May 18, 2023

A new album checks a box

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Better late than never.

Vanessa Jones first picked up the violin at age 6, and quickly found a passion for music.

For the past 34 years, she was written a multitude of original songs, performed as a soloist and with different bands, and learned to play 14 different instruments.

One missing piece of her musical resume was releasing her own album.

The talented Bridgton singer and songwriter can now check that box. This Saturday, she officially releases her debut album, “40 Reasons.”

The News recently met with the talented artist for the following one-on-one interview:

Q. When did you first start playing?

VJ. When I was six years old, I started playing violin. I had seen violins before and I had been interested in them. But I thought it was only for adults. So, I saw a kid playing violin and I thought, wow, that’s great. My mom looked into it and got me violin lessons and I studied sort of under a fiddle teacher for two years. When I was eight, I started studying classical music. I did that for several years and played in orchestras.

Q. What was the interest in violin?

VJ. Oftentimes, kids start looking at different things. They may play the flute or they may play sax or whatever. Like the violin is a little different.

Meetings target water issues

Water is one of our most precious resources, and needs to be protected.

A series of meetings will be launched as a community effort to understand and address issues around groundwater extraction in Maine. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton. Topics will include:

• The Hydrologic Cycle: An Underground Science Overview. Catherine DiPietro, a process engineer with extensive experience in working with municipal, regional and utility association clients to improve

water treatment and quality, will define the difference between an aquifer and a watershed and clarify the complex relationship between groundwater and surface water. DiPietro will also touch on how data is gathered through water monitoring and metering.

• Water Protection & Quality: An Overview of the Health of Our Maine Waters. Colin Holme, executive director of Lakes Environmental Association, will address the ever-evolving and complicated science of surface water health from a whole watershed perspective. Phosphorus, nitrogen, PFAS, invasive species,

drought and climate change are just some of the issues and trends that threaten the health of ground and surface waters. How do deforestation and large-scale water extraction further impact them?

• The Impacts of Commodification of Water:

Extraction, Transportation & Exportation. Nickie Sekera, co-founder of Community Water Justice, will provide an overview of Maine law governing the extraction, commodification, transportation and exportation of water. She will discuss the urgent need for policy on a statewide level and pending bills that

have been introduced in the legislature to regular largescale extraction.

• Conclusion: Next Steps for Community Members. Catherine DiPietro will offer attendees ways to become citizen scientists by metering/monitoring their water use and creating a data point in their home. The group will provide a list of local and state organizations who are engaged in the ongoing work of protecting, preserving and maintaining waters into the future. There will be an audience/speaker Question & Answer session. Light refreshments will be served.

Two contested Naples races

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — In the Town of Naples, there are two contested races that will be decided by voters this upcoming Tuesday.

Three people are running for two vacant seats on the Naples Select Board, and two people are competing for one seat as the Naples representation on the School Administrative District (SAD) 61 Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, the Naples Planning Board is offering a quiet race: Two people are running again for the seats they already held.

Douglas Bogdan stepped forward as the only candidate for one planning board seat. A familiar face, Martin Zartarian, decided to continue his service as a planning board alternate. There are actually two vacancies for the alternate position. So, there is room for a write-in candidate in that race.

A reminder to voters: The Election Day venue for Naples residents is the American Legion Post No. 155.

In this edition of The Bridgton News, people can get to know a little bit more about the candidates whose names will be on the ballot. SAD 61 Board of Directors race

Both of the SAD 61 candidates are parents who have a child or children attending school in the district. Both candidates believe being the parent will be an advantage to serving on the board. Also, each candidate said that a fresh set of eyes is what is needed.

• Andrew Burnham, school board candidate

“I have deep roots in

‘40 Reasons’ release

Local singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vanessa Jones is releasing her debut solo album, ‘40 Reasons,’ featuring 12 original songs.

“[The album] will be released on my 40th birthday, and is really a reflection about the eclectic experiences that have gotten me through these forty years,” Jones said.

A public CD release party with live music will be held at Stella’s On The Square (6 North High Street, Bridgton) this Saturday, May 20, at 6 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the venue. The album will release digitally on streaming services worldwide on May 21.

Jones wrote lyrics and music for all songs on the album, with the exception of the fourth track, “Million Mirrors”,

Meet the Candidates

needed?

Burnham : Although there are no major issues, safety and security should always be a top priority. We should regularly review and improve our safety measures and ensure that our schools and resource officer have the necessary resources to keep our children safe.

the community and a strong commitment to improving our schools. I have an 8-year-old son who attends school in the district,” Burnham said.

The Naples native works as a transportation manager at one of the local marinas. Burnham has served on the Naples Fire Department for 23 years, with the last 12 years as Deputy Chief. He is the current president of The Naples Volunteer Fire Association. Additionally, he is a den leader in the local Cub Scout pack.

Q: Why did you decide to run for a seat on the school board?

Burnham: I care deeply about the education of children in our community and I want to be involved in making sure that they receive the best education possible. Running for school board is a great way to make a difference and contribute to the future of education. A board member with a child currently enrolled in school is crucial. Although all ages and experiences can bring something to the table, it’s

tough to truly recognize the significance of what happens in school and how it affects our children on a daily basis. As a parent with a child currently enrolled in the district, I hope that I could bring a fresh perspective to the school board and represent the views of other parents in the community.

