April 27, 2023

Board sticks to ‘closed’ warrant

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

If you open it, they will come.

Bob McHatton remembers annual town meetings when the Town Hall was filled and debate pushed the ending to 10:30 p.m. Sometimes, a second night was needed to conclude business. In recent years, town meeting has lasted under an hour with most time being spent by the moderator reading warrant articles.

And, participation has continuously dwindled.

Why? McHatton believes using a “closed” warrant has thwarted discussion and ultimately public interest in being part of the process.

So, McHatton suggested Tuesday night to return to the town meeting’s roots and bring back the open format. Each year, the Select Board decides which format to follow.

An “open” warrant allows voters to increase or decrease the article’s appropriation number. A “closed” warrant allows voters to only decrease the figure or approve the recommended amount.

“The rate we’re going, if we continue to cap, we should change the format from Select Board to a Town Council and eliminate town meeting,” McHatton said. “If we want to continue having no one show up, cap it; if we want to get townspeople involved, open it.”

Select Board member Paul Tworog felt it is a “big leap in faith” believing capped articles has caused town meeting attendance to dwindle. Low turnout has been seen across Maine. Tworog noted that the reason towns use a closed warrant is to prevent small groups with special interests raising more funding than recommended by town officials.

One way to draw a bigger crowd, Board Chair Carmen Lone said, was to pull a page from the late SAD 61 Superintendent Jan ter Weele’s playbook.

“He proposed canceling football and everybody showed up.”

The Board rejected the motion for an open warrant, 3-2 (McHatton, Carrye

‘Action great way to celebrate Earth Day’

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

On Earth Day, two little girls picked up trash in the ditch along Willet Road while a protective father, wearing a blaze orange vest, stood at the road’s edge.

The blond-haired girls donned rubber boots and work gloves. The youngest wore a blue Disney princess dress for the occasion, and she didn’t bat an eyelash when it came to pulling dirt-covered debris from the ditch.

In fact, the sisters, 7-yearold Bridget and 4-year-old Bonnie, expressed a high level of enthusiasm each time they found a new piece of trash to add to their collection.

“I have a house on Willet Road. Every Earth Day, we clean up trash along this road,” the girls’ mother Ruth said.

“Then, we watch the Earth Day Disney special and have a snack, a reward,” the girls’ father Anthony continued.

“We have done this

Study: Fire station needed

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — A study of the current status and possible future of the Casco Fire Department was unveiled last week.

A brand new fire station was among the directions that were explored as part of the study. In fact, the buildnew scenario is what was recommended.

During the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting on April 18, copies of the 27-page fire department feasibility study were stacked on the table for the public to take.

The study is more than a year in the making.

In January 2022, voters at Special Town Meeting approved the cost of less than $35,000 for the study to be done. Port City Architecture, based in Portland, is the company that completed the report.

The document provided an explanation of what the study was trying to accomplish: “The purpose of the study is to analyze the current staffing and apparatus, analyze call volumes and call locations, examine the current facilities, assess the department’s current and future space needs required to provide safe and efficient modern firefighting and rescue services to the community and recommend the best and most cost-effective facility improvements.”

Fire Chief Brian Cole encouraged people to read the entire study as it is very thorough and jam-packed with information.

He addressed the recom-

mended course of action:

Building new on existing property and allowing public works to take over the old fire barn

“The cost of new construction is intimidating,” he began. “We would have to basically double the size of our station. That being said, this [the fire station] is a 50-year building.

Construction costs for a turnkey fire station, we are talking $8 to $10 million. That is a lot of money. I am nervous to have the number out there.”

The age of the fire barn coupled with the lack of space in the building, and the chaos and expense of remodeling the station — all are reasons Cole leaned toward the build new concept. Additionally, a budding public works department could use the existing fire station since it has the bays for plow trucks and other vehicles, he said.

“They went thoroughly over everything we need to change to bring it up to code,” he said. “We talked about remodeling. They [contractors] would have to take apart what is existing. To me, it doesn’t make sense for us to do that. Part of the goal was [to transition to] public works. It makes more sense to retro that to develop the public works department.”

The study stated that renovations were just as costly as building new.

“Due to the required code upgrades, the total project costs for an addition/renovation scenario would be close to, if not equal to, the same

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The future temporary town manager of Naples has been officially hired.

On Monday, the Naples Board of Selectmen hired William “Bill” Giroux to step in as interim town manager, effective at the end of the business day on May 12.

Giroux will also be the acting town treasurer and road commissioner — two roles of the town manager.

Previously, the board chose Giroux among retired town managers who, through the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), fill the gap while a town is trying to hire a

full-time town manager. Naples Town Manager John Hawley gave his 60-day notice in his letter of resignation which was dated March 10.

In another recent change of staff, the Administrative Assistant Paula Miller also resigned after accepting a job with the City of Portland. Her last day was this week.

In related business, the selectmen had a discussion about altering the town’s communication policy to not require minutes of meetings since 1.) That information is already recorded in the video of each meeting, and 2.) Staff is short-handed and

Fire truck availability low, Naples looks to strike

By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — There are only a couple completed firetrucks in the nation, and Naples would like to secure one of them.

In fact, as soon as annual town meeting is wrapped up later this week, Naples Fire Chief Justin Cox hopes to get the purchase agreement signed in order to reserve a much needed firetruck.

Chief Cox expressed to the Naples Board of Selectmen the sense of urgency in getting this rig

before another fire department buys it.

“Over the last few months, we’ve been discussing replacing Engine 4 and Engine 5. Since our last meeting here, we have been on the search for trucks.

We’ve looked at a bunch of different trucks,” Cox said

He has looked at the firetruck availability and delivery timeline with the companies such as Pierce Manufacturing, Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Rosenbauer, Seagrave Sales & Service, and HME Inc.

“Two trucks fit the bill for our needs. One truck went above and beyond for a lot cheaper,” Cox said

As a matter of fact, he was able to reduce the originally estimated price from $850,000 to $716,000, he said.

“My reason for being here tonight is: Two of these trucks are available, one in June, one at the end of July.

I am asking if we can have the ability to sign a sales agreement after town meeting if the money is approved so we can put a hold on the

truck,” he said.

When Chief Cox told the selectmen that he wanted the contract signed after town meeting, he literally meant that evening.

Selectman Colin Brackett sought clarification. Was the chief wanting this to happen after the vote on the warrant article?

“Friday morning or late Thursday night,” Cox said. “There are only two of them in the country or we are going to wait two more years.”

After some discussion,

the board voted to allow the town manager to sign the purchase agreement following town meeting.

Warrant Article 39 will ask residents to approve the use of existing funds

from Fire/Rescue Apparatus Reserve and also from the Undesignated Fund Balance to come up with a total sum to purchase the fire truck. This warrant will not

WHERE THE RUBBER boots meet the roadside — Bridget, 7, and her sister Bonnie, 4, show off the bags of garbage that the two sisters picked up along Willet Road, which is near their home. Meanwhile, their mom and dad, Ruth and Anthony, stand behind them during the Earth Day cleanup. (De Busk Photos)

HANDY GRABBERS — Parker Hendricks, 8, of Bridgton, demonstrates the grabber’s ability to pick up cigarette butts in the Depot Street parking lot during Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday.

Earth Day ’23

every year since Bridget was three,” Ruth said. “This morning, they said it was their favorite holiday. I think they are forgetting about Christmas.”

“Or Halloween,” Anthony added.

Suddenly, there was a shout of delight as Bonnie discovered a piece of black plastic that was half buried in the soil. The girls stood next to the tiny river of water running downhill, and they pulled, pulled, pulled until the plastic broke free.

All around the Lake Region, people like this family were making the commitment to clean up trash on Earth Day.

On Saturday morning, a steady stream of people showed up at the tables in front of the Bridgton Community Center, where both Loon Echo Land Trust (LELT) provided supplies for the annual cleanup. Also, the Bridgton Rotary Club had a table set up and about 10 members volunteered their time.

Throughout the morning, more than two-dozen people arrived at LELT’s table to grab garbage bags and other materials and get a map of where to go.

The folks who showed up fell into various categories. There were families with children who consider trash cleanup to be a fun activity. There were individuals, mostly women, who had moved to Bridgton recently. The women said they were looking for something to do and a way to feel involved in the community.

The owner of a Depot Street arrived with a friend and an already half-full bag of trash. Some people picked up supplies and drove back to their own neighborhood to do the cleanup.

“People really enjoyed doing something to give back to their community and celebrate Earth Day. A couple of people said they usually go out on their own, but wanted to join the broader community effort. A few folks were newer to town and appreciated the opportunity to meet new people, get to know the

town a bit better, and to give back,” according to LELT Development and Outreach Manager Maggie Lynn.

Becca Jewett and her husband Scott Hendricks brought son Parker and his cousin Oliver Blair. Both boys are 8 years old. She talked about the family’s approach to gathering garbage.

“We started at the easy spot under the spiral staircase. But, then we went up onto the bridge and kind of scouted out from there to get a great vantage point from the bridge,” Jewett said. “Because the water was so low, we were able to traverse upriver to the corner, where you can’t get to during any other times because there is so much Japanese Knotweed. We got a ton of trash — broken glass, a tire, tarp material, a tiki torch.”

“This Earth Day, we had a cousin sleepover so it offered us something really fun to do this morning, to get up and get out of the house. We try to come out here every Earth Day. We try to pick up the trash whenever we see it anyway. This is nice because there is a nice centralized, collection location.”

After eating a free breakfast supplied by the Bridgton Community Center, the family planned on

“We are going to walk through Pondicherry Park on the all access trail, which is so amazing. We are going up to LEA Science Center and do the obstacle course that is up there. That will be the rest of our day,” she said, adding, “We have some boys that have some energy.”

As the morning hours ticked away, the pile of trash bags grew larger.

One person offered to take away some of the bags because she was making the trip to the Bridgton Transfer Station.

One man, who was affiliated with the Bridgton Lions Club, apologized to Lynn that his trash bag was not very full. He had spent more than two hours picking up every cigarette butt that he could find around

80 BAGS OF TRASH COLLECTED — A work crew consisting of people from Main Eco Homes, the Town of Bridgton, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary, Loon Echo Land Trust, and Chalmer’s Insurance took part in a clean-up drive Friday in Bridgton. Pictured left to right are some of the crew: Tony Parent, Steve Whitney, Mike Ridlon, Rob Dumont, Camryn Carels, Justin McIver, Ed Wolfe, Heather Swain, Emma Adams, Ben Adams, Josh Carnello, Chris Colello, Mike Harmon, Geoff Eldridge, Lisa LaFlamme, Isaac Day and Phil Burgess. Pictured at right are MEH owner Justin McIver (left) along with Mike Harmon, Ed Akers and Geoff Eldridge.

Depot Street and the community park.

One woman quipped, “It’s a good thing Earth Day comes before the black flies start biting.”

In the end, the back of a pickup truck was filled with trash bags that were disposed of at the transfer site, according to Lynn

“Roadside cleanups are a great way to give back to your community, the planet, and meet some of your neighbors while you’re at it. Only through being connected and working together can we ensure that our earth and communities are healthy, resilient and beautiful now and for future generations.”

“It was wonderful to witness our community coming together to clean up the town. Local action is a great way to celebrate Earth Day,” Lynn said.

Patience with staff preached

transcribing meetings has become time consuming.

In the end, the board voted to do away with the minutes by adopting the modification to the town’s

communication policy. Part of the vote was to revisit the issue of producing minutes again in another six months.

Hawley said there are less than a dozen Freedom of Information Act requests each year. For now, those people can be directed to the date of a meeting and the corresponding video — if there are no minutes.

“The reason this whole conversation came up is because we are short staffed and trying to figure out the best use of staff,” Chairman Jim Grattelo said. “We have got a clerk who works 35 hours a week. It takes 6 to 8 hours to do the minutes. We tried an outside company to do it. There were so many mistakes. It was inaccurate.”

Martina Witts, who sits on the Naples Planning Board, expressed her displeasure with the minutes being discontinued.

“It makes it less transparent. We rely on written and verified information. . . . we have to go back and review two hours of video to find information,” Witts

said.

