiance. We

presented our case, and so far, no one has told us that we’re not meeting the ordinance. It was just simply a condition that the Planning Board put on that should never have been put on the plan. That’s how we’ve got to where we are.”

Bridgton Town Manager Robert Peabody told Roma that Select Board members would not comment on his remarks due to pending litigation.

“Fair enough,” Roma resoponded.

Local developer Mark Lopez, however, chimed in on the matter. Noting he is very familiar with the application process since he too proposed to build a storage facility in the open field area adjacent to Sportshaus, Lopez said, “I had the same condition put on my plan. The sign had to be externally lit. Mr. Roma knows full well you have to meet the conditions; you can’t just say well we don’t want to do it because it’s not in your sign ordinance; that’s part of going through the process; you can negotiate with the Planning Board; they make some concessions.”

Lopez added that if Stark Storage didn’t like the Planning Board’s condition, “they had an avenue to appeal at that time, not to go in and put the sign in, ignore notification from the code officer, and then come here and say we didn’t do it

because it’s not in the sign ordinance. They know better, if they didn’t like the conditions they should have come back with an appeal.”

In other Select Board business:

• DEP grant landed — Bridgton will receive $150,000 for a Wildwood Road project through the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Stream Crossing Grant Program.

The program provides grants that match local funding for the upgrade of culverts at stream crossings on municipal roads. Projects funded through this program will benefit public infrastructure and safety by replacing failing culverts that are at risk of complete washout or collapse; reduce flooding and increase resiliency with the installation or larger, higher capacity and longer-lived crossings, benefit fish and wildlife by opening and reconnecting stream habitat fragmented by undersized and impassable culverts, and represent a cost-effective and efficient investment based on planning, detail, and local matching funds committed to the project.

Funding for this round of grants includes $3 million from the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, with

additional awards being made from previouslyreturned grant funds. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received 45 applications to review with a total over $6.5 million dollars in funding requests. Thirtytwo stream crossing projects funded this round will result in new or improved upstream fish passage to 60 miles of stream habitat, and result in less flooding and improved resilience of local transportation infrastructure.

Bridgton had applied for the stream crossing improvement grant last year, but proved unsuccessful.

“We were high on list but didn’t make the cut,” Town Manager Bob Peabody said.

This time, Bridgton make the cut. Peabody noted the efforts by Executive Assistant Nikki Hodgkins, who headed up the application process and served as the point person, along with Public Services Director David Madsen, wastewater project engineer Brent Bridges and Jeff Stearns of the Woods Pond Association.

The Select Board voted to accept the award. The town will take matching funds of $105,000 out of Capital Projects Reserve,

which had a $409,500 balance. Peabody said $44,000 will be taken from this account as part of crosswalk project funding.

“We don’t typically budget for grants not knowing whether we would get it or not, which is why we have reserve funds take advantage of opportunities such as this,” Peabody said. “The process doesn’t offer complete funding of a project. We recognize that area isn’t densely populated area but does impact Woods Pond.”

June 13 warrant articles will include:

Amendments fire protection and life safety ordinance; Repeal ordinance of adoption of international building code one or two-person dwellings (replaced by new building code, adopted throughout Maine; code irrelevant and out dated now); and Repeal phosphate detergent ordinance.

Select Board members were asked whether they would include their recommendations to voters regarding the three articles. Chair Carmen Lone said in past years when she didn’t know the background regarding some articles, she went with Select Board recommendations.

Board members voted unanimously to recommend passage of the articles.

AT THE CAPITOL — Lake Region Middle School eighth graders Jayla Davis (left) and Madison Olsen took part in the Girls Day at the State House Monday.

Bridgton Police blotter

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

Monday, March 13

3:33 p.m. Citizen dispute on Smith Avenue.

5:39 p.m. Request to have an individual issued a trespass notice to a Main Street business.

8:57 p.m. Assist county deputy with an operating a motor vehicle while under the influence stop on Portland Road.

HERE TUESDAY, GONE WEDNESDAY — The once bowling alley, later commerical spaces and above apartment on Main Street was torn down Wednesday. The building — adjacent to the new Gateway complex and Chamber of Commerce office — had a water break, and upon inspection, a serious mold problem along with structural concerns were uncovered. Developer Justin McIver of Main Eco Homes plans to rebuild there. (Rivet Photo)

Multiple weapons seized

Bridgton Police, in coordination with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Teams, seized “multiple weapons” at a South High Street home Saturday morning, according to BPD Chief Phil Jones.

Chief Jones said BPD reached out to CCSO to assist in what he termed a “high risk search warrant related to an ongoing investigation.”

The Tactical Team utilized two armored vehicles, while a drone team provided “overmatch” of the South High Street premises. A res-

Rescue

FRYEBURG — There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m. at the Fryeburg Rescue Station (89 Bridgton Road) regarding the formation of the Fryeburg Rescue Auxiliary. The public is encouraged to attend.

Fryeburg Rescue

Auxiliary will consist of volunteers from the communities who will help with receptions, an open house, dinners and fundraising events, as needed.

Occasionally, there is a rescue on a mountain or snowmobile trail where water is essential for the hydration of the patient and the rescuing crews. With advanced planning and organization, water and coffee will be provided at the trail head for the returning crews; volunteers provide sand-

cue unit was also on standby as law enforcement executed the warrant after 7 a.m.

“The operation went safely and smoothly. We did not encounter any unknown variables,” Chief Jones said.

“We were able to seize what we were looking for. The individual was not at the residence at the time of the search.”

There were no arrests made, but Chief Jones noted charges are pending.

The BPD chief spoke highly of the collaborative effort between his department and the Cumberland

County Sheriff’s Department in executing the search warrant.

“It is important to develop relationships with other agencies, so when the time comes, we can utilize their specialties in a coordinated effort,” Chief Jones said.

Through a grant secured by Emergency Management Director Todd Perreault, BPD will soon add drone coverage to its “enforcement tool box.” BPD Sgt. TJ Reese and Sgt. Josh Muse are in the process of receiving training on drone navigation.

Auxiliary info

wiches, soups and desserts to the many volunteers who worked on the search and rescue.

Rescue crews sometimes spend many hours on a mountain side and miss a meal or two – the Auxiliary can make a wonderful difference to tired crew members.

Occasionally, a training session with neighboring rescue squads will be held. Refreshments for these participants will be needed, as well for the members in training. Auxiliary members can be of great assistance with the organization of the luncheon, providing a friendly, restful end to an intense and rewarding day.

Auxiliary members of Fryeburg Rescue benefit the communities of Brownfield, Chatham, N.H., Fryeburg, Lovell, and Stow, and mem-

Fryeburg Police

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

Monday, March 13 6:14 a.m. Non-reportable motor vehicle crash on Lovell Road. 11:37 a.m. Assist fire department at Den’s Automotive on Portland Street. 6:50 p.m. Domestic disturbance on Portland Street.

Tuesday, March 14 6:04 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on West Fryeburg Road. 1:25 p.m. Alleged protection order violation on Main Street. 10:30 p.m. Assist county deputy on Pequawket Trail in Brownfield, near the town line. Wednesday, March 15

bers of the public in general. Community volunteers will make up the Auxiliary of Fryeburg Rescue.

Auxiliary members will not be involved in any EMS duties unless they are active members of the association.

9:23 p.m. Police responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle crash on Mountain Road. Officers made contact with both parties involved in the incident.

10:57 p.m. Male arrested on Songo School Road in Naples on an active warrant.

Tuesday, March 14

3:34 a.m. Police were sent to Portland Road for a suspicious vehicle report. The vehicle had left the area when the officer arrived.

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

3:14 p.m. Runaway juvenile at Hospital Drive. Girl returned home on her own.

Wednesday, March 15

1:54 a.m. Responding to an incident on Lombardo Drive, police arrested a male for domestic violence assault, and transported him to the county jail.

11:32 a.m. Citizen assist on Main Street.

1:34 p.m. Routine sex offender registration.

2:34 p.m. Report of skis and poles stolen at Pleasant Mountain Ski Resort.

10 p. m. Alleged violation of a protection order on South High Street.

Thursday, March 16

1:52 a.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

1:54 a.m. Agency assist

OFF TO SCHOOL — BPD Officer Mike Chaine and K-9 Gibbs are off to police academy school. The 11-week program will focus on search, apprehension and obedience. Later, the duo will return to the classroom for drug detection and searches.

on South High Street.

3:30 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Portland Road.

9:35 a.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

7:28 p.m. Injured deer on North High Street euthanized.

8:46 p.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

9:21 p.m. Suspicious person walking behind a home on Side City Road; officers unable to locate anyone on the property.

10:22 p.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

Friday, March 17

1:08 a.m. Suspicious activity at a Main Street business. Officers found an open door, but the property

was deemed secure.

7:30 a.m. Motorist issued a summons for operating after suspension following a stop at the intersection of North High Street and Crosby Lane.

12:56 p.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

12:58 p.m. Noncompliance with sex offender registration.

2:05 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Police at Franks Way attempting to take a female into custody on a warrant.

3:20 p.m. Alleged protection from harassment violation at Sawyer Circle.

6:50 p.m. Citizen assist

PLEASE NOTE:

Dick, millironfarm@gmail.com 978-369-6231

DAR Good Citizens selected

The Molly Ockett Chapter, NSDAR honored three outstanding area seniors as recipients of the Good Citizen Award on Saturday, March 11.

The DAR Good Citizen program and scholarship contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private schools. The Good Citizens

Award recipients for 2023 are Rachel Lake from Lake Region High School, Nicholas Michaud from Oak Hill High School, Brendan Palmer of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, and Brooke Landry from Sacopee Valley High School.

The Molly Ockett Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was founded in Bridgton in 1976 and reor-

ganized in 2020. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., which is dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.

Through its various programs and initiatives, NSDAR strives to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the women and men who achieved American independence, including those of

diverse backgrounds.

Since its founding in 1890, over one million women have joined NSDAR both nationally and around the world. Membership in NSDAR is open to any woman aged 18 and over who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information about becoming a member, contact Chapter Registrar Michelle Tucci at mtucci28@gmail. com

SAD 61 School Board notes

(Continued from Page 3A)

see how a bill becomes a

law. They also participated in a mock session and got to sit in the House of Representatives.

Throughout the day, Jayla and Madison got to know and interact with female legislators, lobbyists, and representatives who are making a change in the state. They heard speeches from the state’s first-ever female Speaker of the House, Shenna Bellows and the first-ever female Governor, Janet Mills. These powerful females were inspiring to the girls, and as Governor Mills said, “the best people for the job, can be women!”

April 1.

Successful fundraiser — LRHS students showed their community spirit by holding a talent show — the Shamrock Showdown — to benefit a local family, whose home was destroyed by fire.

Principal Thornton said the event attracted 100 to 150 people and featured a wide range of talented acts.

This is a success story “we’re very excited about,” Morse said.

Back to Visiting — For the first time since 2020 when COVID-19 shut down high school student travel to visit colleges, eight Lake Region students will head to the Boston area during April break to check out schools there.

standard. The well to the front of the school tested “little high.” Corrective measures will be taken to bring the water in accordance to standards.