Q: What do you think are the most pressing needs for the school district that would improve the educational environment for the students? (You can address the district as a whole or zone in on one of the schools.) Burnham: The school district could offer more programs that focus on technology and life skills that are essential for our children’s success in the future. It would also be beneficial to increase community involvement and support for the district, as well as to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff.

Q: As far as the district’s infrastructure, what improvements might be

• Timothy Johnson, school board candidate Johnson attended Lake Region from 2003 to 2005, and he graduated from Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in 2007. Johnson has lived in Naples since 2011. He has two children Addison, 12, who attends the Lake Region Middle School, and Avery, 6, who attends Songo Locks School. Additionally, Johnson owns and operates Double A Transport and is a well-known member of the community.

Q: Why did you decide to run for a seat on the school board?

Johnson: The current committee is outdated. I hope to bring a fresh perspective as I have two young children who currently attend the school district. I believe the current board and superintendent are failing our children.

Q: What do you think are the most pressing needs for the school district that would improve the educational environment for the students? (You can address the district as a whole or zone in on one of the schools.)

Johnson: District transportation issues need to be addressed and salaries need to be reviewed and raised. The current transportation system is failing our chil-

Validation vote on Tuesday

In 40 minutes last Tuesday, a small number of voters dispatched 24 articles and passed the $34-plus million SAD 61 budget.

The next step is the validation vote, set for this coming Tuesday, May 23 with polls open in Bridgton, Casco and Naples from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Naples will hold its municipal election of officers and school budget validation vote at the American Legion on Route 11.

With John Robinson moderating the meeting, voters passed a package

that will see Bridgton pay $7,248, 211 in school tax, while Casco will ante up $4,687,951 and Naples $5,574,511.

Two written ballot items — $50,000 for community use of facilities and $620,000 to fund back-up generators at Lake Region High School and Stevens Brook Elementary School — both passed. Community use by a 27-0 count, and generator purchase by a 25-2 mark. The cost per town for the generator purchases will be $260,970 to Bridgton, $165,856 to

Casco and $193,174 to Naples. Bearse to seek re-election Lee Bearse has decided to run as a write-in candidate for one of two Bridgton seats on the SAD 61 School Board. She is completing a

three-year term. Richard T. Meek is also a candidate for a three-year term. The News will be publishing profiles of Bridgton and Harrison candidates in the coming weeks. Absentee ballots are now available.

School Board candidate Andrew Burnham School Board candidate Timothy Johnson

MULTI-TALENTED — Vanessa Jones of Bridgton plays 14 instruments, writes and sings her own songs, and now has released her first album.

A shot of red, boost of green

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES

— Some Naples residents are envisioning green on the Village Green.

Red and green would be a more accurate color description. That’s because the select board-approved plans call for a trio of maple trees.

This week, three maples tree were put into the ground. On Wednesday, a two-man crew from Clement Brothers Lawn & Landscaping transplanted the 16-feet tall trees, which are a variety known as Red Sunset.

“This happened so quickly. It took less than two weeks. We wanted to show the community that the Parks and Land Use committees heard their concern,” according to Kathy Keinath, a member of the Naples Land Use Committee (LUC).

“Our idea is that the Causeway is lovely, but we feel the Village Green is the heart of town,” Keinath said. “We have to show that. This is the beginning of showing that we feel this is the heart of town. We have concerts here. We want to promote the community using this space more often.”

She was referring to the free concerts that take place

on Sunday evenings during the summer.

Last week, LUC Chairman Dave Garcia revealed a landscaping plan to the Naples Select Board. Prior to that, the committee met with representatives from O’Donal’s Nursery, based in Gorham.

“We’ve been budgeted $3,000 for this year. We can do a few plantings and get some green going out there. We’d like to plant three maples. That will give shade for events like the summer concerts. It will beautify the town,” Garcia said.

The improvements to the village green are a response to losing about a half-dozen pines earlier this year. In February, a windstorm claimed one of the pines, which led to the discovery that the rest lacked adequate root systems and were dead or dying.

Maples are the answer, Garcia said.

Clement Bros. has agreed to plant the three maples for $2,900, Garcia said. Most of the nurseries do not plant trees, he said. This year, the tree-planting project was provided $3,000 from the town’s tree trimming budget. Also, there is $1,500 in the LUC’s budget that can be applied toward purchasing tree gator bags right away to help keep the

Bottle bins bug Naples citizens

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — After the loss of pine trees, the interest has grown in beautifying the Village Green.

Last week, Land Use Committee Chairman Dave Garcia and others addressed the bottle collection bins, which are located next to the USPS mail box.

One bin is sponsored by the Naples Lions Club. The Vineyard Church collects the redeemables from the other bin and uses the money to buy heating fuel for veterans.

In April, Naples Historical Society Museum Manager Katie Cash-Staley commented that the bins were an eyesore, with at least one of them often overflowing with bags of bottles.

During last week’s meeting, audience member Stephen LaPointe suggested tucking the bins behind the Grange Hall.

“I have had a lot of people suggest that they want to see them gone,” Garcia said.

Selectman Kevin Rogers commented.

