BN12-032521

Tip of the hat SAD 61 recognizes the newest class of Laker Pride recipients Page 7A

Sweet treat

Inside News

Several area sugar houses will be open this weekend as part of Maine Maple Sunday

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . 2B Country Living . . . . . . 6B Directory . . . . . . . . . . 4B Obituaries . . . . . . . . . 5B

Page 5A

Opinions . . . . . . . 1B-4B Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Student News . . . . . . 7A Games . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B Legal Notices . . . . . . . 3B

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

Vol. 150, No. 12

14 PAGES - 2 Sections

Bridgton, Maine

March 25, 2021

www.bridgton.com

(USPS 065-020)

95¢

More Sanctuary talk pushed back

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer When Bear Zaidman suggested Bridgton adopt a resolution to make the town a Second Amendment Sanctuary, he heard from folks in favor of the measure and those against.

“There were some constructive comments,” Zaidman told fellow Select Board members Tuesday night. “And, there was some name calling.”

At their March 9 meeting, the vote on the Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution resulted in a 2-2 tie (Selectmen Zaidman and Fred Packard for, Selectman Paul Tworog and Selectwoman Carmen Lone against, Chairman Lee Eastman was absent) — thus DWARFED by the silhouette of a snow-covered Mt. Washington, a lone ice fisherman returns to shore along Long the measure failed.

Lake in Naples as the season winds down.

(Photo by Suzanne Richard) Zaidman pointed out the

Select Board is permitted to make such a resolution, and the request did not seek any changes to the law.

Tworog countered that laws are in place to protect the Constitution.

Several residents also weighed in by submitting e-mails, supporting and opposing the resolution.

Here’s a sampling: • Steve and Sandra Collins, “It will have no practical effect. Each of you has sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Maine. The resolution would not change a bit of that responsibility…

It seems to us that the proposed action by the Board of Selectmen would usurp the authority of the town’s legislative body — town SANCTUARY, Page 6A

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Amy Morton sees a big difference in how her two children are learning under current pandemic conditions.

Her first grader, who attends Songo Locks Elementary School five days each week, is showing steady progress.

Her third grader, who is a hybrid learner (two days in school, three days remote), is “stagnant, if not behind in her learning.”

“It’s really sad,” Morton said. “We need to put our kids emotional and mental

health ahead of this virus.

Studies show that students are the least carriers (of the virus),” Morton told SAD 61 School Board members via Zoom Monday night.

“Homes are becoming stressful environments.”

Several parents lobbied for the board to make the move to full, in-person instruction. The Zoom meeting had 101 people in attendance.

The SAD 61 School Board agreed. They voted unanimously Monday night to return to in-person instruction Monday through Thursday starting April 5 for

all those students currently educated under the district’s hybrid model. Fridays will remain the same, as remote days. Five-day, in-person instruction begins after April break.

If a parent has a concern about the return to full inperson instruction, the par-

SAD 61 should wait until the start of the next school year, in August.

Johnson said teachers are nervous about the recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in Maine and data showing an increase of cases involving the virus being transmitted by students.

“It’s a boom we don’t want to see,” Johnson said.

He pointed out that at the high school, 24 students and 10 staff members are in quarantine. If both cohorts had been potentially exposed to the virus, those numbers would double.

SCHOOL, Page 2A

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — With the inperson annual town meeting six weeks away, the Town of Naples finalized its proposed budget, putting into place the warrant articles people will vote on.

On Monday, the Naples Board of Selectmen met jointly with the Naples Budget Committee to each vote whether or not to recommend the warrant articles.

The proposed municipal

budget — which includes school and county taxes — is more than $13 million.

However, that number is a moving target because the fiscal year won’t be wrapped up until June 30.

Since last year, the total expenditures have gone up about five percent, which equates into an increase of $500,000. Meanwhile the anticipated revenues are expected to rise by two percent. The budget planners are leaning toward lower revenue numbers to be on

the safe side. Only time will tell whether some revenue will materialize.

Last week, on March 17, the public hearing on the budget was held. No one was present. Naples Town Manager John Hawley gave a presentation to the budget committee.

“Every year presents new challenges. And, the service demands expected of the municipality continue to grow as people relocate and make their homes in NAPLES, Page 8A

Back to School — Full, in-person on April 5 On the School Front

• No comments made on proposed $31 million SAD 61 budget; Bridgton and Casco see decreases, Naples looking at 2.3% assessment increase, Page 6A • Naples Select Board hear Superitendent Smith presentation, comment on proposed budget, Page 2A ent can move their student to remote for the remainder of the school year.

While SAD 61 might “add a few” remote students to the mix if space is available and parents are willing, full remote students will stay in their present instructional mode.

Naples budget tops $13M

Solar energy among 19 ordinance articles

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES —The owner of an undeveloped lot between Route 302 and Brandy Pond wants to put in solar energy.

Naples resident Ann Plummer said that solar energy is the only thing she wants to do with her land.

Plummer’s request to change the lot’s zone from

residential to commercial is a Citizens’ Initiative that will be a warrant article at the Naples Annual Town Meeting on April 24.

Whether or not to accept the Solar Energy Ordinance is another warrant article that residents will hear. In fact, the solar energy warrant article will appear first.

More or less, if the

Solar Energy Ordinance is passed, then the zone change could be a moot point.

It’s all up to the voters.

On Monday, the Naples Board of Selectmen finalized the warrant articles for town meeting.

For the past few meetings, there has been some questions about why at the SOLAR, Page 4A

SEBAGO – Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) announced the conservation of 22 acres of forests and wetlands in Sebago.

The land will become part of LELT’s Tiger Hill Community Forest which was conserved at the end of 2019. The now 1,451-acre Community Forest is home to sensitive wildlife habitat,

working forestlands, and safeguards the water quality of Sebago Lake – the drinking water supply for one in six Maine residents.

“This land is an incredible gateway to the Tiger Hill Community Forest. In addition to its numerous attributes for wildlife and water quality conservation, cellar holes and stone walls on

the property tell the history of a long-forgotten community in the ‘Folly’ area of Sebago,” LELT Executive Director Matt Markot said.

“We were so glad to work with the sellers, whose family had cared for the property for generations, to help them achieve their goals of permanently conserving the FOREST, Page 8A

Tiger Hill Community Forest adds 22 acres

Before the School Board took up the in-person instruction question, Barry Johnson, who is a LRHS math teacher/department head and president of the LR Teachers’ Association, revealed findings of a teacher survey he conducted regarding the return to fulltime instruction.

Of the 109 survey results returned, 16 were in full support of the return of inperson; 34 had some reservations; 30 did not support the return by April 5, but would be supportive of a return after April break; and 29 said no to April 5 and felt

BEHIND THE COUNTER at the Lovell Village Store, warmly known as Rosie’s are owner Rose McKenzie (center), who is retiring, along with daughter, Melanie Moore and son, Tommie McKenzie.

Closing time

Rosie hanging up her apron LOVELL — The store is officially called Lovell Village Store, but everyone knows the popular spot as Rosie’s. After 20 years behind the counter Rose McKenzie is hanging up her apron and husband Tom McKenzie will lock the front door for the final time this Sunday.

How better to capture the spirit of Rosie’s than simply listening and writing down the words of those who found this place a true treasure: Rose: I break 1,000 thousand eggs a week and sell 150 cups of coffee a day.

Sue Roberts: I’ve been working in the restaurant industry for 51 years and for Lovell Village Store for the past 14 years!

Miss Rose, thank you for not only being my employer

but for also being part of our “Rosie’s” family and my friend!

Cathy Stone: The heart of Rosie’s is the bigger than life personalities who work there: Sheila, Andrea, Sherry, Sue, Marisa, Maureen.

Whenever Stephen King was sitting next to me at the counter he was eating blueberry pancakes.

Sam Ring: It’s fun and I dread her closing because you don’t know who’s going

to do what to it. If I had the money I’d buy it. I’ve made cartoons of Rosie in Elvis movies. Rose wanted to dig his casket up and bring him back to Lovell where it’s nice and quiet.

Bruce Thurston: In my time here, I hope I am as respected and loved as she is… Amen. 7 days a week made every customer feel at home like a mother.

Maureen Crosland: Rose made it possible for people ROSIE’S, Page 3A

The Bridgton News Established 1870

P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 207-647-2851 Fax: 207-647-5001 bnews@roadrunner.com

Area news

Page 2A, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

Naples paying lion’s share of school budget

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES— As children in elementary school, everybody learns that it is nice to share.

At a young age, children are told that everyone should have an equal amount. Students are taught to share sweet snacks by dividing them into the same sizes. Teachers tell students to share an equal workload — whether it’s cleaning up the classroom or participating in a school project.

Therefore, it seems unfair that when it comes to a school district, the cost of the budget is not shared equally between all towns in the district.

That’s because of the State of Maine’s formula for how towns split up the expenses associated with the school budget.

Naples will pay the biggest portion, according to School Administrative District (SAD) 61 Superintendent Al Smith, who presented the school budget to the Naples Board of Selectmen on March 15.

“I’ll be the first to apologize to Naples,” Smith said.

“We are at the mercy of the state formula that we are given, and the state formula is based off real estate sales and student population, and it’s based on the past three years.”

The year 2020— along with the frenzy of buying homes in Maine because the state had low COVID count — factored into the formula.

“Every community has done well with [real estate] sales. That’s obvious— you

cannot find a house anywhere. I don’t know what has sold in Naples. But, obviously some things have sold at very good price. So, your tax base is based on that,” he said.

“Your share is higher than the other two communities. You are the lucky ones that ended up lion’s share of the budget cost this year,” he said.

Chairman Jim Grattelo interjected: “Lucky ones?

Lucky ones?”

Smith responded, saying, “Unlucky. Sorry.”

A few seconds later, someone is the room said, “Unfortunate.”

Later, during the presentation, Smith said that if he had the authority to set the cost for each town, it would be doled out evenly.

“I’ll be honest: I wish this was split up nice and even, but the formula doesn’t allow us to do that,” he said.

“Three years ago or four, Bridgton was in a similar situation paying more than Naples and Casco.”

WAYS SCHOOL BUDGET KEPT LOWER Smith said in order to reduce the amount each town is taxed, the fund balance can be returned to the budget as a plus. The money that was saved or unspent from the previous year is used to help offset taxes.

“This year, we looked at we had available because usually we use $100,000 to $200,000 to help towns with the costs associated with the budget,” Smith explained.

For the upcoming school budget, $1 million of the school’s general fund was

LAKER PRIDE AWARD from Transportation/ Facilities/Food Service goes to Jessica Massey, Staff, nominated by District-Wide Operations Team.

added to bring down the amount of taxes that needed to be raised, he said.

There were other things that took the pressure off taxpayers: Grants and reserve funds.

Smith started off his presentation by talking about the grants the school district has received.

“I do want to talk a little bit before the budget about monies we have received from the government; and it sounds like we are receiving some more. It lends itself to helping people understand that we have received a couple million dollars and what we’ve done with it,” the superintendent said.

“We’ve tried to be fiscally conservative such that we can use those [grants] appropriately,” he said.

The grants were restrictive he said, adding the money couldn’t be infused into anyplace in the budget and it couldn’t cover a regular expense, and it had to be used for specific things during a specific time period.

First off, because of the pandemic, the schools had to improve air quality. There were government grants specifically for these publicsafety upgrades.

“We put a lot of money into technology for our kids, and adults for that matter, as well as into transportation,” he said.

A grant was used to purchase five new buses, and two new vans “that will help us down the road,” Also, there is another $1.8 million grant — a grant that has yet to be used — to hire support for staff and students. Those positions will only be available for two years. He hoped to hire “math teachers and educational-academic leaders.”

Although there is money for these jobs in education, it doesn’t mean the positions will be filled.

“That is provided we can

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find the staffing. There are needs across the state so people are going to be a high commodity,” he said.

These grant-funded positions are designed to help with the void caused

by COVID. For example, many kindergarten-aged students have not yet been to the school because parents preferred to keep them home during the pandemic.

Chairman Grattelo asked a few questions about the jobs supported by the grant.

“Those positions that you are adding — they are only funded for 2 years,” Grattelo said.

“The positions are earmarked to support the kids’ growth. I’m not saying all of them will go away. Most of those positions are very targeted: math coaches, literacy coaches,” Smith said.

Grattelo asked, “So, those people hiring on those jobs know that.”

Smith answered, and went on to explain who these short-term jobs might appeal to. “Typically, when being hired people enter into a one-year contact.

Everyone will be notified what the position is and what the expectation is,” he said.

“A lot of times, there are people who retired [and decide that] retirement isn’t all its made out to be. They come back for a couple years. The market is going to be extremely competitive,” Smith said.

MORE BUDGET COMMENTS Smith returned to talking about the budget. Many areas were impacted by the pandemic.

“We’ve had some savings. We are not hiring as many substitutes. Some of our fuels costs [went down] because we don’t transport on Friday,” he said.

However, even when school is not in session, the school has been offering free and reduced-cost meals.

“Our food costs are NAPLES, Page 3A

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LRVC LAKER PRIDE recipient is Ralph Caron, Diversified Occupations teacher (right), receiving his honor from LRVC Director David Morse.

Back to School (Continued from Page 1A) Johnson’s concern comes as SAD 61 had a Stevens Brook Elementary School staff member test positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, March 20. As per Covid-19 guidelines, contract tracing was conducted immediately and officials found that direct contacts were limited to a “very small group of staff and students.” Those individuals were notified and were to quarantine for 10 days. Their return to school, if well, is this Monday, March 29. Those students affected had their educational programming moved to “remote” status during the period of quarantine.

A “community letter” from Superintendent Smith was posted on the district website dated March 22.

Johnson also felt achieving social distance could be problematic at times, such as 15 to 18 students trying to enter a classroom at one time to be on time. With class periods at 60 minutes, Smith said the loss of five or so minutes to be sure everyone keeps their distances as they enter rooms is worth the price for students to return to full in-person instruction.

Smith noted that current CDC guidelines accept 3-foot distancing in classrooms, and the district will continue to require face coverings. The district will also utilize large spaces, such as the gyms, as places students can eat their lunches.

In talking with students, Johnson found some had reservations about returning to full-time in-person instruction.

Teachers are also nervous since many have yet to be fully vaccinated (still waiting on a second shot, while others have yet to reach the two-week mark following the second inoculation). Between nervousness and anxiety, the two factors could result in higher levels of absenteeism amongst staff, Johnson said.

“Over and over again, we have said we don’t want to have a setback. We want to stay where we are. We don’t want an outbreak, quarantine and school closure,” he said.

“We all know that remote is not as effective as hybrid.”

Johnson added that students have found a “routine” now with their hybrid model, and it could be disrupted by quarantining and even school closure caused by an outbreak.

“Let’s follow the science, math and mental health. It doesn’t add up by bringing people back full-time right now,” Johnson said.

At press time, Johnson had not heard of any teachers who might not return “due to the safety issue that will arise from this return to students being full time, but it is still early.”

He noted, “there is no provision for this in the contract, so they would be at the mercy of the Superintendent and the board unless they qualified for a medical leave of absence.”

SCHOOL, Page 3A

THE BRIDGTON NEWS (BRIDGTON NEWS CORPORATION) Established 1870

P.O. BOX 244 • BRIDGTON, ME 04009 207-647-2851 207-647-8166 Fax: 207-647-5001 general email: bnews@roadrunner.com editor email: bnewseditor@roadrunner.com display advertising email: bnewsads@roadrunner.com website: bridgton.com Publisher & Editor..........................................Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writers...................................................Dawn De Busk Advertising ............................................Eric C. Gulbrandsen Circulation & Classifieds ..................Fran Dumont, Manager Production......................................................Lorena Plourd The Bridgton News (USPS 065-020) is published Thursdays at 118 Main Street, Bridgton, Maine. Periodicals class postage at Bridgton, Maine. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bridgton News, P.O. Box 244, Bridgton, ME 04009

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Area news

March 25, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 3A

Back to School

Closing time for Rosie’s

(Continued from Page 1A) to come in and have a fantastic breakfast in our little town.

Anne Pilsbury: It’s the way Maine used to be and should be still.

John Wulons: We’re losing a landmark and REAL French Fries.

Bruce Collins: I used to come for the liver and onions. Maybe Rosie will have some next week when my wife is away.

Anna Romer: I always knew when my patrons had been to lunch at Rosie’s. They smelled like bacon and made me run over there to order her delicious BLT. Larry Fox: Where breakfast is the best. Everybody in town has been served by Rosie.

Stan Tupaj: Rosie’s is the heart and soul of Lovell. The place where locals and visitors meet. Walking through the front door is like stepping back in time. Sitting at the wonderful counter chatting and enjoying the daily specials served with a side of Sheila’s snappy comebacks. Here’s to a wellearned retirement.

Meg Dyer: Used to take the town’s Rec kids for ice cream after their game. I would call ahead to warn her we were coming. I’ve seen Rosie in TV ads for the lottery. I think she won two cruises.

Letitia Genest: The only place I could take Mathew to sit at the counter for ice cream. It reminds me of Saleri’s in Fryeburg.

Sherry Bois: It’s not just a gathering place, it’s the heart of the community and now the end of an era.

Tommie McKenzie: It’s a destination for people from away. I’ve been in Florida and someone will say they’ve been in here.

Rose: I like to cook for a lot of people and I don’t like left overs. I have

INSIDE ROSIE’S, Rose McKenzie prepares a hearty breakfast; a customer awaits his order at the luncheon counter; below, a look back in time and a photo of today’s store.