Personnel — When Michelle Gayne accepted the Adult Education Director job, it was her first time being a director and her first time working in a K-12 district.

BA Head of School

ing Bridgton’s values my entire career.”

High School honors — LRHS Principal

Maggie Thornton reported that Rachel Lake and Ezra Gronlund were recently selected Western Maine Conference Citizenship Award winners. They will be recognized at an upcoming ceremony at the Italian Heritage Center.

Melissa Mayo has been selected recipient of the Principal’s Award, given by the Maine Principals’ Association. Melissa, daughter of Amy and John Mayo of Bridgton, will be honored with 100 other Maine seniors at a banquet

Thornton is hopeful that the Showdown becomes an annual event.

Success Story — LRVC Director David Morse concluded his report with a student success story, which embodies the philosophy of vocational education.

A former LRVC student stopped by to show off his new pick-up truck. Morse explained the student faced “cognitive challenges” while in school and contemplated dropping out his sophomore year. Work ethic, Morse noted, was never an issue for the young man, who began in the vocational program’s Diversified Occupations in Grades 8-10, and then switched to Automotive for Grades 11-12. After graduation, he was hired by a local towing company, is on call 24/7, does road maintenance work, and draws a good paycheck.

The School Board approved the overnight field trip to the University of New England, Boston University and Northeastern University lead by LRHS METS (Maine Educational Talent Search) Advisor Amy Hannah. The entourage will also include students from Nokomis H.S. and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

Test Scores Reveal — At the next School Board meeting, set for Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in the LRVC Great Room, Assistant Superintendent Pat Hayden will give an overview and explanation of recent state test scores.

Well Testing — Water tests of wells serving Lake Region High School came back a “little high” and “below” standards.

Supply was switched using a well located to the back side of the school, which tested out “below”

“While I learned a lot, ultimately, I was just not the best fit for the position or for the district,” she said. Gayne submitted her resignation, effective June 30. She plans to remain in the area.

• Justin Vachon resigned as a Stevens Brook Elementary School teacher, effective March 17.

• Michelle Lemelin, a Stevens Brook teacher strategist, is transferring to a Grade 4 teacher position for the remainder of the school year, replacing Justin Vachon.

• Haloye Johnson resigned as a Crooked River Elementary music teacher, effective the end of the 2022-23 school year.

• Jessie Cochran was approved as a Special Education Ed Tech (selfcontained classroom) at Stevens Brook Elementary School.

Residents take look at ‘vision’

(Continued from Page 2A)

3.) The water quality health of the lakes and ponds is of critical importance to residents.

4.) The businesses that call Casco home should be supported and valued for

their contribution to the local economy.

5.) Lands enrolled in tree growth are owned predominately by Hancock Lumber Company.”

Residents have expressed concerns that public access on this private land in tree growth

might change in the future.

Steering committee chair Rae-Anne Nguyen commented on Saturday’s unveiling and important upcoming dates.

“This is the unveiling. This is a look at what we’ve worked on. This is just compiling all of the feedback that we have had over the last year and a half. We are looking for more feedback to refine what we have here,” Nguyen said.

Earlier this week, the official draft appeared on the town’s website as planned.

“There is two-week win-

dow for public review and comment,” she said.

(Continued from Page 1A) houses and some limited businesses.

On April 11, a joint meeting of the select-board and the planning board, which will be public hearing.

“Then, we will have a few days to make changes before it needs to be submitted for warrant. Once it is submitted for warrant, it will be available to review again,” Nguyen said.

The steering committee members will be present at annual town meeting in June to answer questions about the comp plan, she said.

Beginning her teaching career in 1994, Ms. Gleeson has served in almost every possible capacity at an independent school: teacher, coach, dormitory parent, advisor, academic program director, and dean of students, as well as a college counseling director for nearly two decades at three schools.

At the Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pa., she has served as Assistant Head of School for External Affairs for the past six years. In this role, Ms. Gleeson has been responsible for creating and implementing a data-driven enrollment and marketing strategy, working with the school’s executive leadership, faculty, coaches, alumni, and donors to significantly stabilize and bolster enrollment during her tenure. Prior to her role as assistant head, Ms. Gleeson was Perkiomen’s Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, a position she held for two years.

Before joining the Perkiomen community, Diana was the Upper School Head at both Allendale Columbia School in New York and Providence Country Day School. She began her career at her alma mater Vermont Academy prior to serving on the faculty at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham, MA.

No stranger to the great state of Maine, Diana earned her bachelor’s degree at Colby College, where she majored in English and was a two-sport athlete (varsity soccer and junior varsity lacrosse). Her husband, Jason, is a native of Belfast. Diana, Jason, and their two children, Maeve and Cooper, will reside on campus in North Bridgton.

College honors

Allison Baker of Bridgton has been named to the Bates College Dean’s List for the fall semester, ending in December 2022. This is a distinction earned by students whose grade point average is 3.92 or higher. Allison is the daughter of Daniel Baker and Meegan Baker. She is a graduate of Lake Region High School. Allison is a firstyear student at Bates College in Lewiston.

Jacob Mondor of Harrison has been named to the University of Maine at Presque Isle Dean’s List for the fall semester. There are no longer distinctions between highest honors, high honors, and honors; instead, all students who achieve academic distinction appear on one honors list.

Fryeburg Police

(Continued from Page 4A)

lation of a protection order on Main Street.

7:28 p.m. Animal complaint on Main Street (Indian Acres).

9:16 p.m. Animal complaint on Ice House Road.

9:20 p.m. Subpoena served on West Fryeburg Road.

Sunday, March 19

12:28 a.m. Assist county deputy on Rocky Knoll Road in Denmark.

7:17 to 11:22 a.m. Police made 13 motor vehicle stops on Bridgton Road; warnings issued.

6:37 p.m. Traffic complaint on Portland Street.

Monday, March 20

2:56 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Cobb Street.

LAKER PICK — Chapter Regent Susan Smith and DAR Good Citizen Award recipient Rachel Lake

Naples benches seeking new gym complex designs

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — Naples benched the sending out of RFPs for gym designs.

Presenting the Naples voters with a plan for a stand-alone gym will be postponed until Election Day in November.

The Naples Board of Selectmen decided to focus first on presenting a land purchase deal to the voters during the June Primary. In 2022, the very same land buy was voted down. If passed by voters, the proposed property purchase would have been funded using TIF money, rather than the raising of new tax dollars.

Recently, the selectmen discussed how to inform citizens about the opportunity to buy the land prior to the spring election.

Then, the outcome of the land-purchase ballot measure will be a springboard for finding a firm to do the design-build drawing of a proposed gym. After all, it would not

make sense to hire an engineer this soon in the game to create designs for three different locations, according to Naples Town Manager John Hawley.

The topic was discussed during the selectmen’s meeting last week on March 13.

“The request for qualifications for the new community center designbuild — the draft is done. But, my informal technical advisor Ken Norton and I have been looking at the timeline. Although we initially thought we needed to be pretty aggressive, we have kind of backed off,” Hawley said. “It is our recommendation that we back off a little bit only to allow a little more time for the process.”

“Initially, we thought we were going to have something ready for the June election. There is just no way that could happen. Now that we know we are not putting anything before the voters until November, it would make more sense to slow

Calendar of area events

Wednesday, March 22

the process down. Ken suggested that we hold off sending out RFP’s until after we know whether or not the voters purchase the land. If you end up purchasing that land, you could be pretty sure that will be the location.”

“What you don’t want is them to do the designbuild drawings for three [3] different properties,” Hawley said.

Chairman Jim Grattelo put forward ideas to educate the public about the proposed purchase of 2.7 acres owned by Norway Savings Bank.

“We have to sell why we are buying the land. We are going to have to put together a mailer to encourage residents to buy the land. It is a hell of a deal,” Grattelo said. “We need to list options that we could use the land for. We need to sell the citizens on reasons why we should buy the land.”

Hawley said it was best not to tie an exact use of the land to the purchase of it.

Bridgton Police blotter

(Continued from Page 4A)

at Hospital Drive.

7:02 p.m. Welfare check at Garden Way.

8:33 p.m. Report of an intoxicated male attempting to open caller’s car door on Main Street; subject had left the scene upon police arrival.

9:08 p.m. Assist county deputy to locate a vehicle owner at Edgewater Lane.

10:05 p.m. Police removed a male, who allegedly was causing a disturbance in the Emergency Department, from the Bridgton Hospital property.

Searles Excavation Inc.

10:32 p.m. Suspicious vehicles in the Hannaford parking lot; occupants checked and moved along.

11:38 p.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

Saturday, March 18

10:26 a.m. Male reportedly causing a disturbance at the Bridgton Hospital Emergency Department; police removed the individual from the property.

11:08 a.m. Citizen assist at East Main Street in Denmark.

12:27 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on North High Street.

12:35 p.m. Search warrant on South High Street.

1:26 p.m. Injured deer on North High Street euthanized.

7:39 p.m. A female causing a disturbance on Lumberyard Drive was issued a trespass notice.

10:22 p.m. Verbal dispute between family members on North High Street; subjects separated for the night.

10:29 p.m. Welfare check on Harrison Road.

Sunday, March 19

3:15 a.m. “Ongoing” harassment issues on Main Street.

1:16 a.m. Suspicious situation at the intersection of Portland Road and Sandy Creek Road.

1:56 a.m. Mental health issue on Kansas Road.

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/ event-details/rug-hooking-with-elizabeth-miller

Sunday, March 26

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

Art Show at Stone Mountain Arts Center in Browfield from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch available. For more information go to: www.stonemountainartscenter.com

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.

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

Friday, March 31

Digital Inclusion Community Workshop at Bridgton Public Library from 10 to 11:30 a.m. GPCOG is partnering with the Maine Broadband Coalition to help ensure local voices are heard in getting Maine residents connected and helping them stay connected. If you or someone you know does not have access to Internet service or needs assistance with getting and using devices, please join BPL for this community workshop!

Clips from the Collection will be presented by Hiram Historical Society at the Arts Center of Hiram Cultural Center, 8 Hancock Avenue, Hiram, at 7 p.m. “Clips from the Collection” is a fun video variety show presenting a glimpse of videos in the collections of Hiram Historical Society. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments served. Donations encouraged.

Friday, March 31-Sunday, April 2 Cinderella presented by the Lake Region Drama Club in the high school auditorium. Tickets sold at the door (cash and check only) at $12 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. Show times, Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 1

Globalocal from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second and third floors of 13 Cottage Street in Norway. The event is free. Catered by Koley Dishes. Performances by Art Moves, Cosmic Creation, Expansion Arts, The Moving Company, Portland Youth Dance and more.

Closing the Digital Divide. This free program and community discussion from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wilkins House (19 Plummer Hill Road) in Waterford will help gather information for agencies in a position to help. Refreshments will be served. All welcome. This event is co-sponsored by the Waterford Library, Community Concepts, Maine Connectivity Authority, and Northern Forest Center. For more information, contact Mia Purcell at mpurcell@community-concepts.org

Sunday, April 2

Informational Meeting regarding the formation of the Fryeburg Rescue Auxiliary, 2 p.m., at the Fryeburg Rescue Station (89 Bridgton Road).