“When they got there, they didn’t look good initially. Then people got used to them. They are for a good cause,” Roger said, asking “Where would they go?”

Audience member Stephen LaPointe suggested tucking the bins behind the Grange Hall.

Selectman Colin Brackett shared his thoughts via Zoom.

“The other suggestion that Katie made was by the American Legion,” Brackett said, adding that would make sense because money goes toward assisting veterans.

Chairman Jim Grattelo spoke. “The bins ought to be

trees watered.

“The issue is water,” Garcia said. “We think we can get the fire department to bring water in the fire truck. You don’t have to water them every day. They take a gator. Parks and Land use has $1,500, and we can use that to buy the gators,” Garcia said. “We want to buy the gators. We don’t want to spend $3,000 to have the trees die.”

Both Garcia and Keinath stressed that improving the landscaping is a multi-year

project.

“Next year, after we get something down, we can plant small shrubs. Before that, we can put it in the budget request for next year. We would like to do staggered plantings,” Garcia said.

Keinath shared her excitement in getting citizens involved in the process of greening up the green.

“This project will be a multi-year project. We will be looking to the community for support. We’ve talked

about doing a PR campaign to get businesses to support this project. We will have a list of trees and shrubs a person could purchase in the name of a loved one,” she said.

“Part of our proposal will be to put in an irrigation system, if feasible. We are going to invest a lot of time and energy and money into this area. Without keeping it watered, we are going to lose everything we plant,” Keinath said.

“We are going to get this

done,” she said.

On Wednesday morning, while the maples found a new home, a group of students from Lake Region Vocational Center were repairing the shingles on the gazebo roof — all well before Memorial Day. Additionally, sometime in the near future, a very dead Christmas tree will be professionally removed from the Village Green. The replacement tree is an evergreen growing at the edge of the playground.

strategically located. We all agree we don’t want them there. We want to clean up the green. But the cause is good.” The board did not come to a final decision on where to relocate the bins. As of midweek, the bins were in the same spot.

However, following the meeting on May 8, members of the Land Use Committee and other citizens walked over to the bins to size up the situation.

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES— It seems like more water would be a good thing.

After all, this is the lakes region.

But, the recent rainstorm — which dumped between 3 and 5 inches of rain in towns throughout Cumberland County — has delayed Naples town docks from being put in the water.

Naples got 2.93 inches of rain during the overnight event on May 1, according to the National Weather

Service (NWS). The neighboring community of Harrison got 4.23 inches while South Bridgton received 4.9 inches, the NWS said.

In Naples, the high water on Long Lake means it isn’t possible to connect the dock sections yet, according to Naples Maintenance Director Steve Merkle. Waiting for the water to recede is the major holdup and then there is the extra work created by the rainstorm’s aftermath, Merkle

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HOW SWEET — A young maple tree goes into the ground on the Naples Village Green. On Wednesday morning, Clement Brothers Lawn & Landscaping transplanted three Red Sunset variety red maples, which the Town of Naples purchased from Hort Resources. (De Busk Photo)

BOTTLE COLLECTION bins are supposed to be moved to create a more aesthetic appearance on the Naples Village Green. (De Busk Photo)

Migis focuses on community

SOUTH CASCO — Migis Hotel Group (MHG) hosted its annual company retreat at Migis Lodge in South Casco last week, giving its supervisors a CultureFest — an opportunity to reflect on company culture and values.

This year’s theme — “Better Together” — anchored the retreat’s key activities, and was woven throughout the event as the group reflected on how they support one another in their work communities as colleagues, as well as how the company as a whole supports the communities in which it operates.

Connecting with United Way of Southern Maine helped Migis Hotel Group identify the high levels of food insecurity in Maine’s public schools. Aware of the reality of food insecurity through its efforts with the Full Plates Full Potential, Preble Street Resource Center, Maine Needs, and AIO Food Pantry, Migis Hotel Group leaped at the opportunity to make a positive impact on children. The group leveraged its individual and collective skills sets, company culture, and industry relations to assemble 1,000 nutrition kits.

Bob Luce of Carrabassett Coffee, a longtime vendor, was quick to pledge his support to partner with MHG efforts. Luce’s daughter teaches in an elementary school in Kingfield and has shared with him the daily realities of food insecurity she witnesses in her classroom. During the retreat, a group of 60-plus members consisting of supervisors from the hotel properties the group operates, assembled the kits, each containing nutritious non-perishable food items in a zip-lock bag. Assembly was a collaborative display of company culture, passion, and innovation working in real time over 1.5 hours as many boxes and cases of food were unpacked, lots of feet shuffled, and there was also enthusiastic handwriting as each kit received a handsigned note card complete with a nature scavenger hunt, word search, and jokes. The kits were then distributed to public schools in Westbrook and Kingfield.

To underscore the company’s commitment to community, Migis Hotel Group unveiled the launch of a paid time off to volunteer program. Taking advantage of the opportunity of its key employees assembled in one room, Jesse Henry, MHG’s Managing Partner, announced the new company initiative encouraging employees to make further impact in their communities.

“Migis Hotel Group’s role in the communities where we live and work is incredibly important to us. This initia-

MIGIS SUPPORT, Page 5A

Two contested Naples races

(Continued from Page 1A)

dren’s needs and is only going to get worse if this isn’t addressed.