50 regulars who come in everyday sometimes maybe out of habit and maybe not. I’ve been here a third of my life and I’m in mourning right now. I won’t miss the sound of that exhaust fan though. I hear it in my sleep. Tommie and I made this decision together. That’s what a partnership is all about.

You have to be in sync. I can’t not work. This is all I want to do. People say I work too hard. My doctor was happy when I told him I was closing. I announced the closing on Facebook — I was typing and crying at the same time. I never envisioned the end, but it’s been good for 20 years and I’ve made a lot of friends in Lovell. But, there are customers I haven’t seen in a year who are too scared to come in. Very difficult to enforce the mask rule with those who have an excuse for not wearing one.

I decided to retire thinking I would sell the store and it would stay open. It’s the pandemic relief checks that allow people to escape hard work and stress. Now, I can’t rehire enough help to keep going. At one point, I had nine employees and now I’m down to 2 and 1/2. Covid isn’t over yet and might last a while.

A few lookers but no one wants to buy a restaurant at this time and maybe not a place like this anyway.

Although now is the perfect time to capture summer business which is what it’s all about. You have to love a lot of hard work When we opened in 2001 on Memorial Day, Tommy said “if it weren’t for your

“Implacable dry heat interrupted by waves of Loyly (steam) is the essence of sauna”

It takes a local business owner to protect one.

(Continued from Page 2A) Smith thanked Johnson for his insight, but also pointed out that SAD 61 has between 210-220 teachers, and to date, 74% of staff has received at least one Covid-19 vaccination while 15% has had two doses. He added that 7% elected not to get vaccinated “for various reasons.”

Regarding case numbers, Smith said 18 students have tested positive for Covid-19 and 22 staff members, to date.

The district has 450 staff members and about 2,000 students.

Safety has been a priority since the virus outbreak, Smith said, and will continue to be a driving force in how SAD 61 operates. Smith is confident in the back-to-school plan administrators have pieced together, including adding another bus route and with the return of warmer weather, plans to set up tents and use picnic tables as part of outdoor instructional spaces.

If Smith searched for a good example that in-person can be achieved with the virus still lurking, he didn’t have to look very far. Lake Region Vocational Center has used full in-person instruction since the fall, and enrolls students from three school systems. To date, there has been just one positive Covid case at the Center.

Several parents chimed in via Zoom. Dani Longley felt more confident about an August or September return, while Naomi Phillips, who operates Milestones in Casco which has 37 students, surveyed parents and all were in favor of the move to full in-person instruction.

Songo Locks teacher Holly Tremblay supported the move, noting students desperately need a chance to reconnect with friends (something her eighth grader has sorely missed), while it would be nice for seniors (she has one) to get a chance to create some memories with classmates before they graduate.

Parent Amber Webster called attention to how students “feel alone” and struggle emotionally as they try to learn via Zoom. She fully supports a return to school.

Smith understands risks still exist, but as more people vaccinate and protocols stay in place, the superintendent feels SAD 61 can safely bring students back into classrooms on a full-time basis, ultimately getting kids back on track educationally and emotionally.

cousins we wouldn’t have any business.”

Well, I’m related to half the people in Lovell. I have nine grandchildren and they all come here to eat. All the kids love it.

I met Tommie at the 4H. My daughter Melanie was looking for a dad and I said if you find one bring him home. Melanie asked

Tommie to drive her home from the 4H meeting where he met me at the door.

Rose: I wish I were taller.

Tommie: You’re perfect.

St. Patricks Day — car radio playing the sad Irish violin and fiddle of Conamarra.

(Continued from Page 1A) through the roof,” Smith said. “The way we have to package everything up and serve the food. The labor costs and the packaging costs — I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Selectman Bob Caron II said he has gone to the schools during lunch hour, and it is impressive.

“What you guys are doing feeding the kids and

keeping them separated.

I’ve seen it. You are doing a real good job,” he said.

Later, Caron asked at this point in time, what has SAD 61 got from the state because of COVID? “Roughly $3.8 million,” Smith answered. “We spent it primarily on hardware. We bought new computers. We had to use the money to pay for all laptops upfront. We are looking on how to spend

the money wisely . . . ” The following day, on March 16, Smith spoke before the Casco Board of Selectmen.

“You try to do everything when building the budget.

I thought that we would be more well off with state funds than we were,” Smith said.

“Casco is in good favorable financial position. Your expenditures are down from

Some upcoming Loon Echo Land Trust programs and a “thank you”: Forest Therapy Walk on Wednesday, April 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Peabody-Fitch Woods. This event is free, but registration is required. Join LELT and Megan-Mack DeRaspe of Holon Healing for a guided meander through the forest to re-establish a truer sense of overall health and well-being. Through simple sensory invitations of awareness, participants strengthen their connection to the natural environment

around them. Space limited to 10 people.

Webinar: What Happens to Our Water? on Thursday, April 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This event is free, but registration is required. Join LELT for a virtual conversation with Portland Water District (PWD) environmental manager Paul Hunt about the natural and built systems involved in local and regional water management.

Speakers will discuss the important role forests play in the management of the water PWD distributes to

hundreds of thousands of people every day.

To register for these programs, go to the LELT website at: loonecholandtrust.org Generous donation: LELT thanks Great Northern Docks of Naples for its recent donation of cedar boards. These pieces of dock decking will be engraved locally and turned into trail signs for new trails and to replace old broken signs on existing trails.

LELT is grateful for this generous donation and to be able to re-use this resource RAYMOND — In locally. honor of their 33rd birthday, Mexicali Blues will be donating 33% of their topline sales revenue today, Thursday, March 25, to Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.

GIVING, Page 4A

Incorrect firm

CORRECTION — In a story about the Naples Community Center Exploratory Committee hiring a firm to provide sketches of a community center building, the wrong firm was named. The job went to Harriman Associates with offices in Auburn, Maine and Portsmouth, N.H.

Naples paying lion’s share of budget

Loon Echo programs

this part year. You will see a reduction,” he said.

“Unfortunately, Naples is in a position where they will not see a reduction.

Unfortunately, Naples had a better year of property sales and so [in the three-year formula] when you drop off 2017 and bring in 2020, Naples ended up where their school contribution was the lion’s share,” Smith said.

Giving back

* INFO WANTED *

Thank You!

Birth town for LEXI, a now almost 12 y.o. Beagle, Shepherd, and possibly Lab mix. We adopted her at 10-1/2 y.o., the sixth home and two known shelters she’s been in, twice in each shelter. No info found 2011-2017. Privacy is the common empty excuse in this search. Quite sure she had the same parents as our now 15 y.o. No names needed, only the birth 2T11 town. Wes or Connie (207) 549-3635.

Truly honored and pleased by all the responses to the fact that I turned 89 years old.

The birthday wishes were greatly appreciated.

–Ethel Hurst

Notice of Medical Practice Closing Diane Reo, Agent Fryeburg, ME 04037 North Conway, NH 03860 Bus: 603-356-0550 Bus: 207-935-1500 www.dianereo.com

As a small business owner in our community, I understand what it takes to protect your small business. Let me help you get insurance for your business at a great value.

Stop in or give me a call.

Primary care patients of Dr. Gordon are advised to establish care with another physician and arrange for transfer of medical records as soon as possible.

To all who have made this endeavor a success for 25 years, THANKS!

$225/cord

GREEN: GREEN:

SEMI-SEASONED: $225/cord

2$275/cord cord minimum 2 cord minimum

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State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, Florida State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 1706444

Drexel R. Gordon, D.O. Osteopathic Family Medicine located at 8 Depot St, Bridgton, Maine will be closing its doors July 14, 2021.

Page 4A, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

Police news

Items on Bridgton Police Department blotter These items appeared on the Bridgton Police Department blotter (this is a partial listing): Monday, March 15 3:55 a.m. Noise complaint (logging equipment being used) on North Bridgton Road.

9:56 a.m. Harassment complaint on South High Street.

1:50 p.m. Citizen assist regarding an “unruly” teenager.

5:26 p.m. Fraud complaint on Ray Whitney Road. Subject was approached by an individual claiming to be fund raising for the Bridgton Police Department (BPD has no fund drive in process).

6:48 p.m. A vehicle collided with a deer as several deer crossed North High Street, near Seymour Drive. The vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side fender. The injured deer disappeared into the woods.

11:13 p.m. Welfare check (confused person) at a Portland Road business. Subject became lost while en route to Oxford Casino.

Tuesday, March 16 12:17 a.m. Suspicious activity (someone knocking on the front door) on Weymouth Road.

8:10 a.m. Criminal trespass complaint on Depot Street.

12:35 p.m. Motor vehicle crash in municipal parking lot.

9:18 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on Piper Way. Officer Regis approached the driver, who said he planned to meet a friend there. The subject was asked to move along.

Wednesday, March 17 4:20 a.m. Police plan to charge an individual with filing a false public report after reporting an assault at a Sanborn Grove Road residence.

8:51 a.m. Citizen assist regarding eviction questions.

10:51 a.m. Citizen dispute regarding payment for work, but service if failing to meet an expected timeline. Police informed the caller the matter should be taken to civil court.

3 p.m. Police looked for a vehicle, whose occupant reportedly was firing Nerf darts at people and cars on Main Street. Police located the vehicle parked on Main Street, and made contact with three subjects. One admitted to shooting the Nerf gun, “just having fun.” Warning given.

7:40 p.m. Speeding complaint on Kansas Road.

7:59 p.m. Attempt to locate reported erratic motorist on Portland Road.

Thursday, March 18 4:58 a.m. A vehicle collided with a deer

on Portland Road.

9:39 a.m. Threatening complaint (over when a work order would be completed) at a Portland Road business. Police filled out a trespass notice, and forwarded it to the Sheriff’s Office to serve it.

1:06 p.m. A female, who had been issued a trespass order prohibiting her at a Main Street store, was asked to leave the premises. She told Officer Smolinsky she was waiting for a ride. She was told to wait elsewhere.

3:56 p.m. Alleged threatening calls made to a store’s management; Sgt. Muise and Officer Hammond responded.

5:01 p.m. Disturbance at Holly Loop residence. Female subject was removed, taken to the county jail, and charged with violating conditions (no use/possession of alcohol) of release and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.

8:11 p.m. Attempt to locate vehicles, reportedly “doing donuts” in the Depot Street parking lot.

Friday, March 19 1:30 p.m. Speeding complaint regarding red truck on South High Street. Police located suspected vehicle, unoccupied, in the Depot Street parking lot. Officer Smolinsky left his BPD card. The driver’s mother returned the phone call and informed the

officer she would speak to her son regarding his driving habits.

4:08 p.m. Juvenile problem (allegedly wearing hunting gear and carrying guns) on Willett Road.

5:29 p.m. Caller reported concerns regarding alleged statements being made by an ex-girlfriend on Facebook.

8:05 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Police with an incident on Main Street.

8:35 p.m. Harassment complaint made.

Saturday, March 20 5:30 p.m. A plastic bag containing marijuana seeds found at a car wash was turned over to police; the seeds were disposed.

5:58 p.m. Possible burglary in progress on Lakeside Pines Road. Police located suspected vehicle, and found that subject worked for a contractor and was showing friends the work site. The driver was issued a summons for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

6:37 p.m. Theft of a wallet reported.

8:58 p.m. Fireworks complaint in area of Deer Lane.

9 p.m. Fire personnel dispatched to Sabattis Island for a bonfire. A small campfire was located on the ice of Moose Pond.

Sunday, March 21 3:55 a.m. Report of truck “doing burnouts” on Kansas Road.

Fryeburg Police Solar energy on meeting warrant These items appeared on the Fryeburg Police Department log (this is a partial listing): Saturday, March 13 3:48 p.m. During a traffic stop near Walker’s Bridge on Bridgton Road, police charged Stephen R. McGlinchey, 46, of Bridgton with attaching false license plates.

7:27 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Bridgton Road.

9:04 p.m. Suspicious activity at Fryeburg Fairgrounds.

9:41 p.m. Assist citizen at police headquarters.

Sunday, March 14 12:07 a.m. Juvenile offense on Pine Street investigated.

7:53 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Menotomy Road.

12:50 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Cornshop Road.

3 p.m. Traffic complaint near state line on Main Street.

9:29 p.m. Assist citizen at Main Street restaurant.

11:03 p.m. Following a traffic stop on Main Street, police charged Cameron C. Henry, 26, of Brownfield with attaching false license plates.

Monday, March 15 1:18 a.m. Suspected overdose at Main Street location.

2:25 p.m. Suspicious person on Portland Street.

5:19 p.m. Fraud complaint on Fairview Drive investigated.

5:58 p.m. Fraud complaint on Fish Street reported.

7:45 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Main Street.

Tuesday, March 16 5:25 a.m. Theft at Smith Street garage reported.

9:13 a.m. Animal complaint at Harbor Road residence investigated.

11:11 a.m. Parking problem on Bradley Street checked.

11:54 p.m. Responding to an alleged incident at Dollar General on Bridgton Road, police charged David A. Estes, 74, of Fryeburg

Shop open

LOVELL — News from the Lovell United Church of Christ: • Limited reopening of the Thrift Shop, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon, limited to five customers at a time, face coverings required. $2 bag sale on the last Saturday of each month.

Help is needed, if interested call 925-1321.

• Take-out turkey dinner, 5 to 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 10. Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. Menu: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert. To reserve your dinner, call Elsa at 928-3100.

All proceeds benefit the LUCC’s work.

• Senior Fellowship, The CHURCH, Page 6A

with assault.

2:45 p.m. Assist citizen at Fryeburg Plaza.

Wednesday, March 17 7:27 a.m. Radar detail on Oxford Street.

8:21 a.m. Assist agency at Molly Ockett Drive.

12:38 p.m. Wellness check at Smith Street apartment.

7:07 p.m. Welfare check at Bridgton Road restaurant.

Thursday, March 18 12:47 p.m. Fraud complaint on Bridgton Road.

4:13 p.m. Flag detail on Main Street.

8:36 p.m. Welfare check on Main Street.

Friday, March 19 1:47 a.m. Suspicious activity at Fryeburg Fairgrounds investigated.

7:08 a.m. Radar detail on Oxford Street.

6:23 p.m. Following a traffic stop at the intersection of Main and Portland Streets, police charged Nichole M. Staples, 31, of Standish with unlawful possession of a scheduled drug and violating conditions of release.

7:57 p.m. Responding to a reported disturbance at a Main Street restaurant, police charged Adam T. Martinese, 47, of Fryeburg with assault.

9:40 p.m. Assist agency at state line on Main Street.

Saturday, March 20 10:28 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

(Continued from Page 1A) same time that Plummer was gathering signatures, the Naples Ordinance Review Committee (OCR) was crafting the solar energy amendments.

On Monday night, Naples Town Manager John Hawley outlined the history.

“The Solar Overlay was voted on and approved at last year’s town meeting,” he said.

The location were specific places like the old gravel-and-sand pit on River Road. “The Land Use Ordinances did not have an ordinance for solar energy. So we created places in town and created a solar overlay district,” Hawley said. “If you remember there was a race to get it done because the deadline for permits was in July.”

The idea all along was to create a solar energy ordinance with more details provided, Hawley said.

Last fall, when Plummer approached the planning board about her plans to put solar equipment on her acreage, she was told that a solar energy ordinance was being worked on. However, as it stands, solar energy can only be on commercially zoned land. The property Plummer is considering is zoned residential.

“In September, I went

BOTTLE DRIVE Class of 2021

before the planning board [to ask about allowing solar energy]. In the process of doing that, they suggested a citizen’s petitions. I am following what I was asked to do,” Plummer said.

Naples Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) Renee Carter noted, “In case, the solar proposals didn’t go forward, if her land is commercial it could not have a solar array on it.

If the town at town meeting didn’t pass the ordinances, that (Citizens’ Initiative) would allow this property to have solar arrays. It is up to the citizens to decide.”

“They [the planning board] gave her two choices: either we change the zoning or you change the zoning. A Citizens’ Initiative — that is what she has done,” Carter said.

Chairman Jim Grattelo said he had qualms about allowing a parcel of land overlooking Brandy Pond to be rezoned commercial.

“Once this becomes commercial, is it not just for the solar arrays. She can build a building that is up to 50 feet tall. There could be a variety of things,” he said.

Bob Caron II added that feasibly a business park could go in given the size of the lot.

“Once it is zoned com-

mercial, the planning board cannot deny a project allowed in that commercial zone. Whereas the solar projects were specific to solar on that property,” Grattelo said.

During a meeting on March 15, Plummer said she wanted only solar arrays and she was willing to change the petition, to change the future warrant article, to add that promise of intent. By law, nothing can be added to or subtracted from the language of a Citizens’ Petition because that is what voters put their signature to — the exact wording of the petition.

There are 19 warrant articles dealing with ordinances. Many of the land-use warrant articles are items that have been streamlined. The proposed solar energy ordinances are separate from other landuse ones. The residents of Naples will have a lot of ordinances to look over and understand before Annual Town Meeting on April 24.

On the town’s website, there is a draft of the warrant articles. Paper copies will be available at the town office. Also, instead of being displayed at the Naples Public Library, which has restricted hours and limited occupancy, the warrant articles will be

displayed on the bulletin boards of grocery or convenience stores.

Giving

(Continued from Page 3A) “While our 1% giving initiative allows us to help people around the world every day, for our birthday, we knew we wanted to focus on helping our neighbors, here at home in Maine,” said Mexicali Blues founder, Pete Erskine. “We know this has been a difficult year for a lot of people, and that food security is a big issue facing our community.”