Tuesday, April 4

Virtual Lecture for a Poetry Reading and Q/A with Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bowsma from 7 to 8 p.m. Registration link = https://www.rufusportermuseum. org/event-details/readings-and-q-a-withmaine-poet-laureate-julia-bouwsma

Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9

Cinderella presented by the Lake Region Drama Club in the high school auditorium. Tickets sold at the door (cash and check only) at $12 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. Show times, Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22

Homeschoolers of Maine presents its 33rd Annual Convention — Families Helping Families, Together with HOME, featuring renowned keynote speaker Perry Ployhar in Augusta. Register at www.homeschoolersofmaine.org

Note: Calendar of Ongoing Events can be found at bridgton.com

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.

Regional Sports

Exercise! It can be Sole•Ful

If a community is to thrive, it needs to be healthy.

The goal of Bridgton’s new Sole•Ful Health Club is to promote health and wellness. The health club is located off Route 302 on 5 Sustainable Way in Bridgton.

“The Club is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and air filtration systems. Our top priority is health and safety. We keep our Club clean, calm, and inviting to create a productive workout environment for every member,” according to the club’s website. “Locally owned and operated, Sole•Ful Health Club creates a clean, calm, and eco-friendly environment. This brand new, modern, boutique health club is community focused and was originated to create a healthier community, increase physically activity, enhance functional strength and awareness, and overall mental wellness.”

Fitness equipment available includes treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, rower, stair climber, multifunctional trainer and a wide range of free weights.

Sole•Ful Health Club recently introduced new Personal Trainer Matt Wallace, who has 25 years of Personal Training experience.

“Matt is dedicated and passionate about the community and improving his clients’ health, wellness and quality of life.”

Some of his skills include: Postural Restoration, Body Transformation, Fitness Assessment, Nutrition Coach, Habit Coach and Programing for Mental Health.

The club is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With key fob access, hours are from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

For information regarding the facility, club membership and available services, call (207) 647-SOLE or check the Soleful website at www. solefulhealthclub.com

Mt. Tire’m

The Denmark Mountain Hikers have climbed Mount Tire’m many times, always in the spring to catch the Trilliums in bloom and sometimes later in the year for the mushrooms along the trail. This was the first winter hike up Mount Tire’m, and on our March 3 hike, we found deep snow and about 6 inches of new snow from a storm the previous day.

The day was a perfect winter hike day – blue skies and temperatures right about freezing with no wind. The Scout Trail had been broken out making our climb much easier. The Tire’m hike had been postponed because of a winter storm, but we lucked out for March 3. There was a storm the day before and another, much larger, winter storm the day after. Friday’s good weather was a fortunate break in the weather.

Hiking today were seven Denmark Mountain Hikers. We had planned to hike up from the new trail starting at Grover Road to the summit then come down the Daniel Boone Scout trail on the other side of the mountain. Jeff checked the Grover Road trailhead before the rest of the group got there, and found the trailhead not plowed out and the road very narrow because of the high snowbanks, so we decided to climb up and down on the Daniel Boone side. We parked at

Athletes honored at Winter Sports Night

As Fryeburg Academy athletes set their sights on the next season, Raider winter coaches recently named and honored individual team award recipients at the Winter Sports Night. Team Awards went to:

Alpine Skiing — Samantha Winterbottom, Coaches Award; Clara Yager, Most Improved; Hogan Bemis, Coaches Award; Joshua Wake, Most Improved.

Boys’ Basketball — Camden Johnson, Coaches Award; Gunnar Saunders, MVP.

Girls’ Basketball — Sydney Shaw, MVP; Carla Pintor Gali, Coaches Award.

Ice Hockey — Peyton McMurtray, Adversity Award; Caleb Micklon, MVP.

Indoor Track — Zack Emery, Coaches Award; Emily Chaine, Coaches Award.

Nordic Skiing — Owen Reinbach, Coaches Award.

Wrestling — Gabe McKenney, The Athlete; Eliya Deri, Heart, All-Academic Team (seniors with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher)

Alpine — David Bellis-Bennett, Samantha Winterbottom, Elsie Leonard, Grace Murley

Nordic — Kacey-Jane Clark, Andrew Irwin, Isaac Twombley-Wiser

Ice Hockey — Owen Galligan, Myles Garland, Caleb Micklon

Wrestling — Gabe McKenney

Girls’ Basketball — Ally Southwick

All-Conference Selections

Boys’ Basketball — Gunnar Saunders

Girls’ Basketball — Sydney Shaw, Mina Milosevic

Alpine Skiing — Hogan Bemis, Holden Edenbach, Chandler Thorne

Nordic Skiing, NE Qualifier — Owen Reinbach

Indoor Track — Jacob Adams

Ice Hockey, All State — Caleb Micklon, Owen Galligan

Wrestling, All State — Joseph Fusco

3 Star Jackets (three varsity letters)

Seniors — Corbin Blake, Elsie Leonard

Juniors — Emerson Hall, Sydney Shaw

Sophomores — Russell Carbonaro, Jagger Helwig, Chandler Thorne.

the church parking lot as the snowbanks were high at the trailhead.

We started up at 9:50 a.m., reaching the summit at 10:40 a.m. after 50 minutes of climbing. After photos and snacks, we started down at 11:14 a.m. reaching the trailhead at 11:37 a.m. after 23 minutes. A great winter hike! We’ll probably still do it in the spring when the Trillium are in bloom.

Mount Tire’m is a small 1,104-foot mountain in Waterford, Maine that offers nice views of the Long Lake Region, Bear Pond, and the Presidentials. This is an easy hike despite the daunting name the mountain carries. According to Warren’s 1879 History of Waterford, Maine “the local Native Americans, members of the Pequawket tribe of Fryeburg, would complain that climbing the steep mountain would ‘tire’m out.’” Mount Tire’m in Oxford County, Waterford, Maine

Difficulty – Easy with

Senior Rambles

Hogan Bemis Peyton McMurtray

Emily Chaine Carla Pintor Gali

Camden Johnson Owen Reinbach

Clara Yager Zack Emery

Matt Wallace Personal Trainer

Bear Pond from the summit of Mount Tire’m. (Photo by Allen Crabtree)

Hiking Trips & Tips by Allen Crabtree

Denmark Mountain Hikers on the Mount Tire’m trail. (Photo by Jeff Sturgis)

RAMBLES, Page 8A

March 23, 2023 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

‘Cinderella’ senior spotlights

Next week, the curtain rises for the Lake Region Drama Club’s presentation of Cinderella. The cast includes seniors Carly Dyer and Olivia England.

Spotlight on Carly Dyer

Carly is from Naples and is the daughter of Dani Longley and Chris Dyer. She will be playing the role of the Head Chef for the King and Queen, a townsperson and a horse.

When asked why she decided to audition for Cinderella, Carly responded, “I thought there was a great group involved and this was my last chance.”

While in middle school, she performed in Dear Edwina, Beauty and the Beast and Singing in the Rain.

Lions’ Student of the Month

In the future, Carly plans to attend Hawaii Pacific University and study marine biology.

Spotlight on Olivia England

Olivia is from Sebago and is the daughter of Katie and John England. She will be playing the role of the Steward, a horse and a

Rotary Club’s Good Citizen

townsperson. A Steward is a servant loyal to the King and Queen.

When asked why she decided to audition for Cinderella, Olivia responded, “Some of my friends do theater and encouraged me to audition. It seemed like fun and since it was my last year, I decided to give it a try.”

This will be Olivia’s first musical.

In the future, Olivia is not sure what she wants to study but will be headed to college. Show dates Cinderella performances will be held at the Lake Region High School auditorium. 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.

Samantha Donahue of Casco has been selected as the Bridgton Lions Clubs’ “Student of the Month” for March.

Each month, area Lions Clubs recognize a Lake Region High School senior based on academics and volunteerism in school and community services. The recipient is honored at a Lions’ dinner meeting and is presented a monetary award.

Parents: Jennifer Hutchins and Eric Donahue

Activities: National Honor Society, Student Council, ASTRA, field hockey manager, girls’ lacrosse Hobbies: Volunteering and hanging out with friends

Future plans: In the fall, I will be attending Thomas College, majoring in Applied Mathematics with a Concentration in Actuarial Science. I will also be on their women’s lacrosse team.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good student? Pay attention, do the work, and don’t procrastinate.

Q. What is your favorite class? My favorite class that I have taken this year is Quantitative Physics. I enjoyed learning about how things in

UMF Dean’s List

Samantha Donahue

our everyday life work.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is Mr. Coady because he truly cares if we understand the information he is teaching us and he wants us to succeed.

Q. If you could change one thing about your educational experience, what would it be? One thing I would change about my educational experience is online learning. We all missed out on a lot because of COVID and having to do school from home.

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my decision to pursue a STEM career. People often tell me that what I want to do doesn’t sound fun, but I am happy that I have chosen the path to become an actuary.

EAT YOUR GREENS

Green vegetables are full of nutrients and antioxidants that protect your cells from damage and build strong bones. But eating healthy on a budget isn’t always easy. Some low-cost, super-healthy greens include:

The University of Maine at Farmington proudly announces its Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester. UMF maintains a Dean’s List each semester for those students completing a minimum of 12 credits in courses producing quality points. Students whose grade point average for the semester is equal to or greater than 3.8 are listed with High Honors. Students whose grade point average for the semester is less than 3.8 but equal to or greater than 3.5 are listed with Honors. Area students named include: Blue Lagoda of Bridgton, Honors; Isaiah Day of Brownfield, High Honors; Gracie Vaughan of Brownfield, High Honors; Reece Kneissler of Fryeburg, High Honors; Emma Brown of Naples, High Honors; and Jonas Edwards of Naples, High Honors.

Senior Rambles

(Continued from Page 7A)

a short steep section near the trailhead

Trail distance – 1.2 miles RT (old trail)

Hiking time – 45 minutes to the summit

Elevation – 1,104 feet

Vertical gain – 554 feet

Directions to the Old Trailhead : At the junction of Routes 35 and 37 in Waterford town center, turn on to Plummer Hill Road, next to Waterford Inn. There is parking along the side of the road. There is a small trail plaque on a boulder for the Daniel Brown trail and it is easy to follow.

Directions to the New Trailhead: From the old trailhead, continue up Plummer Hill Road to Grover Road. Turn left and follow Grover Road until the tar turns to dirt. At about a half mile, there is a small trailhead parking lot on the left, with room for 3-4 cars. At this time, there is no trailhead kiosk, but the white blazes marking the trail are very evident.

March 24, Easy, Hawk Mountain (1,061 ft.), Waterford – 2.8 miles RT, 139 ft. elevation gain. RT hiking time 2 hours. RT driving 1 hour. Meet at the Denmark Church at 9 a.m.

Tristan Cormier of Bridgton has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for March.

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes a Lake Region High School student who displays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a monetary gift.

Parents: Jason and Karyn Cormier Activities: Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field

Hobbies: Boy Scouts, running, hiking.

Future plans: Go to Central Maine Community College for an associate’s degree in Applied Computer Science.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good citizen?

I believe that one key thing to being a good citizen is being active in the community you live in. This could be done in multiple ways, voting in local elections, being active in the local school board and supporting the community in any way that you can. Another key thing to being a good citizen is being an active citizen at the state level. This can include voting in representative in the house and senators in the senate, voting for state representatives and senators and voting for governor. The last key thing in being a good citizen is to treat all those you encounter with respect and kindness.