Five of the seven planning board members sent letters or emails stating that they were against the change to the communication policy, she said.

“It is not an efficient way to run town government,” Witts said.

Selectman Bill Adams reiterated that it took six to eight hours for staff to go through recordings of meeting and produce minutes.

Selectman Kevin Rogers found an advan -

tage to watching video of meetings, rather than researching it in written minutes.

“To me, I would rather fast-forward through a meeting to see how people are interacting. If you watch how people are interacting, you get more out of a situation than reading the minutes,” Rogers said.

Chairman Grattelo took the opportunity to point out the employee changes that are occurring at the

DROPPING OFF arm loads of trash are: Bridgton residents Scott Hendricks, his wife Becca Jewett, their son Parker Hendricks, 8, and Parker’s cousin Oliver Blair, also 8. (De Busk Photo)

BLAZE ORANGE keeps this family safe while they pick up trash off Depot Street. From left are: Peter Toohey, 7, Lily Toohey, 9, mom Jessie, and Ruth Toohey, 11, all of Denmark. (De Busk Photo)

(Continued from Page 1A)

STAFF, Page 3A

JOINING SUNSET LAKES REAL ESTATE, Juliann Laughlin (left) and Diane Monaco (right).

Monaco, Laughlin join real estate firm

SOUTH CASCO — Sunset Lakes Real Estate is proud to welcome Diane Monaco, associate broker with 18 years of real estate experience, and Juliann Laughlin, Diane’s assistant for the past 15 years.

Diane specializes in lakefront and lake connected property. She has a true understanding and knowledge of the needs and desires of today’s buyers and sellers. Diane has worked extensively around the 60 lakes in 20 towns of this region. Additionally, Diane has hosted two HGTV shows, 2009 House Hunters “Sebago Lake Region of Maine” and 2015 “Bargain Hunters” for lakefront in Maine’s Sebago Lake Region.

Juliann has been a licensed associate broker for 20 years working in the Lake Region.

“Once again, we welcome Diane and Juliann and look forward to them representing Sunset Lakes Real Estate.”

Sunset Lakes Real Estate is located at 53 South Casco Village Road, Casco, and can be reached at 207-655-2139, www.sunsetlakesofmaine.com

Naples staff

(Continued from Page 2A)

town office. He asked for the patience and understanding from the community members.

“For the public watching this on TV tonight, the Town of Naples is going to take several step backwards before going forward,” he began. “We are losing our town manager. In 4 days, we are losing our administrative assistant. The entire town clerk’s office is new. Judy [Whynot] is retired. We are in a very tough situations.”

“This town is going to struggle for several months before we get back on our feet,” he said. “Everyone has to be patient.”

Casco Fire Study

(Continued from Page 1A)

costs of a new station, but would not include the benefit of a 5,500-square foot public works building and would be less functional than a new facility on site,” the report said.

“Our recommendation is to pursue a new building scenario at the existing site and keep the Brown Avenue location as a seasonal call company facility,” the study said.

No Room For Growth

The current fire station in Casco does not provide room for growth, according to Chief Cole. In fact, the apparatus are parked two deep. Sometimes, the vehicle that is needed for a 9-1-1 call is the one in the back, he said. That situation cuts into response time.

“We have no more space in the fire station. There is nothing else we can do. We cannot add staffing, we cannot add equipment. There are a lot of things we are prohibited from doing because we are maxed out,” Cole said.

Additionally, the chief shares his office space with other staff.

Later during the discussion, an audience member asked about the current sleeping quarters. Another person asked what type of activities the station cannot do because of space restrictions.

“The sleeping quarters are a day room and a bunk room. Two people work each shift. Each of them will go into one of those rooms. There are No dedicated sleeping quarters. It doesn’t meet the standards of what we need to provide for sleeping quarters,” Cole said.

There is a program through Southern Maine Community College in which a fire department can provide college students with the ability to live and work at the fire station while attending college.

“It offsets their tuition. We get their employment while they are here. That bolsters our staffing,” he said.

While this program is something in which the department would like to participate, the “health and safety” of the current staff “is first and foremost,” Cole said.

The almost 50-year-old station offers no separation between the used fire-fighting gear and the rest of the building. The cancer-causing agents, or carcinogens, aren’t removed from the air that everyone breathes.

EARTH DAY — Two Naples selectmen (from left) Kevin Rogers and Colin Brackett joined resident Joanne Jordan in organizing an Earth Day cleanup on Saturday morning. Afterwards, the three drove around in trucks and picked up the trash bags left by participants. This last-minute effort was a response to learning that the Casco-Naples Earth Day Organization would not host a cleanup this year. About 20 people showed up and put a dent in the trash along roadways throughout town. “The cleanup was a success, and we hope to build on it,” Brackett said.

“There is no air quality control. You come back from a fire. All the gear is dirty. It is still off-gassing for days after a fire,” Cole said. “How can I now protect my guys from these carcinogens?”

The sketches of a proposed building “included a sauna in the shower area of the fire station. They just started releasing studies if you return from a fire, sitting in sauna releases those toxins from your body,” Cole said.

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward further explained why this is a necessity, rather than a want.

“Right now, if a fire fighter is diagnosed with cancer, it is assumed it happened on duty. So, it is a workers’ comp case. That is why you hear about the sauna,” he said.

After the presentation, Susan Witonis suggested that people take a tour of Windham’s new station off Route 202.

Then, she posed a question.

“How does this plan fit into the regionalization that is being talked about,” Witonis said.

Ward answered.

“Chief Cole has been a strong voice about regionalization. He said that feasibility study shows Plan A, but regionalization should be Plan A and this is Plan B,” Ward said.

Anyhow, the change will not occur overnight.

“It’s a 10-year plan. It is nothing that is going to

happen tomorrow,” he said.

“But, it is definitely a step in the right direction: where we are, where we are heading.”

Casco wins suit

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — Sometimes, people wish that they could control how free of clutter and garbage their neighbor’s yard is.

While abutters cannot do anything to make a neighbor’s property more aesthetic, ordinances do allow a municipality to curb the clutter in yards.

The state law does not allow Mainers to have more than two unregistered vehicles in the yard of a private landowner. Three unregistered vehicles mean the person is in violation of the junkyard ordinance.

Recently, the Superior Court ruled that one Casco resident will be required to cleanup the clutter by mid-summer.

Last week, Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward reported that the judge ruled in favor of the town in a junkyard violation, which occurred at 12 Harmony Road.

“The owner has until July 11 to cleanup that property,” Ward said.

If that cleanup does not happen by the deadline, the town may go onto the property to remove junk and unregistered vehicles, he said.

If the town ends up doing the cleanup and incurring a cost for that task, there is a way that the town can get reimbursed through a special tax process, he said.

“The town was awarded $49,000 as a civil penalty that must be paid by July 1,” Ward said.

The town manager provided the update on the lawsuit to the Casco Board of Selectmen during its meeting on April 18.

(Photo courtesy of Colin Brackett)

Bridgton Police Department

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

Monday, April 17

5:50 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Portland Road.

8:10 p.m. Officers attempted to locate a vehicle with a loud exhaust on Pond Road.

Tuesday, April 18

9:44 a.m. Report of a male trespassing and littering at a Sandy Creek Road property. Subject located and warned.

11:56 a.m. Verbal domestic dispute on Portland Road. Parties separated and warned for disorderly conduct.

2:23 p.m. Individual arrested on two active warrants, and transported to the Oxford County Jail.

3:23 p.m. Ongoing investigation into criminal

mischief and harassment allegedly caused by juveniles.

7:54 p.m. Police responded to a burglary on Wayside Avenue. “The suspect was known to the homeowner and later located by police,” BPD reported. The male suspect was charged with burglary/theft and possession of illegal drugs.

11:02 p.m. Police assisted United Ambulance personnel with a medical emergency on Middle Ridge Road.

Wednesday, April 19

8:05 a.m. Citizen assist on White Mountain Way.

9:34 a.m. Criminal trespass complaint on Main Street.

9:42 a.m. Mental health event on South High Street.

12:12 p.m. Citizen assist on Sandy Creek Road.

12:17 p.m. Motor vehi-

cle crash on Portland Road.

2:35 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Portland Road and Willis Park Road.

2:57 p.m. Citizen assist on Middle Ridge Road.

4:34 p.m. Theft from a business on Main Street; female issued a trespass notice and was charged with theft.

7:48 p.m. Citizen assist on Fosterville Road.

Thursday, April 20

6:10 p.m. Police escort to enable individual to gather her belongings at a Portland Road residence.

9:39 p.m. Disturbance at a Portland Road business; juvenile warned for disorderly conduct.

Friday, April 21

9:52 a.m. Sex offender registration.

9:56 a.m. Harassment/ disorderly conduct com -

Local warden honored

Game Warden Corporal Lucas Bellanceau, who is assigned the Fryeburg/ Hiram district, was presented with a 2022 Exemplary Service Award during the annual Maine Warden Service awards banquet held at the Winslow VFW last Friday. Corp. Bellanceau was recognized for his valiant efforts to try and save the life of a 9-year-old girl who became

trapped in a car after a large tree fell on the car during a severe storm in Standish along the shores of Sebago Lake.

Governor Janet Mills was the featured speaker at the annual awards ceremony, which also included remarks from Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso.

“It is an honor to recognize the outstanding work of those protecting Maine’s natural resources, and protecting those that enjoy them,” said Camuso. “The outstanding work of the men and women in the Maine Warden Service is well known not only in Maine, but beyond our borders as well.”

According to the Maine IFW website, Corp. Bellanceau has been a warden since 2012 and a K9 Handler since 2016. Corp. Bellanceau has been the K9 Corporal since 2019. As one of the oldest conservation related K9 units in the country, his vision is to continue the incredible work done

by the handlers and K9s by improving training methods and working closely with other agencies and K9 organizations. He is determined for the team to have the most capable and highly trained K9s as possible to best serve the public and natural resources of Maine.

K9 Breezy will do anything for a ball (or anything she can retrieve) and would run all day long if Lucas let her. K9 Breezy is certified in tracking, evidence, hasty air scent search, and human remains detection (land and water).

plaint investigated.

11:53 a.m. Welfare check on South High Street.

12:05 p.m. Report of two individuals allegedly removing tags and concealing items at a Main Street store. Police “intercepted” the individuals and gave them the “opportunity to pay for all of the items.” Both individuals were given trespass notices.

12:54 p.m. Police assisted a county deputy to locate a registered vehicle owner on Knights Hill Road.

1:39 p.m. Parking problem on Evergreen Road.

2:21 p.m. Criminal trespassing complaint on South High Street. Vehicle gone upon officer’s arrival.

2:28 p.m. Citizen assist at a Main Street store.

3:11 p.m. Citizen assist on Mt. Henry Road.

4:23 p.m. Illegal dumping complaint on Portland Road.

10:58 p.m. Report of vehicles “drag racing” on Kansas Road; police unable to locate vehicles.

Saturday, April 22

8:21 a.m. Chain saw found in the roadway at the intersection of Sandy Creek Road and South High Street.

1:53 p.m. Mental health event on South High Street.

10:27 p.m. A warrant was issued for a male involved in an aggravated assault.

11:58 p.m. Noise complaint on Main Street.

Sunday, April 23

12:04 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of South High Street and

Sandy Creek Road.

1:30 p.m. Agency assist on Kimball Road.

• During this reporting

period, BPD conducted 12 property checks and responded to four alarm calls.

Fryeburg Police

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

Monday, April 10

3:50 a.m. FPD assisted Fryeburg Rescue on Cobb Street.

3:54 a.m. Police responded to a domestic disturbance on Spring Street in Brownfield.

6:20 a.m. Radar detail at the intersection of Main Street and Swan Falls Road. Two stops were made, two warnings issued.

7:13 a.m. Radar detail on Bridgton Road (school zone); one vehicle stopped and the driver received a warning.

12:06 p.m. Welfare check on Haley Town Road.

Tuesday, April 11

10:30 a.m. Suspicious activity on Hemlock Bridge Road.

11:30 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Hattie Pike Road.

3:21 p.m. FPD assisted Fryeburg Rescue on Wiley Drive.