Revenue sharing seemed a natural way to help Good Shepherd Food Bank meet its mission of “mobilizing the public in the fight to end hunger.” Mexicali Blues CEO Topher Mallory explains, “Giving back is as important to our customers as it is to us, and we are jazzed to give them an opportunity to purchase with a purpose and help make a dent in chronic hunger.”

The first Mexicali Blues shop opened 33 years ago in Portland. Since then, new locations have been added across the state with stores in Newcastle, Raymond, Freeport and Bangor. www.mexicaliblues.com

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

(800) 486-3312 (outside Maine)

homesales@chalmers-realty.com CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME

SALE PENDING

Saturday, April 10th 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. Lake Region High School 1877 Roosevelt Trl | Naples, ME 04055 All donations received will benefit Project Graduations – Class of 2021

Bridgton – Absolutely adorable and cozy year round cottage on Moose Pond. Rebuilt after 2013 with walkout basement finished in 2015. Vaulted ceiling. Loft space for office and additional sleeping. 10x20 deck overlooks lake. One-car garage. $550,000

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

Boat slip and dock, stonewalls. $285,000

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

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

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

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

LAND Bridgton – .8-acre treed lot located right next to the golf course in area of nice homes. Five miles to Shawnee Peak, golf, tennis and snowshoeing literally in your back yard. $49,900 Waterford – Private and quiet wooded lot in lovely area with beach rights to beautiful McWain Pond. 1.37-acre lot, .2 miles to the ROW offering access to the water. $58,900

Bridgton – Nice 1.77-acre lot in beautiful North Bridgton abutting the Academy fields. Private road, 200 ft. of frontage, area of nice homes. $27,000

Contact us today at (207) 647-3311 to find out what your home is worth!

Sweet treat

March 25, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 5A

BFM recipe

Maple cider vinegar roasted carrots, parsnips ART OF SUGAR-MAKING— Bill Symonds, who owns Sweet Williams in Casco, was hard at work Monday night, boiling sap to produce maple syrup.

He said he started doing this when he was 13-years old; and it turned into a business in 1997. He said he has spread Maple Sunday activities over the past three weekends: last weekend, this weekend, and Easter weekend in April.

Temperature checks (above) are an important part of the sugar-making process as shown here by Bill Symonds, who owns Sweet Williams. Many sugar houses in the area have started the annual process of making maple syrup. (De Busk Photos)

Maple flowing at sugar shacks Covid-19 closed the door on one of Maine’s tasty sweet events — Maple Sunday — in 2020.

But, the Maine Maple Producers Association (MMPA) and its members are prepared to host Maine Maple Sunday® at sugar houses across the state this weekend, March 27-28.

Participating sugar houses are taking steps to follow CDC guidelines and prepare their facilities and staff to welcome guests safely on site.

“This event is critical to the success of many family businesses and producers in Maine. The 38th annual event will certainly look and feel a bit different due to the pandemic, but we’re ready. We have found creative ways to celebrate the event in different ways.

Since each sugar house is unique in size and capacity, producers are adjusting their hours and purchase options, including curbside pick-up and online ordering,” said Scott Dunn, president of MMPA. “It is important for visitors to plan ahead by checking mainemapleproducers.com or calling your local producers about their plans for the event.”

Maine Maple Sunday Weekend® attracts thousands of visitors annually to sugar shacks throughout the state. In previous years, more than 100 sugarhouses have participated from Aroostook to York County.

“Even though maple syrup is made in the spring, we want people to know it is available year-round. Maine Maple Sunday Weekend® is a popular event for our industry, but we also want to remind people they can

KEEPING A TRADITION GOING, Alan Greene in Sebago. always contact their favorite sugar house any time of year to purchase syrup and other maple treats,” added Dunn.

The MMPA represents more than 250 of the 450 producers licensed to sell maple products in Maine.

Producers range from small artisan producers to bulk syrup providers that serve major grocery store chains, foodservice distributors, retailers and international markets. Many producers

have product for sale direct to consumers throughout the year.

The state makes more than 575,000 gallons of syrup annually, generating more than $27 million for the Maine economy and supporting more than 560 full-time and part-time jobs that generate more than $17.3 million in wages.

Area sugar houses open according to the MMPA website:

Join us to celebrate the Maine Maple Season!

The 2021 maple harvest is underway!

Southern Maine Maple Sugarmakers Association members will carry on the tradition of showcasing their products during the month of March.

Many sugarhouses invite you to visit over the course of several weekends this month with flexibility and lessened crowds – a concept that was implemented pre-COVID19 and is currently a key safety measure in the Maine CDC guidelines for maple events.

Maine Maple Weekend March 27th & 28th You can find specific sugarhouse information by visiting www.smmsa.org to view open house plans. All members hosting open houses will be following current Maine CDC pandemic guidelines. Masks are a must!

Get out to enjoy this annual rite of passage to spring and all the goodness of pure Maine maple syrup!

Balsam Ridge, Dewey and Sharon Lloyd, 140 Egypt Road, Raymond, 207-655-4474 www.balsamridgechristmas.com Visit the Sugar House on weekends now through April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maine Maple Sunday, March 28, enjoy live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Colonial Hill Farm, Seth and Miranda Bell, 201 Mill Hill Road, Waterford, 207-583-2318. Maine Maple Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A wood fired operation making syrup, popcorn, sugar, donuts and more!

Dad’s Maple Sugar Shack, Joe and Darlene Lavoie, 1061 Naples Road, Harrison, 207-890-8025.

Open Maine Maple Sunday weekend, March 27-28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Check out the sugar house and tour the little Hobby Farm that includes miniature horses, angora rabbits and chickens.

Dawes Hill Sugar Shack, Michael and Hobart Denison, Harrison, 207653-7234.

Grandpa Joe’s Sugarhouse, Ben and Jen McKenney, and Steven McKenney, 103 Murch Road, East Baldwin, 207653-3647, www.grandpajoesmaple.com. Six generations of Maine maple producers. Full line of Maple products to include maple candy, maple nuts, maple cotton candy, maple popcorn. Hours vary so call ahead for service.

Gray Farm Maple LLC, Barry Kallander, 30 Hilton Road, Denmark, 978790-1902.

Gray Farm Maple will be open for tours of sugar bush and sugar house; will be making syrup all day. Plenty of syrup for sale at great prices too.

Greene Maple Farm, Alan Greene, 77 Bridgton Road, Sebago, 207-7873391. Maine Maple Sunday weekend open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Maple candy, sugar, cream, whoopie pies and maple salsa are available for purchase. Also for sale grass fed Scottish Highland beef, pasture raised pork, free range eggs, honey, piccalilli, jams and more!

Due to the current pandemic we have implemented the following precautions: the sugarhouse will be closed to the public; one-way flow of foot traffic; hand sanitizer station available; pre-orders and curbside pickup available at 207-787-3391; if you are feeling sick, please stay home.

Jim’s Sugar House, James Bernard, 296 Maple Ridge Road, Harrison.

Maine Maple Sunday open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28.

Come tour the sugar house.

See how maple syrup is made. Will have maple products for sale. We would like to ask everyone to please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Little Farm, Joseph and Rev. Nancy Foran, Lambs Mill Road, Naples, 207SUGAR, Page 8A

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market This weekend is Maine’s celebration of our beloved maple trees. Offering a shady reprieve in the summer, spectacular views of orange, yellow and red in the fall and best of all maple syrup in the early spring! The sugar shacks around our neighborhoods have been boiling and steaming away for the past weeks to fill jars with the amber syrup we devour with relish for the rest of the year.

Delicious on our pancakes and waffles, poured over ice cream, cooked into a cake, cookie or pie, glazing our favorite pork or chicken dish … sweetening a spicy barbeque sauce, the uses for maple syrup are many.

This week, we are going to walk on the healthy side of our gastronomy and glaze our vegetables with maple. (I know, I was tempted to make some gooey cookies or pudding). Maybe next week.

This week, I am using winter’s sweetest crops, carrots and parsnips available from Patch Farm. Please make note that the Bridgton Farmers’ Market will be opening our doors to in-person shopping beginning the first weekend in April. Online pre-ordering will still be available, but we will not be offering curbside pick-up.

MAPLE CIDER VINEGAR ROASTED CARROTS AND PARSNIPS 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons olive oil 1-pound medium sized carrots and parsnips (if they are large, simply cut them lengthwise to slim them down a bit) ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 2 tablespoons maple syrup ¼ chopped roasted cashews Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In an ovenproof skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the carrots and parsnips, salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned all over. About 4 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat, add the vinegar and maple syrup and shake to coat the vegetables.

Transfer to the oven and roast to just tender but yet crisp in the center, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, transfer to a platter, garnish with toasted cashews and chopped carrot greens if you have summer carrot, fresh parsley if not.

Enjoy!

The Bridgton Farmers’ Market is located at The All Roads Hub (the old Macdonald Motor Building) at 4 Nulty Street in Bridgton. Beginning April 3, the BFM will again open its doors to the public in a traditional Farmers’ Market set-up from 10 a.m. to noon. Through the remainder of March, BFM is implementing a preorder curbside delivery ONLY. Please use designated parking spaces adjacent The Hub to pick up your order.

For a full list of vendors go to: https://www.facebook. com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact us at BFM at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com

DAD’S MAPLE SUGAR SHACK, at 1061 Naples Road in Harrison.

Sweet William’s

invites you to join us in celebrating

Maine Maple Weekend 2021

Saturday, March 27 • Sunday, March 28 and Saturday, April 3

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Come join us for a sweet taste of spring!

Take home a jug or two of our pure Maine maple syrup along with some of our classic homemade maple treats including maple butter, cotton candy, maple popcorn, baked beans and more.

You’ll also want to try these newer favorites – maple-coated almonds, spiced maple granola and our delicious baked goods made with Sweet William’s maple syrup.

Curbside pick-up is available with pre-ordering through our website www.sweetwilliamsmaplesyrup.com or by phone (207) 627-7362.

Our open house will be following the State’s COVID-19 guidelines regarding masks, distancing and the number of visitors on site.

Due to this, we will not be offering samples, tours or face painting.

Thanks for your support!

William Symonds, Sugarmaker 66 Spiller Road, Casco, ME 04015 ssymonds@maine.rr.com

Area news

Page 6A, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

Bridgton: More ‘Sanctuary’ talk pushed back meeting. Firearms violence has reached the point that the CDC is considering declaring it a public health epidemic. The last thing we as a community need to do is advertise ‘bring your weapons to Bridgton.’”

• Kenneth King asked to be “one of those voices asking you to please take whatever action you can to fight against the ever-increasing likelihood that the federal government will take action to restrict the owners of firearms, and ignore the Second Amendment.”

• Tim Barry wrote, “(The Second Amendment) is by far one of the most important rights we have as a free people. It allows each of us to be responsible for the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones and neighbors. I fear there will be an assault on our Second Amendment rights in the near future. I think it is important for each town come out and state whether they support the Second Amendment or not…Maine is ranked as one of the safest states in America. It doesn’t seem like Maine needs the folks in D.C. to tell us what is best for us here in Maine.”

• Nicole Hodsdon wrote, “How unfortunate we are forced to live among a high percentage of Americans who promote conspiracy theories and lies, among them the nonsense that the Second Amendment is in any danger.

Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States, exacerbated by those who use racism, bigotry and hateful ideology to manipulate others into believing that threatening others with firearms is a reasonable solution to their own hatred.”

Initially, Zaidman was prepared to bring the resolution back up for discussion and possible action Tuesday night. But, he ultimately decided against the move because of uncertainty

regarding proper procedure.

Many officials were under the impression the board was bound to Robert’s Rules of Order. When Zaidman went to Town Manager Bob Peabody for his interpretation whether the issue could be brought up for “renewal,” Peabody was “frazzled” and left the room.

“The town manager is here to guide us, to keep us out of trouble,” Zaidman said.

Peabody quickly responded that he disagreed with Zaidman’s phrasing, pointing out that he was “certainly not frazzled” and he left the room to attend a scheduled Zoom meeting regarding the sewer project.

Relying on his “past experiences” from other boards he had worked with, Peabody felt the rules of reconsideration regarding a motion that had been defeated called for the matter to be put aside for one year, to prevent issues from “coming up meeting after meeting after meeting.”

“I advised the board on what I’ve known in the past,” he said. “There is nothing written anywhere.”

Zaidman said town meeting adopted Robert’s Rules of Order as the procedural standard, and based on what he read, Zaidman felt the matter could be reconsidered.

“I try to follow the rules,” said Zaidman as he sought how other board members and Peabody felt. “As an elected official, I represent all people. I was asked by a number of people to bring this (resolution) forward. It is a statement to follow the Constitution and uphold the laws, not change anything…

I believe in the Constitution.

Some folks say some Amendments are not under attack, that’s their opinion.

Do some research.”

Zaidman did take offense to some public comments regarding the Select Board’s

focus should be on town matters. He pointed out that he has “put in thousands of hours to serve the town.”

Zaidman then noted he would not renew the motion for a couple of weeks until officials could gain more input regarding procedure.

Selectman Tworog contacted Maine Municipal Association to gain clarity as to the time frame to renew action on a resolution between sessions or meetings.

“It’s not well defined in our town rules,” Tworog noted. “MMA is a strong advocate that we don’t accept Robert’s Rules.”

He also wondered again whether the resolution is one the board should even be considering.

“When a town or municipality makes a resolution or proclamation of this type, usually the intent of the item is that the town is basically in agreement on, it brands town as a whole,” he said.

“It is unusual in this case. It is something that is controversial…in this case, I read through three times, each e-mail sent on this issue, totals 30 yes, 55 on record as no.”

While Zaidman said a board can make a resolution, Tworog pointed that the resolution carries the phrase “Town of Bridgton.”

Peabody clarified procedure used at town meeting is according to the town meeting moderator manual.

Research into the procedural issue, Peabody found that former Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz was working on a set of rules back in 2012, but was unable to find a finished product. He agreed that a set of rules and procedures are needed so “we’re all on the same page; we all have different perceptions based on past experiences.”

“The big issue is that it is not in writing what a session

is defined by. It is important that the board get it figured out. We need to have a definition,” Eastman said. “Let’s define it so it is clear for everyone. It’s not as clear as it should be. We need a clear path for selectmen to follow.”

Resident Bernie King asked for clarification regarding the tie vote on the resolution. “Why do we assume it was defeated?” he asked.

Peabody explained that the motion made was in the affirmative, thus a majority is needed to approve the issue.

A 2-2 vote is not a majority, so it failed, Peabody said.

The board will address the procedural issue at a future meeting.

In other meeting notes: • School budget. Hearing from SAD 61 Al Smith that Bridgton’s share of the proposed $31 million budget would actually be $101,000 less than a year ago, the Select Board briefly considered whether to relook at the town’s proposed budget and possibly increase spending in some areas. Officials decided to pass the savings on to taxpayers.

Meanwhile, Town Manager Bob Peabody pointed out that Bridgton will receive $540,000 in federal Covid-relief funds.

Peabody said the town will receive half the funds in 90 days from when legislation was passed and the remaining money 12 months later.

Peabody said the money could be earmarked as part of the inner corridor project — part for the sewer and part for other infrastructure improvement.

• A plaque of appreciation was presented by Board Chairman Lee Eastman to Health Officer Cathy Pinkham for her “outstanding performance, superior dedication and commitment to the health and wellbeing of the community” during

the Covid-19 pandemic.

Select Board members also announced that the town report will be dedicated to Pinkham.

• Vivo’s Italian Kitchen owner Christian Cuff withdrew a request to close off a portion of Depot Street — as was done last year due to Covid-19 restrictions. He had hoped to create a thoroughfare, but if there was “any pushback, it would not be worth irritating anyone in town.” As Covid restrictions continue to change, Cuff feels the restaurant now has enough seating capacity.

The Select Board has tabled action on the request until the town had a conversation with Frank Howell, owner of Downeast Industry and the Magic Lantern.

Community Development Director Linda LaCroix spoke with Howell, and informed the board that Howell supported this action up until the point Governor Janet Mills opens back up business to 100% capacity.

Once that point is reached, Howell would like to see the street open as other businesses ramp up.

Meanwhile, the Select Board agreed to allow the Bridgton Farmers’ Market to use the same green spaces on Depot Street, as was authorized last year.

• Flags were lowered to half-staff Monday, March 22 in honor of the victims of acts of violence perpetrated in the Atlanta Metropolitan area earlier this week. As the flags were raised to full staff, town office staff were once again notified to lower the flags to half-staff effective Tuesday through Saturday, March 27, in honor and remembrance of the victims of the tragedy in Boulder, Colo.

• The Transfer Station store is now open! Masks are required and there is a limit of five people at any one time allowed in the store to

shop. The Transfer Station is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stickers and masks are required to use the Transfer Station. Stickers are available at the facility or the Town Office at a cost of $10 and they last for two years.

• Run for office. June Annual Town Meeting nomination papers are available for the following positions: two selectmen (3-year terms); two planning board members (3-year terms); two planning board alternate members (3-year and 1-year term); two SAD 61 directors (3-year terms); and one Water District trustee (3-year term). Filing deadline is Friday, April 9.

• The Town Office will be closed to the public on Tuesday, March 30 for staff administration at the special election regarding the TIF request by Woodland Memory Care at the Town Hall on North High Street, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The office will be staffed by a core group of employees available by appointment only. E-mails and voice mails will be monitored and responded to accordingly throughout the day. A full list of staff and department phone numbers is posted on the front door of the Town Office or online at www.bridgtonmaine.org • Recreation Director Gary Colello was voted by the Maine Parks and Rec Association to be an At-Large board member.