The school resource officer position needs to be reviewed and changes made to his position because there have been too many avoidable situations at the high school. If he was protecting the school ‘said events’ may not have happened. Common sense learning needs to override common core testing. Today’s teaching methods are failing students. Every child is different so there needs to be many different ways to teach a child.

All children should be held to the same standards in regard to the dress code. This should be enforced mostly in higher education/ grade levels as you are preparing to step out in to the real world where appropriate appearances go a long ways.

Q: As far as the district’s infrastructure, what improvements might be needed?

Johnson: A plan needs to be put in place to remodel and update the middle school as this district is growing at a fast rate.

Select Board race

In 2023, Chairman Jim Grattelo announced that he would not run for a third term. He cited a desire to spend more time with his wife.

On the other hand, Selectman Ted Shane decided to run again.

The challengers are Stephen LaPointe and Jennifer Leeman.

• Ted Shane, seeking reelection Shane has lived in Naples his whole life. He is a graduate of Lake Region High School. He is a former volunteer Naples firefighter of 23 years, with 10 years of this being the fire chief. Shane has been working in municipal government for more than 25 years. Currently, he holds the position of public work director for the Town of New Gloucester.

“I am married to my wife, Jocelyn, of 17 years and we are raising our two boys Cole and Nash, who currently attend the Lake Region school district. I also volunteer, coaching them through the Naples Recreation Program. As a family, we love to go hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and boating,” Shane said.

Q: Why are you running

Meet the Naples Candidates

for a seat on the Naples Select Board?

Shane: As a lifelong resident of Naples, I care about this town and the direction this town goes in! I am rerunning because I feel like I have been able to make positive changes in my first three (3) years through my morale building and onpoint voting record on the select board and feel I can continue to lead the town in the right direction.

Q: What do you think are the most pressing needs of Naples at this time?

Shane: 1.) A Community/ Recreation Center. Currently Naples does not have a place for the community to vote, or a place to have large meetings; Naples Food Pantry has been displaced; and there is no place for the residents or children of the community to have a recreational area or storage for recreational equipment.

2.) Many of our roads are in disrepair and we had to set aside additional funds this year for paving. A budget needs to be set in conjunction with a paving management plan, which will save taxpayers money in the long run.

3.) We are in desperate need for public restroom facilities in the causeway area and I would like to work on a plan to make that happen in the future.

Q: What is your opinion about the town making a transition from maintenance department to public works department?

Shane: I think it is a good idea to investigate further into transitioning the town into a public works department so that we can fully understand the benefits and changes that would take place. Current information shows that it would allow us to have more control over our Road Maintenance Program for less money. This would cause changes within our current sand and gravel company that has served our community well. It’s important that we show them support and offer them opportunities to utilize them in different aspects in the future for our town’s needs as they are one of our largest employers.

• Stephen LaPointe,

first-time candidate for select board LaPointe has lived in Naples since approximately 2012, when he moved from York, where he had lived with his wife and raised two children, a boy and a girl. While in York, he retired after 28 years from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a Nuclear Director and president of the Federal Manager Association. He was commander of the Sons of American Legion Post 56, past president of York Rotary, board member of the York Chamber of Commerce, as well as a real estate broker in Maine and New Hampshire. Also, he and his wife owned a small business, hiring as many as six employees.

“I moved to Naples to assist my brother running a machine shop here in Naples and soon became part owner of LaPointe Machine,” he said.

Since moving to Naples, LaPointe got involved locally, becoming the commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post 155 and joining Lakes Environmental Agency (LEA) as a member.

Q: Why are you running for a seat on the Naples Select Board?

LaPointe: Naples is a unique small town having Long Lake and Brandy Pond border both sides of Main Street/Route 302. Naples has a small-town image and we, as residents, must do our diligence and continue working to maintain this small-town image. I believe the comp plan, voted on in 2005/2006, which is the blueprint of how the residents of Naples want the town to look like in the future, needs to be upgraded and due again by 2025. Town zoning and ordinances are written or should have been written based on the Comp Plan.

Q: What do you think are the most pressing needs of Naples at this point in time?

LaPointe: Naples is a tourist town and grows by an additional approximately 12,000 seasonal residents and tourists in the summer. We need parking for those weekend/weekly vacationers. We need to look hard at additional electric charging stations. The town has only one charging station now. No matter what we think about electric cars, they are not going away. There are some that say by 2030, 60

percent of vehicles will be electric. We need to take a harder and wiser way to spend the budget. Nobody wants taxes to increase or the mil rate to increase, especially if you’re on a fixed budget. I believe with my past work experience, I will be able to work with and improve the way that Naples tax money is raised and spent.

Q: What is your opinion about the town making a transition from maintenance department to public works department?

LaPointe: As far as the Town of Naples making a transition from a maintenance department to a public works department, I think we need to look at it, with the town growing in population and the need for more care. I think we can combine using some existing contractors within a public works department and still hire some additional employees as needed. It certainly is a subject for discussion.

• Jennifer “ Jenn ” Leeman, first-time candidate for select board Leeman grew up in the Standish area but she is a Naples resident now. For the past seven years, she has resided in Naples with her fiancé.