5:38 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

8:28 p.m. Motor vehicle crash (non-reportable) on

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Main Street.

8:52 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street, near the state Info Center.

9:46 p.m. Suspicious activity on Portland Street.

Wednesday, April 12

12:18 a.m. Alarm on Portland Street checked.

11:33 a.m. Theft complaint on Lyman Drive.

5:52 p.m. Peace officer detail on West Fryeburg Road.

8:59 p.m. Citizen assist on North Fryeburg Road.

9:15 p.m. Warrant served at a North Fryeburg Road location, arrest made.

Thursday, April 13

4:44 a.m. Suspicious activity on Cobb Street.

10:45 a.m. Police assisted the Fryeburg Fire Department on Pine Street.

11 a.m. Juvenile offense on Smith Street.

4:45 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on West Fryeburg Road investigated.

6:24 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Ice House Road.

Friday, April 14 3 p.m. Traffic complaint on Main Street.

3:50 p.m. Traffic com-

FRYEBURG, Page 6A

THE BRIDGTON NEWS

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Bridgton – Seventeen townhouse units coming this fall on Mountain Road. One minute to Pleasant Mountain!!! All will have 2-3 bedrooms, 2 & 1/2 baths, two-car garages, propane fireplaces and heating systems, rear deck, shingled roofing, LP Smart siding, 200-amp electrical service and all appliances included. More information will follow regarding reservations in May. $500,000

Poland – RARE LARGE ACREAGE on peaceful Upper Range Pond in protected cove. Rustic cottage and bunkhouse/ shed. This is the only property on dead end Otter Lane. Offering includes 1/2 acre island. Division potential with town approval OR renovate the cottage on the shore as a guest house and build your dream home for your own compound. Many possibilities for Life As It Should Be in this special tranquil spot. $738,500

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Bridgton – Private retail/ business condominium in great location on Main Street currently used as a physical therapy office, with lease in place. Half bath, heat and AC (heat pumps), reception area, handicap ramp, private rooms as well as open space. Small upstairs area for storage. No basement. Public water and sewer. $375,000

Home of the Western Maine Council REALTOR® of the year, Liz Marcella

1 YEAR $64.64 (incl. tax) in state $65 out of state CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED

DEADLINES

EDITORIAL CONTENT (Press Releases, Calendar, Events, Etc.): MONDAYS BY NOON

NICE CATCH — Charlee Burke, who is almost 2 years old, is pictured on her first fishing expedition with her dad, Harley. She is pictured with a brook trout, which she helped reel in at a local pond.

K9 Corporal Lucas Bellanceau and K9 Breezy

Regional Sports

H.S. scoreboard

BASEBALL

York 8, Raiders 4: In a road trip to York, Fryeburg Academy’s offense was held in check early by John Jacobson, who allowed just two hits over four innings of work.

Edgar Real had a pair of hits for the Raiders.

Raiders 8, Gray-NG 0: Ethan Lord was dominant on the hill, firing 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out eight as the Raiders notched their first win of the season with a shutout against the Patriots (0-3).

Alex Allain had three hits and scored three runs for FA while Edgar Real, Michael Malia (double) and Alexis Castillo added two hit apiece. Real and Malia each drove in two runs. The Raiders pounded out 13 hits to improve to 1-2.

Up next: Raiders host York on Friday at 4 p.m.

Lake Region (0-1) was rained out against Yarmouth, hosted Poland yesterday, and travels to Gray- NG on Friday, 4 p.m. Home games next week, Wednesday vs Sacopee Valley, 4 p.m. and Friday against Freeport, 4:30 p.m. SOFTBALL

Raiders 8, Greely 4

Raiders 11, Gray-NG 1

Up next: Fryeburg hosts York on Friday, then face a four-game road sequence against Yarmouth, Wells, Morse and York.

Lake Region had its opener against Yarmouth postponed due to rain. LR travels to Gray-NG Friday for a 4 p.m. game and then hosts Sacopee Valley on Wednesday, May 3 at 4 p.m. and Freeport next Friday, May 5 at 4:30 p.m. GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Freeport 14, Lakers 3: Ashley Pelletier netted a pair of goals for the Lakers (1-2).

Traip Academy 14, Raiders 1: Midfielder Phoebe Sartory tallied the lone FA goal.

“The team worked hard through preseason to prepare for their home opener. We had great leadership all over the field, but especially from our captains, Grace Porcaro, Gabby Jacobs and Ashe Rabideau,” first-year Coach Mackenzie Krol said. “Six players dressed for their first ever lacrosse game in addition to six freshmen who took to the field and played their hearts out.”

FA Assistant Coaches include Wendy Badger and Ardelle Buck.

Up next: The Raiders travel to Lake Region this Friday for a 4 p.m. game.

FA is at Mt. Blue on Saturday for a noon game.

LR hosts North Yarmouth Academy at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. BOYS’ LACROSSE

GNG/Poland 11, Lakers 2

Wells 13, Raiders 0. Patrick Harris recorded 11 saves for Fryeburg.

BOYS’ TENNIS

Lewiston 4, Lake Region 1

Individual results:

#1 singles Abe Richards (LR) def. Gavin Bavis (Lewiston) 6-2, 6-0.

#2 singles Ben Cloutier (Lewiston) def. Hunter Martin (LR) 6-3, 6-4.

#3 singles Everett Mailot (Lewiston) def. John Kimball (LR) 6-0, 6-0.

First doubles: Evan Greaton and Drew Angelies (Lewiston) def. Brady Emery and Ben Peterson (LR) 6-1, 6-0.

Second doubles: Caleb Harris and Austin Vincent (Lewiston) def. Shane Labrecque and Maxwell Shorty (LR) 6-0, 6-0.

TIGHTLY CONTESTED — In a game Friday that the largest lead was 2, the Raiders and Lakers battled for every inch of the field. Above, Laker Zach Vogel splits two FA defenders; below left, Owen Galligan fires a shot on goal defender by LR netminder Jacob Lemery; and bottom right, Raider sophomore Reid Irwin shoots and scores after coming up with a steal at the start of the final period. (Rivet Photos)

Raiders squeeze past LR, 9-8 LR Tennis preview

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG — On the lacrosse field, Owen Galligan is a sniper that a defense must always account for.

The lefty senior shooter scored four goals, including the eventual game winner with 2:56 left as Fryeburg Academy edged rival Lake Region 9-8 at home for the team’s first victory of the boys’ lacrosse season.

Two proved to be the biggest lead all day as the two teams responded to the other’s challenge, never allowing the other to pull away.

Kolbie Kaeser struck less than a minute later, as his two-hopper found the left corner of the FA net.

Raider junior Asher McKenney let fly a drive from 11 yards out that beat Laker netminder Jacob Lemery to the right at 5:20.

With 2:35 left in the half, Zach Vogel scored to bring the Lakers to within 4-3.

Lemery made three big stops on well-placed shots by Galligan (2) and sophomore Reid Irwin to keep it a one-goal game.

giving the Lakers a man up, Josiah England circled the net and scored, FA 6-5.

1:15, McKenney lets fly a low drive the beats Lemery to his left, FA 7-5.

:37, Laker junior Gabe Lunt dishes to Ray Tucker, whose shot skids off Raider goalie Patrick Harris’ pad and just rolls across the goal line, FA 7-6.

field, bolted around the LR net and then unloaded a low shot that found the back of the net with 2:56 left.

Lake Region, however, would keep the pressure on. With 45 seconds left, LR’s Kolbie Kaeser squeezed a shot past Harris from the side of the net to make it 9-8.

BOYS’ TENNIS

Head Coach: Joe Dorner, third year.

Key returning players: Captain John Kimball, #3 Singles (Jr.); Captain Abe Richards, #1 Singles (Jr.); Hunter Martin, #2 Singles (Jr.); Brady Emery, #3 Singles/ Doubles (Jr.); Maxwell Shorty, Doubles (Soph.).

Top Newcomers: Ben Peterson, Doubles (Fr.); Shane Labrecque, Doubles (So.); Dominic Falcon, Doubles (Jr.); Robert Cash, Doubles (Jr.).

Players to Watch: Coach Dorner — All new players because it will be interesting so see how quickly the new players can learn about the sport in order to complete and have fun. It will be worth watching how they deal with the level of competition and how they react to it. As for returning players, Abe Richards will be worth watching to see how he has matured as a player in order to compete with the top players from other schools. Hunter Martin to see if he has improved on his game in order to complete as well as Brady Emery who had spent time playing during our summer league and if he has made that step forward in competition.

Team Strengths: A new team approach of support and positivity where each person supports one another.

Weaknesses: Trying to get time to play each other, the weather, and get familiar with doubles partners working together.

TENNIS, Page 6A

The Lakers struggled to connect on its passing game over the first 12 minutes of play, but finally got on the scoreboard as Zach Vogel scored off a pass from a teammate circling behind the Raider net at 10:35 of the second period.

Galligan immediately responded with a nifty spin move away from a LR defender, and flicked a shot that found the right corner for a 3-1 FA advantage at 9:23.

It was back-and-forth in the third period: 7:48, FA’s McKenney cut right and bounced a drive into the left corner, FA 5-3.

6:10, LR’s Vogel dished to Aiden Bourgoin, who unloaded a shot into the left corner, FA 5-4.

4:49, As Owen Reinbach is hit and knocked off-balance by Laker defenders, he pulled the trigger and fired a shot into the right corner, FA 6-4.

3:34, After the Raiders were whistled for charging,

In the final period, Raider Reid Irwin’s pesky play paid off. With LR goalie Jacob Lemery looking to clear the zone, Irwin came up with a steal and scored at 10:26.

The defenses tightened.

The Lakers showed good field awareness and precise passing, completing five passes to set up Kolbie Kaeser for a goal with 4:25 left in the game.

Vogel made a bid to score the equalizer with 3:22 left, but FA netminder Patrick Harris turned aside the low drive. Following a Raider timeout, Galligan took the ball from deep inside Raider territory, put on the jets to avoid LR players near mid-

With the game on the line, FA senior Gabe McKenney outdueled Laker freshman Nico Russo on the face-off. But, Russo knocked a stick and freed the ball. Following a scrum, the Lakers were called for an offside.

Owen Galligan started the game making his presence felt by scoring the first two goals showing off his lacrosse talent.

He ended the game by using his brain. When play resumed and the ball in his possession, Galligan wisely raced to the far end of the Raider defensive end untouched as the final 7 seconds ticked off the clock, securing the Raiders’ first victory.

LAKER TENNIS CAPTAINS Abe Richard (left) and John Kimball. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Bridgton Select Board notes

(Continued from Page 1A)

Castleman-Ross voting yes).

Castleman-Ross supported McHatton’s suggestion, feeling it was an “opportunity to see if Bob is right” and noted, “we can always change it the next year.”

In other Select Board business:

BPD adds a mental health resource. Bridgton Police can now tap a person with expertise when responding to “mental health events.”

Police Chief Phil Jones said a “partnership” with Opportunity Alliance has resulted in Courtney Sanchez serving as the new mental health liaison.

Sanchez will assist police during a mental health crisis situation, assess the individual and determine the level of care that is needed, and help that person connect with available resources.

Chief Jones noted that repetitive mental health calls here lead him to seek out assistance.

“We’ve had a staggering number of (mental health) cases,” Chief Jones said. “We’ll be able to hand off these cases to her (Sanchez). The person doesn’t need police services, they need mental health services.”

Making a statement. Via Zoom during public participation, Racheal Sylvester, who is the Outreach Coordinator at the Bridgton Public Library, asked the Select Board that the town include an “diversity, equity

and inclusion” statement on its website.

“Diversity, Equity & Inc lusion (DEI) encompasses the symbiotic relationship, philosophy and culture of acknowledging, embracing, supporting, and accepting those of all racial, sexual, gender, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, among other differentiators.”

Board Chair Carmen Lone asked Sylvester to develop a more formal request by including proposed wording for the statement, which officials could consider at their next meeting. “Tonight, we’re not prepared to draft a statement or discuss it,” Lone said.

Sylvester also proposed that the town fly the DEI flag in June, which is Pride Month.