Q. What piece of advice that you have received that has made a difference in your life? I can’t remember the exact words that were used since it was so long ago, but from my eagle advisor, Dana Hanson. He has said a lot of things and given a lot of advice that it is hard to remember the

exact words, but it was along the line of taking a step back from the situation and looking at it from a different view. This piece of advice has helped me solve many different problems and avoid confrontation with others based on our views.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher and why? My favorite teacher would have to be Dana Hanson. While not a school teacher, he has taught me almost everything that I know about scouting and being a good citizen. Dana has taught me to follow the scout code and law to better myself and those around me.

Q. How have you tried to make your school/community a better place? I’ve done multiple different eagle projects and other community service projects through scouting. Some of those projects included building a bridge inside of Sebago State Park, cleaning the beaches of Sebago State Park, building trail heads and info kiosks, and helping to restore Pondicherry Park.

Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of? The accomplishment that I’m most proud of is my scouting career. I have done multiple eagle projects and other community service projects throughout the eight-plus years I’ve been there. My scouting career has given me skills that I would not have otherwise. Those would include leadership, kindness, my work ethic and my ability to persevere through challenges and find solutions outside of the box.

Tristan Cormier

Carly Dyer Olivia England

GOP Radio Address

by Sawin Millett

State Representative

Is stage set for a partisan budget?

By Sawin Millett State Representative (R-Waterford)

Republicans believe all Maine people, through their representative, should have a say in how their tax money is collected and used in the funding of our state government.

Maine has a long-standing tradition of all political parties working together to craft a state budget, that is what most people want. It is something legislative Republicans want.

During her re-election campaign, Governor Mills expressed her desire for Democrats and Republicans to work together to address Maine’s problems through bipartisan budgets. Those bipartisan budgets require support from two-thirds of the legislature.

That is why it is disappointing to see a recent headline in the Bangor Daily News that runs counter to my goals and experience as House Lead Republican budget negotiator.

The front page headline read: “Janet Mills criticizes GOP as budget deadline approaches.”

The article does not quote the Governor directly, instead offering up this quote: “‘If Republicans want to renege on the commitments they previously supported, then the Governor believes they have an obligation to the people of Maine to clearly state what programs and services they want to cut from the proposed budget,’ Scott Ogden, a Mills spokesperson, said.”

Following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the past three fiscal years have resulted in unprecedented growth in General Fund revenues – caused in part – by the infusion of federal stimulus monies and the recent spike in inflation which has driven up the price of goods and services, including wage and salary increases and by unemployed workers returning to employment. In response to this surge in “one-time” tax revenues, the 130th Legislature returned $1.5 billion in over-collected taxes to Maine citizens in the form of inflation and winter energy relief payments.

The December 2022 Revenue Forecast projected a growth in General Fund revenues for the upcoming biennium to $10.5 billion, an increase of $1.9 billion from the current biennial budget. This level of projected revenue means that Maine does not have to cut any existing programs. In fact, it leaves the state in a position to return money to taxpayers via permanent tax reductions, while remaining under the statutory budget cap limit.

The state is now in a position where it can honor existing commitments AND return money to taxpayers trying desperately to keep pace with rising price increases.

Funds are there for honoring existing commitments, including:

55% funding for K-12 education

School breakfast and lunch

Medicaid obligations

Childcare

Behavioral health and substance abuse

Retirement commitments

My Appropriations Committee colleague State Senator Rick Bennett of Oxford added: “I find it really unhelpful and perhaps hostile to the governor’s expressed desire for a cooperative, bipartisan budget for her to characterize positions Republicans haven’t taken as of yet as we do our job to properly scrutinize the increases that she’s proposed.”

Appropriations Committee members are currently reviewing report-backs from Policy Committees to assess new spending requests, including whether or not add new positions in light of the large number of positions that are currently unfilled.

I am hopeful that the Bangor Daily News piece is not a sign that we will depart from a process that ultimately includes input and ideas from every corner of Maine.

To deny input from areas represented by Republicans and Democrats alike result in majority Democrats passing a budget before March 30, then pretending that the Legislature’s work is done by adjourning the Legislature months before the beginning of the upcoming biennium.

I remain hopeful they will not do that.

From my perspective, the budget process has been going smoothly, with no sign from Democrats on the Appropriations Committee or House Speaker Talbot Ross that they plan to take the drastic steps required to

MILLETT, Page 2B

To The Editor:

I want to thank the Bridgton News for the extensive coverage of Naples news in the March 16 issue. There is one typo in the article on the Comprehensive Plan that needs to be corrected.

What I said was, “No matter how good the Comp Plan is, the whole key is the implementation.” To receive approval from the State Planning Office, Naples had to appoint an Implementation Committee. We tried to achieve the goals and objectives of the plan but, without the funding for capital improvements, we had limited success. After about three years, the members drifted away and the committee stopped meeting.

The big success of the plan was that the Ordinance Review Committee followed the plans guidelines for zoning districts and wrote the Zoning Ordinance that was approved by the voters of Naples.

Larry Anton Naples

To The Editor:

Mr. Vose has a letter to the editor of the Bridgton News published on March 2, 2023, Page 2B in which he denies that Jan. 6, 2021 was an “insurrection.” “The continued effort to characterize this as an insurrection serves as a perfect example of the technique of if you misrepresent something often enough some people will be fooled into accepting it.” Then, Mr. Vose does what he disavows in his BN letter of March 16, Page 2B, “Hobglobin” in which he characterizes Jan. 6, 2021 as a “riot,” continuing the misrepresentation. Mr. Vose, everyone is entitled to their

own opinion; they are not entitled to their own facts.

In March, 2022, Mr. Couy Griffin, county commissioner in Otero County, New Mexico was found guilty of violating Section 3 of the 14th Amendment by U. S. District Judge Trevor McFadden (a Trump appointee). On Sept. 6, 2022, a New Mexico judge ruled that Mr. Griffin is disqualified to continue serving in office because of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol in Washington under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, the first such case since 1869. The judge ruled that Griffin participated in an “insurrection after taking his oath.” The 14th Amendment, Section 3 reads, “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.”

Moreover, Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines Sedition: (N) incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority.

Further, the definition of Insurrection: (N) an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government.

Mr. Vose, the above are the facts. Furthermore, Mr. Vose, you and all other Trumplican apologists don’t hesitate using the 1st Amendment to spread

misinformation, but conveniently ignore the 14th Amendment given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. Both Amendments are part of our Constitution, the very Constitution those “peaceful visitors to the Capitol” on Jan. 6 were trying to overthrow. In any event, Mr. Vose, you are right about one thing. You write, “As pointed out, people don’t go home to dinner from an insurrection.” You are absolutely right — they go to jail!

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

To The Editor: The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has been seized by the government and President Biden has assured that all depositors will be made whole in spite of the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit. Biden says he can do this without using taxpayer money, which leads one to wonder where the President thinks government money comes from if not the taxpayer.

SVB’s problems started with the government’s excessive deficit spending, tax increases, and regulation increases, all of which have led to high inflation. Add in woke bank management and we have the recipe for a financial crisis. Investing in 10-year Treasuries would seem prudent, however, it appears that SVB took a big risk on long bonds because short-term money was virtually interest free (the Fed kept interest rates at 0% for years). SVB used shortterm borrowing to buy longterm bonds. Unfortunately, government mismanagement caused high inflation which, in turned forced the Fed to raise interest rates. When interest rates go up, long bonds go down. SVB didn’t hedge their long bond bets and got caught with

their financial pants down. Normally when a bank is taken over, it is sold, stockholders lose, and depositors with more than $250,000 on deposit lose. However, the SVB Board is made up of mega donors to Joe Biden and the Democrats. More importantly, the mega depositors are mega donors to – you guessed it – Joe Biden and the Democrats. Joe Biden knows who butters his bread, and he made sure his big donors didn’t pay the price for depositing their money into a single bank instead of spreading the risk among many banks.

Uncle Joe raided the FDIC’s reserves to cover the mega-donors’ ineptness, which is good for the SVB’s depositors but leaves other banks’ depositors on short rations unless the government bails them out with taxpayer money. So much for Joey’s assurances.

Jock MacGregor Sebago

To The Editor:

Last week, Silicon Valley Bank was bailed out by the government to the tune of $175 billion. President Biden assured the American public that this bailout was not funded by the taxpayers. He said, “No losses will be borne by the taxpayers.” Really?

According to the Treasury Department, the “Deposit Insurance Fund is bearing the risk.” The DIF is funded with dues paid by FDIC member banks (not credit unions) including our local FDIC insured banks.

When expenses rise at FDIC insured banks due to this bailout, those expenses will be passed along to the depositors in the form of increased fees or lower interest rates on savings.

This bailout is another example of a never-ending shell game played by the Biden Administration. Don’t be fooled again.

America living in a Milli Vanilli world

Anyone remember MilliVanilli? That was the stage name for two European male models, Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan. They signed a recording contract in 1988 and, soon after, began doing concerts in North America. The trouble was, they couldn’t sing, so their “concerts” consisted of dancing around the stage, lip-synching to a pre-recorded soundtrack, voiced by studio singers. Audiences didn’t know it was all fakery. Everything went well for a while. Milli Vanilli became a smash hit, even winning a Grammy award for best new artists. Money rolled in, until one night when everything fell apart.

In the middle of their “live” concert, the digital soundtrack malfunctioned – skipping and repeating again and again, while Rob and Fab slunk off-stage. Much of America lives in a Milli-Vanilli world today. Everything is phony. Fox News and its viewers are a modern version of a Wild West medicine show. Cynical hustlers peddle pipe dreams and false hope to their audience. They’re selling junk, but faithful Foxies keep tuning in and sending their money. Fraud is easy when people want to be defrauded. In their defamation lawsuit, Dominion Voting Systems has released huge troves of evidence.

Independent Thought

by Rev. Robert Plaisted Guest Columnist

Everyone at Fox, from Rupert Murdoch on down, knew they were broadcasting lies about Dominion’s voting machines, despite repeated requests to stop. Those depositions, e-mails and other communications, among Fox executives and on-air personalities, leave no doubt that everyone understood what they were doing. Moreover, it’s clear

that their motive was oldfashioned greed. The documents are online, heavily redacted since Fox’s lawyers are trying to keep large parts secret. Gee, I wonder why?

When Fox correspondent Jacqui Heinrich reported there was no evidence supporting T***p’s Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen, Tucker Carlson explod-

ed, “Please get her fired.

Seriously...what the f**k? It needs to stop immediately, like tonight. It’s measurably hurting the company. The stock price is down. Not a joke.” Murdoch chimed in, “We don’t want to antagonize T***p further...

Everything at stake here.”

Asked during his deposition why Fox continued to feature the election-denying “My Pillow” guy, Murdoch answered, “It is not red or blue, it is green…The man is on every night. Pays us a lot of money.” Asked if he could have stopped his craziest guests from appearing, he answered, “I could have. But I didn’t.” Honest to God, you can’t make this stuff up!