“I am excited to represent myself as one of the state’s leaders in parks and rec but also to represent Bridgton,” he said. “This is an opportunity to have direct access to information of all things Maine Parks and Recreation and expands the resources for the Town to have better access to information since we have a large amount of parks and one our biggest industries is recreation.”

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer As Finance Coordinator Sherrie Proctor read information regarding the proposed $31,978,310 SAD 61 school budget posted on the virtual slide presentation during Monday’s public hearing, no questions or comments came her way.

The proposal is up 2.6%.

For Bridgton taxpayers, the town’s assessment will actually decrease $101,665 to $9,721,339.

Casco taxpayers will also see a dip, $65,891, to $6,573,171.

Naples, however, takes the hit mainly due to an increase in valuation, up $182,255 to an assessment of $8,108,721.

Superintendent Al Smith, likely accompanied by school board members from the respective town, will visit all three municipalities in the coming weeks to outline the

proposal and answer questions.

The School Board will vote on the proposed budget on Monday, April 5.

The district budget meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 in the Lake Region High School Gym at 6:30 p.m.

The validation referendum in the three district towns is Tuesday, May 25.

In her opening remarks, Proctor called attention to: • Debt service decreased by $253,332 with the final payment of Stevens Brook Elementary School bond.

• A slight increase in Special Education subsidy.

• A slight decrease in economically disadvantaged funding.

• The opening of Crooked River Elementary (new positions and other costs to open the facility) this fall increased the overall budget by $375,000. Some costs

were offset by use of undesignated funds.

As voters will see at the district budget meeting, Proctor introduced slides that outlined each article: Article 1, Regular Instruction, $11,114,215 (up $615,344). Increases due to contractual salary and benefit increases, opening Crooked River which includes an additional half-time music teacher.

Article 2, Special Education, $5,886,127 (up $79,533). Increases due to contractual salary and benefit increases, reduction of one position from efficiencies in combining programs, and $30,000 decrease in outof-district placements based on projected student placements.

Article 3, Career and Technical Education, $1,889,969 (up $76,256).

Increases due to contractual salary and benefit increases; Health Occupations II was added to make Health Occupations a two-year program for those students

working toward becoming a Registered Nurse — this increased staff by a half-time teacher.

Article 4, Other Instruction, $702,033 (up $15,491). This article includes summer school, co-curricular activities and athletics, as well as transportation to those events; contractual salary and benefit increases; stipends added to address JV girls’ lacrosse and support of a summer conditioning coach.

Article 5, Student and Staff Support, $2,635,209 (down $51,510). This article includes guidance, library, nurse/health services, technology, curriculum and student testing. This line includes a .6 increase in health services for a fulltime nurse at Crooked River Elementary.

Article 6, System Administration, $1,010,559 (up $75,431). Increases due to contractual salary and benefit increases, new position included for payroll/human resources, and increase in

unemployment costs due to Covid-19 since SAD 61 is a direct reimbursement employer.

Article 7, School Administration, $1,668,876 (up $182,709). Increase due to contractual salary and benefit increases, opening of Crooked River — need for two new secretarial positions for the main office, as well as materials for the initial set up of the new space.

Article 8, Transportation, $1,716,350 (decrease of $78,002). Due to bus lease/ purchase has been paid in full, reduction of one special ed bus run, one additional bus run added to address Crooked River opening.

Article 9, Facilities and Maintenance, $3,384,035 (decrease of $83,513). Due to “appropriate use” of federal grant money and SAD 61 reserve funds; two custodians added to Crooked River; one unfilled custodial position at LRHS eliminated.

Capital Reserve Funds, move $150,000 to facilities/maintenance reserve; $150,000 to transportation reserve, $200,000 to regular instruction reserve. SAD 61 will ask to use $150,000 from facilities/maintenance reserve to pave several locations in the district. These funds will not increase taxpayer assessments.

No comments at virtual hearing on SAD 61 budget

BUILDING 40+ YEARS IN THE LAKES REGION AREA

Gathering Place

(Continued from Page 4A) Gathering Place, meets on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is free and open to any senior who wishes to drop in. Bring your own lunch. Coffee, tea and snacks are provided. A hot meal is provided on the first Thursday of each month. This is a time for fellowship, games, art and special events. Call the church for more information at 925-1321.

• The Lovell Girl Scouts continue their collection of returnable bottles and cans. Please be sure they are returnable and place them in the receptacles outside at LUCC.

Sweden news update

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(Continued from Page 8A) online meeting is available on the town’s website: swedenmaine.org. Go to the Home page and click on the sidebar announcing the Planning Board meeting for March 29.

Sweden now has a Communications Committee dedicated to keeping citizens informed and raising awareness about key issues and developments in the town. Anyone with news and/or information related to Sweden should contact Perri Black at perrilb@gmail.com

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March 25, 2021 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

SAD 61 notebook • Courtney Smith has been approved as principal at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton, replacing Cheryl Turpin, who will retire after this school year. Smith is presently the assistant principal at Songo Locks School in Naples.

Superintendent Al Smith indicated interviews for the principal position at Crooked River Elementary will take place this month and April.

• Bringing both learning worlds together. Synchronous — Existing or occurring at the same time.

Covid-19 forced changes in how to teach students safely, thus the birth of remote and hybrid styles. But, each approach created issues from anxiety and feelings of isolation to inconsistencies in instruction.

What if aspects of the two components were combined in a way to bring kids closer together and close some instructional gaps? Stevens Brook Elementary launched a synchronous learning pilot and achieved some exciting results. Through the use of various technology, students in attendance at SBES were joined by classmates via remote (those students in the other cohort and those students who are enrolled as fully remote).

The project team included SBES Principal Cheryl Turpin, Academic Leader Liz Shane, Title 1 Interventionist Dawn Bonnevie, Grade 5 teachers Jess Hunt and Laura Varney and Computer Technician Greg Watkins. Hunt, Varney and Shane gave a brief slide presentation to highlight the pilot program: Why try this approach? They were able to teach new learning five days a week using the hybrid model; students need more teacher support in order to start closing learning gaps; it is a way to reduce student stress; and increase participation.

Pros of the pilot: students were called immediately if they were not logged on to the class; students saw peers in the opposite cohort and chose to stay online longer; students were able to get help as needed, rather than waiting until the next day; students home with illness could log on and receive new learning without being absent; staff found that students not engaged during previous remote days were now engaged and producing work.

Some cons found: Screen time was a concern; math was found to be more difficult to work with both groups, resulting in some wait time; greater advance planning is needed so that materials can be sent home on remote days for in class lessons.

Parent response was quite positive.

“I loved it. It worked great for us. I struggled keeping all three of my kiddos on task. With my fifth grader doing ‘Live’ classes she knew exactly what she had to do and what times she needed to do it. She sat right at the laptop like a champ.

The teacher could be asked questions and accessed in real time instead of waiting for emailed responses for extra instructions which were needed earlier. It was nice seeing my kiddos smile and be happy that she was able to see her classmates more and chat and interact with them,” one parent reported.

Another parent said, “We would love for this pilot program to continue. From a parent’s perspective, it was great. It took some of the stress off me and I could focus on my two younger girls. I would really like to see the pilot program to extend more toward the other grades, as well. My twins would benefit greatly from accessing class ‘live’ and following along with lessons. Routine and structure are what they need.”

Project Team members saw attendance and engagement greatly improve, and 66.7% of parents reported that the fiveday pilot was both “easy and helpful” for their families. 75% preferred the five-day synchronous approach over the two-day hybrid model, while 83.3% of parents/students surveyed said students attending school five-days a week learned better.

The conclusion: “In the event that there is a need for a child to participate remotely, this model is highly conducive to providing remote learning,” the team concluded. It could also be used at other grade levels. “The possibilities are endless.”

• Art Month. March is Art in Our Schools Month. Mrs. Abrams submitted Songo Locks Elementary School fourth grader Owen Sparks’ art piece to the Portland Museum of Art Youth Show this month. Also, the National Art Education Association hosted a virtual art show. The following Songo Locks students had their artwork submitted

by Mrs. Abrams: Kindergarten Jayden Merrifield, Grade 1 Arianna Regis, Grade 2 Briella Yates, Grade 3 Bradley Stiffler, Grade 4 Adelynn Wilson, and Grade 5 Hailey Spizuoco-Swander.

• Graduation options. With more and more school activities reopening, the hope is to provide Lake Region’s senior class with a more traditional graduation ceremony this June.

Several scenarios are being looked at including an outdoor ceremony at LRHS, use of the Drive-In in Bridgton, and also rental of the Cumberland County Civic Center as an indoor back-up plan in case of inclement weather. “Stay tuned,” Superintendent Smith said.

• Personnel moves. Approvals include: Ryan Martin as a Grade 6-8 Physical Education teacher at Lake Region Middle School, replacing Kurt Peterson, who is retiring (eight applicants, three interviewed, presently PE teacher at Acton School, bachelor degree from Keene State College); George Rey as a permanent substitute at Lake Region Middle School; Kiersten Zufelt as a permanent substitute at Songo Locks School, replacing Rachel Barker who resigned; Lil Whitney will be long-term sub for Devin Merrill, Songo Locks Kindergarten teacher, beginning March 15.

Resignations: Anne St. Pierre, Special Ed Coach/IEP Coordinator at Songo Locks; Jillian Cummings, Special Ed teacher at Songo Locks; Lisa Gattermann, nurse at Stevens Brook; Landon Knittweis, Day Treatment support tech at Songo Locks; Sandra Hamblin, Ed Tech at Lake Region Middle School.

Retirements: Robin Kimball as an educational technician at Lake Region Middle School effective June 30; • Donations accepted: A Kawai piano ($2,500 value) from Richard and Debra Albert to the school district; winter jackets and snow pants ($650/$650) from Community Help to Stevens Brook Elementary School and Songo Locks School; baskets and dental hygiene supplies ($500) from White Mountain Orthodontics to Songo Locks School.

• Coaching stipends: Daryl Fernald, JV softball, $3328.50; Gary Colello, JV softball, $2,465; Kat Harju, Grade 7 softball, $2,198; Derek Marshall, Grade 8 boys’ lacrosse, $2,198; Lydia Dexter, girls’ lacrosse assistant, $1,200; Eric Custeau, spring weight room, $1,384.

• Covering the costs. When SAD 61 considered adding boys’/girls’ lacrosse programs and girls’ volleyball to the high school sports offering list, the school board approved the move, with one catch —there was a pay-to-play string attached.

The three programs moved up the ladder from club to varsity status, and Athletic Director Paul True felt it was time to create some consistency. So, he requested that the three

Logan Nelson, G6, nominated by Team Cadillac

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Theresa Thayer, G7, nominated by Team Acadia

Abigail Manchester, G7, nominated by Team Tumbledown

Averie Smith, G8, nominated by Team Sugarloaf

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Shivani Prado, G11, nominated by Janine Rocca-Chaine, Eric Custeau

Griffin Miller, G12, nominated by Brenda Leo

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programs be fully funded by the district budget. True said participation in each of the sport dictated the fee student-athletes had to pay. Boys’ lacrosse averages 16 to 20 players while girls’ lax is 22 to 24. The fee has been $100 years the past two years, True said.

Directors approved the request, which takes effect next season. Pay-to-play will, however, continue to apply to ice

Move ahead

By Madelyn Litz Adult Ed Director Let SAD 61/72 Adult Education help you plan and train for both college and career! Our college and career access programming help our students become college and career ready.

• College and Career Guidance • Explore career pathways that fit your interests and skills • Find the right training or college program • Skills development • Assess and develop

your academic skills readiness • Prepare for training or college level courses • Financial planning • Explore grant and scholarship opportunities • On-going support • Guidance and support to help you succeed every step of the way Call or e-mail Adult Education to find out how we can help you move toward your college or career goals.

Call 207-647-3015 or e-mail Rhonda.jacobson@lakeregionschools.org

hockey, mainly because of the need to rent ice time. The cost is split three ways between SAD 61, Fryeburg Academy and Oxford Hills. The Ice Cats draw players from the three schools.

H.S. hoops report Lakers 72, Poland 30 — Shelby-Lynne Sheldrick knocked down four 3-pointers and scored a team-high 17 points to lead the Lakers over the Knights. Sheldrick also had 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Guards Shauna Hancock and Melissa Mayo also lighted it up from behind the arc. Hancock canned four 3-pointers to finish with 16 points to go along with 6 assists, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. Mayo had three treys and scored 15 points to go with 3 assists and 2 steals.

Other Lakers figuring in the stat sheet were: Ava Smith 7 points, 3 rebounds; Kasey Johnson 5 points, 3 rebounds; Vanessa Stone 4 points, 3 rebounds; Carly Dyer 3 points; Bri Sargent 2 points, 3 rebounds; Liz Smith 2 points, 3 rebounds; and Elle Hall 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

Raiders 34, Poland 27: FA struggled on the scoring end, only connecting on three foul shots in the second quarter. Emily Walker helped the cause in the third, scoring five 3-pointers (six total for the game). Brooke Emery was 5-of-6 from the foul line in the fourth. The Raiders had a nice night on the boards, pulling down 45 rebounds. Katy McIntrye hauled down 12. Emma Rydman had 6 rebounds and 5 steals.

Raiders 44, Poland 36: Down a point at the half, the Raiders turned it around in the second half to sweep the Knights. Brooke Emery led FA with a career high 27 points (scoring primarily from the perimeter) with four 3-pointers and 11 rebounds. Emily Walker had 6 points, 2 steals and two assists.

This game closed out the season for the Raiders. “Players were much improved and looking forward to working hard over the summer,” Coach Billie L’Heureux said.

Continuations

Page 8A, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

Naples budget tops $13M (Continued from Page 1A) Naples,” Hawley said.

“Having now completed one of the most unique years in my decades of municipal employment, which is continuing into this year, there are still many unknowns as we prepare the following year’s budget. So far, we are doing very well with both the receipt of our revenues and keeping our expenditures in check. The budget we have proposed is expected to do the same,” he said.

“Most people will jump directly to the bottom line, where it currently appears as though we are proposing a tax increase. It is important to note that that bottom line figures cannot be determined until all of the new assessed valuations are completed and the anticipated taxes to be collected are determined. The new assessed value should offset that current figure. This happens when the [board of selectmen] sets the mil rate in August, and I can reasonably assure you, it will not be different from previous years,” he said.

The town’s current tax rate is $13.35.

Hawley pointed out some of the highlights.

In Capital Reserves account, “we are proposing a $385,100 increase over the previous year. This is because we opted not to fund the reserves accounts last year as a precaution if the pandemic greatly impacted our anticipated revenue,” he said.

With help from community members, the town put some focus on taking care of the most visible cemeteries. Money was spent a few years ago on headstone repairs and replacements.

“Capital improvement — This line was up $20,000 to allow for additional cemetery improvements and increase to the matching requirement for the grant received by DEP for the stream crossing on Horace

Files and Edes Falls roads,” he said.

In 2020, when the state was under quarantine, there was a spike in people using the Casco-Naples Bulky Waste Facility as well as the transfer station.

“Sanitation . . . has increased this year primarily because the costs are driven directly by its use rate. The more people recycle and throw away, the more costly it is to operate the shared facility with Casco. With so many people staying at home, it was a perfect opportunity to clean out the house, and a lot of that ended up at the” bulky waste facility, he said.’

Usually, most towns might see a rise in administration because of health insurance or cost-of-living increases or need for parttime position to support staff. This continues to be the case.

The proposed budget shows a decrease in the Administration Account because a department cost was shifted to another account, Hawley explained.

“Although this looks like a significant reduction, you will see that Code Enforcement and planning expenses have been pulled out the administrative line.

This was to offer better transparency so folks have a better idea of what certain services cost the town,” Hawley said.

Administration is $633,900 and Code Enforcement & Planning is $132,290.

“If you add the two budget lines together, you will see a $69,402 increase.

These increases are due to hour increases in the finance department and clerk’s office, annual wage and corresponding tax increases, health benefit changes, legal expenses, and computer and IT services,” Hawley said.

Likewise, fire department, rescue, animal control and dispatch saw rises in

cost because of increases for employees.

Another department that increased in cost is the Marine Safety since that has expanded in the past two years. Marine safety account is $90,000.

It was noted during the joint budget meeting of the committee and the selectmen, that Marine Safety will now be collecting revenue from boating fines. A legal snafu prevented the town from being able to enforce fines — even though everyone had passed the ordinance at town meeting.

Besides personnel expenses, the Marine Safety budget has increases in equipment maintenance and a newly proposed Marine warden Services’ contract position.

If passed by voters, the warden “position is full-time position from Memorial Day to Labor Day with a warden dedicated to patrolling for Naples and Harrison. The town Of Harrison will cover half of the expense for that position,” Hawley said.

One cost was reduced: The town’s General Obligation Debt Account dropped by $18,000 a year because the town paid off the ladder truck bond.

Hawley ended talking about the town having a healthy fund balance. In 2019, the town ended the year with $6.3 million in the Fund Balance, and of that $4.1 million was undesignated money. It is recommended that the town keep aside enough savings to cover a catastrophe, which is about $3.2 million for Naples.

Until the newest fund balance is known through an audit of the 20-21 budget, the question of putting the UFB toward offsetting taxes or toward an expense cannot be answered.

A draft of the Warrant Articles are available on the town’s website, and paper copies can be picked up at the Naples Town Office.

Sweden news update

SWEDEN – A reminder that the Sweden annual Town Meeting will take place this Saturday, March 27, at 9 a.m. in the Barn at the Old Saco Inn, 125 Old Saco Lane (off Route 5) in Fryeburg.