Town Manager Bob Peabody said the town has no formal existing policy regarding flags flown on poles at the municipal complex.

“In my eight years, we haven’t done that at the town office,” he said. Officials decided to discuss both requests at their May 12 meeting. They asked Sylvester to submit the inclusion statement by May 3. Fixing the damage.

When a town plow truck traveled too close to a soft shoulder on Holden Hills Road and tipped, damage caused to the roadway as the vehicle was pulled out has since “creeped” into Libby Graffam’s driveway.

Showing pictures of the driveway damage to the Select Board, Graffam requested that the town fix it.

While paving is slated for Holden Hills Road next summer, officials asked Public Services Director David Madsen to make the repairs this summer. The work will coincide with other paving being done in North Bridgton.

Discussion then broadened regarding plowing.

In February, Graffam heard a person yelling at the plow truck operator, “this has got to stop.” Graffam later spoke with the neighbor, who said the plow truck failed to clear the roadway close to her driveway.

When Graffam contacted the town on behalf of the neighbor and raised the question, she later noticed plowing had stopped near her home.

“It appeared we might have been plowing more road than we were supposed to,” Lone said.

At issue is part of Holden Hills Road is a private road — with maintenance and plowing the responsibility of property owners belonging to that Association.

However, in 1974 at the annual town meeting, voters agreed to maintain and plow 650-feet of Holden Hills Road from where it starts off Kimball Road. Madsen said the town truck will “plow straight in,” then “back to left left and pull straight out.” When large piles of snow

Fryeburg Police log

(Continued from Page 4A)

plaint on Lovell Road, unfounded.

Saturday, April 15 6:22 a.m. Radar detail on Main Street.

6:52 a.m. Suspicious activity between Stanley Hill Road and Walker’s Bridge.

6:57 a.m. Traffic complaint on Portland Street.

9:32 a.m. Radar detail on Bridgton Road.

11:21 a.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Bridgton Road.

12:29 p.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Oxen Pull Road.

12:56 p.m. Suspicious activity at a log lot on Bridgton Road.

1:19 p.m. Radar detail on Main Street.

Sunday, April 16

4:25 p.m. Police assisted a county deputy on Main Street in Lovell.

4:28 p.m. Police assisted the Fryeburg Fire Department on Belair Estates Road.

Monday, April 17 12:16 p.m. Civil matter at Bridgton Road business. 6:42 p.m. Domestic disturbance at the intersection of Main Street and Christopher Street investigated.

Tuesday, April 18 7:36 a.m. Radar detail on Main Street, near the

LR Tennis preview

accumulate, the town will remove them.

Sell or no sale? For now, two waterfront lots (Highland Lake) on Sleigh Bell Lane will remain property of the Town of Bridgton.

The Select Board rejected the idea of selling the tax-acquired 100-by-150 foot lots by a 3-2 margin (McHatton, Castleman-Ross supported the sale).

Select Board member

Paul Tworog felt there was “no pressing need” to sell the lots and felt it would be “prudent” to hold onto the land as the town works on its Comprehensive Plan update and Open Space policy.

McHatton disagreed, saying the properties would be difficult for the public to access (off a private road) and likely could be only used as a launch point for kayaks. Meanwhile, a sale could land the town a solid pay day, with that money used for other open space projects such as removal of the Bridgton Memorial School and create a park area for general public to use.

“That would be a far greater benefit than those two pieces of property,” McHatton said. “And, we’d put those properties back on tax rolls, and generate more money for the town.”

Town Manager Peabody said the lots were part of an approved subdivision. There was some question as to what could be built there — possibly two structures on each lot, a home and an accessory building. Officials will look to clarify what could be done based on Shoreland Zoning regulations.

(Continued from Page 5A)

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, what are you most encouraged by? Coach Dorner — Most encouraged by the level of play I have seen to date. The returning veterans appear to have taken steps forward to compete as well as the new players have quickly learned and played out their ladder match positions so far.

What will it take for the team to be successful this season? “Just to believe in their skill levels, trust the process of learning and continue learning about the sport, and finally just taking small pieces one step at a time,” Coach Dorner added.

Three keys to the season? Playing one point at a time, giving a full effort at all times in matches, and being positive supports for one another.

Three goals? Be respectful to everyone at all times, improve on skills, and to compete with other schools.

4-Square practice time Saturday at Town Hall

With the World Four Square Championships set to unfold in a few weeks at the Bridgton Town Hall, those planning on or thinking about competing can work on their games every Saturday at the Town Hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

“It’s a great way to learn the game and tune up,” said tourney coordinator Peter Lowell.

Since 2005, Bridgton has hosted the World Four Square Championships. This year, on May 13, you can join the roster and take a shot at the world championship title.

There will be advance registration for $10, or please e-mail Peter Lowell (lakesmoose@gmail.com) with an indication of where you are coming from and how many players and spectators you intend to bring.

nity. I don’t see it becoming a beach or boat launch.”

Peabody noted that the Legislature has a bill before them that if approved, the town would collect only money associated with cost of the sale, while the bulk of the money goes to the past owner — a reason the town might want to act swiftly.

Tworog said the bill has been tabled, at this time.

Castleman-Ross voted against selling the properties; McHatton and Ken Murphy voted to sell; the motion failed. The issue likely will return for consideration in June with a new Select Board year set to start.

fairgrounds. 11:49 a.m. Welfare check on Howe Street. 12:12 p.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Union Hill Road checked.

police arrested Isaac W. White, 30, of Fryeburg for failing to appear in court on a criminal summons. 10:49 p.m. 9-1-1 hangup call on Meredith Lane checked.

Saturday, April 22

8:57 a.m. Radar detail on Main Street.

1:37 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Fish Street.

3:55 p.m. Radar detail on Bridgton Road.

9:43 p.m. Police assisted Fryeburg Rescue at Pebble Circle.

10:05 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street, near Fryeburg Academy.

Sunday, April 23

5:37 p.m. Police assisted another agency on Bridgton Road.

Monday, April 24

5:06 a.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Main Street.

6:28 a.m. Radar detail on Main Street.

3:44 p.m. Disturbance on Portland Street.

4:35 p.m. Warrant served on Bridgton Road.

5:30 p.m. Responding to a complaint of unwanted subjects on Andrews Meadow Road, police charged Craig M. Leighton, 39, of Fryeburg with reckless conduct, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, and assault on an officer.

“I drove down and looked at the two pieces; definitely not appropriate be a public access,” Castleman-Ross said. Property owners there reached out to CastlemanRoss voicing concerns about additional traffic if the town was to use it as a public lake access point and road maintenance.

Lone agreed, “I don’t believe those properties are useful for public use, any shape or manner, due to private nature of the commu-

Castleman-Ross also raised whether there might be some legal issue regarding the town maintaining the road to access its properties?

Peabody pointed out that a court case found that town land on a private road doesn’t trigger the town being responsible for maintenance of that road.

Since the real estate market remains robust, Castleman-Ross felt “comfortable to table” action, at this time.

Lone, Tworog and

Quick takes: The town’s Lake Level policy was amended to push the water release date from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1 to accommodate the spawning time of salmon.

Wastewater system “lateral” road work commences Monday night, April 30 through Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work will result in one-lane traffic.

Sidewalk work continues on Elm Street and Highland Road.

Quote of the night, “When you lose, you call it a night,” — Bob McHatton, passing on mentioning any “Select Board concerns” after falling on the losing side of two earlier votes.

Naples looks to buy fire truck

(Continued from Page 1A)

impact the tax rate since the money has already been raised.

Selectman Ted Shane asked, “Can’t we add it [signing the sales agreement] to the motion at town meeting?”

Naples Town Manager John Hawley said that wasn’t necessary.

“If you approve the warrant article, the funding has been approved,” Hawley said.

Shane said the town cannot spent the money for the new fiscal year until July 1.

“We aren’t going to spend it until the truck is delivered. We just need permission to enter into the sales agreement to reserve the truck,” Hawley said.

Shane said he had no problem giving the town manger the go-ahead to sign the purchase agreement once the warrant is approved.

After the vote took place,

Chairman Jim Grattelo asked what the final price ended up being.

Chief Cox mentioned how he found exactly what the department wanted for about $134,000 less.

Someone in the audience said board members should have asked about the price first.

Chairman Grattelo laughed, saying, “We are buying the truck no matter what. The wheels are falling off the old one.”

Opinion & Comment

April 27, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Too much of a good thing

By Cynthia Hoeh Stancioff Guest Columnist

As the brief, dreary, gray winter days begin to lengthen and yield to spring’s brightening, we frost-weary Mainers rejoice at the first promises of warmth and sun. This change and the preceding darkness are part of the thrill of living in the north. We experience, and pride ourselves in surviving through, all the seasons. I actually enjoyed winter and skiing, but that’s a fast-fading memory now, easily pushed aside as daffodils unfold out of deep green foliage, lawns turn green overnight, and tiny leaves create a pastel haze on the reawakening trees. I start thinking about morel mushrooms, and whether I should once more make a concerted effort to find them here in Maine, or should I again do something even sillier like drive to Ohio (where they are far more numerous)?

But thinking of mushrooms gets me onto the worrisome subject of weather patterns that most people, most of the time, are blissfully receptive to: namely, sunny, warm, non-rainy stretches of any length — the

Earth Notes

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

longer the better. Well, I’m here to tell you we don’t all feel this way.

For the last four or five years, the wild mushroom hunting here in southern Franklin County has been consistently grim. It could easily be attributable to a lack of spring rains, as well as some of those years also being dry all summer. Granted, almost every year there has been a brief rainy spell at some point during the five-month mushroom season, followed by a flush of fungi, such that everyone is struck by the “unusual” plethora of mushrooms, and they’re left with the impression that it’s been a banner year. But if they’d been searching vainly since early summer for all the types of fungi that should have been there but weren’t, they would have a more appropriate

Letters

Time for the town to take over

To The Editor:

To the gotcha guy and any one else who wonders what’s going on but doesn’t bother to inform themselves:

There seems to be confusion and misinformation about what’s going on with the Town gardens. We were even caught up in some guy’s gotcha moment when he thought he had captured some horrible crime because each of us from Perennial Point of View (under contract yes, but paid by the hours we work) were working together in teams with two town guys, on the gardens. He made remarks and took pictures and said, “Peabody’s gonna love this.”

Me and my local small business — Perennial Point of View (PPV) — first began working in Bridgton’s downtown in 1987, just after the Revitalization project of that time, winning the contract to plant the peonies that had been designed into that plan. It was a steep learning curve as we put in some 800 peony roots that fall, following every detail of the specs in the plan, though there was nothing in there about how dogs would dig the roots up for that yummy bonemeal! Some of the “beds” were gravelly soil laid over where the former pavement had been left and had to be jack hammered before we could plant.

I learned quickly to always know what I’m digging in.

After the peonies, we went on to take care of the plantings that had been put in. At the time, Bridgton didn’t have any gardens or plantings, we didn’t even have a lawn mower, as the only grass was at cemeteries or ball fields and the mowing was hired out. Over the next 10 years, I redesigned and replanted just about every planting to work better for a small town with snow. New plantings were added and Bridgton became the garden town it is today; the gardens themselves blamed once by a planning person for being a ‘narcotic,’ blinding everyone to the huge and hard tasks at hand, like wastewater.

response — “Phew, finally — at least we had one month with a few good edibles.”

In my neighborhood, there have been almost no mushrooms on the forest floor in recent years — certainly last year there were fewer than I have ever seen in 35 years of hunting. The tree trunk species were fairly successful, but the ones that do not grow on wood were quite missing. The exception was a certain type that grows on lawns — which are usually watered.

As the earth has been warming, weather patterns have shifted in ways that are unpredictable and difficult to characterize, partly because there are new things happening that we don’t have enough experience with to understand, we don’t know what to focus on, and we need new vocabulary. It’s

Prince the War Dog of WWII

Howdy neighbor!

I went on to work on the Wastewater Committee for many years, learning how closely related gardens and public space and the environment are to how we manage our sewerage.