Writing in The Bergen [NJ] Record, Mike Kelly said that, “the network’s most famous players seemed intent on lying to keep its audience – and revenues. This wasn’t journalism. It was consumer fraud at its worst. The desire for money trumped truth.” Fox hooked its viewers on lies the way drug dealers hook their customers on dope. Fox addicts need their daily fix of reassuring fiction to cope with a changing world they can’t control. Fox News needs its viewers to keep the big bucks pouring in. Murdoch’s disinformation empire has caused massive damage in the United States, but it also has

WOODEN MOOSE stands guard at a Highland Ridge Trails property. (Photo by Pam Ward)

Opinions

Closer look at chocolate & metals

Q. I use unsweetened cocoa regularly to make hot cocoa, but I heard chocolate can contain unhealthy amounts of cadmium and lead depending on where the cocoa comes from. How can I find out which chocolates have lower amounts of these metals?

Before we throw away our chocolate bunnies this Easter, let’s have a closer look. It is true that lab

results have shown levels of cadmium and lead in chocolate samples (including some organic brands) higher than what is recommended.

Manufacturers of chocolate claim that these metals are absorbed by the cocoa plant during growth, however, research reveals that only a fraction is coming from the soil. The majority of lead and cadmium con-

tamination occurs during the shipping and processing of cocoa products. A study later published in October’s Environmental Health Perspectives confirmed this.

Limiting these metals is important as they can have deleterious effects on health. Chronic exposure can cause damage to kidneys, liver and brain. Young children and pregnant

Dietitian’s Corner

women especially should avoid exposure. Typically, dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content, contains greater amounts than milk chocolate.

Chocolate companies have acknowledged the problem. More than 30 of them, including Cargill, Hershey, Mars, and Nestle, have committed to funding investigations into the sources of lead and cad-

Standing up for Daylight Savings In Ye Olden Times

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 notfor-profit organization. Visit us at https://www.bridgtonhistory.org

Howdy neighbor!

So, how’s about that extra sunlight in the evenings? It’s the surest sign of Spring coming; the days are gradually getting longer now, though helped along a good deal last week as all

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

of our clocks collectively agreed to spring forward an extra hour, pushing sunset off to just after 6:30 in the evening. How about that, a full two hours more than the depths of winter –though of course it means plenty delayed sunsets and darker morning commutes in exchange.

It’s an odd custom to be sure, but it’s ours and I

for one delight in it, every year as daylight savings time comes and goes adding character to the seasons and a more noticeable rhythm to the turning of the year’s wheel. It gives us more time to enjoy the balm of summer, more time to bundle up inside and tend our fires in the winter, and though of course the old argument – first put forth

by Benjamin Franklin no less – that it helps the farmers a great deal perhaps means less for the everyday layman in our modern age than it used to, it continues to remains true for each and every farmer on whose industry we all still depend.

So, I for one am always going to stand for Daylight Savings Time, even as I argue for the maintenance of all of our traditions, and I put little stock in the modern sort of arguments put forth by restless meddlers who seek a change where none is due, who now take up arms to tamper with a system we’ve all well enjoyed for over a century.

DAYLIGHT, Page 4B

Independent Thought column

(Continued from Page 1B)

damaged countries worldwide. In Australia, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull testified recently before a parliamentary hearing on the baleful

effects of Murdoch media. He said, “That is exactly what Murdoch has done: Divided Americans against each other and so undermined their faith in political institutions that a mob of

Millett address

(Continued from Page 1B)

circumvent the traditional budget process and pass a majority budget. This spirit of respectful cooperation runs counter the poisonous atmosphere in Washington.

Like most of my Republican colleagues, I am here to seek solutions and solve problems. We highlight differences, and vote accordingly, when necessary. Always with what we believe are

the wishes of our constituents and for a better Maine.

Representative H. Sawin Millett Jr. of Waterford is currently serving his ninth, nonconsecutive, term in the Maine House. Rep. Millett is the Republican lead on both the Appropriations & Financial Affairs and Government Oversight Committees. He has previously served on the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.

Meeting Draft Warrant/Draft Budget on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Harrison Elementary School located at 309 Naples Road, Harrison.

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

thousands of people, many of them armed, stormed the Capitol.”

Jesus said, “What you say in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you whisper in secret rooms will be shouted from the rooftops” (Luke 12:3).

Fox stands condemned by its own lying words. One might think they would repent and beg forgiveness. Nah! To repent, you need a moral conscience. Fox never had one.

Instead, Tucker Carlson broadcast cherry-picked snippets of Capitol surveil-

lance footage, purporting to show that Jan. 6, 2021 was “mostly peaceful chaos.” Pffft! That move was met with derision by everyone except the Foxy faithful. Dear old Tucker wouldn’t lie to them again, would he? Yeah, of course he would. Ironically, every lie Fox tells these days, only strengthens Dominion’s case. And that’s not just another pile of Milli Vanilli.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION NOTICE

Lake Region Safe Storage

Online Auction

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.

Public Notice

by Donna Dodge

Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Consultant

mium and finding realistic measures to decrease contamination. In the meantime, I found AsYouSow. org to be a very helpful website in referencing chocolate products for lead and cadmium content.

low:

A few brands testing

Cadbury Mini Eggs

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (thank goodness, my favorite!)

Hershey Kisses Hershey Cocoa (unsweetened)

Dove Silky Smooth Bunny Dark Chocolate Lindt Gold Milk

Chocolate

Toblerone Russell Stover Milk

Chocolate

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Intense Dark 86% Cacao

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set the maximum daily intake for lead at 6 micrograms (mcg) per day for young children. EPA set the cadmium level at 2.3

Obituaries

Robert W. Upton II

Robert William Upton II, 78, passed away on March 10, 2023, from Alzheimer’s disease complicated by a short illness. Rob was born in 1944 in Concord, N.H., the son of Frederic and Jean Upton. He attended Concord schools and was a 1965 graduate of Dartmouth College.

Rob graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1968 and began his legal career in Manchester before joining the Concord law firm then known as Upton, Sanders & Smith. The firm was founded by Rob’s grandfather and namesake, Senator Robert W. Upton. Rob would spend the rest of his 50-year career in private practice with the firm, now known as Upton & Hatfield, practicing first in Concord and later in North Conway.

Rob’s longtime law partner, Gary Richardson, described Rob as a consummate, all-around lawyer, who advocated for his clients with passion, integrity and diligence. Gary recalled a challenging product liability case they tried early in their careers, where a defective lawn tractor caused grievous injuries to a Claremont teenager. After an unsuccessful first trial, Rob had the brilliant idea to call a former Concord High School classmate, a small engine mechanic, to testify as an “expert” witness at the second trial. The classmate’s analysis of the lawn tractor’s condition was just the testimony needed to persuade the second jury in favor of Rob and Gary’s client.

Concord lawyer Bob Larsen described Rob as one of his favorite opposing counsels, a true New Hampshire lawyer, home-spun and folksy, but also wise, honest, and trustworthy; one who occasionally wore his Bean boots at public hearings to great effect.

Later in his career, Rob was recognized as one of the leading N.H. lawyers representing towns and governmental authorities in complex taxation and municipal law disputes, arguing before N.H.’s highest court on some of the most consequential cases in this field in modern times. Along the way, Rob would always say how much he had learned from and valued practicing law at the firm with his father, Fred Upton, and uncles Richard and Gilbert Upton. He would also be quick to add how much he enjoyed working with many wonderful clients, colleagues and opposing counsel.

Rob was an avid skier and loved to play golf with his good friends in Concord and North Conway, but fly fishing was his most beloved pastime. His longtime friend and fishing pal, John Barrett, remarked how Rob could out fish and outlast anyone on the water. John also recalled how Rob loved to follow up long days at their favorite retreat on the Miramichi River with a taste or two of single malt.

1TXX

The public is encouraged to attend to discuss any concerns that they might have. 2T11

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOMINATION PAPERS

Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office located at 3 Chase Street, Suite 1, in Bridgton for the following offices: (2) Select Board Member/Assessor/Overseer of the Poor;

TOWN OF NAPLES

PUBLIC

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE

Please take notice that Kettle Cove Owners Association (KCOA), 22 Leander Lane, Casco Maine, 617-312-8642 is intending to file a Natural Resources Protection Act permit application with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to the provisions of 38 M.R.S. §§ 480-A thru 480-BB on or about April 1, 2023.

The application is for dredging to improve boat access around KCOA’s

Rob is survived by his wife, Lorri Hill Upton of Bridgton; and his children, Abigael Upton Brown and her husband Ben Brown of Cottekill, N.Y.; Emily Upton Saunderson and her husband Zac Saunderson of Arlington, Mass.; Samuel M. Upton and his wife, Sarah Lake of Jena, Germany; Molly J. Upton of South Portland; and Alison F. Upton of Austin, Tex. Rob was also blessed with four grandchildren whom he adored: Fiona, Isla, Hannah and Angus.

A public memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation in North Conway, N.H. (jensfriends.org). Wood Funeral Home in Fryeburg, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www. woodfuneralhome.org

David Coy

PORTLAND — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of David Coy of Portland, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 6, 2023 at the young age of 47.

David was born on Dec. 24, 1975, in Nevada, Missouri, a son to Carroll Wendell Coy and Betty Jo Bunker. David grew up in Maine in the Lake Region area and was a 1995 graduate of Lake Region High School. After graduating, he worked at Sabre Yachts and Salvation Army for many years.

He is remembered by many as a man of good heart, who would always help his friends and family.

Throughout his life, David enjoyed wrestling, football, collecting comic books, baseball cards and CDs. In his free time, he watched WWE wrestling and the Patriots. He expressed his emotions through drawing and artistic expression.

David was predeceased by Carroll Coy.

Department of Environmental Protection’s office in Portland during normal working hours. A copy of the application may also be seen at the municipal offices in Casco, Maine.

Written public comments may be sent to the regional office in Portland, where the application is filed for public inspection: MDEP, Southern Maine Regional Office, 312 Canco Road, Portland, Maine 04103

He is survived by his mother, Betty Jo Bunker of Florida; Leo Thomas Collins, whom he fondly referred to as his “dad”; and siblings, Pamela Collins, Kimberly Collins, and Jason Collins. He was loved and cherished by his nieces, nephews, and other step siblings.

A celebration of his life will be held privately at the Shalom House.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland.

Fremont Merriam

NAPLES — Fremont Merriam, 85, went to his heavenly father, March 10, 2023, while at his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 12, 1937, in Springvale, the son of late Thomas and Ada Merriam of N. Berwick. Fremont lived a marvelous life, exemplary to anyone having the privilege of knowing him. From a child, he struggled with severe asthma coupled with poverty, the separation of his parents and hard living at his father’s farm. Nevertheless, by encouragement from positive mentors, and faith in God, he found in himself, tenacity to outwit and triumph over each challenge. While in his youth, he was precociously gifted with an advanced visual-spatial intellect, whereby he excelled in solving difficult puzzles, mathematical problems and displayed an ability to draw and design at a professional level. He was also proficient with his hands and began woodworking at age 13. After graduating from Sanford High School in 1955, he worked as a carpenter and married his true love, Norma Blaisdell Merriam of York, with whom he built his first home in N. Berwick, raised seven children and remained faithfully married 65 years until his death.