CDC protocols will be in effect including wearing face masks and appropriate social distancing. A public address system will be in place so attendees will be able to hear the speakers. All town residents and property owners are encouraged to attend.

A number of Town Officers will be elected at the meeting to fill open positions including two on the Select Board, several members and alternates for

the Planning Board, Appeals Board members, and a member of the SAD 72 School Board. The usual budget items will be voted on with particular focus on approving funds for developing the design for a new fire station.

In other news, Sweden’s Code Enforcement Officer and Emergency 911 coordinator, Arthur Dunlap, is resigning at the end of March so the town will be looking to hire a replacement. The town is also aiming to hire a part-time Administrative Assistant to the Select Board. For more information call the Town Office at 647-3944.

A committee of nine, including two Planning Board members and seven

smallboat shop restoration & repair of wood/canvas canoes

other town residents, has been formed to start work on reviewing and updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan. The detailed review process is expected to take 18 months to two years to complete.

Consultants have also been hired to help review and update Sweden’s Zoning and Land Use ordinances, with priority being given to Shoreland Zoning and Forestry ordinances.

Progress is well under way and should be completed in four to six months.

The Planning Board will hold a meeting via Zoom to discuss these updates on Monday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. The link to join the SWEDEN, Page 6A

FROM ABOVE, Tiger Hill Community Forest and the Northwest River.

(Photo courtesy of Allagash Brewing Company)

22 acres added to forest (Continued from Page 1A) land and making it available to the public for low-impact recreation.”

Part of the 22 acres will be used to create a formal access point to the existing Community Forest.

LELT plans to construct a small parking area with a kiosk and trail maps early this summer. A hand-carry boat launch on the newly conserved property will be formalized to provide better access for kayakers and canoeists to the Northwest River.

This latest conservation acquisition for LELT protects critical wetlands and important upland forest associated with the Northwest River, Sebago Lake’s second largest tributary. Additionally, the land supports rare natural communities like a leatherleaf fen, and habitat for critically threatened species like the northern long-eared bat and small-whorled pogonia, a member of the orchid family.

Purchased by LELT in 2019, the Tiger Hill Community Forest property provides public access for a variety of outdoor recreation activities and connects critical forest resources, including an abutting property at Cold Rain Pond that is owned by the State of Maine. The property is home to moose, heron, bobcat and deer. Maintaining this undeveloped and connected landscape helps increase resilience to climate change. The Community Forest property was identified in 2016 by The Nature Conservancy as having exceptional capacity to support wildlife species adapting to the effects of a changing climate.

Tiger Hill Community Forest is a cornerstone project of Sebago Clean Waters, a collaborative effort of the Portland Water District and eight conservation organizations, including LELT. In addition to protecting Sebago Lake’s water quality, the partnership seeks to support community well-

being and the health of fish and wildlife in the Sebago watershed through forestland conservation.

“We’re thrilled that by working together our partnership was able to help expand this community asset that is so important for keeping Greater Portland’s drinking water supply clean. Because forests filter water naturally, conserving land around major Sebago Lake tributaries like the Northwest River helps ensure pure drinking water for over 200,000 Mainers,” said Sebago Clean Waters Coordinator Karen Young.

“The abundant recreational opportunities and critical wildlife habitat offered by this additional acreage make protecting it even more special.”

While still largely rural, Sebago and surrounding towns have experienced more than twice the population growth rate of the state as a whole. LELT’s expansion of the Tiger Hill Community Forest helps maintain the region’s rural character while benefiting

Sugar Shacks

(Continued from Page 5A) 232-3080.

Sap Hound Maple Company, Nathan and Corrie St. Saviour, 414 Center Conway Road, Brownfield, 207-9351008, www.SapHoundMaple.com Sweet William’s, Bill and Susan Symonds, 66 Spiller Road, Casco, 207-627-7362. To help spread out the number of visitors on-site, Sweet William’s will be open for sales of maple syrup and other maple goodies on: Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, April 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Curbside pick-up available with pre-ordering through the website at: www.sweetwilliamsmaplesyrup.com or by phone (207) 627-7362.

Given the times, the open house will be different this year — sadly, access to the sugarhouse will be restricted, no samples or face painting. No on-site restroom available.

SW asks that you be mindful of other guests by wearing a mask at all times, keeping 6 feet between parties, using hand sanitizer, and minimizing socialization while visiting.

Thanks for doing your part to help make our event successful and safe for all.

Weston’s Farm & Market sugar house in Fryeburg will be closed to the public for the 2021 season due to Covid-19.

“We will miss participating in the annual maple open house, but we feel it is the best decision for our family and patrons,” the Westons posted on their website. “See you in 2022.”

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the local tourism, outdoor recreation, and forest products industries. According to a 2019 University of Maine study, every $1 invested in forestland conservation in the Sebago region provides up to $8 in community benefits.

Owned by LELT, the Tiger Hill Community Forest is stewarded under the guidelines of a management plan. That plan was drafted with input from community members at a series of public meetings in 2019. Funding for the expansion of the Community Forest was provided by the Maine Natural Resources Conservation Program, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership, Portland Water District, the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Sebago Clean Waters The Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Foundation and many other generous families and individuals.

More information on Tiger Hill Community Forest, including maps, can be found at loonecholandtrust.org/thcf.

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Opinions

March 25, 2021, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Letters to Editor Spring into fitness

To The Editor: I am a gym rat, and have been, on and off, for 40 years.

I go to the gym five or six days of the week and, if Lake Region Fitness, wasn’t closed on Sunday for COVID cleaning, I might go more often; not a good thing for this ancient body.

My fitness regimen includes a diet and nutrition component discussed earlier, in which I highlight some of Dr. Michael Gregor’s recommendations from his book, How Not to Diet (“Seeds are planted,” Dec. 3, 2020).

Having battled weight and fitness problems for many years, I am very much concerned with the problem of overweight and obesity. As someone who “has been there,” I know how difficult it is to adopt and maintain a healthful diet and fitness regimen. I have been up and down like a yoyo but, with the help of Dr. Gregor, I am better able to keep on the “straight and narrow.”

Two of his recommendations are to weigh yourself frequently, and do not eat after 7 p.m. at night. I have been weighing myself daily for years and do not eat, most of the time, after 9 p.m. These are very good guidelines. The best of Dr. Gregor’s message, is his suggestion that you use a metaphor to guide our eating habits. You are driver of a bus, our bus. When confronting an unhealthy temptation on our bus – unhealthy snack food, for example – you, as the driver, simply say: “Get off our bus.”

This may seem silly, but it works for me. There are many ways to get there, and I have tried many. I now count calories daily, don’t eat after 9 p.m., and weigh myself daily. Not easy stuff, and it takes persistence, but the rewards are well worth it: more energy, focus and a livelier life style.

Hope to see more bus drivers around town.

Bob Casimiro Bridgton

The world of Vegan

To The Editor: What is the exact definition of veganism?

This isn’t the first question people usually ask when I tell someone that I am a vegan, but it should be. They usually ask, “Are you healthy” or “Where do you get your protein?” That sometimes gets us off on the wrong foot.

It’s much better if we can define something first, then it’s much easier to discuss it, and explain it.

Let’s start with the standard definition. Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and with it, an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan.

Sometimes, a vegan may further explain that they are an “ethical vegan,” also known as a “moral vegetarian.” This is someone who not only follows a vegan diet but extends their philosophy to other areas of their life and opposes the use of animals for any purpose. Increasingly, however, it is becoming understood that being a vegan means that we eschew all forms of animal use and abuse, making veganism an ideology or belief system.

The standard encyclopedic definition can be a bit boring and even confusing so I will answer this way: There can and are many ways to live a vegan life. But the one thing all vegans have in common is a plant-based diet that avoids all animal foods like meat, fish, shellfish, and insects. We also exclude dairy, eggs and honey. And (this can be overlooked especially in some plant-based circles), we reject animal-derived materials, products tested on animals and places that use animals for entertainment.

In short, a vegan is one who strictly adheres to the Golden Rule, applying that tenet to all living creatures — our neighbors.

Michael Corthell, The Village Vegan Bridgton

Disappointing

To The Editor: I was disappointed in how the Bridgton Board of Selectmen (with one member absent) and the Town Manager handled the “Second Amendment Sanctuary City” resolution on March 16. This is an important enough matter that the full board should have been in attendance when it was brought forward.

I advocate for all of the Bill of Rights, each and every amendment!

If the First Amendment was being questioned and targeted, I’d like to think the board would stand up and make Bridgton a “Free Speech Sanctuary City.” This would be a symbolic move to show support for the First Amendment.

Why would the Second, Third, Fourth or any of the others not be important enough to stand up for?

Is it all right for any citizen to stand back and let any of our rights be eroded by any political party or gamesmanship? If those of us, in small towns, villages, cities don’t take a stand on bigger issues, who will?

With the Covid-19 restrictions, as needed, are in place, citizens are denied the ability to stand in front of you, in person, and make our concerns known. Writing to you is our only option at this point, but times will change, and we will be allowed to come before the board and explain our positions. You will be able to see our faces, hear the concern and passion in our voices. We will be able to answer any of your questions, face to face, so there will be a better understanding of how residents of Bridgton feel about the issues that come before you.

Nancy Coshow Bridgton

What is the point?

To The Editor: As residents of Bridgton, we are dismayed and concerned about the Second Amendment Sanctuary discussion now before the select board. To put it bluntly, what is the point? Are those who want to purchase and own guns being denied their rights? We should be able to see data if this is so.

Maine has some of most lenient gun regulations in New England and much of the United States. There are no permits, registration, magazine capacity limitations, or background checks on private sales required. Assault weapons and concealed and open carry are allowed. With this laissez fair attitude comes disturbing gun violence. It is true that homicide deaths are low. Not so for suicide, accidents or domestic violence murders. Almost all deaths by guns in Maine are suicides, and they occur at a per capita rate three times higher than in most of our neighboring states. These suicides include young people and veterans. Sadly, guns LETTERS, Page 2B

WELCOMED SIGN OF SPRING as daffodils start to sprout.

(Photo by Pam Ward)

Extending tax filing, deadlines

Doing your taxes can be complicated enough in ordinary times without the added anxiety and economic consequences of a public health crisis to boot.

So, to give Maine people more time to handle their taxes during these difficult times, last week I announced that Maine will extend the filing and payment deadlines for state income taxes to May 17, 2021. This change aligns with the one already made by the federal government.

Maine individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax, do not need to file any forms or call to qualify for this extension.

Now, the Federal government did not extend the dates for corporate returns and payments so Maine’s deadlines

for those filing and payment dates are also still April 15, 2021.

Earlier this week I also signed the bipartisan supplemental budget enacted by the Legislature into law. In addition to providing full tax relief to the more than 28,000 small businesses who received the PPP funds, this budget also exempts up to $10,200 from income taxes for those 160,000 people who got unemployment benefits in 2020.

That tax relief is available to Maine people with an annual income of less than $150,000, regardless of filing status.

Maine Revenue Services, a bureau within my Administration, stands ready to assist Maine people who may need to file an exten-

Was it wrong for me to feel schadenfreude last week after infamous climatologist Michael Mann’s second court defeat? Maybe, but I enjoyed it anyway.

It was only five years ago that the litigious, pretentious and hypersensitive climatologist signed his April 29, 2016 letter to the Conway Daily Sun thusly: “Michael E. Mann, Distinguished professor of atmospheric science and director of the Earth System Science Center, Penn State University.” After Mann sued multiple critics over the past 10 years, it looked as though he would add me

to his long list of defendants which included The National Review, New Hampshire columnist Mark Steyn, Canada’s Dr. Timothy Ball, The Competitive Enterprise Institute, and others.

Mann’s 500-word screed against me began with: “An individual named Tom McLaughlin did a tremendous disservice to your readership by spreading falsehoods about the topic of human-caused climate change, and about my scientific work specifically, in his misguided recent commentary (“Campus craziness” published April 28).”

My column was about loopy

Views from Augusta

by Janet Mills Governor of Maine sion beyond May 17 or to discuss payment plans if necessary. You can contact them, and find other information about tax relief and tax forms, at maine.gov/revenue.

Maine people can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211maine.org for assistance in identifying free tax preparation resources that are available throughout the state.

This last year has been hard and my Administration will continue to do all we can to

make things a little easier for Maine families. We are working around the clock to vaccinate Maine people against the coronavirus and to get our state and our economy back on track.

In the meantime, I urge everyone to keep doing the basic things that keep us healthy, like wearing a mask, watching our distance, washing our hands, and sign up to get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible, please.

Cases bring truth to the forefront Front Row Seat

by Tom McLaughlin BN Columnist developments on American college campuses, in general. I mentioned Michael Mann in only one paragraph but he immediately fired off his letter to the Sun. Mann is the creator of the now-debunked “hockey-stick graph” first made famous by former Vice

President Al Gore’s film: “Inconvenient Truth” and then cited by the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Whenever someone criticized Mann for his faulty scientific reasoning, he sued them. The suits dragged FRONT ROW, Page 6B

Post cards, views from the past

Howdy neighbor!

Having received much support regarding our column’s recent attempts to include pictures and reproductions of local scenes, we have decided to include roughly every month or so an early image documenting significant events in local history, dedicating the article to the picture and the scene it captures for us. Many here in town are familiar with the old, handcolored postcard images of downtown Bridgton from

the early 20th century, which are so common even today at yard sales, and almost anyone interested in the history of Bridgton will have seen the excellent bird’s-eye view of the village, as printed by Burleigh in 1888. (If you haven’t, it features as the endpapers of the Bridgton History, copies are sold at the Bridgton Historical Society’s museum on Gibbs Avenue.)

However, between the BHS archives and the collections of the Bridgton News, there

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director are today preserved many rare and uncommon images from Bridgton’s history, some of which only exist in one form. Given the wide readership of our col-

umn, we wanted to throw back the veil on these hidden gems and share them with the community, while at the same time duplicating them, to better ensure their continued survival.

To that end, today we look back on the early days of the Bridgton & Saco River Railroad, in an image courtesy of the Delaware Department of State Public Archives. We see here the birth of one of our very own railcars, newly painted on the lot of Jackson and Sharp’s Delaware Car Works in 1900. This car, a baggage car, was ordered as part of the shift toward passenger service, which the B&S.R.R. underwent around the turn of the century; having been originally installed primarily as a manufacturing concern, to TIMES, Page 6B

Opinions

Page 2B, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

More letters

(Continued from Page 1B) are the weapon of choice in domestic violence murders.

Ownership for self-protection purposes and hunting is not the problem.

We understand that Second Amendment Sanctuary designation implies that the locality has the right to defy state and federal laws if it is determined, (by whom?) that these conflict with the U.S. Constitution. Are the Bridgton Police, State Police, Cumberland County Sheriff and Maine’s Attorney General in agreement with this interpretation? What happens if a town employee refuses to enforce established law resulting in needless injury or death? Will legal counsel or insurance services defend Bridgton? Do we the residents pay for any possible liability? Once we decide that we can ignore a law in the name of constitutional rights what law could come next? It sounds like a recipe for chaos and disorder and a terrible message for our children.

As federal and state laws supersede local law, this seems to be symbolic rather than substantive. Judge Scalia’s interpretation in District of Columbia vs. Heller did establish the right of individual gun ownership. It also states that such ownership is not unlimited nor free of any regulation, hence the “well-regulated militia” language of the Second Amendment.

Our Board of Selectmen is often concerned about budgets and business, as well it should be. It is doubtful that Second Amendment Sanctuary standing would support either. If someone were looking to vacation, buy property or open a business many would look elsewhere. Ours is a moderate minded community. This is a radical proposal that belongs with the courts or the legislature. Five people alone, who may have a personal agenda, should not be making this decision for Bridgton. We are opposed to Second Amendment Sanctuary status. The board should focus on making sure Bridgton is a well-run, welcoming and productive place to live and leave the performance art to others.

Therese and David Johnson Bridgton

Issue to stand up for

To The Editor: In response to a letter published last week, I offer the following observations: The Town of Bridgton (“Bridgton”) should have adopted

the provision proclaiming Bridgton a Second Amendment Sanctuary Town. I would strongly encourage the selectmen to support such a measure for many reasons.

The Second Amendment is inherent in all individual citizens, just as are the other Amendments. The Second Amendment, is, however, subject to strident and continuing attacks from those that would wrongly take away that very right.

If other Amendments were under similar attacks, say the right to exercise of free speech or association in churches, they would and should be supported in a similar fashion!

Because of Maine’s preemption law, towns, cities and counties are limited when it comes to enacting gun-related ordinances. However, the governing bodies of municipalities may, if they choose, pass resolutions expressing their support for the Second Amendment rights of individuals living in their jurisdictions. Though such a resolution would be largely symbolic in nature, it could have specific tangible benefits: • It is a great way for you to highlight the Second Amendment rights of those living in Bridgton, visitors and beyond. It raises awareness of a and fundamental civil right and shines a light on those endeavoring to undermine that right.

• It sends a message to politicians in both Augusta and Washington that their constituents value their Second Amendment rights and will vigorously defend them.

• The resolutions may — depending on how they are written — send a message to anti-gun politicians that local officials and citizens are unwilling to voluntarily cooperate with any further infringements on their right to keep and bear arms.

• A Second Amendment resolution will help gun owners know which candidates may be worthy of their support down the road.

I definitely encourage my friends and acquaintances to advocate for their Second Amendment rights at the local level, as we often and repeatedly do at the State level, and to hold elected officials accountable regarding their stance on one of our most essential freedoms.