“We like to consider ourselves entrepreneurs, owning two businesses and working towards our third. My ‘full-time job’ is operating JT’s Thrift in Bridgton, which we recently opened and has been successful in the short three months so far,” she said.

Q: Why are you running for a seat on the Naples Select Board?

Leeman: I spent some time working at the Naples Town Office as the assistant to Code Enforcement. While there, I met many of my fellow townspeople and learned the inner workings of the town. I was fortunate enough to make many friendships while employed, and was an ear for a lot of issues we residents face.

I’ve said this in a Facebook post to the Naples Community pages, and I’ll say it again:

As a former employee of the Town, I’ve seen the behind the scenes and I’ve endured some events that, quite frankly, are embarrassing to the Town. There has been a trend of employee loss, and I think it has

NAPLES, Page 10A

Migis Hotel Group employees assemble nutrition kits for Maine students. 1,000 nutrition kits to be distributed to Westbrook and Kingfield public schools.

Select Board candidate Jennifer Leeman

Select Board candidate Stephen LaPointe Select Board candidate Ted Shane

Jones releases 1st album

(Continued from Page 1A)

Q. How did your music career proceed?

VJ. I put myself through college, playing violin at weddings and stuff on the weekend and teaching violin and beginner piano. I’m not a piano player, but I can teach beginner piano. Then, I completely burned myself out playing weddings. When I moved to Bridgeton 19 years ago, I didn’t tell anybody that I played because I was so burned out. Slowly word got out. I ended up playing with a five-piece jazz band for a few years and then played with a Celtic trio and then a bunch of things along the way. I’ve been writing music since I was a teenager. I found in my heart that’s what I want to be doing.

Q. So what other types of instruments do you play?

VJ. I play mandolin guitar, tenor guitar, octa, mandolin, accordion, cello, which I played on my album. I’m not a cello, but I wrote cello parts for five songs. I’ve taken cello workshops, but I’m not proficient at cello. I learn by watching YouTube. You can learn so much on YouTube. Absolutely. I have a lot of friends and professional connections that play a variety of instruments, so I’m able to pick people’s brains a lot. Networking is super helpful for learning specific things that you might not know or having them point you in a direction that you might look for more information online or whatever. The key to learning any instrument is just taking the time and sitting with the instrument and just really feeling out how to get the best sounds out of it is really important.

Q. Talk about your writing, what inspires you?

VJ. When I was a teenager, I would get an idea and I would write it down. Sometimes, it’s good and sometimes it’s not. But as you mature as a songwriter, you can take something that’s not good and make it a lot better, it’s like editing. I wrote as a conscious discipline for years. I mean, there is inspiration that you get an idea, but I wrote as a discipline, I just started to write almost as a compulsion.

I’m a lyricist first. Many

PLAYING violin at age

6. Now, Vanessa Jones can play 14 instruments.

people write opposite. They write their chord structure first. I write my lyrics and melody first, which has problems because then it’s a lot more work to fit it into a chord structure. I have to be a lot more conscious about making an interesting chord structure. I go to songwriting circles and I have what I call my dream team, which is a handful of musicians that I trust who I bounce my song ideas off. One human mind isn’t enough to think of everything. You can always improve.

Q. Before deciding what songs to use on the album, did you perform them and use audience response as an indicator whether to include them or not?

VJ. There’s something to be said for playing songs live a million times before recording them because you kind of feel out how audiences react to them. If you think you’ve got this great idea and you express it, it might not come across that way the way you’re thinking to another person. We do that with language, but I think even more so with music, because there are more layers. You have not only the words, but you also have the feeling that the music evokes. It’s almost like talking with more complexity.

Q. Have you ever had a song where you thought it was really good, but then it really didn’t do so well in front of people?

VJ. All the time. Every audience is different. I’ve really started writing in a more intentionally, more general way. The song means

something specific to me usually, but I want it to hit everybody where they are and have it mean whatever it needs to mean to them at that time. I don’t need to communicate the specific ideas that are in my head. I just need to communicate a feeling around specific ideas that are in my head and everybody can take that feeling and apply it to wherever they’re at.

Q. Has there been a song that you, that you performed and wrote and you got like a totally like, wild response, which you didn’t really expect?

VJ. That happens too. I think it is dependent on the specific audience. Sometimes, I’ll play a song and literally nobody will respond in any visible way. And then I’ll play it the next night for a different audience and four people will come up to me after and tell me how much they liked it or somebody will be crying in a positive way, or somebody else will just really intently listen.

Q. You mentioned that you played with different groups. How has that helped you evolve as an artist?

VJ. Every artist that you work with, you take little pieces of them with you. My biggest influences are

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‘40 Reasons’

(Continued from Page 1A)

which she co-wrote in 2021 with Josh Caron.

She recorded the project at Baked Beans Recording Studio in Harrison, Maine, where she played fourteen different acoustic instruments and recorded all lead vocals, as well as vocal harmonies. Jerry Adams played upright bass on all 12 songs.

Lake Region Television recently did a half hour special featuring Jones playing five of the songs which will be released on this album, along with an interview. The full program can be viewed on LRTV’s website. Website: www. VanessaJonesMusic.com

Goldberg hosts collection

FRYEBURG — The Goldberg Gallery at Fryeburg Academy is pleased to announce that it will host a collection of paintings and sculptures featuring the work of artist Josef Keller until the close of the school year on June 9.