Fremont’s talent and skillset opened a new career as a structural designer and draftsman for Hussey Seating in N. Berwick where he served for 17 years. While there, he was on the design team for projects such as the Shea Stadium and the Anaheim Stadium. Because of his proficiency and leadership, he became an excellent teacher for Hussey’s new recruits.

Fremont built his next home in York Village (1967) before he left Hussey to start his own construction business, Merriam & Sons, specializing in custom log homes. While living in York, Fremont and Norma summered with their children at their lakeside camp in Shapleigh where he took great pleasure in his family life while recreating. The experience there inspired him to pursue lake living year-round and in 1977, he moved his family and business to Long Lake in Naples. While there, his log cabin company broadened to include general construction with projects such as the rebuilding of Pleasant Mountain’s main ski lodge after its fire and of the Songo River Queen II. He also opened Merriam’s Hardware and founded a third business known today as Great Northern Docks. By this time, he had over 40 people on his payroll, not including his children who found opportunities for employment in their formative years. Aside from offering employment to his lakeside community, Fremont’s human connection with people was where the greatest value in him could be found. He cared for others, by teaching, giving respect and encouragement to those he worked with. He was also always mindful of the overall economic health of the community, as he developed a thorough brochure that represented the Naples Business Association while remaining as a longtime participating member.

Fremont eventually ended his construction career and closed the hardware store to focus on his dock business where he could again, apply his talent to greatness. He loved working on the water and conquering design challenges for his customers who would occasionally remark about his silent thought process – that it was worth watching. An important part of his business was his own inventions for specialty components needed for building docks. He became a manufacturer of his products and successfully distributed them to other builders and retailers. Little did he know at the time, his own designs and installation standards established a micro industry of dock service companies all around Maine. He had a special fondness for the non-profit mission of Camp Susan Curtis where he regularly gave of his resources so they could have an excellent dock every year. Fremont wasn’t one to boast; but his accomplishments revealed his worth. He retired in 1999 due to his health, while his sons took over management. He finished his career leaving a plethora of beautiful and often uniquely ingenious structures, such as cliff stairs, meandering boardwalks and footbridges, to name a few. Early in his retirement, he volunteered as Clerk of the Works overseeing a major expansion to the Naples Public Library, while continuing his unfailing support for his family and the business he left in their hands.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest child, Tamber (Merriam) Chapman. He is survived by his loving wife, Norma of Naples, sister, Wilanna Pier of Lakeland, Fl., and children; Thomas (Deborah) Merriam of York, Cynthia (Randal) Burnham of Litchfield, Daniel (Yulia) Merriam of Corte Madera, Ca., Samuel (Dawn) Merriam of Yarmouth, Stephen (Kristia) Merriam of Southport, NC., Seth Merriam of Bridgton, along with 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A service honoring Fremont’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Cornerstone Gospel Church, 25 Sebago Road (route 114) Naples. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Gospel Church, 25 Sebago Rd., Naples, ME 04055 or the Naples Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1757, Naples, ME 04055. A private family interment will take place at the First Parish Cemetery in York. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared with Fremont’s family and friends at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Obituary Policy

Theresa J. Russo

William Buchanan

William “Bill” Buchanan originally from Hamilton, Mass., and recently from Naples, Maine passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bill was born December 14, 1954, at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Massachusetts. He is the youngest son of the late Matthew and Charlotte (Pearse) Buchanan. He is survived by his wife Maria Walsh Buchanan and two sons, Matthew Buchanan and Sean Buchanan of Naples Maine.

Bill attended Hamilton Wenham High School and North Shore Community College where he got an associate’s degree in Business.

His career spanned both New England and Ireland. He worked in manufacturing in the roles of materials planner and Production control management. He was employed most recently at Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton, Maine, in the materials department. He also worked for Gateway Computers and Exxon Mobil in Ireland for four years, where he enjoyed immersing himself in the Irish culture.

He loved doing anything that involved his family. He enjoyed many camping trips with his family and enjoyed fun days at the beach when his boys were growing up.

Bill loved the outdoors; hiking, skiing, mountain bike riding, camping and gardening. He was involved with the Pleasant Mountain Ski Club and enjoyed teaching the “never ever” kids to ski.

He was a diehard New England Patriots and Boston Red Socks fan. He was an avid reader he loved animals and always had cats and dogs in his life.

Bill is survived by his brothers Matthew and wife Rose Buchanan, Keene, N.H., David and wife Linda Buchanan, Beverly, Mass., and his sister Sharon and Husband Ken Wilson, Naples, Fla., as well as several nieces, a nephew, great-nephews and cousins.

His funeral service was at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Thursday, February 23, at 11 a.m., Relatives and friends were invited to attend. Visiting hours were Wednesday, February 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial was at Hamilton Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association of Maine at https://www.alz.org/ maine . Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.

Roland F. Wiley

Roland “Roly” Francis Wiley, a lifelong resident of Fryeburg, passed away in his sleep on March 18, 2023 at the Maine Veterans’ Home at the age of 93 years and 11 months. Over the years he worked at many things including Wiley’s Texaco, boat repair, snow plowing, and excavation to name a few. He was an “old school” Maine Guide and proud of it. He said he was a working Guide, and not just someone who had a license. His guiding started around age 14 at the Rod and Reel Club on Kezar Lake, under the watchful eye of his father, Arthur. Roly’s guiding ended when he turned 80 years old because “I can’t cover the ground I used to and the hills have grown taller.” He loved the old Fryeburg and enjoyed serving its people. He was an EMT and a Charter Member of Fryeburg Rescue, serving many years as the chief officer, a captain in the fire department, and a police officer. Roly was extremely proud of his military service in the United States Army, 1951-1953. That service carried over as a member and commander of the Fryeburg American Legion Post. There he worked alongside many other veterans to give us, “the kids in town” a ball field, swimming lessons, a summer carnival and many other things.

In the last four years sickness robbed him of many things, but his great-granddaughter, Brennan, would always make him smile. Pa, as I called him, was a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and a friend.

Roly was predeceased by his folks, Arthur and Dot Wiley, wife Alayne (Benson), daughter Beth and son-in-law Mikal Curran.

He is survived by his son Rex (Robin) Wiley, daughter Christine (Joe Woidich) and daughter Lorene Curran.

As his son, I wish to thank the Veterans’ Home staff for the wonderful care he received there. We would like to extend a special thank you to the entire Oncology staff at the North Conway Hospital. Pa cared greatly for them and felt a special love for them all. He felt safe there, “they take good care of me and keep me going.” If so desired, a gift could be made in his name to Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1842, North Conway, NH 03860. They helped Pa greatly over the past few years as they have for so many others in the area. A service will be held at a later date for both Roly and Alayne. The date and time will be posted.

“I’ll see ya on the hill Pa.”

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. www.hallfuneralhome.net.

SEBAGO – Theresa Joesphine Russo, 94, of Sebago, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023.

She was born in Lynn, Mass., the daughter of Frank and Catherine (Walsh) Myers on October 10, 1928. Theresa graduated from Westbrook High School in 1948 and later went to work as a dental assistant. It was there she met her husband, Mose Angelo Russo, who she married on June 21, 1952, at St. Mary’s Church in Westbrook. She devoted the rest of her life to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Theresa was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to spend her time tending to her garden in North Sebago, cooking and hosting for her family, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She regularly attended mass at Our Lady of Sebago in the summers and St. Joseph in Bridgton during the winters.

She is predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers and sister.

She is survived by her four sons, Mose Russo Jr. of Myrtle Beach, Mark Russo and his wife Lindajean of Casco, Paul Russo and his wife Laurie of Saco, Francis Russo and his wife Eileen of Bridgton, her two daughters Maria Walker and her husband Randy of Sebago, and Teresa Stein and her husband Michael of Scarborough; 12 grandchildren and many greatgrandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 4-6 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St., Portland, interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Theresa’s tribute page and to sign her online guestbook.

Robert G. Clark Sr.

VASSALBORO — Robert Gene Clark Sr., 89, passed away March 9, 2023 at the Togus VA Medical Center, with his family by his side. He was born December 20, 1933, a son of Harold and Phyllis (Davis) Clark.

Bob graduated from Bridgton High School in the class of 1953.

Following school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for four years.

In December of 1956, he married Janice C. Sanborn. The two eventually settled on a farm on Cross Hill Road in Vassalboro, raising their five children. Bob was employed for many years as a machinist at Scott Paper in Waterville. He was a longtime volunteer at the Bread of Life Ministries soup kitchen in Augusta and Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro where he mowed the lawn every summer for over 25 years.

Bob was a true Mainer and a farmer who took pride in caring for his property. He always had a project going on, whether it was cutting wood, haying, or harvesting 500 bulbs of garlic. He took great care of their farm animals over the years and had a soft spot for his beloved dogs. Bob will be remembered as a hard working man with a good sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Clark; a grandson, Colin Cronin, and a great-granddaughter Grace Elizabeth.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Janice Clark; his children, Jody Jones and her husband Stephen, Jill Spicer and her husband Scott, Robert “Bobby” Clark Jr. and his wife Sharon, Julie Cronin and her husband Michael, and Jolene Gamage and her husband Scott; his sister, Kathleen Sjogren and her husband Dick; grandchildren, Ted, Janice, Josie, Jody, Whitney, Lindsey, Alivia, Garrett, Riley, Abby, Samantha, Katie, Mitchell, Maggie, and Addison; and 14 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to: Wildlife Care Center, 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro, ME 04989. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

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In Ye Olden Times: Daylight Savings

For that is what is now happening; last year the Senate considered and actually passed a motion to suspend the practice, though I understand this happened due to some procedural quirk and accordingly the House has not taken it up for consideration. But even so this year, I hear the effort is to be revived, with some upon the national stage once again pushing for a wholesale abolishment of the practice, calling it antiquated and vaguely citing health concerns which, after what we’ve all been through these few past years, is certainly a curious position to argue from. We’ll see how it works out for them as the year progresses and the issue comes to debate in the chambers of the legislature.

While this is not a political column of course, I mention this only because I we ought to consider the history and circumstances surrounding the practice, if we are to have a discussion over its merits. It does, of course, concern every citizen of our nation, and I can’t think of something more impactful on the daily

lives of all Americans, than the manner in which we presently measure and enjoy those lives. I go back to the wisdom of G.K. Chesterton, who once observed when discussing the motivations for any policy change;

“There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, ‘I don’t see the use of this; let us clear it away.’ To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: ‘If you don’t see the use of it, I certainly won’t let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.”

I need only point back to 1974, a date well within living memory of most of our readers, for a case study on the experiment of suspending Daylight Savings Time, and just how poorly the experience ultimately proved to be turn out, even for those who had themselves argued in favor of the change. But enough of this,

where is the historical story for the week? Well, today’s vignette goes back all the way to 1918 and relates a humorous circumstance in the history of Daylight Savings Time, from the period after it was adopted to help us win the First World War. In this case, we look now to the National Home for the Blind, and the headline story of those “Blind People Eager to Aid in Winning the War.”