This is an important issue – the full Board of Selectmen should vote on the matter.

This is not a divisive issue, but an issue we should stand together and support! This is not a safety issue, because all of the existing laws remain in place. We should all stand together and support each other regardless of the Amendment under attack.

Richard Coshow Bridgton

Recycle often

To The Editor: Spring is finally here! Time for Spring cleaning. Not everything that you clean up should go in the trash. Most of it can be recycled! Gently used clothing can be donated to Community H.E.L.P., Inc. in Bridgton, Harvest Hills in Fryeburg, or the Bridgton Transfer Station Store. If you have clothing that is not in the best shape, you can donate it to the Salvation Army. They not only take gently used clothing, but also clothing that may not be suitable for resale.

The same places will all accept gently used household goods, including small appliances. Refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water coolers, freezers are processed at the Bridgton Transfer Station by an EPA approved tech (these items require a $10 fee), and the remainder is recycled in the metal container. Televisions, monitors, copy machines, and other electronic devices as well as bulbs containing mercury and sodium are sent out from the Bridgton Transfer Station with their universal waste program for proper recycling (there is a fee for these items, based on size). Cell phones are bagged individually, as well as rechargeable batteries and sent out with the Bridgton Transfer Station battery program. LED lights are recycled with the appropriate metal depending if lead or copper is present.

Please make sure that these items are not put in the trash, or with regular recycling, as they can cause fires at the ecomaine facility. For all other items, you should check on ecomaine.org for the Recyclopedia. You put in the name of the item and it will tell you whether or not it can be recycled. You can also check with the Bridgton Recycling Committee at bridgtonrecyclingcommittee@yahoo.com.

Bridgton Recycling Committee

No forgetting

To The Editor: President Biden barely had concluded his first primetime address to the nation when Fox News propagandist Brian Kilmeade started dumping on it. “We don’t need to go over the 500,000 dead. We had that moment,” he said.

“Let’s talk about the future moving forward.”

Yeah, right. Rupert Murdoch’s global propaganda empire certainly would like nothing better than just to LETTERS, Page 3B

Classified Advertising ATTENTION

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

HELP WANTED

HIRING SUMMER CAMP – Maintenance Staff. Starting April 19 and ending October 15. Tapawingo in Sweden, Maine. Contact JD 256-8106.

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SEASONAL HELP WANTED – Wyonegonic Camps in Denmark: Full and part time kitchen positions including meals cooks, assistant/ prep cook and general kitchen assistants; part time housekeeping; part time grounds maintenance/driver; part time office administrative support. Positions available starting May 30 - June 20 and ending August 18-29. Online preliminary application available at Wyonegonic.com; compensation commensurate with experience. Call 207-452-2051 to arrange a local interview.

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HELP WANTED

Annette’s Country Skillet Diner 4T9

Annette’s Country Skillet Diner is looking for dishwasher and cook.

Must be 100% flexible, weekends a must.

Apply in person — no calls

Bridgton — Grounds maintenance workers. From mid-April through September. Call 647-5048 4t12x ARE YOU LOOKING — for a fun place to work? Do you want to be more involved in your community? The MSAD 72 School District in Fryeburg, Maine, has a variety of anticipated and current positions available! We are an E.O.E. See our website www.msad72.org for specifics and to learn how to apply. tf12 CREW LEADERS — Do you have leader abilities? Are you looking for health insurance benefits, 401k, employee ownership and much, much more? Visit: Q-Team. com/Benefits today. tf51 LAKE REGION TV — is looking for videographers. LRTV pays an hourly wage, as well as mileage and paid training. Applicants must be available for evening work, have a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation. Please e-mail letter

WORK WANTED

LOOKING FOR — Houses or Camps to paint for the 2021 season.

Fully-insured. Free estimates. 33 years experience. Dirigo Custom Painting. 743-9889.

12t12x

WANTED

TO BUY OR ADOPT ­— a Golden Retriever. Call 653-8141 2t12x

FOR SALE

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

Campfire wood bundled or by the truckload. Delivery available. tf3 LITTLE GUYS FIREWOOD — Cut, split, delivered. Prompt delivery. 603-960-2537 or 935-

JOB OPENING

Help Wanted 4T12CD

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$5 FOR TATTERED — U.S. Flag when purchasing new U.S. Flag 3’x5’ or larger. Maine Flag & Banner, Windham, 893-0339. tf46 DRIED FIREWOOD — Dried twelve months. Selling seasoned hardwood year-round. One cord $265, cut, split, delivered. Call 207-595-5029; 207-583-4113. maineseasonedfirewood.com

52t32x

Facilities Crew Member Needed April 1 - September 30, 2021 40 hours a week (some weekends) $12.25 an hour Camp Walden in Denmark is hiring facilities crew members to help with maintaining our facility. Responsibilities include spring cleanup, mowing, painting, light carpentry, and hauling trash.

Interested? Call 207-452-2901

IF YOU NEED ANYTHING ­— cleaned up or cleaned out, my trailer is 7x12. Call Chuck’s Maintenance 743-9889.

12t12x

VEHI­CLES FOR SALE

JESUS IS LORD — new and used auto parts. National locator.

Most parts 2 days. Good used cars.

Ovide’s Used Cars, Inc., Rte. 302 Bridg­ton, 207-647-5477. tf30

FOR RENT

CASCO — Rooms for rent. Starting at $140 per week furnished with Internet and laundry onsite.

Call Tommy at 207-595-4946.

26t38x (12)

PREMIUM HARDWOOD MIX

GREEN: $225/cord GREEN: SEMI-SEASONED:

$225/cord $275/cord 22 cord cord minimum minimum

ARIES Landscaping & property Maintenance

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Cell: 207-461-1539 | H: 207-452-4057 JOHN ALLEN

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When You’re Away

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Property Care & Management TF49

3T10CDX

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

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

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Contact Jay at 207 841-6445

Professional Carpentry Services

BUSINESS SERVICES

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

at Bridgton Public Library for a Library Clerk.

• Carpenter with 3-5 years experience and valid driver’s license.

• Helper with basic tools, will train.

6302. Fryeburg area $210 cord, over 20 miles add $10.

52t2x

TF2CD TF10CD

12 Lakes Plaza Dr., Naples, Maine

of interest to info@lakeregiontv. org or mail to LRTV, 3 Chase St., Bridgton, ME 04009. FMI call 6478044, ask for Chris.

4t10

SERVICES

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Richard Lewis Storm Damage • Security Heat • Lights • Plants Home Check E-mail: Ricklewis2011@hotmail.com Cell: 207-415-4476

Ask for David Allenson 207-693-3988

DENMARK SELF-STORAGE Locally Owned & Operated By: David & Gail Allenson

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UFO Hours Sun.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. • 693-3988

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10' x 20' Unit – $125/mo.

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BN 12

Opinions & Legals

March 25, 2021, The Bridgton News, Page 3B

More letters

sisters and my brother between 2016 and the beginning of 2021. Of course, I’m only one of more than a half-million Americans whose lives were devastated, thanks to the disastrously bad stewardship of our nation by Trump and his GOP enablers. No doubt, they wish we’d all just shut up (Continued from Page 2B) and forget about it. They won’t get that lucky. forget the fact that more Americans died in one year on Rev. Robert Plaisted Donald Trump’s watch than perished in four years of Bath and formerly Bridgton combat during World War II. I suspect that nothing would please the Republican Party more than if Americans could forget that the GOP did nothing to restrain Trump while he was doing nothing to restrain the Covid-19 virus. Surveys To The Editor: Financial discipline is a phrase that is completely incomsuggest now that one in every five Americans has lost a close friend or family member since Trump and his lackeys prehensible to virtually all Democratic politicians and the started lying about the pandemic. I recently learned I’m tens of millions of Americans who have swallowed the radical left progressive Marxist dogma of all government one of them.

A short time ago, I heard that my brother Walter – my all the time. The more the better.

To say that Democrats are totally without a clue to the only living sibling – died Jan. 3 from the Covid-19 infection. Our relationship was complicated by distance. Walt consequences of massive deficit spending and the rapid enlisted in the Air Force when I was 15, and over the expansion of the nation’s long-term debt is a gross underlast 60 years, I doubt we saw each other more than 25 statement.

By turning their backs on the epidemic of lawlessness times. After leaving the service, he married and settled in Delaware, near his final posting at Dover Air Force Base. and destruction that engulfed so many of America’s major He also was stationed in Guam for two years. Marjorie cities this past summer and locking down much of our Taylor Greene, the latest Qanon crackpot to infect the GOP, economy, as well as shuttering the majority of education apparently believes Guam is a foreign country on which we systems, the Democratic Party has brought unprecedented shouldn’t be wasting U.S. taxpayer money. Cuckoo! And pain and anguish to literally every American family.

What is the Democrats remedy for the catastrophe they Republicans wonder why sensible people don’t take them have unleashed on the nation? An insane level of spending, seriously anymore?

At the end of his life, Walt suffered from dementia and money that we don’t have and certainly cannot afford.

Under Democrats, the printing presses will run around was living back in Delaware with one of his three kids.

Unfortunately, he contracted the virus in his weakened condition and couldn’t survive it. The last time I saw him PUBLIC NOTICE alive was at our sister Virginia’s funeral. I lost both of my

Financial mess

TOWN OF HARRISON

M.S.A.D. No. 72

2021-22 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION and STUDENT SCREENING Child must be five (5) on or before October 15, 2021

DATES: APRIL 14th and APRIL 15th LOCATION: Molly Ockett School – Fryeburg TIME: Beginning March 15th, please call for an appointment: 207-935-2600, Ext 1401 or 1414 BRING: Birth Certificate ~ Immunizations ~ Proof of Residency ~ and The Child You are Registering Call early for preferred time slot

SITE WALK There will be a site walk conducted by the Harrison Planning Board on Mon., April 5, 2021, at 5 p.m., at 860 Maple Ridge Rd., Harrison, for a Site Plan Review Application submitted by Fluvial Brewing.

Meeting will follow at 6 p.m., at the Town Office, 20 Front St., Harrison.

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TOWN OF BRIDGTON 3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 61

NOMINATIONS PAPERS

Destruction of Special Education STUDENT RECORDS

Nomination papers will made available on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Town Clerk’s Office located at 3 Chase Street, Suite 1, in Bridgton for the following offices:

Notice to all former students, (or custodial parents of former students), born between January 1992 and December 31, 1993, who attended MSAD# 61 Public Schools and received Special Education services:2T12

(2) Selectman/Assessor/Overseer of the Poor; 3-year term (2) Planning Board Regular Member; 3-year term (1) Planning Board Alternate Member; 3-year term (1) Planning Board Alternate Member; 1-year term (2) MSAD #61 Director; 3-year term (1) Water District Trustee; 3-year term The nomination paper filing deadline is the close of business 3T8 hours on April 9, 2021.

BRIDGTON, CASCO, NAPLES School District

MSAD# 61 – may have in its possession educational records for students noted above. These educational records will be destroyed after June 1, 2021. If you would like to have these records rather than having them destroyed, please contact Maureen Quinn, Administrative Secretary to the Director of Special Services at maureen.quinn@lakeregionschools.org prior to May 1, 2021. Proper identification will be required in order to obtain the records.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Proposed Casco Solar Project between The Inhabitants of The Town of Casco and Casco A, LLC BACKGROUND OF SAID PROPOSED CASCO SOLAR FARM Casco A, LLC is seeking approval for a Solar Farm Development and Site Improvements off Route 302. This will entail approximately 12,000 photovoltaic panels of just under 20 acres. The identified property is located by the Town as Tax Map 3, Lot 17-1, which is located 647 Roosevelt Trail For additional information on the project, contact Casco – Code Enforcement at: ceo@cascomaine.org or 207-627-1346

This week’s game solutions

AVAILABLE FEB. 26, 2021

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Planning Board Meeting

PUBLIC HEARING CASCO PLANNING BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 12 CASCO COMMUNITY CENTER 940 MEADOW ROAD 6:30 P.M.

The form of said Contract Zone Agreement and its Exhibits are attached hereto,

PUBLIC NOTICE

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The Naples Planning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at 6 p.m. The meeting with be both in person at the Naples Town Gymnasium located at 15 Village Green Lane and via Zoom. On the agenda: 1. A minor site plan review for a new dining pavilion (35’ x 116” pole-barn style) at Camp Skylemar located at 457 Sebago Road, Map R05 Lot 028.

2. A modification to a major subdivision for Naples Mountainview Associates, Inc. (c/o Titcomb Associates) located at Top Hill Road, Map R05 Lot 014.

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

The public is welcome to attend in person (masks are required) or remotely via Zoom.

To join via Zoom, visit, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81432 047976?pwd=bGNIc2pnMjZXM0MvNmRMTm1lVEll UT09 (Meeting ID: 814 3204 7976 / Passcode: 409229) If preferred, you may mail/e-mail your remarks to Paula Miller, 15 Village Green Lane, Naples, ME 04055 / pmiller@townofnaples.org. Signed submissions must be received by noon on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

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Kindergarten Screening/Registration for the 2021-22 school year in the MSAD #61 School District It is time to register your child for Kindergarten if he/she will be five years old on or before October 15. 2021 .

KINDERGARTEN

REGISTRATION IS COMING You can find and download the registration form by visiting MSAD 61 website (www.lakeregionschools.org).

Please complete the form and return it to your child’s school, either by mail or by dropping it off. Once the school has your completed registration form, you will be contacted to schedule a screening appointment, which is required by state law. Due date for registration is 4/9/2021.

• April 27 & 28, 2021 - Songo Locks School for

Casco and Naples Residents – 25 Songo School Road, Naples. Call Elaine at 693-6828 or e-mail elaine.griffin@ lakeregionschools.org

• April 29 & April 30, 2021 - Stevens Brook Elementary School for Bridgton Residents – 14

Frances Bell Dr., Bridgton.Call Marybeth at 647-5675 or e-mail at marybeth.lesure@lakeregionschools.org 4T11

the clock churning out trillions in debt that in all likelihood will soon be worthless. Trillions in government bonds will be issued, as well, most to be purchased by China, further increasing the financial stranglehold they have over us already.

Politicians from both parties have brought us to this ominous and potentially lethal point. The impending economic collapse of America is now all but written in stone and there is probably no turning back now because so many Americans are receiving fat checks from Uncle Sam that make no sense at all, other than buying off the voters.

Before the pandemic brought such devastation to our shores, the nation’s long-term debt was well north of $20 trillion. We previously spent $4 trillion combatting this terrible scourge, and have just authorized another $1.9 trillion, of which only 9% will go to actually fight the disease, the other 91% is earmarked to reward the legion of special interest groups and big donors that own the Democratic Party and are the ones who are calling the shots. Billions are pegged to bail out the many blue states that have grossly mismanaged their finances for decades, while caving into every exorbitant demand from government unions.

Democrats are also hoping to enslave tens of millions LETTERS, Page 4B

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Board of Appeals Meeting

The Naples Board of Appeals will hold a meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 6 p.m., at the Municipal Office Building located at 15 Village Green Lane. On the agenda: A.) An application for a 17-ft., 4-in. right yard setback reduction and 10-ft. left yard setback reduction for the property located at 152 Harbor Road, Tax Map U28, Lot 25 submitted by Kristin McDuff.

The public welcome to attend. Masks are required.

2T11 PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON Nomination Papers

Nomination papers are available for the following positions: 2 Selectman seats – 3 years 2 Planning Board seats – 3 years 1 Appeals Board seat – 5 years 1 School Board seat – 3 years Nomination papers are due back in the Harrison Town Clerk’s Office by 4:30 p.m., on Friday, April 9, 2021. Town Elections and Town Meeting by secret ballot will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at the Harrison Town Office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. s/Kristen Macdonald, Town Clerk

1T12

PUBLIC NOTICE:

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE Please take notice that David Randall of Harrison Marina, PO Box 38, Harrison, Maine 04040, (207) 632-0582, is intending to file a Stormwater Permit Application with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to the provisions of 38 M.R.S.A. §§480-A thru 480-BB on or about Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

The application is for installation of boat storage building and associated site work. Location of the activity is 779 Harrison Road, Bridgton, Maine 04009.

A request for a public hearing or a request that the Board of Environmental Protection assume jurisdiction over this application must be received by the Department in writing, no later than 20 days after the application is found by the Department to be complete and is accepted for processing. A public hearing may or may not be held at the discretion of the Commissioner or Board of Environmental Protection. Public comment on the application will be accepted throughout the processing of the application.

The application will be filed for public inspection at the Department of Environmental Protection’s office in Portland during normal working hours. A copy of the application may also be seen at the municipal office in Bridgton, Maine.

Written public comments may be sent to the regional office in Portland, where the application is filed for public inspection: Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Southern Maine Regional Office, 312 Canco Road, Portland, Maine 04103, (207) 822-6300 or 1-800-769-1036.

1T12

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING PUBLIC NOTICE: Please take notice that: The Crooked River Campground c/o Brian Wolpert 103 Ledge Road Seabrook, New Hampshire 03874 508-662-0244 is intending to file a Site Location of Development permit application with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to the provisions of 38 M.R.S.A. §§ 481 thru 490 and 38 M.R.S.A. §§ 480-A thru 480-BB on or about April 2, 2021.

The application is for the expansion of the existing Crooked River Campground on land owned by Mr. Wolpert.

The existing campground is located at 45 Crooked River Lane in Casco, Maine.