Keller’s work is inspired by science fiction, steampunk, and mixed metals: “I have been a fan of Jules Verne, especially the Nautilus from the Disney movie, 20,000 Leagues

Under The Sea, ever since I first saw it in 1955,” says Keller. “I’ve re-read the novel numerous times and collected assorted books and photos. I tried, unsuccessfully, to build a model of the Nautilus while I was in high school and later as an adult. I finally made one in 2009 from a thin plywood frame, balsa wood skin, and hundreds of straight pins for rivets. I have since constructed ten different versions of this submarine using the balsa

wood technique and repurposed objects that fit.” Keller has over 30 years of experience creating dynamic, bold 2D and 3D art and hails from Brownfield. He paints in a detailed, realistic style, experiments with visual abstraction, and is equally comfortable painting with an airbrush on paper and canvas as he is on motorcycles and cars. To learn more about the artist, please visit www. southwindairbrush.com.

MSMT returns to Fryeburg

FRYEBURG — For the first time since the pandemic, Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is thrilled to be back at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts

Center in Fryeburg in June for a one-night only concert of The Best of Broadway, featuring the MSMT Singers.

The MSMT Sings the

Best of Broadway performance is scheduled for Friday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Thanks to generous grants from the Robert and Dorothy

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Gracious and Stunning Federal Colonial Home in Harrison, Maine

Many wonderful features surround this gracious home in Harrison, Maine. The original colonial home was built in 1810 and the addition and three-car garage added in 1994/1995. The grounds include a large pond with foot bridge and field across from the home. A delightful patio and gardens outside the glass doors. There is also a 20' x 40' in-ground pool to enjoy in the warmer months. In-law apartment. A large fenced in area for pets and children off the back of the home. Great privacy with fenced in back yard and extended fenced in pool area. Woods surround the open areas with much wildlife to enjoy. Approx. 9.1 acres.

The home has been completely renovated throughout the years. Each room has been given its own unique style to enjoy a little old with updated new. Wide pine floors throughout most of the home.

The location is five miles from Naples Causeway, six miles from Harrison Center and 20 minutes to Bridgton area. Many lakes to enjoy, Shawnee Peak and Sunday River for skiing. One hour from North Conway, Lewiston, and Portland. Broker owned.

Offered at $699,900

GALLERY hosts a collection of painting and sculptures by artist Josef Keller.

MSMT Singers will appear at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg on Friday, June 2. (Photo provided by MSMT)

Important habitat preserved

SWEDEN — Greater

Lovell Land Trust (GLLT) continues to expand its con-

About Greater Lovell Land Trust:

The Greater Lovell Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land conservation organization, one of the oldest in western Maine. It was established in 1985 with a mission to protect the ecosystems of the Kezar Lake, Kezar River, and Cold River watersheds for the benefit of the natural and human communities today and as a legacy for the future. The land trust now conserves over 7,000 acres and offers recreational access for all.

Learn more at gllt.org or follow the land trust on Facebook and Instagram @greaterlovelllandtrust to learn more about year-round programs, community events, and outdoor activities for all ages.

servation work in Sweden.

Thanks to the generosity of Bruce and Debra Taylor, 104 acres of wetlands and forest that includes 2,200 feet of frontage on Popple Hill Brook is now under conservation easement.

The brook and shrubby wetland that surround it are recognized by the State of Maine as significant inland wading bird and waterfowl habitat, providing resources for nesting, feeding, and cover from predators for ducks, geese, herons, and others. Wetlands such as this are also home to otters, muskrats, deer, and so many more animals, as well as insects galore. This special conservation property is the second easement of significant size donated to the land trust in recent years. The first being a nearby 282acres encompassing much of Popple Hill.

The Taylors, who own the property now, may sell the land at any time, but the conservation easement, a legal agreement

recorded at the registry of deeds, prevents all but minor development into the future. Conservation easements are flexible in that they are designed to balance the landowners desired uses, while also protecting the conservation values of the property. Recognizing the importance of Popple Hill Brook to wildlife communities, Bruce and Debra purchased the land in 2022 with the intent of donating an easement to GLLT, “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with GLLT to protect this beautiful land and its natural habitat for future generations.”

The headwaters of Popple Hill Brook are located on the second, 282acre conservation easement donated to GLLT in 2021. The brook, especially where it flows through

the Taylor property, and surrounding lands are an important part of the Kezar River watershed. The brook drains into the river and the extensive unpatterned fen, a type of peatland, at north end of Kezar Pond, which is identified as a statewide exemplary natural community. Kezar Pond, its unpatterned fen, silver maple floodplain forest, and endangered plant and dragonfly species they host, are all part of the State’s Upper Saco Focus Area, described by the Maine Natural Areas Program as “one of the most biodiverse areas in Maine.”

Erika Rowland, GLLT’s executive director, notes, “We are immensely grateful to the Taylors for helping to sustain this exceptional western Maine landscape.”

Casco tables beach bid

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO — The town beach that is walkable from Casco Village has slanted terrain that makes it challenging to walk on and also makes the land more subject to erosion.