Now after all these years, and at my urging, the town is setting things up to take over the care of the gardens inhouse. I believe that this care by the Town’s Parks personnel can be more responsive and more efficient. Perennial Point of View will not be renewing a contract in July to do all this work. My lovely workers will no longer be out there on the street. This is a radical change for us! We know these gardens so well, it will be odd to drive through town and not be stopping to water or deadhead something or pick trash out of a garden. But our very small crew is looking forward to having more time to spend on our mostly residential properties, and working on growing and planting more native plants, our most favorite work.

We started last spring to train for a town garden worker to take over, but had revolving personnel throughout the spring and summer. We lost the chance to train the fall seasonal work with someone who would then take it on. These things happen. We are hopeful. We are training again now and will be right up to July. So, when you see PPV workers and town workers with their heads together in the garden, just know that all is well, all is as it should be, training and transitions are underway. We are exploring my continuing in a position as consultant/supervisor in the next year as the transition is made.

So, back to the gotcha guy — I’m sure he thought he was protecting the fiscal responsibility of the town, thinking that town employees were helping a contractor with work they were already being paid to do. But seriously, does he think town employees are roaming about, doing random things no one knows about? Seriously, how rude. Any way, it’s always about money, right? Well, since you brought it up, you should know that from the start and for 30-plus years, I have not invoiced a single hour of my own time on the town work.

And for the first two decades or so, I invoiced my workers to the town at a 40% discount off my retail rates. I’ve only ever charged delivery and han-

Today, I wanted to look back on a remarkable local veteran, that I feel most people don’t know about. In answer to the urgent needs of the Second World War, Bridgton sent hundreds of her fighting best abroad in the 1940s, many of whom served in the Pacific Theater. Oftentimes, these brave soldiers were injured, and some of them never came home again. But of all of those who went abroad from Bridgton to fight in the Pacific, island hopping their way from Pearl Harbor to Japan, only one of them had four legs. That’s right folks, it’s a dog story today; one about the best and bravest dog in all of Bridgton’s history, a Belgian Malinois named Prince, war dog in the United States Army and beloved pet of local nine-yearold Jimmy Evans.

From the Portland Press of April 20, 1943, comes the following; “Gives Dog to Army — Jimmy Evans of Bridgton, 9, does his war bit by donating his dog, Prince, for war training.

Jimmie Evans, 9, son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Evans cannot go to war, but he has sent his 2½-year-old black Belgian Shepherd dog, Prince. The dog went first to Newton, Mass., Dogs for Defense, Inc., and then was sent to Fort Royal, Va., for training in sentinel duty.”

What bravery, what patriotism on the part of young Jim Evans! Too young to serve as a soldier himself, to give up the dearest companion of his childhood, selflessly in the moment his nation called for aid! It sets an example hardly to be equaled

Unfortunately, I am not able to discover a photograph of Prince at this time, but my preliminary research indicates he should have a personnel file archived somewhere in the depths of the U.S. Military’s Records Office, detailing his

dling over cost for plant material. So, my company never really made any money off the town contract — it was my civic responsibility and a choice I was happy to make. I have been rewarded with years of pride and satisfaction. Our most common comment on the street over all these years has been, “great work you guys, the gardens in Bridgton always look so nice. Can you come to my house next?”

Thanks for listening, Lucia Terry Town Gardener Perennial Point of View Bridgton

Right to Read

To The Editor: On Monday, April 24, intellectual freedom advocates around the nation celebrated Right to Read Day to kick off National Library Week. As a librarian and a believer in the importance of free speech, I strongly believe that every person should have the right to read and access any book they choose, without any censorship or restriction.

It is deeply concerning to see that there are attempts to ban books in schools and libraries across the country. Banning books not only limits individuals’ access to information and knowledge but also undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society. The ability to freely read and access information is essential to the development of critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed decisions. We must ensure future generations have the oppor-

tunity to explore diverse perspectives and ideas.

While the Right to Read Day has passed for this year, you can celebrate anytime by checking out and reading a banned book, attending school and library board meetings to defend intellectual freedom, or writing a letter to your elected officials showing your support for the freedom to read.

I urge everyone to join this important movement and support the right to read. Together, we can protect this fundamental freedom, ensure that access to knowledge and information remains available to all and that the right to read remains a cornerstone of our democratic society.

Savannah Sessions Lovell Legislative Advocacy Chair, Maine Library Association Board Member, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

Let’s slow down AI

To The Editor: What is a Petaflop? This is a new term that was coined after the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Petaflop = a unit of computing speed equal to one quadrillion (1015) floating-point operations per second.

To help you understand that formula, Charles Payne, host of Making Money With Charles Payne on the Fox Business Network explained the meaning as follows: It would take one person making one calculation each second 31.7 million years to equal one Petaflop. Wow, that’s a lot of

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

training and service record. I hope one day to access this information, and rest assured I will share it with our readers when I do.

I did find that the National Records Office retains an index of all the WW2 War Dogs service numbers, in which I find “War Dog, Prince, Brand Number A630.” I do know that after his training in Virginia, Prince was stationed in California and soon shipped out for active duty in the Pacific, and also that little Jimmy Evans received periodic letters from the War Office updating him on his dog’s performance over the following year-and-a-half. Given the time period involved, by the time the first of the War Dog Platoons entered combat service over the summer of 1944, Prince was likely a member of those platoons attached to the Bougainville campaign, though there were other teams operating in New Guinea and the Philippines, as well.

Only the last of these letters home was ever made public, in a pair of articles from the Portland Evening Express of September 21 and The Bridgton News of Sept. 22, 1944; and sadly, it contained the very news every service member’s family fears most — “Bridgton War Dog Killed in Service.”

time and effort!

PRINCE, Page 3B

ChatGPT has been in the news lately and their program is taking the country by storm.

It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program that can write college term papers, and much more, almost instantly by using tremendous computer processing power along with AI.

In 2004, the most powerful Super Computer in the world had 20 Petaflops.

In January 2018, ChatGPT had 17,000 Petaflops.

In March of 2023, ChatGPT had 22 billion Petaflops.

AI is the 4th Industrial Revolution in the United States and it is gaining momentum at an unprecedented and frightening rate. The potential is amazing, but so is the Dark Side if it gets into the wrong hands. Experts agree that it will eliminate millions of jobs.

Did you see the recent 60 Minutes interview of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. It is titled “The Revolution.” It is highly recommended and can be seen on You Tube as follows: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=880TBXMuzmk

Elon Musk is an advocate for Open AI as opposed to Closed AI, which is owned by major corporations. He was interviewed by Tucker Carlson, which can be seen on Fox Nation.

After observing a person for only a few seconds, AI can now create a video with sound of anyone doing anything, without that person’s knowledge.

Our government is now discussing what to do about AI. Should the government issue a pause on its development?

Would China agree to a pause? This AI is so complex and far

reaching that our senators and congressmen probably could not understand it. How could they when the developers don’t fully understand how it works. I suggest that you get more familiar with AI because it is coming.

Bill Preis Bridgton

Crazy train?

To The Editor: A dangerous ideology has infiltrated our government. The transformation is so profound that my Democrat friends admit they no longer recognize their party. “They’ve gone crazy train, off the rails,” as one friend so aptly stated. I’ve heard it called ‘woke’ so let’s go with that. At every turn, this ‘wokeness’ seems hellbent on unraveling the fabric of society. It supports irrational policies, which serve to erase parental rights, violate medical freedoms, destroy the sanctity of life, denigrate school curriculums, and obstruct the right to work or get an education without an experimental jab.

The latest radicalism was revealed in Janet Mills’ announcement that Maine will extend abortion up until the moment of birth. I don’t have words to describe my visceral reaction upon hearing this news. I’ve yet to meet a person who supports aborting a baby at nine months. What kind of society condones this? And further, I’ve yet to meet a person who supports any of this ‘woke’ agenda, which includes sexually explicit material for elementary school

FRESHLY PICKED daffodils bring both color and a breath of spring to this window sill.

(Photo by Pam Ward)

Opinions

(Continued from Page 1B)

children, drag queen shows for first graders, removal of parental rights, violation of medical freedoms, men competing in women sports, and defunding the police. Have you met anyone who wants these things?

If ‘woke’ people are out there, they comprise a small fraction of society and as Americans we have a right to not be oppressed by this fringe minority. It is up to us to push back. “If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so.” Amen, Mr. Jefferson!

When a government enacts fraudulent, unconstitutional policies which can only prove deleterious to ourselves, our children and to the very fabric of society, it is time for Republicans, Democrats and Independents to join together, push back, and prevent the illintentioned ideology from further infecting our culture.

Donna Dodge Denmark

Children under fire

To The Editor: The number of children and teens killed by gunfire in the United States increased 50% between 2019 and 2021, according to a Pew Research

Center analysis of the latest annual mortality statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tennessee State House Representatives Justin Jones (D) and Justin Pearson (D), both black, representing primarily poor, mostly black gun-ravaged districts, were expelled for expressing solidarity with protesters in the House gallery, who were calling on the legislature to take action after a Nashville, Tenn. school shooting left six people, including three children, dead. There have been a couple more

Legals

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES

Public Hearing

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

• Liquor License renewal and Entertainment Permit applications for Rick’s Cafe, a property found on Tax Map U01, Lot 044 (852 Roosevelt Trail).

The meeting will take place at the Naples Town Office, 15 Village Green Lane on Monday, May 8, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. The public is welcome. 2T17

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Planning Board Meeting

The Naples Planning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The meeting will be in person at the Naples Town Hall Board Room located at 15 Village Green Lane starting at 6 p.m. On the Agenda:

1. New Business

A. An application to add a shed and improve existing drainage at Norway Savings Bank, 621 Roosevelt Trail (Tax Map U02, Lot 23)

Plans may be viewed online at www.townofnaples.org

The public is welcome to attend the meeting. Any questions or concerns please contact codeoffice@townofnaples.org 1T17

Too much of a good thing

(Continued from Page 1B)

been established that the northeast is warming faster than other parts of the country, and we are becoming more drought-prone than historically, more flash-flood-prone, more likely to experience weather bursts, and that we have less snow than we used to.

I can’t help but cringe when, in an early April warm spell that took us from 32 to 70 degrees within a few days, accompanied by cloudless skies, the most common observation I hear is “beautiful weather!” Two weeks later, one rainy day and one drizzly day, then back to “beautiful.” No need to close dirt roads in our town this year for the first time in memory. Have we lost the oft-scorned “mud season?” I tell you, it’s not actually good news.

mass shootings in the United States since this one which represented the 145th of 2023. They used a bullhorn to speak when their microphone was turned off by the House Speaker. Representative Gloria Johnson (D) had joined their protestations but retained her seat. She is white. This was simply a racist party line vote by the primarily older and white Republican “supermajority.” Pearson, Jones and Johnson were alleged to have broken decorum and procedural rules and in the well of the State House as the “Tennessee 3” passionately demanded

protections against the aforemention’s unwillingness to do anything about rampant child shootings in their respective districts. Both Pearson and Jones have been reinstated as of this printing…

“Racial and ethnic differences in gun deaths among kids are stark. In 2021, 46% of all gun deaths among children and teens involved Black victims, even though only 14% of the United States under18 population that year was Black. Much smaller shares of gun deaths among children and teens in 2021 involved

LETTERS, Page 3B

Public Notice

TOWN OF NAPLES Planning Board SITE WALK

The Naples Planning Board will conduct a site walk for an application for a proposed solar farm located at 245 River Road (Tax Map R11, Lot 75). The Board will meet at the access road located at 254 River Road on May 16 at 5 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend.

A Planning Board meeting regarding this matter will be held at 6 p.m. in the Naples Town Office following the site walk.

Public Notice

TOWN OF DENMARK

Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballots will be available on May 3, 2023, for the June 2, 2023, Municipal Election Voters may make a written request for the voter’s own ballot, or that of an immediate family member by mail, in person or via fax.

To request an absentee ballot, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 207-452-2163; Mail requests to: Town Clerk, ATTN: Absentee Ballot Request, 62 E. Main Street, Denmark, ME 04022 or fax to 207452-2333. Please include your name, telephone number, residence address, signature and the address that you wish the ballot to be sent to.