This expansion will occur easterly of the existing campground and will consist of 43 new campsites, a bath house, additional parking spaces, an access road for the new campsites, and additional construction for utilities to service these campsites, such as septic, water, and electricity.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Rules Concerning the Processing of Applications, Section 13, a public information meeting will be held:

Thursday, April 1 at 4 p.m. via Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84574950242?pwd=dWJsRW5QbUpGNk1scFZCQVpNOHR4UT09 Meeting ID: 845 7495 0242 Passcode: 288835

Page 4B, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

More letters

(Continued from Page 3B) more Americans to total dependence on the nanny welfare state, which will all but assure a Republican will never hold a national office again.

Democrats have many more trillions plus spending bills in the pipeline, already to go. All they need to continue their pillage of America is for us to keep ignoring what is happening to our magnificent country. America’s fate is in our hands.

Robert M. Howe Jr. Bridgton

We’re regressing

To The Editor: Absolutely no one can choose the color or circumstances under which he or she is born. I was born white. I am truly thankful that my parents were happily married, had traditional standards and values, were successful and well educated. I was never “given” a car or even a bicycle. When I wanted either of those, my dad said, “get a job,” which I did. He had the money to buy them, but he wanted me to learn to be successful based on my own efforts. My first job was as a “paper boy.” I started delivering papers on a “walking route,” everyone else had a bicycle. I was saving my pennies to buy a used Schwinn bicycle. The cost was $15. It took weeks to save the money to buy it. Such a valuable lesson. When I finally had my bike, I proudly showed it to my Dad, and he said, “this is your bike, you earned it. Nobody can take it away from you.”

(This story is explained in more detail in my book, The Black Cloak, available on Amazon.com). I thank him to this day, and I have passed this same lesson on to my three children and am proud to say that they and my five grandsons are all working and successful.

We were lucky to be born in the 1930s and 1940s in America, and we were “brought up” not “raised like cattle.”

Our parents spent time with us every day, working, teach-

NEED A

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE? THE BRIDGTON NEWS

Opinions ing us manners, skills and playing games with us. We never would openly disobey, disrespect or “talk back” to them, and never wanted to “let them down.” As children, we were a vital part of the foundation of the family.

My father, as a young man, worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvanian in order to pay his tuition when studying at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He became a doctor, his patients ranged from JFK to Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Yogi Berra and the Barron Rothchild. He believed in the great American opportunity and that hard work was the absolute requirement to being successful and happy. He was both. Although it was truly the “luck of the draw,” I am grateful for my heritage.

In 1961, a colleague of mine, whom we all called “Doc” because he was so intelligent and held a PhD from Heidelberg University, shocked me with the following statements. It was a shock because Doc was black. He insisted that he was not an African American. He said he was a black American. He also said, “I owe you a great debt of gratitude.” You (by you, he meant white men) wrote the Constitution and voted in the laws which freed the black slaves in America! He continued that, “if I still lived in Africa today, I would most likely be a slave. In Africa, slavery is still legal.” I was astonished to hear him say this. In writing this letter today, I wondered if it were still true, so I looked it up.

In a PBS.org article, Dr. Henry Louis Gates reported, “That between 1525 and 1866, in the entire history of the slave trade to the New World, 12.5 million Africans were shipped to the New World. Only about 388,000 were shipped to North America. Today in Africa, there are an estimated 9.2 million people living in modern day slavery, but western politicians do not speak out against this injustice. CNN reported in March that 20,000 children were believed to be working as slaves on Lake Volta in the fishing industry in Ghana, Africa.

Slavery exists in other countries that suffer from poverty, including China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and more. If Democrats and Republicans were serious about eliminating the blight of slavery, they may want to focus on modern day Africa. This week, Nancy Pelosi and 12 Democrats will travel to Ghana to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first slaves from Africa arriving on American shores.”

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INSURANCE Chalmers Ins. Agency 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311

I wonder what they will observe, and how outraged they will be about the conditions today. Will they provide hope for people in need, or for people who are still suffering, or will they be entirely focused on how bad America was to ever have had slaves? If the political and fake news propaganda system prevails, we will not hear about today’s slavery. I hope I am wrong and that they present the truth. We know the Democrats have had a long history of being in bed with slavery, the South slave owners were mostly “Democrats” and the KKK was dedicated to keeping blacks subservient.

Under President Trump we almost made it. Mixed marriages were okay. Relationships were improving. Blacks, Hispanics and Asians were working together and building businesses. The curriculums that were proposed by President Trump’s administration for schools were based on traditional values and truth. People were becoming more faith based.

Even now, the truth about slavery, past and present, could truly set us all free.

Unfortunately, we have regressed. Racism has reappeared.

Columbia University has six racially segregated commencements scheduled for this year, sadly, I fear, others will follow suit. Colleges now have segregated dormitories, “safe rooms” where only certain groups (colors) can enter, with classes and professors expounding white guilt. Democrats are accusing Republicans of being racists. In the recent past, there were disagreements, but people could and did work together for the common good. Currently we are snared in a self-destructive power struggle.

Now, with our government under full Democrat control, it reminds me of the last words from the truly great movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai” — “Madness … madness.”

Bob and Claire Wilkinson Bridgton

About that song

To The Editor: As reported in the March 11 Bridgton News, Mr. Swett stated that by writing the song, “My Sweet Maine” last year in conjunction with Maine’s 2020 bicentennial, he LETTER, Page 5B PLUMBING & HEATING

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

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

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

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

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

F. Jonathan Bliss, P.L.S.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Bliss & Associates Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape Organic lawn & garden maintenance Shoreline restoration Creative stonework, property watch Snowplowing & sanding 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com

Surveying, Land Planning 693 Main St., Lovell 207-925-1468 blissinc@fairpoint.net Maine Survey Consultants, Inc. Land info services – Surveys Boundary/Topographic/Flood elevation PO Box 485, Harrison, Maine Off: 583-6159 D. A. Maxfield Jr. PLS Over 10,000 surveys on file

TREE SERVICE Q-Team & Cook’s Tree Service Removal-pruning-cabling-chipping Stump grinding-bucket work-bobcat Crane-licensed & fully-insured Q Team 693-3831 or Cook’s 647-4051 Toll free 207-693-3831 www.Q-Team.com Rice Tree Service – Sheldon Rice Complete tree service – free estimates Removal-prune-chipping-stump grinding Licensed and insured Utility and Landscape Arborist Waterford ME – 583-2474

VETERINARY Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Route 302, Fryeburg 207-935-2244

WINDOW TREATMENTS Bolsters Decorating Center Custom window treatments Always free decorating consulting bolsters@megalink.net 9 Market Sq., So. Paris 207-743-9202 Universal Designz Window Treatments – Upholstery Slip Covers – 207-754-0730 www.UniversalDesignzMaine.com

This week’s puzzle theme:

The 1960s

ACROSS 1. *Kennedy and Ruby 6. Credit card acr.

9. Just in case 13. Yemeni’s neighbor 14. Scheduled to arrive 15. *First full-disk image of it was taken in 1966 16. Alleviated 17. Wildfire remains 18. One born to Japanese immigrants 19. *”Catch-22” author 21. *Oscar-winning leading lady of “Mary Poppins” 23. Green or black beverage 24. Piercing woodwind 25. Mom in U. K. 28. ____ and drab 30. Good-for-nothing 35. *TV’s Batman, ____ West 37. Figure skater’s jump 39. Make happy 40. Hitchhiker’s quest 41. *”Wilt the ____” of pro basketball 43. Femur, e.g.

44. Cut it out 46. Away from port 47. Largest organ of human body 48. Like anti-cruelty society 50. Same as #42 Down 52. Even, to a poet 53. Roaster’s spot 55. *It’s the loneliest num-

ber 57. *Sam Walton’s company 61. *Haircut popularized by the Beatles 64. Relating to axis 65. PC brain 67. *Sting Ray and Mustang, e.g.

69. Threshing hand tool 70. *”On ____ Majesty’s Secret Service” 71. Dostoyevsky’s novel, with The 72. Seaside bird 73. Tibetan ox 74. Condemn DOWN 1. *Hasbro’s G. I. 2. Same as ayah 3. Four six-packs 4. Genuflected 5. Sashayed 6. Month of Purim 7. Abscess contents 8. Repair 9. Bear’s den 10. Gaelic tongue 11. Meat and potato dish 12. Not that 15. Take to one’s heart 20. ____ Grey and James ____ Jones 22. Noggin or dome 24. #24 Across players 25. *____ on Washington 26. Farewell in Paris

27. Address to a woman 29. Just a little 31. Young socialites, for short 32. Call forth 33. *Barbara Eden starred as one 34. *First American astronaut to orbit the Earth

36. Table in Spanish 38. Type of bargain 42. Best not mentioned 45. Ultimate goal 49. Slightly pointed on a Hobbit 51. Pro bono 54. Scratchy’s nemesis 56. Chopin piece

57. Drift 58. Rod for a hot rod 59. One with pants on fire?

60. Street in Anytown, USA 61. Darkness or gloom

62. Relating to ear 63. Poverty-stricken 66. Cause of Princess’ downfall 68. Pig’s home

Solutions on Page 3B

MAR 2021

Oberg Insurance Mountain View Dentistry Auto, Home, Business, Life Dr. Shilo Annis, DMD 132 Main St., Bridgton Cosmetic/restorative & Family Dentistry Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858 207-647-3628 MountainViewDentistryMaine.com (5/21x) Southern Maine Retirement Services TLC Home Maintenance Co. Medicare Supplements & Prescription Plans Professional Cleaning and ELECTRICIANS Jones & Matthews, PA REAL ESTATE Life and Senior Dental Insurance Property Management Certified Public Accountants D. M. Electric Inc. & Sons 150 Main St., Bridgton 207-647-2900 Housekeeping and much more Accounting and taxes Chalmers Real Estate Dennis McIver, Electrical Contractor (5/21x) 583-4314 Roosevelt Trail Prof. Bldg.

100 Main St., Bridgton Residential/Commercial/Industrial Tel. 647-3311 Route 302, Bridgton Licensed in Maine & New Hampshire COMPUTERS INTERIOR DESIGN 647-3668 cpas@maine.com Bridgton 207-647-5012 Kezar Realty Grammy Geek Universal Designz Homes, Land & Vacation Rentals J.P. Gallinari Electric Co. Tech support for seniors (jr.’s too) ATTORNEYS Lovell Village 207-925-1500 Residential - Commercial - Industrial Consulting – Design 1-1 support at your home KezarRealty.com Aerial - Auger - Lifting Service Decorating – Aging in Place Malware & virus removal/PC repair Shelley P. Carter, Attorney Bridgton 647-9435 www.UniversalDesignzMaine.com Law Office of Shelley P. Carter, PA Free pick-up & delivery 207-310-0289 Oberg Agency 207-754-0730 (7/21x) McIver Electric 110 Portland St., Fryeburg, ME 04037 Residential, Business, Lake Shore “Your on time every time electricians” 935-1950 www.spcarterlaw.com INVESTMENT MANAGERS Property Naples Computer Services 221 Portland Rd., Bridgton 132 Main St., Bridgton PC repair/upgrades – on-site service 647-3664 Michael G. Friedman, Esq., PA Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858 Virus and spy-ware removal Daniels D’Amelio Group www.mciverelectric.net (5/21x) 132 Main St. Home and business networking Donald M. Daniels 207-803-8389 P.O. Box 10, Bridgton, ME 04009 RUBBISH SERVICE R.W. Merrill Electrical Contractor Donald Daniels Jr. 561-427-5857 Video security systems 647-8360 24 hour Emergency Service 71 Harrison Rd., Naples 207-693-3746 www.ddimg.org (5320x) Residential & Commercial ABC Rubbish Hastings Malia, PA Harrison 583-2986 Fax 583-4882 DANCE INSTRUCTION Weekly Pick-up OIL DEALERS 376 Main Street – PO Box 290 Container Service Fryeburg, ME 04037 FLOORING The Ballroom Tel. 743-5417 Dead River Co. 935-2061 www.hastingsmalia.com Dance - Exercise - Yoga - Aikido Bolsters Decorating Center Range & Fuel Oil Worsters Rubbish Removal Main St., Harrison, Maine Carpet – vinyl – ceramic Oil Burner Service Trash hauling 207-583-6964 CARPENTRY Always free decorating consulting Tel. 647-2882, Bridgton Docks – Demolition bolsters@megalink.net Snowplowing/Sanding DENTAL SERVICES Robert E. Guy 9 Market Sq., So. Paris 207-743-9202 PAINTING CONTRACTORS Harrison 207-583-6914 General Carpentry – Additions Bridgton Dental Associates Repairs – Remodeling FOUNDATIONS Dr. Paul Cloutier SELF-STORAGE www.bobguy@myfairpoint.net Redo Properties.com Complete dental care Henry’s Concrete Construction Harrison 743-5120 239-4804 (cell) “AWARD WINNING” Bridgton Storage 138 Harrison Rd., Bridgton Foundations, Slabs, Floors Interior/Exterior painting & repairs 409 Portland Rd. www.bridgtondental.com Harrison Tel. 583-4896 CHIMNEY LINING Local, experienced & professional 28 units & 4000’ open barn 207-647-8052 Call/text 207-693-4663 (Home) (12/21x) Bridgton 272-8085 GARAGE DOORS The Clean Sweep LLC Bridgton Dental Hygiene Care, PA Webber Painting & Restoration Chimney Cleaning Service JB Self Storage Family & Periodontal Dental Hygiene Svcs. Roberts Overhead Doors Supaflu and Stainless Steel Rt. 5, Lovell, Maine Infants, Toddlers, Teens and Adults Commercial/residential – free estimates Interior/exterior painting & repairs Waterfront specialists – Free estimates Monthly/yearly secure storage Chimney lining and relining InNetwork; N.E. Delta Dental & MaineCare Now offering Master Card & Visa Fully insured – References 207-831-8354 207-925-3045 Dana Richardson 935-2501 207-647-4125 bdhc@myfairpoint.net 207-595-2311 Chandel Associates Accounting, Taxes Audits, Full Service Payroll 3 Elm St., Bridgton Office 647-5711

SURVEYORS

Obituaries Todd E. Burke Todd Eric Burke, 61, passed away on Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021 having lived through many incidents likely to cause death and seemed invincible ... until he wasn’t.

Todd lived his own life, a life judged by many to be hard throughout, starting out with a black eye and bump on his head so severe from the forceps the hospital photographer suggested no baby photo. He developed a cross-eyed condition requiring wearing a patch over one eye, which didn’t help his depth perception that he never really regained. He was on his own from a young age for various reasons and often made the “wrong” choices, ending up with a lifelong struggle with alcohol.

But, somewhere along the way, he had the time to teach himself to be an amazing guitar player, surprising a myriad number of people looking on his homeless exterior and being fascinated by the accomplished artist within. He also was well read, having no place to call home toward the end of his life, but always carrying around books, like a biography of Abraham Lincoln or the history of some WWII battle. He would say, “I only have two brain cells left and they are constantly arguing with each other,” yet he could speak intelligently on just about any subject. A diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse disorder didn’t prevent Todd from being the guy you would remember as being the funniest person you met in your life, the best story teller you could recall or the guy with five dollars to his name who would give all of it to another struggling person to keep them going for another day.

In the end, he died of an overdose, a miscalculation from someone whose intelligence eventually lost to the chance percentage of fentanyl. We would all wish we could have kept him from his choices, but he was someone who lived his life on the outside of our norms, sometimes wishing he could change but never enough to change, leaving behind many people who loved him for who he was, not the choices he made.

Todd is survived by his brother, Scott Burke of Windham; his sister, Heather Carson of Hallowell.

The family will have a private celebration in the future.

We would love all those who knew Todd to honor him by donating to Milestone Recovery, Portland, ME. Arrangements by Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland.

March 25, 2021, The Bridgton News, Page 5B

Dennis P. Leydon

Debra J. Shaw

LEWISTON — Dennis Patrick Leydon, 67, of Naples, passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, surrounded by his cherished daughters, granddaughter, brother and sister. Dennis went to heaven on Sunday, March 14, 2021, with a heart full of peace, love, gratitude, and immeasurable pride.

Born September 2, 1953, in Dorchester, Mass., Dennis was the son of Josephine (Fitzgerald) Leydon and George F. Sr. A graduate of Medford High, Dennis secured lifelong friendships during his time there. Following graduation, he became a NYNEX linesman where he worked for 25+ years. Dennis shared his two daughters and many memories with his ex-wife, Kathleen Leydon, as well as years of love and laughter with his former partner, Cynthia Bouchard.

Dennis’ zest for life and finding beauty, humor, and love in the simplest of things will live on forever. He had a heart of gold and cherished time with family and friends, including numerous hunting and fishing trips, family vacations, and the most EPEK dance parties! Dennis took immense pride in being his family’s historian and most treasured and humorous storyteller.

Dennis is survived by his pride and joy, daughters Shannon Leydon and Erin Plummer and her husband, Matt; four grandchildren Hannah, Matthew, Shane, and Owen aka “HIMSELF”; a brother Joseph T. Leydon, sister Mary Connor, a brother George F. Leydon Jr., and countless other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved sister, Judith Brodie, and a brother John “Jackie” Leydon.

A celebration of life will be held later in 2021. His family encourages everyone who loved Dennis to share their favorite stories via a tribute e-mail: dennisleydontribute@gmail.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton, Maine.

Online condolences may be shared with is family at www. chandlerfunerals.com

PORTLAND — Debra Jean Shaw, 52, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

She was born on October 11, 1968, in Portland, the daughter of Robert and Georgia (Young) Shaw. She was educated locally at Woodfords Educational Center (a special-needs school), graduating from class of 1989. She attended Special Olympics in her younger years and won many medals. She worked at Morrison in Scarborough.