The Casco Board of Selectmen tabled awarding the bids for the Pleasant Lake Beach project until it better understood the plans and had other portions possibly modified.

The board had the bids and the scope of work before them during the regularly scheduled meeting of April 18.

“To plant grass in a highly very trafficked area — probably the springtime isn’t the best time to do that,” Selectman Grant Plummer said, expressing his first of many displeasures with the plan.

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward provided a little history of the project plan compared to now.

“The original design was more American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Also, they reduced the sand to make it cleaner. As it went through the DEP permitting process, the scope of work changed. Sand would be sod instead of brandnew sand. A retaining wall with multiple steps to get down there,” Ward said.

“The original dialogue with the board is very different” than these plans, he said.

Plummer commented on the details of the beach-improvement project.

“A lot [of the work] is a benefit to the beach area,” Plummer said. “But, I have concern about a couple of the sloped areas. Are we sacrificing serviceable people space for a slope that has rip-rap on it? The goal was to become more accessible. To have steps across a very shallow slope” is less accessible.

Perhaps, the people skilled in working around water

BEACH BID, Page 6A

Migis support

(Continued from Page 3A)

tive highlights one of our key company values as we are genuinely committed to being responsible members of our communities and the environment,” said Henry. “What we believe sets MHG apart is that one of our guiding principles is our commitment to making a positive impact on our community. By working together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most, further strengthening our communities as a whole.”

Migis Hotel Group is a Maine-based hospitality management services company operating independent hotels, destination resort properties, and award-winning dining facilities for its client, owner families, and investors. We strive to ensure that our clients’ customers are offered a welcoming environment of rest and relaxation from an often hectic and overburdened life, creating exceptional customer value for each dollar spent and a fair return on investment for the owners of each facility.

Current properties managed include Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake, Maine; Black Point Inn on Prouts Neck, Maine; The Elmwood, Waterville, Maine; The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Lincolnville, Maine; The Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort, Ogunquit, Maine; 250 Main Hotel, Rockland, Maine; and Higgins Beach Inn, Scarborough.

Ready-to-move into Ranch

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THE BRIDGTON NEWS (BRIDGTON NEWS CORPORATION)

Established 1870

P.O. BOX 244 • BRIDGTON, ME 04009

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

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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

OTISFIELD — This beautifully designed three-bedroom Ranch is ready for you to move into! With an open concept gourmet kitchen and living room with gas fireplace, there is plenty of room to entertain. Red oak hardwood and tile flooring throughout the home with granite countertops, SS appliances and a second antique Elmira stove. Whole house generator, hot tub and a 12 x 20 shed are included with the home. Beautifully landscaped lot with a variety of trees, multi-colored rose bushes, lilacs, hydrangeas and many more perennials. Residents-only beach and boat launch on Pleasant Lake is just a short drive from the home. Broker Interest. $539,900 MLS# 1558579

Spacious Poland Property

POLAND – Privately set back on ±5 acres, is this Gambrel style home that offers three large bedrooms, a well-designed kitchen with granite countertops, center island that is open to the living room and dining area! Enjoy the warm shiplap wall around the cozy woodstove. The home also offers a first floor bedroom, full bath and laundry area. Two more large bedrooms with walk-in closets and full bath await you upstairs. This very spacious home also offers a full walkout basement in case you need more room! Oversized two-car garage and shed on the property. Don’t miss this lovely home! $439,900 MLS# 1555875

Harrison – Immaculate and private “like new” three BR, two-bath shingled ranch set high on a beautiful 5.5-acre lot with lake views and beautiful sunsets. Gleaming wood floors, beautiful kitchen with brandnew smart LG stainless-steel appliances and custom-made concrete countertops, two stunning full baths – also custom gas fireplace in living area, full basement and attached two-car garage. Two rear decks, professional landscaping and hardscaping and storage shed. Private dead-end road. Must see! $498,000

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

ONE MINUTE TO PLEASANT MOUNTAIN!

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

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

Thompson Lake Rights – No Wait-list!

CASCO – Come enjoy Rights to Thompson Lake and go boating, swimming, canoeing and kayaking with no current waiting list for a dock!!! Quietly situated on a ±4.9-acre lot in a small lakeside community is where you’ll find this beautiful ±2,900 sq. ft. contemporary home. One of the best features of this home is the large addition that serves as a fun game room that has a pool table and large sitting area. Features three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances and a finished basement. Well landscaped lot with a built in fire pit behind the home. $724,900 MLS# 1557235

Western Maine Realtor of the Year 2021

Jocelyn O’Rourke-Shane REALTOR® MOBILE: 207-838-5555

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Pauline Flagg: 207-595-3999 pauline4656@gmail.com

Heather Hanson: 207-318-8254 heather@hancockpondrealestate.com 18 Olde Village West, Naples, ME 04055 | OFFICE: 207-693-5200

WADING BIRD AND WATERFOWL HABITAT conserved along Popple Hill Brook in Sweden.

Items on Bridgton Police Department blotter

BRAG Way.

check on South High Street.

crash on Portland Road.

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

Monday, May 8

9:23 a.m. Citizen dispute at Stonehedge Drive. Caller advised to seek a protection from harassment order from Bridgton District Court.