Absentee ballots may be turned in any time prior to the closing of the polls on Friday, June 2, 2023

Polls will be opened, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Municipal Building Community Room (Downstairs) on June 2, 2023, for people wishing to vote in person. 2T16

Hotter average and high temperatures no doubt lead to a greater need by plants for moisture from the soil. Who knows whether higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, leading to faster growth in plants, has reached the level of depleting the moisture content of the forest floor? There’s room for all sorts of paranoia here, when you are dealing with all the unknowns of fungi in general — surprisingly little is known about the ecology of wild mushrooms.

If you want something to study in college, and something to make discoveries in, the ecology of fungi is a real frontier. But you better hurry, we’re racing the clock, if recent trends in fungal fortune hold up!

So, next time there is an unusual stretch of warmth and sun such as the one we are having as I write in mid-April, go ahead and be happy. But also think about the big picture, and take a minute to write to your Members of Congress: Please remind them that climate change is a priority for you — and for all the other life forms depending on us.

Third Annual Shred-a-thon

Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m.-noon (Rain or Shine)

First Congregational Church, 33 S. High St., Bridgton Benefiting Five Local Libraries Bridgton, Casco, Denmark, Harrison, Sebago

•Drive through. No appointment necessary.

•Bag it or box it. No need to remove clips, file hangers.

•Shredding done on-site. Certificates of Destruction available.

•Donations benefit our community libraries.

• For more info visit www.bridgtonlibrary.org or call: 207-647-2472

CHAIRS NOW AT A STAND STILL as another ski season closes. Views looking down from a hike up Pleasant Mountain. (Photo by Pam Ward)

destructive, deadly riots in the summer of 2020.

The mayor-elect of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, said we can’t “demonize youth” because they are “starved of opportunities in their own communities.”

that businesses of all kinds can flourish, particularly minority-owned businesses, so that combined with schools that teach kids how to function in society, provide an alternative to joining a gang.

• Bring back workfare.

Prince the War Dog of WWII

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

Teen Mob Violence

To The Editor:

Hearing the apologists for the rioting teens in Chicago recently is reminiscent of the Seattle’s “Summer of Love” comment by Seattle’s mayor and “…mostly peaceful protests…” comments by media during and after the violent,

Mayor Johnson’s solution is to provide safe places for the youths to gather with adult supervision. An idea reminiscent of school safe zones.

The problem is without 24/7 supervised safe places, these children have to deal with their real world of their neighborhood.

If mayors truly want to make a safe place for children they have to:

• Re-establish the rule of law and the concepts of responsibility and accountability.

• Re-establish the criminal justice system — back the police and let them police; insist that AGs prosecute criminals regardless of Party; reinstitute cash bonds.

• Re-establish academic excellence instead of dividing children into oppressors and oppressed based solely on race.

• Protect private property so

Clifford P. Daigle

Cliff, 81, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2023.

Cliff was born in Howland, Maine, on January 26, 1942. He was the son of Ivan and Tina Audibert Daigle. He grew up in Lee, Maine, with his father, mother, and little sister Norma, often helping his father in the family logging business. He was a doting big brother to Norma and would laugh out loud as he retold stories of their youth.

Cliff received his Forestry degree from the University of New Brunswick. He then started his career at the Great Northern Paper Company, where he worked as a research technician for almost 30 years.

Cliff was a true outdoorsman and proud NRA member. He loved being in the woods and told many stories of his hunting and fishing adventures.

Upon his retirement from “The Northern,” he planned to move south to Florida. However, fate was to intervene when he met his fiancée, Carmen Horton.

He did move south but only as far as Bridgton where he stepped into his role as a farmer with great excitement. Mowing and baling hay were among his favorite activities, but he often spoke fondly of just being “on the farm.”

Faith was very important to Cliff, and he was active in the Knights of Columbus in Lincoln and surrounding towns.

Cliff loved family, making his own when he adopted his son Jeffrey from an orphanage in Colombia. He was also the BEST father figure to Cass, Brogan, Cameron and Liam. He was a loveable Grampy to Amelia, Oliver, Rowen and Lee and a loving Pepe to Jackson, Leah, Aubrii and Freddie. He was also a beloved great uncle to Tyrone, Megyn, Ivan and Falyn

Cliff was predeceased by his brother-in-law Roy Voisine Sr., and by his nephew Roy “Joey” Voisine Jr. The three men truly enjoyed each other’s company, and shared many years of camping, hunting, and fishing together.

Cliff is survived by his “ sweetie” of 18 years Carmen Horton of Bridgton, his sister Norma of Chester, and his son Jeffrey of Chattanooga.

A celebration of his life well lived will be held May 27 at 1 p.m., Homeland Cemetery, 73 Middle Ridge Rd., Bridgton. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 8 Elm St Bridgton. To make an online condolence please visit www.chandlerfunerals.com

Edward Ryan

There will be a memorial service for Edward Ryan of Lovell, who died in December 2022, at the United Church of Christ on Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances from his half-century connection with Lovell are invited to share stories and enjoy some pie in his memory.

Lizabeth A. Kyllonen

Graveside services for Lizabeth A. Kyllonen will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Harrison Lutheran Cemetery, 558 Norway Road in Harrison. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris.

• Keep government programs that give those in need a hand up. Get rid of programs that make otherwise able people dependent on taxpayer handouts.

paper dated March 2017, states that “the predominance of human biological research confirms that human life begins at conception — fertilization. At fertilization, the human being emerges as a whole, genetically distinct, individuated zygotic living human organism…The difference between the individual in its adult stage and in its zygotic stage is one of form, not nature.”

(Continued from Page 1B) White (32%), Hispanic (17%) and Asian (1%) victims.” — https://www.pewresearch.org/ fact-tank/2023/04/06/gundeaths-among-us-kids-rose50-percent-in-two-years/ The Republican supermajority offered “thoughts and prayers” and gun violence proliferation and atrocities against Tennessean children merrily continues.

It is not rocket science. Children need to be allowed to grow, discover right from wrong, learn academic studies, and learn how to play games and sports. Children do not need to be weighed down by adult insecurities and fantasies

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Life or Death voting

To The Editor: The American College of Pediatricians, in a position

Total firearm deaths in 2022 were 40,358.

Total abortion deaths in 2022 were 620,327.

(Even if you’re pro-choice you should be stunned by that number.)

Peter Bollen in his April 20 letter states, “voting Democrat is a vote for life.” Not being one to argue in disagreement with the American College of Pediatricians, and considering the Democratic Party’s overwhelming support of abortion, and the statistics quoted above, I believe a more correct statement would be “voting Democrat is a vote for death.”

Victor Detmer Harrison

Douglas M. Bosworth

CUMBERLAND — Douglas Marshall Bosworth, 86, of Cape Elizabeth, formerly of Naples, died Thursday evening, Apr. 20, 2023, at the Heron House in Cumberland.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1936, in Naples, a son of Roland and Phyllis (Marshall) Bosworth. He attended local schools, graduating from Bridgton Academy and went on to the University of Maine at Orono.

Doug served in the Army and was stationed in Texas and later in Gloucester, Mass., where he met and later married Patricia Ann Hopkins in 1961.

They soon moved back to his hometown of Naples, and alongside his father, developed a piece of land on Trickey Pond into Bosworth’s Family Circle Campground (now known as Loon’s Haven Family Campground). It was a labor of love until the early 1980s when they decided to sell.

Doug later worked for Lake Region Lumber and then moved on as a veneer log buyer for Commonwealth Lumber, retiring in the early 1990s.

Doug and Pat moved to Cape Elizabeth in 2022 living at The Landing.

Doug was very involved in the United Methodist Church of Good Fellowship in Naples over the years. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying all of what the Lake Region had to offer. Doug enjoyed being on the lake boating, swimming and water skiing. His other favorite pastimes included gardening, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and ice fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and building furniture, pastimes which he taught his kids and grandkids the love for as well.

Doug was never a man that wanted for anything but he gave a lot and was an inspiration on how to live life. He was happiest going for a cup of coffee with friends, watering his garden, stacking wood, walking to a neighbor’s house for a quick hello or to lend a hand. Happiness for Doug came in the form of family, faith, friends and just being.

He is loved by his wife, Pat of Cape Elizabeth; children, Sandra Bosworth Gallagher of Fort Lauderdale, Kevin Bosworth and his wife, Anne of Cape Elizabeth, and Kristin Foster and her husband, Jason of Gorham; eight grandchildren, Jeremiah, Mehgan, Brianna, Sarah, Kate, Hannah, Hadley, and Braden; one great-granddaughter, Sophia; two brothers, Charles Bosworth and his wife, Charlotte of Auburn, and John Bosworth and his wife, Joan of Bridgton; a sister, Dail Allen of Norway; sister-in-law, Eleanor Jean Bosworth of Naples. He was predeceased by a brother, Theodore Bosworth.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023, at the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. A memorial service will be held the next day on Thursday, April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Naples United Methodist Church of Good Fellowship, 1000 Roosevelt Trail in Naples. Condolences and tributes may be shared with Doug’s family at www.hallfuneralhome.net.

Warren’s Florist

Always Improving

“Prince, the three and a half year old Belgian Shepherd dog [which] nine-year-old Jimmy Evans of this town sent to Dogs for Defense, Inc., as part of his war contribution, has been killed on active duty.

Jimmy received notification from the Dog Training Center in California, and the dog is believed to have been killed somewhere in the Pacific area.

As he could not go to war himself, the boy, owner of Prince, loaned the dog to the war service a year ago last April and he has received word from time to time of the animal’s progress in training. This training was first received after the dog was sent to Newton, Mass., and training in sentinel duty followed at Fort Royal, Va.”

When The Bridgton News broke the sad story the following day, Prince’s obituary ran on the front page.

“Prince, Only Local War Dog, Dies in Action

Jimmy Evans, who about a year and a half ago donated his beloved dog, Prince, to the government, for service in the Army, has just been notified that he has died in the line of duty. Jimmy has received the following Certificate from the War Dog reception and Training Center in San Carlos, California.

War Dog Certificate of Death, September 8, 1944

This is to certify that War Dog, Prince, Brand Number A630, donated by J.M. Evans, 116 Main St., Bridgton, Maine died this date in line of duty.

[Signed] George A. Williams, Captain V.C.”

In all, over 20,000 dogs were employed by the U.S. Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps during the Second World War. Employed as sentries, messengers, bomb sniffers, and rescuers, some of these dogs earned Stars for Valor, and the most famous one, Chips, became the only non-human recipient of the Purple Heart in American history. Many of them returned home alive, and for the fallen I am told there is a U.S. War Dog cemetery in Guam, though I don’t know if Prince is interred there.

I am told he was memorialized here at home, for there was once a small plaque set in the ground beside our Soldiers Monument commemorating him. The Bridgton News of April 20, 1945, mentions, as part of an article on the installation of the old Honor Roll, which formerly stood beside the Magic Lantern theater on Main Street, how “a plaque will also be attached to the Roll, or placed on the plot, for Prince, the German Shepherd donated by Jimmy Evans, who died in the line of duty while attached to ‘Dogs for Defense.’” A neighbor once told me that they remembered this plaque, but sadly it is not there today and no one I have talked to, including descendants of the Evans family, can tell me what it looked like or when it disappeared. If any reader remembers this plaque, please write in to The News and share what you can. I think it would be a fine thing to restore one day, perhaps with the aid of the local American Legion chapter. But this time around, given the little marker didn’t hold up to the passage of time, I’m picturing something a bit bigger; what do you think of a bronze statue, true to life of a German Shepherd sitting steadfast at its watch, looking up at the monument in Post Office Square? Faithful to duty, to the last.

Till next time!

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

Cruise for veterans, active duty members

NAPLES — Don’t miss the boat this Memorial Day!

The 7th Annual Memorial Day Free Cruise for veterans and active duty military on the Songo River Queen II takes place on Monday, May 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine.

The Naples Lions Club invites you and your family for a Memorial Day cruise on the Songo River Queen II to honor and pay tribute for your time served in the United States military. Veterans or active duty service men or women and their immediate family board for free. Please inquire, in advance, if additional guests are desired.