“Of course, the old fellow at the Home for the Blind, 3050 R Street, Northwest, who would not turn his

watch forward when daylight savings law went into effect, had scruples against ‘changing God’s time,’ but every one of the 18 inmates of the home, most of them over fifty years old, are of one accord. And that is that the war must be won at any sacrifice, and they are doing and will continue to do what they can to help bring the Kaiser to his knees.

Mrs. Louise Wickert, a Washington woman who has been totally blind for the last 20 years and who has been at the home for the last six years, is the

premier war worker of the blind family. To date, Mrs. Wickert has knitted thirteen sweaters, seventeen scarfs and three pair of wristlets. Mrs. Rubie Nowlin, also of Washington, has completed ten sweaters, three scarfs and eleven pairs of wristlets. While the common women sit in their work room, knitting, making blankets, and doing plain sewing, the men industriously work at caning chairs. All talk about the war. One of those treasures of a blind man is his watch. Then came the daylight sav-

ings law and every clock in the nation was set forward an hour. Every clock but — those at the Home for the Blind. The dinner bell there

Dietitian’s Corner: Chocolate & metals

(Continued from Page 2B)

mcg per day for average 50-pound child, and 6.8 mcg per day for average 150pound adult. As an example, let’s look at Hershey Kisses. Per serving, they contain 0.5 mcg lead and 2.8 mcg cadmium. Twelve servings would have to be eaten to exceed the recommended limit.

Since I love good-quality dark chocolate, I have to think there is some benefit to indulging. And FDA to

the rescue! Just last month, they announced that cocoa — with its antioxidant content — can be good for our heart and cardiovascular system. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics agrees. A Harvard study (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2022) found that consuming 500 mg of cocoa flavanols per day significantly reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease by twenty-

This week’s puzzle theme:

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PILATES

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PLUMBING & HEATING

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

seven percent. Chocolate companies can now make this claim on their packaging.

I suppose the takeaway from all this is that when eaten in moderation and in its purest form, chocolate is full of antioxidants and is most likely good for cardiovascular health. It also increases serotonin and dopamine – chemicals in the brain that make us happy. But if you are still concerned, choose brands

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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)

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)

tested and confirmed to be low in both lead and cadmium.

Happy Easter!

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

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

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52. ____ Approach, music education

TAKING AIM — Members of the PMOPC Archery Club release the first arrows at Bridgton’s brand-new indoor archery range. Archers are Hosea Jones, Zeb McFadden, Micaela Reed and Caleb Coombs. (Photos courtesy Peter Lewis)

Youth clinics, sports

Bridgton Youth

Archery at the Bridgton Town Hall (North High Street), Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., for ages 10-17. Cost: $45 for threeweek sessions. To register, go to www.bridgtonmaine. org/bridgton-recreation

Open range for participants from 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Frequently asked questions, go to pmopcarchery. org/faq/

The PMOPC Archery Club’s instruction is designed to train and encourage archers to participate in target archery with the opportunity to compete in local, regional and national tournaments. Once the basics of the 10 Steps of Shooting are practiced, archery becomes a mental challenge. Archery teaches mental discipline and responsibility, and helps a child develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment. PMOPC is focused on safety, fun and friendship.

Lake Region Varsity

Softball Youth Softball

Clinics at the Bridgton Town Hall (North High Street) on March 26. Grades 3-6 from 10 to 11 a.m.; Grades 7-8 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Open to all LR youth softball players.

Register now for the 2023 season at www.bridg-

Shell game

Biden can say the funds did not come from the taxpayers, but rest assured the taxpayer will indirectly bear the cost of bailing out this bank.

Mark Lopez Bridgton

Oh yes, soy!

To The Editor: In a recent Dietician’s Corner column published by The Bridgton News, the author concluded that soy foods are not health foods, citing extensive research. They failed to mention that a large amount of the frequently cited research against soy in recent decades was funded by the dairy industry. Given the ever-increasing popularity of soy and other healthy non-dairy options in the marketplace, is it any wonder that Big Dairy has been working overtime to try to scare the public about healthy alternatives?

knew him. I was sitting in the back of the store and smiled at his fast 1-2-3 ring. He said to me, “There is a little kid in all of us waiting to be heard.” Oh, if only we had the courage to laugh and dare to be different.

I rushed home to see if I could uncover my old jump rope from teaching gym class, but I guess time has covered it in the rubble of all my possessions. I will go out and buy another one even though I am going to be 80 years old come my next birthday. Laughter and comedy have a way of coming to the surface when we seize the opportunity.

I think that young man left the store happy to see an older woman laughing. Laughing is the jingle in your heart. It raises up your spirits. It permeates the air and lifts yup all the fog. Thank you to a total stranger who dared to be different and ultimately made me smile.

Sue Parent Bridgton

Bad idea?

homes. I wonder if the Sierra Club members on the trip are going to be driven on ‘Israeli-only’ highways so that they might avoid the potentially upsetting sight of multiple roadblocks and checkpoints where Palestinians are held up, sometimes for hours, in bitter cold or baking heat while they wait to be searched, questioned and humiliated by Israeli military personnel before being turned away or cleared to go to their workplaces, homes, schools or hospitals.

Are the tour leaders going to explain why visiting members will probably not be taken to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christianity, because of the checkpoint they would need to go through that is usually filled with dozens and dozens of Palestinians trying to go to Bethlehem to shop, worship or study at Bethlehem University or simply go home?

dening to support wildlife, deer-resistant plants, what to do about groundhogs and other critters in the garden, bird feeder and birdbath care, and many other related gardening topics. Instructor is Nancy Donovan.

History of Bridgton

Area: Wednesdays, April 26, May 3, 10, 17. This course will cover four topics in the history of the Bridgton area: Bridgton in the 18th Century; Settlers, Proprietors and Land Speculators; The Timber Industry in Early Bridgton; Stage Roads and Steamships; The Ridge Neighborhood,

tonmaine.org

Bridgton Rec youth baseball and softball registration is open. Baseball up to 12U/Grade 6; TriCounty Baseball up to 13U-15U for Grades 7-8; softball up to 14U/ Grade 8. Registration deadline March 31. www. BridgtonMaine.org. Season starts in April; games May to June; extra play in July. For more information, contact Rec Director Gary Colello at 647-1126 or e-mail rec@bridgtonmaine. org

Bridgton Rec Run Club, sponsored by Team

from Libraries to Opera Stars. Instructor is Michael Davis.

Basics of Interior

Design: Monday, May 8. Take a journey throughout the house as we learn about the history and purpose of everyday features, explore design concepts that can be applied in your home, by you, on day one, and gain a better understanding of how to design for a happy comfortable and safe home. Instructor is Julie Whelchel.

History of the B&SR Railroad and the B&H Railway: Tuesday, May 9. A presentation of the history of

Long Run, Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., ages 5-12, May 3 to June 14, register at www.bridgtonmaine.org/BridgtonRecreation Lake Region boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, sponsored by Bridgton Rec, register by March 31 at www. bridgtonmaine.org. Open to all Lake Region K-6 students. Season begins in late March; practice twice a week; Saturday games in late April; away games Windham, Gray, Portland area, etc. Scholarships and loaner equipment available. Volunteer coaches needed.

the B&SR Railroad and the B&H Railway with a focus on the economic impacts the railroad had on the town of Bridgton and surrounding areas. When compared to the previous B&SR presentation this one will include more maps and more of a focus on the economic impact on the town of Bridgton. Instructor is Adam Cook.

Staying Active and Safe as You Age: Monday, May 15. During this class the four types of activities (muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility and balance) that must be included to increase physical fitness

The truth is, soybeans are known to be an excellent source of protein, rich in calcium and iron, and naturally cholesterol free. Soy foods have been staples of a healthy diet in East Asian nations for thousands of years, due to being nutrient dense and inexpensive to produce. The citizens of these countries overall have significantly lower rates of obesity, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. The columnist should be encouraging readers to add more delicious and versatile foods such as edamame, tofu, tempeh, and soy milk to their diets, not less. We would all be better off if more Americans sat down at the dinner table and said: Oh yes, soy!

Brian Brown Bridgton

To The Editor: There is a bit of humor in all of us. While I was waiting for my order at the Little Mountain Store in Bridgton, a young man came in and quickly rang the service bell. He was grinning at the store worker so I thought obviously she

will be described and activities/exercises to improve each type will be outlined and demonstrated. In addition, home modifications to improve safety in order to decrease the chance for falls will be discussed. Instructor is Nancy Donovan.

Discovery Through Aviation: Tuesday, May 16. Once the author earned her wings, flying became her career, her hobby, and her calling. Finding her true passion changed her life. Her book Finding Myself In Aviation is about so much more than flying. It chronicles this woman’s journey of

To The Editor: The Sierra Club has always had my greatest respect for the work it does to protect the environment and to teach generations of members to appreciate and be stewards of the environment. My respect has taken a severe downturn upon learning that the Sierra Club is planning “birdwatching” trips to Israel in the spring of 2024.

Possibly, Sierra Club personnel are not concerned that the environment into which they will be leading club members is territory that has been violently usurped by the Israeli government from the indigenous Palestinians who are even now enduring violent rampages by illegal Israeli settlers. These Israeli settlers are burning Palestinian homes, orchards, and cars, assaulting unarmed civilians including elders and children, and even brutalizing family pets. Worse yet, these settlers are not being deterred by Israeli army personnel who are actually facilitating the assaults and who shoot or tear-gas Palestinians who attempt to protect themselves and their

discovery from an abusive childhood to finally finding freedom in the skies. Mary Build’s story is an inspiration to anyone who has wondered what their true purpose is in life, while her adventures as a pilot will keep you on the edge of your seat. Instructor is Mary Build.

The Senior College at Bridgton is the home-town program for anyone 50 years or older in Bridgton and surrounding Lake Region communities to learn new things and meet new friends.

Membership is open to any senior in the Lake Region. Reservation Forms are

Will visiting members be allowed to visit Jerusalem, to see the beautiful al Aqsa Mosque or the ‘Wailing Wall?’ Damascus Gate is iconic and beautiful too, but so many Israeli military prowl and harass Palestinians trying to do business in the Old City that such sights might be upsetting to Sierra Club members.

Finally, are the personnel of Sierra Club aware of the message that normalizing ‘Bird Watching Outings’ to Israel sends to Palestinians, Israelis, and the rest of the world, especially those who are concerned with human rights and apartheid? The message is: Never mind the suffering of Palestinians at the hands of apartheid Israel, never mind the human rights violations being perpetrated every day by illegal Israeli settlers and Israeli military, never mind the Palestinian child prisoners, political prisoners and political detainees held in inhuman conditions in Israeli prisons; “Let’s just go watch birds, folks, and pretend that nothing else matters.”

If Bridgton News readers are concerned about the plans of the Sierra Club to lead unwary birdwatchers into a country, part of

LETTERS, Page 7B

available at the Bridgton Library and at the Senior College website: http://www. seniorcollegeatbridgton.org. Everyone should fill out the Reservation Form to reserve a space in the class(es) you wish and return the form. If you are not a member, please enclose a $15 check if you wish to become a member. Class fees are $10, $15, or $20. Mail to: Senior College at Bridgton, P.O. Box 308, Bridgton, ME 04009. If you have questions, contact Kappy Sprenger, Senior College registration, at (207) 647-5593 or seniorcollegebridgton@gmail.com.