Debra had many friends and when she went out she would say to strangers, “I’m Debbie, what’s your name?” She loved animals and going to the fairs.

Debbie lived in a group home with her friends Lisa and Denise.

She wanted to be called Aunt Debbie to her father’s three cats, Smokey, Callie and Oreo. In 1988 the Make a Wish Foundation granted a wish for her to meet and go out to eat with John Denver. She enjoyed going to visit her Aunt Susan in Portland.

She was predeceased by her mother, Georgia Shaw; grandmother, Berta Young; aunt Judy Sanderson; grandparents, Elwood and Carmela Shaw and her aunt Judy Shaw.

She is survived by her father Robert Shaw and stepmother Marilee Shaw of Danville, Maine; Uncle Dick and Clara Shaw of South Paris; Shella Janesco of Oxford, Steven and Michael Shaw, her aunt Susan Shaw of Portland, Uncle Andy Sanderson of Auburn; stepsister Missi and Shawn Boyd and family of Danville, stepbrother, Charles and Nikki Fortier and family of South Paris; uncle Andy Sanderson of Auburn and a longtime friend, Marlene Fritz-Heffernon of Portland.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Danville Grange Hall, 15 Grange Street, Auburn.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. To view Debra’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland or the Danville Grange Hall.

Doris Stauffer

June 28, 1047 March 19, 2021

Robert Walker Robert S. Walker of Los Angeles, Calif., died at home on February 13, 2021, after a period of declining health. He was born at Bridgton Hospital on August 19, 1948. Robert was the son of Robert E. and Elaine Pitts Walker. During his youth, the family moved quite a few times, including to Springfield Mass., Punxsutawney and Brookville, Penn., Claremont, N.H., No. Bridgton, and White Meadow Lake and Montclair, N.J. He had the great good fortune to spend most boyhood summers in Harrison, with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and great pals. Robert also thoroughly enjoyed the years he spent in No. Bridgton, where he attended Bridgton Academy for a brief period of time. Although he eventually settled in Los Angeles, Maine always felt like home to Robert.

From the beginning, it was clear Robert would never be a boring child. When he was three, a passerby knocked at the door and asked his mother if she knew there was a little boy on the roof. That was a typical day in his childhood. At age 16, he left home to continue his adventures on his own terms. One of his first stops was working at the iconic rock and roll concert venue the Fillmore East in Lower Manhattan. Shortly after came his notable adventures at Woodstock.

During his lifetime, Robert (known to many as “Walker”) wore many hats; including crew member for Janis Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company, lighting and sound technician, disc jockey at WBCN radio in Boston, editor and producer of various jazz presentations for the Hollywood Bowl, and substitute bartender at his favorite jazz club in Los Angeles, Cozy’s.

Music was his great passion, and his career path afforded him the opportunity to move in those circles, getting to film, record, document, and to establish friendships with some amazing performers.

Walker met his first wife, Petey, in Cambridge, Mass., where they were part of the founding team of the Orsen Wells Cinema.

Walker and Petey were married in the driveway of their Cambridge apartment — the couple barefoot, Petey with flowers in her hair, and a jug band playing in the background. Before their marriage ended, beautiful daughter Heather came into the world.

He later moved to California, and while working for a San Diego radio station, he met his second wife Bree, a radio/TV personality. Their marriage eventually ended, but happily not before a second beautiful daughter, Andrea, was born.

For certain, it can be said of Robert Walker that he lived his life on his own terms. He was a well-mannered troublemaker, with a notoriously dry sense of humor, who valued friendship, equity, and independence.

Robert was predeceased by his parents, and brother Joseph Pitts Walker. Surviving are his sisters Betsy Drummond (husband Robert) of Hillsboro, N.H., Bonnie Drummond of Bridgton, his daughter Heather Patterson, (husband Mike), and children Grace and Andrew of Albany, Calif., his daughter Andrea Walker Morris, (husband Allen), and daughter Scout of Prescott, Ariz. Also surviving is his former wife, dear friend Bree Walker Lampley.

Doris (Weston) Stauffer died at her home in the comfort of her living room in Cutchogue N.Y., on March 19. She was surrounded by those she loved the most, Richard, her husband of 53 years, her son, Jonathan Stauffer of Aquebogue, N.Y, her daughters Megan Stauffer of Naples, Elizabeth Doroski of Mattituck, N.Y., and Meredith Stauffer of Brooklyn, N.Y. Since 1985, she was also a summer resident of Naples.

Born in Oceanside N.Y., she moved to Cutchogue when her father retired and built the family home on Nassau Point. She graduated from Southold High School in 1965, and Hobart and William Smith, Geneva, N.Y., in 1969 where she met her future husband. She worked for several years as a fourth grade teacher for the Waterloo Central School District. She returned to Cutchogue in 1971, to take care of her ailing father and later worked for ELIH, and finally as a special education aide for many years at Mattituck High School. There she was active in the PTA and other school related organizations and eventually she served as president of the PTA. She was an avid Kindle reader, and loved her TIVO and television “friends.”

An accomplished cook, one of her favorite pastimes was trying new recipes and cooking for family and friends. Proud of her Norwegian and Swedish heritage, her Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners were extravaganzas displays of culinary delights. Over the years, she was proud to pass on to her children those sacred family recipes.

She was the devoted grandmother to Harper, Quinn and Weston Stauffer, Emerson and Jane Doroski, and Dorothy Buteau-Stauffer. She is also survived by her sons-in-law Gregory Doroski, Brian Buteau and Bob Gray, daughter-in law, Merci Stauffer, and a best friend from high school, Dorothea Schurger-Trost of Germany.

She is predeceased by her father, Douglas Weston and mother Gertrude (Thompson). Although she loved the beaches and views on Nassau Point, (especially Fishermen’s) her favorite views were from her lake front cottage on Long Lake Naples, of the sunsets over the Presidential Range in N.H. Cocktail hours were rituals in themselves and she received great joy in watching her grandchildren laugh and have fun in the water.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and professional care she received from her doctors, especially her PCP Jarid Pachter, her cardiologist William Buckley, her dermatologist, Peter Klein and her oncologist, Deepali Sharma.

The family is also grateful for the compassionate care she received under the watchful eye of the staff and nurses of East End Hospice, particularly Mary Needham. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make memorial donations to that organization in her memory. Arrangements were provided by the Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue.

Due to COVID-19, a Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date.

Warren’s Florist

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39 Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009

Letter to Editor

(Continued from Page 4B) was not trying to replace the 1937 song that was written by Roger Vinton Snow.

This was to be “in addition” to the state song. However, the article goes on to say that in January 2021, it became part of legislative bill LD-232, co-sponsored

by Rep. John Andrews and Rep. Walter N. Riseman, “to become the state song of the 21st Century.”

“The proposed bill LD-232 was received by the clerk of the House o Jan. 25, and referred to the State and Local Government Committee for a public hearing on March 1.” Mr. Swett “encourages Mainers who like the song enough to have it become the state song of the 21st Century to contact their state representative, asking for their support of bill LD-232.”

Needless to say, I am confused and quite concerned. If “My Sweet Maine” becomes the state song of the 21st Century, does this mean there will, indeed, be two state songs for the remaining 70 plus years of the 21st Century?

What happens to Maine’s current state song that is being taught throughout the state, and numbers of Mainers recognizing it as their state song?

For years, I and many other elementary school teachers have taught the Maine state song as part of the “Maine” unit along with state bird, state tree, flower, the 16 counties, etc. It is sung with gusto and the reverence it deserves. I don’t know what the wording is in the “My Sweet Maine” verses, but in just the chorus itself, there are two lines that just wouldn’t work for a group of students. For example, picture a whole

Grand State of Maine (Current State of Maine Song) Grand state of Maine Proudly we sing To tell your glories to the land To shout your praises ’til the echoes ring.

Should fate unkind Send us to roam, The scent of the fragrant pine, The tang of the salty sea Will call us home.

Oh, pine tree state Your woods, fields and hills, Your lakes, streams and rockbound coast Will ever fill our hearts and thrills.

And though we seek far and wide Our search will be in vain To find a fairer spot on earth than Maine, Maine, Maine! class of third graders singing with enthusiasm, “But I was born on the edge of summer time” (even though, of course, some of them weren’t), written for a single vocalist (or, perhaps, a small musical group) as opposed to a classroom of young students who don’t yet even think about “growing old.”

Apparently, in a press release, the politicians commented that, “This song is a true representation of Maine…” The defining difference, in my opinion, is that one focuses on the beneficial qualities of the state itself; whereas the other focuses on personal feelings regarding the state. Perhaps, both should have a place in LETTER, Page 6B

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Obituary Policy

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

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

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

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

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Page 6B, The Bridgton News, March 25, 2021

Country Living Vaccination clinic

A Covid-19 vaccination clinic by Northern Light Home Care & Hospice will be held on Tuesday, April 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. The clinic is open for those ages 50 and older.

Call 207-396-6500, select #1 and listen to instructions to the end, leave your name, phone number and town. A call will be returned in 24 hours. Do not call the Bridgton Community Center.

• If you are 60 years of age or older and are having trouble scheduling a Covid-19 vaccination, contact Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 207-396-6500, Ext. #1. You will be asked for your name, age, town and phone number. They promise to return your call within 24 hours.

Library spaghetti dinner

ARTIST Ruth Boisvert poses next to some of her needle felting works, now on display at Gallery 302.

Bringing her characters to life

Gallery 302 in Bridgton is happy to have Ruth Boisvert as a member of its cooperative of over 40 artists. Ruth has always been drawn to three-dimensional art and her original passion was ceramics, but now she is focusing her attention on needle felting.

Ruth attended the School for American Craftsmen in Rochester, N.Y., majoring in Ceramics with a minor in Art History. After col-

lege, she returned to school to study Computer Science and then worked for over 30 years in insurance and state government as a System’s Analyst. Ruth continued to study Ceramics at Maine College of Art, on and off through the years.

Ruth’s latest creations are her “Literary Feltations.”

“I have always loved reading. I still have many of my childhood books and vivid memories of many

beloved characters. I was thrilled that my two sons shared my love of books and story time as much as I did. The kids are grown but the memories remain,” she said. “I have been bringing my memories and these characters to life through my needle felting. Needle felting is the process of transforming wool into 3D objects using a barbed needle. When you felt wool, you’re agitating the fibers, so they bond together, creating a solid dense fabric.

I use a wire armature and then add wool fleece as I build structure and character to the piece. Some are gently pose-able. They are sculptures and are not suitable as toys. I will be donating 5% of my sales to the Bridgton Public Library.”

To see Ruth’s work, visit Gallery 302 at 112 Main Street in Bridgton. For more information, call 207647-2787, visit gallery302. com or see the gallery on Facebook.

There is a colorful new exhibit by members of the Bridgton Art Guild at Gallery 302 in Bridgton.

Artists were given an assignment: to create works of art in response to the poem

by Marge Piercy, “Colors Passing Through Us.” The poem begins: Purple as tulips in May, mauve into lush velvet, purple as the stain blackberries leave on the lips, on the hands, the purple of ripe grapes sunlit and warm as flesh.

Every day I will give you

a color, like a new flower in a bud vase on your desk. Every day I will paint you, as women color each other with henna on hands and on feet.

Artists have made some intriguing and personal artworks, filled with a variety of colors, of course! The show will be up through May 7 at Gallery 302, 112 Main Street in Bridgton. For more information, call 207647-2787, visit gallery302. com or see the gallery’s Facebook page.

Colors galore

VIOLETS by Shelly Pillsbury at Gallery 302.

From the Front Row Seat

(Continued from Page 1B) on almost 10 years costing defendants millions, but they’re finally being settled.

Last week, Mann’s suit against National Review was dismissed. In 2019, a Supreme Court judge in British Columbia dismissed Mann’s suit against Dr. Timothy Ball with prejudice. That judge also ordered Mann to pay Ball’s court costs, which run into the millions. It’s possible Mann will have to pay National Review’s court costs, as well, but that hasn’t been decided at this writing. His suits against Mark Steyn and the Competitive Enterprise Institute will likely be dismissed soon with similar results.

I don’t know how deep Mann’s pockets are, but I think wealthy climate Cassandras like Canada’s David Suzuki who backed him will have to pay Mann’s victims now. I’m no lawyer, but I think that’s how it works. Suzuki said politicians skeptical of anthropogenic climate change “should be thrown in the slammer.” Democrat politicians in the United States

have also called for jailing climate skeptics. These court defeats would seem to indicate that if anyone is going to the slammer, it’s more likely to be Michael Mann. Dr. Timothy Ball was right when he said: “Mann belongs in the state pen, not Penn State.”

There’s little doubt that our climate is warming.

Portland [Maine] Harbor used to freeze regularly but it rarely does now. The question is whether human activity [burning fossil fuels] is causing it. The left believes it is while conservatives generally do not.

Conservatives see the left using the issue to justify expanded government control over the energy sector of our economy. The new Biden Administration is populating the federal bureaucracy with officials who believe they can prevent global warming by phasing out coal and petroleum products in America.

Public concern about this has waxed and waned over the years since Columbia University’s James Hansen predicted doom back in 1988.

When scientists like Mann

(Continued from Page 1B) service freight for the many mills of Bridgton in 1883, as the years passed it began to focus more and more on supplying the tourist trade.

By the latter years of the 20s and 30s, it was almost exclusively run as a passenger line, but in 1899 there were only a handful of baggage cars then housed at

the freight-yard, prompting the Board of Directors to put in orders for additional baggage and passenger cars.

Their choice of the Delaware Car works, while rather farafield from Bridgton, was a natural choice at the time; that being the largest manufacturer of the specialized narrow-gauge rolling stock required for the B&S.R.R. and many other small Maine operations.

This image is a rare survival from a time when the woods of New England were being crossed every year by small, industrious railroads, linking wayside and backwoods communities, some of them for the first time, to the outside world. New England had the most narrow-gauges of any region, and Maine had more here than the rest of

are challenged, mainstream media goes after skeptics.

On “60 Minutes” last year, Mann said: “There’s about as much scientific consensus about human-caused climate change as there is about gravity.” If he’s so confident in his position, why has he refused for more than a decade to turn over the data he used to compose his hockey stick? That refusal was cited by both judges in his two recent court defeats.

Mainstream media habitually trumpet climate Cassandras like Mann and attack his skeptics, so it shouldn’t’ surprise us that they ignored Mann’s legal defeat versus Dr. Timothy Ball in British Columbia.

They’re ignoring Mann’s loss against National Review so far as well. It goes against their “We’re all gonna die from climate change!” narrative.

When Mann’s remaining suits against Mark Steyn and the Competitive Enterprise Institute are also thrown out, should I try to suppress my inevitable resurgence of schadenfreude?

Nah. I’m going to savor it.

Events In Ye Olden Times

Letter

(Continued from Page 1B) focuses on personal feelings regarding the state. Perhaps, both should have a place in the curriculum, but only one should bear the title of being the State of Maine Song, and that one should continue to be “Grand State of Maine.”

Dot Kimball Bridgton

NE combined. They were used here for their economy, they could round sharper turns, rise and descend steeper grades, and even burn cord-wood in their boilers instead of coal, if required. Today, almost all of these “little engines that could” no longer run, with only the Farmington railroad and the Portland Rail museum’s operation coming to mind in Maine.

Worth nothing also is the fact that, in the Portland operation, they are running Bridgton’s engines and many of Bridgton’s cars.

What is more, there is still an old baggage car to be seen among the present rolling stock employed at Portland. Might it be this very one?

Till next time!

HARRISON — The Caswell Conservancy Center, located at 42 Main Street in Harrison, will happily reopen to the public on Thursday, April 1.

A spaghetti dinner, provided by the Arruda Charitable Trust, will be served in the evening at two separate sittings. The meal will consist of spaghetti, homemade sauce, Italian bread, salad, desert, beverage and is only $8 per person. To better serve you, while observing social distancing, a 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. time is available for your convenience. Reservations are required and shall be made by calling Muffett at (850) 501-2709 or Bob at (207) 647-5437 to schedule your preferred time.

This fundraiser will support the Center, which operates under a 501 C3, and the many activities it has provided the community, veterans and youth since it opened its doors in 2015.

Drive-by Pie Sale

NAPLES — To celebrate the start of spring, there will be a Drive-by Pie Sale on Saturday, March 27, at the Naples United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organizers hope to have all your favorite kinds including: blueberry, raspberry, pecan, custard, pumpkin, coconut cream, chocolate cream, lemon meringue and cheesecake.

The cost of the pies will be $15 with $3 being donated to the Community Resource Council food pantry. To order ahead, please call 693-6594 and leave a message.

The public is also invited the Virtual Sunday Church Service at 10 a.m. Please call Pastor Seth at 693-6594 and he will give you instructions for online or telephone access. Join us and Happy Easter!

Shared histories program

HIRAM — People and families are not static in where they live and work, and never were. Familiar names pop up everywhere — Ayer, Barker, Chadbourne, to name a few. Individuals move back and forth from town to town looking for a better situation, but we all share the fortunes — good and bad — that rivers and streams running through our borders present. People are surprised by what we had and have in common.

The second in the new series, “Shared Histories,” Hiram history shares with surrounding towns is scheduled for Thursday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Sally Williams, president of Hiram Historical Society, and Sandra Howe, president of Cornish Historical Society, will present the program via Zoom.

For a link to the program, e-mail gardenlit@gmail.com.

Organizers will send you an invitation to join Thursday’s program. For more information, call 207-615-4390.

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