Please bring an ID or documentation to show active or prior military involvement. Boarding begins one hour before departure. Complimentary snacks will be served. A snack bar and cash cocktail bar are also available on board.

Advance reservations are highly recommended. Secure your seat(s) as follows:

• Search on the web for “Naples Maine Lions Club” and click on Vet Cruise tab.

• In person or call the Naples Public Library (207-6936841)

• In person or call the Naples American Legion Post #155 (207-693-6285)

• For more information or to make a reservation call: Rolanda Leary at 207-627-7117 or Dave Gerrish, event coordinator, at 207-693-6854 or e-mail: atozdave@yahoo. com.

Bridgton News P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 tel. 207-647-2851 | fax 207-647-5001

Country Living

BCB rehearsal begins for ‘23

The Bridgton Community Band (BCB) begins rehearsals for their 2023 summer season on Monday, May 1, at 7 p.m. in the band room of the Stevens Brook School in Bridgton. Rehearsals are held every

Monday except Memorial Day. All instrument players are welcome to participate, regardless of age or ability.

The Bridgton Community Band, celebrating its 85th season, will present a lively concert of new music each

week, under the direction of returning conductor, Steven Sweetsir. BCB does a variety of music from more serious concert works, Broadway selections, lighter selections, movie music, marches and more. The band tries

Henry’s Concrete Construction

to introduce a lot of new music every year and bring back the best of previous programs.

The first concert will be on July 3, celebrating Bridgton’s July 4th festivi-

, Page 5B

Classified Advertising

BN 17 ATTENTION

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

HELP WANTED

MSAD72 SCHOOL DISTRICT (EOE) in Fryeburg, Maine has immediate openings: mechanic/ groundskeeper, school secretaries, van drivers, and bus drivers. Visit www.msad72.org, call 207-9352600 or pick up an application today at Door #10, 25 Molly Ockett Drive, Fryeburg, ME tf14

SEASONAL HELP WANTED at Wyonegonic Camps in Denmark: Full and part-time kitchen positions including meal cook, assistant/prep cook and general kitchen assistants; part-time housekeeping; part-time grounds maintenance/driver; part-time office administrative support. Position start dates available May 29 to June 19 and ending August 19 to 31. Online preliminary application available at Wyonegonic.com; compensation commensurate with experience. Call 207-452-2051 to arrange a local interview. 9t9x

LOOKING FOR — a mature Jack of all trades/Handyman to work maintenance this summer at Camp Waziyatah in Waterford. Pay is $14-17 per hour depending on experience. To apply call Gary at 540-494-4110. 4t15x

BRIDGTON Grounds maintenance and housekeeping positions. April to October. Please call 6719059. 6t14x

FUTURE LEADERS WANTED

— Q-Team Tree Service in Naples. Visit Q-Team.com/benefits for info. tf51

WORK WANTED

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

LAWN MOWING SEASON — is here. If you would like your lawn mowed please call Mark at 5954296. Bridgton area. 4t15x FOR SALE

CUSTOM MADE — Board and batten doors. Multiple styles and designs. Indoor, outdoor, stained or clear finish, closets, room dividers, etc. 207-595-4606, call or text. 12t10x

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

DRIED FIREWOOD — Dried twelve months. Selling seasoned hardwood year-round. One cord $350, cut, split, delivered. Call 207-595-5029; 207-583-4113. maineseasonedfirewood.com 52t31x

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

DENMARK HOUSE PAINTING

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

LAKE REGION Transportation Service. From shopping trips, pick-up and delivery to personal errands, airport, and special requests. Call or text your request to 207-2910193. 12t16x

DK PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

— Property watch/caretaking. Mowing, trimming, tree/brush removal. Debris removal, spring/fall clean-ups. Driveway repair, gravel, stone loam, mulch and rototilling. Dan Knapp 207-713-0779 Bridgton. 21t15x

FOR SALE

BROKEN GUITAR? — Call Alex! 603-327-8159. EdneyGuitars.com, EdneyGuitars@gmail. com 12t12x

IF YOU NEED ANYTHING hauled off, my trailer is 7x18. Call Chuck’s Maintenance 743-9889. 12t12x

WANTED

RETIRED PROFESSOR —

is looking to hire for a few positions: concrete laborer, concrete floor finisher, and Class B boom truck operator. Please DO NOT respond if you: are unable to set your alarm, text out sick once a week, have to find a ride to work, or think checking social media every five minutes is part of your daily tasks. DO REPLY if you are a dependable hard worker that doesn’t whine, is able to be part of a team that provides quality work, you don’t mind working 50+ hours a week earning great pay, staying fit and getting a great tan and have a never give up attitude. Please call or text 207-557-2801 TF43rCD

LOOKING FOR AN ACCOMPANIST!

At the Casco Village Church UCC, we are looking for an Accompanist! We have both a grand piano and a Protégé Organ by Allen. Organ not required. We are a very music-oriented church and have a wonderful choir with a few good singers right now with the hope that our choir will continue. So it is a great possibility, if you are so inclined, that this may turn into a position of Director/Accompanist. Services are live and live-streamed, and we are rehearsing on Sundays at 9 a.m. for our Worship Service which is at 10 a.m. At some time in the future, Choir Rehearsals may resume on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Accompanist for Sunday Service & Choir $150

If you are interested in the position or have any questions about it, please contact either Pastor Joyce Long or Office Manager Storm Field, at Casco Village Church PO Box 367, Casco ME 04015 627-4282 OR by e-mail, CVCUCC@gmail.com

Summer Help Wanted

Camp Tapawingo in Sweden is hiring full-time and part-time workers! Flexible schedule can accommodate school work days. 20-40 hours per week. Compensation commensurate with experience. E-mail meg@camptapawingo.com or call 207-647-3351.

Early May - Mid June Outdoor Clean Up Housekeeping

Early June - Late August

Laundry Housekeeping Cook 6T17CD

Seasonal Help Wanted TOWN OF DENMARK Transfer Station Attendant

The Town of Denmark is seeking applicants for a Seasonal Transfer Station Attendant to work from mid-May to mid-September, 32-36 hours a week.

The desired applicant must be able to assist citizens to dispose of materials in the appropriate areas, ability to operate equipment safely and skillfully. Be able to detect need for mechanical servicing of equipment, be able to carry out oral instructions and work independently. A complete job description is posted on the Town of Denmark website.

We are seeking a person who has a strong work ethic, and is a team player.

This position reports to the Public Works Director.

The Transfer Station is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Starting pay based on qualifications.

To apply: application may be picked up at the Town Office during business hours, or you may e-mail the Town Manager to request an application – townmanager@denmarkmaine.org. Review of applications is expected to begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

Help Wanted TOWN OF DENMARK

Public Works – Equipment Operator

The Town of Denmark is taking applications to fill an opening in the Public Works Department as an Equipment Operator/Laborer. This position will have a start date of July 3, 2023. Duties include operating trucks and sanders, heavy equipment to perform such duties as snow removal and road maintenance. Other duties include seasonal repair and maintenance of municipal properties, mowing of cemeteries, spring and fall cleanup of roads, winterizing of trucks, general maintenance of Public Work’s vehicles/equipment and municipal buildings. A full job description is posted on the Town’s website or you can request one by e-mailing the Town Manager.

The ideal applicant shall have: the ability to deal courteously with the public and to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public, have knowledge of traffic laws, obtain knowledge of the geography of the Town, willing to work nights and weekends during winter season.

An applicant applying for this position should be able to continuously maintain a Class B driver’s license and pass random drug testing. This position reports directly to the Public Works Director.

This is a full-time, non-union, 40-hour per week position, Monday – Thursday. Benefits include health insurance, vacation time, sick time and holiday pay. The Town of Denmark offers competitive pay rate; this is an hourly rate of pay which will be based on experience and knowledge.

To apply: Application may be picked up at the Town Office during business hours, or you may e-mail the Town Manager to request an application – townmanager@denmarkmaine.org. Review of applications is expected to begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

The Town of Denmark is an Equal Opportunity Employer 3T17CD

Help Wanted

TOWN OF DENMARK

Public Works Director

The Town of Denmark is taking applications to fill an opening for Public Works Director. This position will have a start date of July 3, 2023, with a training period of two months with the current director. This is a supervisory position. Duties include supervising all Public Works and Transfer Station employees. Supervise all Public Works activities including highway and road maintenance, construction, snow removal, building and equipment maintenance and Transfer Station. Supervise, plan, calculate cost of short- and long-term department programs and construction projects. Perform administrative duties, including maintaining employee records, work schedules, submitting weekly payroll. Administer on job training, and compliance with DOT. A full job description is posted on the Town’s website or you can request one by e-mailing the Town Manager.

The ideal applicant shall have: the ability to deal courteously with the public. Have extensive knowledge in construction methods, materials and equipment. Have a working knowledge of municipal finance, administration and budgeting. Have the ability to organize, direct and coordinate activities of the department and to establish effective working relationships employees and public. Have knowledge of traffic laws, obtain knowledge of the geography of the Town, willing to work night and weekends during winter season.

An applicant applying for this position should be able to continuously maintain a Class B driver’s license and pass random drug testing. This position reports directly to the Town Manager.

This is a 40-hour full-time, non-union, “on-call” position. The Public Works Department work week is Monday – Thursday. Benefits include health insurance, vacation time, sick time and holiday pay. The Town of Denmark offers competitive pay rate; this is salary position, pay will be based on experience and knowledge.

To apply: application may be picked up at the Town Office during business hours, or you may e-mail the Town Manager to request an application –townmanager@denmarkmaine.org. Review of applications is expected to begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

The Town of Denmark is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Local Happenings

Blood Drive

A blood drive will be held this Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 857 Main Street, Fryeburg.

To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Resilient Harrison Maine

Resilient Harrison Maine is the new name of the (former) Harrison Maine Climate Action Group.

The goal is to help individuals, businesses and town officials affordably increase resilience in the face of climate disruption.

Meeting dates are now the first and third Thursdays at 7 p.m. Currently, RHM is holding hybrid meetings (in person and by Zoom). The next meetings are May 4 and 18. New members are welcome!

E-mail ResilientHarrisonMaine@gmail.com or find RHM on Facebook at “Resilient Harrison Maine.”

Lake Region Community Chorus

After a hiatus of three years, the Lake Region Community Chorus is very pleased to be having two concerts: Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. at the Twitchell Chapel at the Bridgton Academy, 11 Academy Lane, North Bridgton.

Members from many Lake Region area towns have been busy rehearsing since January. Come hear the music! Donations accepted.

Library hosts children’s author

SEBAGO — Spaulding Memorial Library recently hosted award-winning author and illustrator Kevin Hawkes. All the students at Sebago Elementary School came over to the library and spent part of their morning learning about how a book is created.

Mr. Hawkes showed older students original manuscripts, sketches and paintings, and then the books that they became. He described the process, using original material to show them each of the steps. With all of the classes, he drew sketches on an easel, illustrating things such as how some lines help depict motion, how parts of the face cause shadows, how eyebrows can show emotion, and how babies’ faces differ from adults.

He had the students noting similarities in the parts of feet and hands that leave a print and how the addition of just one element can change a drawing into a

story. From learning about how a love of art can lead to a career and how good observation is important to all drawing was woven throughout his stories and

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe

Baked Lemon Pudding

By Nancy Tripp

Bridgton Farmers’ Market

It’s vacation week for the Bridgton Farmers’ Market as we make the transition from our winter market to moving outdoors for our summer location on Depot Street behind Renys on Saturday, May 6.

We are all super excited for our summer season as the grass greens up, seeds are sprouting and days are growing longer. We have new vendors and new programs coming up that we will tell you about next week, but until then I am going to see what my pantry and refrigerator have in them. It’s a great week to use all the fresh produce (lots of fresh salads here) and maybe explore the pantry staples for something yummy to bake.

I have made this simple and delicious dessert a few times. Even when my egg whites did not stiffen up enough, I folded them into the bowl and while the recipe did not come out as light as it could have been it was still wonderfully delicious.