Frank Johnston, the “grandfather” of the PMOPC Archery Club, inspects the safety curtain at the Bridgton Town Hall Gym indoor archery range.

which is under military occupation, a country that at times can be a war zone for Palestinians living there, then readers can e-mail Ben Jealous, President, Sierra Club at: national.outings@ sierraclub.org or info@ sfbaysc.org. He might be interested to hear from you.

Donna Joss Bridgton

BN 12 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

Opinions

continued to defy the law.

To The Editor: Thanks to the Bridgton Select Board and our Code Enforcement officer for supporting the rule of law.

During its meeting on March 14, the board reiterated that Stark Storage had to turn off the internally lit sign at its new storage facility on North High Street across from Mountain Road. The board also moved to take legal action if Stark Storage

Over two years ago, the Planning Board explicitly told Stark Storage that its building permit was conditioned on the requirement that its sign “will be externally illuminated as a condition of project approval.”

The Planning Board did so “in order to maintain the character of the wooded and natural dark corridor, and to not detract from nearby properties and the area.”

This is a requirement under Bridgton’s Site Review

Ordinance, which states that “the design and lighting of signs and other advertising structures shall … not detract from the design of the proposed building and other surrounding structures and properties.” The Bridgton Sign Ordinance contains the same language.

The Planning Board’s ruling on the issue was clear, and Stark Storage is not entitled to simply ignore the Board’s decision. Local developer Mark Lopez helpfully commented that,

based on his experience, the Planning Board’s ruling was consistent with Bridgton’s zoning rulings and should not have been a surprise to Stark Storage.

Stark Storage apparently thinks it is entitled to ignore the Planning Board and disregard its building permit’s conditions. Thankfully, the Select Board disagrees and will, if necessary, pursue legal action to enforce our laws.

As of March 15, Stark Storage still had not turned off its internally lit sign. Perhaps it is time to invoke a different part of the Bridgton Sign Ordinance and start charging Stark Storage “fines of not less than $100.00 or more than $2,500.00 per violation for each day that the violation continues.”

David Lyons Bridgton

BRIDGTON Grounds maintenance and housekeeping positions. April to October. Please call 4675048. 6t12x

LOOKING FOR — houses or camps to paint for 2023 season. Free estimates. 35 years experience. Dirigo Custom Painting. 7439889 12t12x

FUTURE LEADERS WANTED

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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.

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daily tasks.

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The Town of Lovell, Maine is hiring COURTESY BOAT INSPECTORS FOR THE 2023 SEASON (May – Sep)

can design a flexible work schedule for 12-40 hours per week Principle Responsibilities – Inspectors will be trained to inspect watercraft for aquatic plants Skills required – Good communication skills, ability to keep accurate records, dependable

Process – Applications are available on our website at: www.lippc.org or at the Lovell Town Office and must be submitted by April 3, 2023 Contact: Questions contact Diane Caracciolo-Conary, CBI Coordinator, LIPPC125@gmail.com

Maine Maple ‘Sunday’ ushers in spring

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer FRYEBURG—

The same conditions that cause the sap to start running in the maple trees also create muddy driveways.

“A good mud season makes a good sap season. It is the same process: thawing and freezing of the ground. It has to be down in the 20s at night, up in the 40s during the day” for the sap to run, according to Laurie Weston of Weston’s Farm & Market.

“I could do without the mud but the syrup is nice,” she said.

The folks at Weston’s Farm, 60 River Street in Fryeburg, are gearing up for the 40th Annual Maine Maple Sunday.

“We’ve been doing it as long as they’ve been having it — 40 years,” Weston said, referring to the Maine Maple Producers Association (MMPA).

Decades ago, farmers who wanted something to

do during the off-season, before it was time to prepare the soil and plant crops, started tapping maple trees, she said.

People, who might want to visit various maple producers, can check out the MMPA website for a listing of which ones are doing what. The website is mainemapleproducers.com

“We are just doing Maine Maple Sunday. It’s a play on the word Sunday/sundae since we serve ice cream topped with maple syrup,” Weston said.

There are plenty of reasons for families and winter-weary individuals to get out and visit a local syrup producer, she said.

“For a lot of people, it is rite of spring. With the sap running, it means that spring is here. That means winter is supposed to be over,” she said. Weston’s Farm will hold Maine Maple Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We don’t get into the

agritainment too big. We do it the old-fashioned way. We are a small operation. We will serve the ice cream inside at the farm stand. The sugar house is open. We have people explaining the process. Someone explains that, and how we tap,” she said.

“It is running today some,” Weston said on Tuesday afternoon, noting that the maple sap season is winding down.

“The buds are getting bigger on the trees because of the warmer weather. When you can see the buds are getting bigger, the sap will inherently not be good,” she said.

“It is a perishable product to begin with. You cannot just leave it in the buckets. Sap can spoil. It is perishable product,” she said. “It is not when you want to do it, Mother Nature dictates.”

“It is a love of labor — the way we do it with the buckets. We set buckets and

gather them into a gathering tank in the back of a truck. The tubing is easier. We don’t have the tubing set up. We have buckets,” she said.

“We didn’t tap really early. It was my understanding there were some runs,” she said.

Bill Symonds of Sweet William’s in Casco did take advantage of the sap run last month.

“As a sugar producer, if you were on top of it and got that early run in the second week of February. That was a big boost. I was able to catch it. I made a quite a bit of syrup in February,” Symonds said.

“It’s all temperature related. You need freezing nights and days above freezing. It used to be in March. It still is. But, these past few years, we are getting more and more of February” being the time when the sap runs, he said. “I am having a fantastic run today.”

Sweet William’s, 66 Spiller Hill Rd in Casco,

Art showing at Stone Mountain

BROWNFIELD — Stone Mountain Arts Center will present its first Art Show this Sunday, March 26! The first of what is to be an annual event, Stone Mountain will have two barns full of artists. You won’t have to

Daylight Savings

(Continued from Page 4B)

rank at exactly the same time. Six o’clock was six o’clock. To please them, the matron did not change the big clock on the wall.

Then, one day not long ago, Mrs. Josephine Jacobs, president of the Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia and head of the home, made a visit and discovered, to her amazement, that every clock and watch in the house was ‘slow.’ Some of the inmates explained that ‘they didn’t see any sense in the fool law.’ Mrs. Jacobs then made a patriotic little speech about saving daylight and how it was helping win the war. With a will every timepiece was turned forward, but one. The old fellow with his watch didn’t believe in ‘getting mixed up.’

The Hoover program of food conservation is closely followed. Nothing is wasted, even time. Victory bread and sugar allowances have come into as much favor with these blind patriots as with everyone else helping to win the war.”

If these old blind patriots, a people who could possibly derive no tangible benefit whatever from the practice as regards the conservation and actual use of daylight, were none-the-less willing to buck up and make the change all in the name of love of country, who after reading this could still look at the practice and say without shame, that it’s all too much bother to keep doing?

For now, I am glad to enjoy the sun as it rises later each day, leaving us more time outside in the evenings; and just so, in the depths of winter, I will enjoy seeing it rise early in the morning to send its light and warmth, knowing likewise that if I’m doing anything out in the cold it had best be done quickly, for night falls faster in winter, and in truth there’s a certain chill beauty to that as well.

If you disagree with me on my last point, we can at least rejoice that it’s little to worry about today; such things are behind us now, and all of six months to come before they’re back. For now, let us celebrate our lot and bask in the coming spring and all its daylight together.

Till next time!

walk far from barn to barn to enjoy lots of great artwork from many local talented folks. The Bar and the

SMAC kitchen will be serving up lots of great food and cheer. Table reservations suggested for dinning or you can grab and go too. Walk ups

welcome!

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information go to: www. stonemountainartscenter.com

OCSWC Plant & seed sale

SOUTH PARIS — Warm weather is coming, and it’s time to start thinking about your garden! Oxford County

Soil & Water Conservation District is pleased to offer an

amazing list of native plants for beginning to advanced gardeners throughout Oxford County and the surrounding area.

OCSWC has a large

March

Aux.

Maple Cooking Contest

Entries in by Sunday at noon – Judged at 1 p.m.

www.grandpajoesmaple.com

selection of flowering perennials, herbs, groundcovers, edible plants, shrubs, and trees. Some crowd favorites include Echinacea, Asters, Bee Balm, Bearberry, Sweet Fern, Winterberry and Checkerberry; several varieties of low bush, halfhigh, and highbush blueberries are available; and both deciduous and evergreen seedlings are being offered.

In addition, there will be: Pollinator Garden, Rain Garden, Fragrance Garden, Wildlife Support Garden, Dry Areas, Wet Areas, Coastal Areas, Erosion Control and Edible Plants. Native conservation gardening is fun, interesting, and rewarding.

The Native Plant and Seed Order Form is available to download on the website at oxfordcountyswcd.org/native-plant-sale or by contacting OCSWCD at oxfordcountyswcd@ gmail.com or 207-744-3119.

All orders must be received by Friday, May 12 and pick-up day will be Friday, May 26 at the Oxford County Cooperative Extension Office, 9 Olson Road, Paris.

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.

will hold its open house on both Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A pancake breakfast at that location is somewhat new to the list of activities.

“We did it last year for the first time. It is right at the top of the hill. We have some tents, and there are going to be some picnic tables out in the open,” Symonds said.

41st Annual

Sweet William’s will offer free samples of maple baked beans and ice cream topped with syrup, balloon animals for the children, on-going tours of the sugar house and a self-guided tour into the sugarbush.

“A big thing we are doing now is making doughnuts to order. We’ll have fresh, maple glazed doughnuts hot off the press,” he said.

Maine Maple Sunday

March 26th • 10 AM - 3 PM

We are boiling at the — Sugar House —

Come see how it’s done Sample maple syrup on ice cream at the FARM STAND Weston’s Farm Stand & Sugar House 48 River Street • Fryeburg (207)935-2567

Open To The Public During Sapping Season

Sweet William’s

Join us as we celebrate Maine Maple Weekend

March 25 & 26, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Step into the sugarhouse for Sweet William’s detailed explanation of our syrup-making process. Self-guided sugarbush tours.

Lots of ways to enjoy our pure maple syrup: maple sundaes, maple baked beans, butter, cotton candy, maple popcorn, almonds, granola, assorted baked goods and more, all made with Sweet William’s.

Don’t miss our maple glazed doughnuts made fresh all day, while they last!

We are hosting an on-site Pancake Breakfast SUNDAY ONLY, served all day

Fun for the entire family!

William Symonds, Sugarmaker 66 Spiller Road Casco, ME www.sweetwilliamsmaplesyrup.com 627-7362 ssymonds@maine.rr.com 1T12

Join us to celebrate the Maine Maple Season!

The 2023 maple harvest is underway!

Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers Association members will carry on the tradition of welcoming you to their sugarhouses to experience maple!

Many sugarhouses invite you to visit over the course of several weekends during the season, providing flexibility and lessened crowds.

Maine Maple Weekend

March 25th & 26th

You can find specific sugarhouse information by visiting www.smmsa.org to view open house details.

Get out to enjoy this annual rite of passage to spring and all the goodness of Pure Maine maple syrup ! It’s good for you !