Baked Lemon Pudding

adapted by David Tanis, NY Times

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

3 large eggs, yolks and whites separated

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 large lemons, grated and juiced (about 2 tablespoons zest and 6 tablespoons juice)

1 cup whole milk

Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Softly whipped cream, for serving

Preparation

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and set a rack in the middle of the oven.

Place butter in a medium mixing bowl. Gradually, add sugar as you mash the mixture with a wooden spoon until it looks like damp sand.

Mix egg yolks into sugar mixture, then beat in the flour. Add lemon zest and juice, then whisk in the milk. In a separate clean large bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold whites by hand gently into batter. Pour mixture into a 5-cup ceramic or glass baking dish (or Pyrex pie plate). Bake in the middle of the oven for about 40 minutes, or until the mixture is just set and top is golden brown. (Alternatively, bake in individual ramekins or custard cups for about 20 minutes.)

Serve warm, dusted with confectioners’ sugar, with softly whipped cream alongside.

The Bridgton Farmers’ Market Moves outdoors Saturday, May 6. Find us on The Green behind Renys on Depot Street.

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

The Market is now offering a Community Tent to local organizations. Contact BFM at the e-mail listed above for more information on how to reserve a date.

If you bring your dog, please maintain a short leash and control over your animal. Thank you!

BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

BCB rehearsals

(Continued from Page 4B)

ties, and then continue on Wednesday evenings, July 12 to Aug. 16 at the bandstand behind Walgreens. All concerts are free.

If you play, or have played an instrument, please consider joining the band and

maybe bring a friend. BCB welcomes players of every level and invites everyone to join for one week or more or the entire season if your schedule allows. Help Bridgton Community Band to have a great group this summer! For further information, please contact Dick Albert, band president, at dickalbert43@gmail.com

drawings. Mr. Hawkes read from Chicken Cheeks , drawing laughs from everyone. Wicked Big Toddlah is a favorite, too, having fun with Maine humor, and is one that he wrote and illustrated. SES art teacher

Brenda McGuinness has most of his sketches and will have them on display in her classroom and to use in future lessons. SPICE (Sebago Partners in Community Education) co-sponsored the visit with the library.

LR ’73 Reunion

Looking for 1973 Lake Region High School classmates interested in attending 50th class reunion being planned for Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.

Please contact Marilyn Beyea Thompson at 207-9395495 or e-mail her at jtmrthompson@roadrunner.com so the committee can get in touch with you about the plans of the reunion. We would love to have you attend!

Events and meetings scheduled at the Bridgton Community Center:

Thursday, April 27

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Bits and Pieces, free 1:45 to 6:45 p.m., Gaming Group 3:30 to 5 p.m., Opportunity Alliance, gathering

to 8 p.m., Lake Region Rep. Coalition

Friday, April 28

Saturday, April 29 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Birthday party

Sunday, April 30

1 to 3 p.m., Girl Scouts, Great Room

5 to 8:30 p.m., The Band

Monday, May 1 6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

10 to 11 a.m., Chair Yoga

1 to 3 p.m., Home School program, free

1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Cribbage, free

Tuesday, May 2

6 to 8 a.m., Dan Fitness

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Chickadee Quilters

12:30 to 4 p.m., Bridge, $3

Wednesday, May 3 12 to 1 p.m., Senior Lunch 1 to 3 p.m., Mahjongg

HOW A BOOK COMES TO LIFE — Author and illustrator Kevin Hawkes speaks to Sebago Elementary School students about his craft during a special presentation at the Spaulding Memorial Library.

Thursday, April 27

WMTW Meteorologist

Sarah Long will present

“Extreme Environments: From the Summit of Mount Washington to the Antarctic Peninsula” at 6:30 p.m. at the Harrison Village Library.

Friday, April 28

No Man’s Land Film Festival, at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center (18 Bradley Street, Fryeburg). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with rad raffle items and a vendor fair highlighting local, women-owned, and outdoor-oriented businesses. The films will begin at 7 p.m. There will be snacks and a raffle at intermission.

Suggested $10 cash donation at the door to support Fryeburg Academy’s Girl

Up club — contributing to advancing girls’ rights, health, and education in developing countries and promoting gender equality within sports and the outdoors.

Saturday, April 29

Blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 857 Main Street, Fryeburg. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Create a 19th Century Style Floorcloth, presented by the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, https:// www.rufusportermuseum. org/event-details/readingsand-q-a-with-maine-poetlaureate-julia-bouwsma

Drive-Up Lunch at the Lovell United Church of Christ (1174 Main Street), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5 per person, chili, corn bread and dessert, drop by or call Joyce at 9283132 to reserve your meal.

Calendar of Events

Proceeds benefit Mission Committee work. The Novel Jazz Septet will be hosting a birthday party for Duke Ellington at St. Lawrence Arts (76 Congress Street on Munjoy Hill in Portland) on the occasion of his 124th birthday, at 7 p.m. For more information, call 207-347-7177 or visit https:// www.stlawrencearts.org/

Met Opera Live in HD, Champion, at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy, 18 Bradley Street, at 1 p.m. Estimated run time of 2 hours, 50 minutes. For tickets go to www.fryeburgacademy. org/pac. Opera enthusiast Joe De Vito will host an opera lecture at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 in the PAC Seminar Room. The lecture is free.

Sunday, April 30 BA Black and Grey 5K Road Race, starts and ends at Bridgton Academy. Start time 9:30 a.m. Registration fee $20, includes finish line snacks and prizes to top finishers. All proceeds will be donated to the Harrison Food Bank. Contact Kate Tucker at ktucker@bridgtonacademy. org to sign up.

Spring Concert at the Denmark Arts Center from 2 to 5 p.m., hosted and benefitting the Denmark Congregational Church.

Local artists include Ken and Laurie Turley, Don and Judy Mayberry, “Just Friends” and Big Irish New England Style Ensemble. Raffle baskets. Refreshments. Tickets $20 per person. You must preorder to reserve your seat. Call (207) 452-2423. There are 80 tickets available.

Tuesday, May 2 Annual meeting of the Harrison Lutheran Cemetery Association will be held at

52 Mason Hill Rd., So. Waterford, Maine 583-4501

7 p.m. on at the home of Daphne Chaplin directly across from the Harrison Lutheran Cemetery. For more information please call 5836645 (Daphne Chaplin after 5 p.m.)

Thursday, May 4

Fryeburg Academy Jazz

Concert featuring the FA Big Band, Vocal Jazz and multiple Jazz Combos at 7 p.m. at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, located on the FA campus, 18 Bradley Street. Admission is free. Reserve your seat, www. fryeburgacademy.org/pac

Friday, May 5

Generations of art, generations of restless ambition and two different generations of artists are the inspiration behind a vibrant, multi-media art exhibit featuring artists Peter Herley and Colby Martel for the month of May at the Lajos Matolcsy Arts Center at 480 Main Street, Norway. The show will open Friday, May 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a reception hosted by the Western Maine Art Group (WMAG) and will feature a playlist by Conni St. Pierre, refreshments and some interacting art making.

Friday, May 5 and

Sunday, May 7 MWV Choral Society presents “Franck: A Bicentennial Celebration” Friday, 7 p.m., pre-concert talk at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 p.m., pre-concert talk at 2 p.m. at the Christ Church, Episcopal, North Conway, N.H. (on the corner of Pine Street and White Mountain Highway — Route 16).

Saturday, May 6 and

Sunday, May 7

The 11th annual Maine Pottery Tour. The self-guided Tour is an opportunity to enjoy spring in Vacationland

What is a Health Coach?

Health Coaches are among the most important health care partners for people who are battling chronic disease or desiring to improve the status of their health.

and the hospitality of local potters in their studios. Eagerly anticipated by all who enjoy handmade pottery, as well as anyone looking for a special and unique Mother’s Day gift. This year, 66 pottery studios around the state will be participating, including Buckland Ceramics (184 North High Street) in Bridgton and Greener Fields Pottery (303 Bisbee Town Road) in Waterford. Interactive maps of each region are available at MainePotteryTour.org.

Saturday, May 6 Shredathon, 8 a.m. to noon, at the First Congregational Church, 33 South High Street, Bridgton. Bring your confidential documents to be shredded on-site. Donations benefit five local libraries. No appointment needed. Bag or box. FMI: 207-647-2472.

Monday, May 8

Community Walk in Pondicherry Park at 12:30 p.m. Fraud Protection free talk at noon at the Lovell United Church of Christ (1174 Main Street) presented by Valerie Cole, Community Services Resource Specialist at Seniors Plus. Topics include fraud trends and behavior, the con artist’s playbook, practice spotting fraud, prevention and resources. Lunch provided. Call the church at 925-1321 to sign up.

Saturday, May 13

Second Saturday Art Walk featuring sidewalk artists, special exhibits and gallery openings along Main Street and Depot Street in Bridgton from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., presented by Vision Bridgton.

Dinner & Auction to benefit Fryeburg Recreation at the David & Doris Hastings Community Center, 59 Recreation Drive, Fryeburg.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner being catered by 302 West Smokehouse & Tavern.

Silent Auction items viewing at 5 p.m. and end promptly at 7 p.m. You must be present at the event to bid on amazing, donated items that include a Lake Kezar Country Club membership, premium grilling package from Sherman Farms, a half-day salt water fishing trip with Bo Apt, and Boston Red Sox tickets. Spots are limited to claim a table of eight for $300 or buy single tickets at $40 per person. To purchase your table contact Lindsay Knapp at (207) 7492879 or fryeburgrecauction@ gmail.com

Community Dinner is being hosted by the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The theme is “Chicken Dinner.” The menu is: oven fried chicken with peas, potato salad, biscuits, and delicious assorted desserts. The dinner is a free event, open to the public, but donations are graciously accepted. Reservations are not needed. The church is located at 231 Rayville Road in Otisfield, (off of Route 121). The Corvettes Doo Wop Revue at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy, 18 Bradley Street, 7:30 p.m. Tickets at www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac. Rod & Kustom Kruisers Club car show at 5:30 p.m. outside the LHE/PAC patio.

Wednesday, May 17

Taste of the Lakes & Silent

This week’s game solutions

Health Coaches have the tools and skills needed to help clients build new habits and make lasting changes in areas such as...

•

As a Health Coach I lean into NUTRITION as a first line of defense and recovery, and it is here that we usually start.

~ Initial Consult is Complementary ~ Call/Text: MICHELES HEALTH at 207-332-4689 or e-mail: chelehealth@gmail.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

Ken Karpowich Plumbing Repairs/Installation/Remodeling Master Plumber in ME & NH Over 20 years experience 207-925-1423 (12/23x)

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape Organic lawn & garden maintenance Shoreline restoration Creative stonework, property watch Snowplowing & sanding 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com (12/23x)

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

Kezar Realty Homes, Land & Vacation Rentals Lovell Village 207-925-1500

KezarRealty.com (12/23x)

Oberg

Auction, featuring comedian Juston McKinney, presented by the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, 6 to 9 p.m. at Point Sebago Resort, Casco. Fundraiser to benefit the Chamber and scholarships for Lake Region HS, Lake Region Vocational Center and Lake Region & Fryeburg Area Adult Ed. Cost $35 per person, go to Chamber website to purchase tickets.

Friday, May 19 and

Sunday, May 21

Lake Region Community Chorus is very pleased to be having two concerts: Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. at the Twitchell Chapel at the Bridgton Academy, 11 Academy Lane, North Bridgton. Donations accepted.

Monday, May 22

Groundbreaking Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Rufus Porter Museum, 121 Main Street in Bridgton.

Saturday, May 27 Spring Bird Walk at the Tenmile River Demonstration Forest, located on the Hiram/ Brownfield town line from 7 to 9 a.m. This event is free, but participants are asked to please register by visiting the website at oxfordcountyswcd.org/workshops. The registration deadline is Friday, May 26. Music on Main featuring American Ride and Bryan Frates Band, the first of the Bridgton Free Concert Series at 144 Main Street. Music is from 6 to 9 p.m.

/ 207-239-4154 (12/23x)

PILATES

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

PLUMBING & HEATING

Collins Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Specializing in repair service in The Lake Region 647-4436 (12/23x)

SELF-STORAGE