7:07 p.m. Following a traffic stop on Lumberyard Drive, police issued a motorist summonses for operating after suspension, violating conditions of release and carrying a concealed weapon.

Wednesday, May 10

7:39 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of North and South High Streets.

4:28 p.m. Suspicious person (taking photos of a private residence) on Sweden Road; unable to locate.

parking lot. Vehicle left before officer’s arrival.

8:24 p.m. Citizen assist on Kansas Road.

Saturday, May 13

9:55 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Portland Road and BRAG Way.

10:38 a.m. Police assisted the Bridgton Fire Department with a riding lawnmower fire on Frost Farm Road.

11:03 a.m. Vehicle theft on South High Street.

3:08 p.m. Mental health event on Elm Street.

4:24 p.m. Citizen assist (questions regarding eviction process and a protection from abuse order) on Kimball Road.

Tuesday, May 9

4:05 a.m. Driver issued summonses for operating after suspension and displaying an expired inspection sticker following a stop on Portland Road.

8:44 a.m. Agency assist on South High Street.

12:05 p.m. Citizen assist at Garden Way.

6:33 p.m. Theft complaint on Portland Road.

8:14 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Portland Road and

8:35 a.m. Suspicious person (man wearing camouflage and holding a rifle) on South Bridgton Road; unable to locate.

11:07 a.m. Criminal trespass complaint on Fosterville Road.

11:18 a.m. Citizen assist on Memory Lane.

6:28 p.m. Attempt to locate erratic driver on Harrison Road.

Thursday, May 11

11:42 a.m. Suspicious circumstance at Sophies Way.

12:06 p.m. Welfare

8:40 p.m. Simple assault complaint on Smith Avenue.

Friday, May 12

1:14 a.m. Agency assist at Brewster Circle.

1:01 p.m. Police assisted United Ambulance with a medical emergency on Harrison Road.

1:21 p.m. Responding to a disorderly conduct report on Sweden Road, police warned a subject regarding “his behavior.”

4:36 p.m. Citizen assist on Brickyard Hill Road.

7:41 p.m. Verbal altercation in a Portland Road

Casco tables awarding beach bid

(Continued from Page 5A)

and the DEP representatives could put their heads together to come up with a plan that better addressed the ADAcompliant component so that everyone could use the beach, he said.

“This is a municipal beach that we need to have,”

Plummer said. “Let us ask them again. I flat out disagree the minor slope with steps becomes more of a hazard than an improvement.”

Additionally, Plummer made a request that bidders provide more pictures of plan. Selectman Scott Avery agreed.

“We need a little more in-depth study of the project. Adding steps doesn’t mean ADA-compliant. When I hear ADA compliant, I think a ramp. I can’t do stairs without a railing. I am really concerned about anyone going to the beach with any disability at all

Docks install delayed

(Continued from Page 2A)

Last year, the Naples Board of Selectmen requested that the boat dock

at Kent’s Landing and the town docks off the Naples Causeway by re-installed before Memorial Day to accommodate boaters.

On Monday, the board learned that it might be difficult to adhere to this request. Mother Nature is to blame for that postponement.

Chairman Jim Grattelo mentioned specific examples of high-water levels around town.

“At Moose Landing

Marina, the electric boxes are underwater,” he said.

Merkle said he called the state about any ability to control the amount of water coming into Long Lake.

“There is more water running into Long Lake than they can get rid of. Meanwhile, you’ve got Crystal Lake and Highland Lake draining into Long Lake,” Merkle said. “I cannot guarantee that the docks will be in by Memorial Day.”

MSMT returns to Fryeburg

(Continued from Page 4A)

Goldberg Foundation, the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, and the Anne Randolph Henry Charitable Trust, MSMT and LHE/PAC are able to collaborate a second time on this major event which will enliven the Fryeburg cultural calendar.

The public performance will celebrate the work of some of musical theatre’s greatest composers and lyricists, from Irving Berlin and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin Manuel Miranda, along with many more unforgettable songs from the past hundred and thirty years.

MSMT, which launches its 64th season this summer, is deeply committed

to community outreach, to education, and to theatre for young audiences. As part of that commitment, MSMT will involve students from Fryeburg Academy in the entire process of mounting a professional touring show, opening the setup, technical, and dress rehearsals to the Academy students as a learning experience.

“We are delighted to be able to return to Fryeburg and look forward to working with the Academy and the LHE/PAC staff to create a memorable experience,” said MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark.

“This Fryeburg visit represents another step in MSMT’s plan to reach out to new and diverse audiences across the region and entertain and engage them

in the magic of live theatre.”

Directed and choreographed by Clark, the revue features the MSMT Singers: Colin Flanagan, Jasmine Gillenwaters, Jalen Kirkman, Elijah Koch, Chelsea Peña, Camila V. Romero, Albert Sterner, and Cari Walton. This youthful, vibrant cast of eight, who were chosen from over 2,000 auditions, makes this alternately witty, hilarious, rousing and poignant production a fitting tribute to America’s unique art form: the Broadway musical. Evening performance tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $10 for students, Tickets may be purchased online at LHE/ PAC or by calling 207-5449066.

and trying … ,” Avery said. “We need to be making this project accessible and usable.”

Plummer spoke to the erosion issue.

“This is the third version of a retaining wall at water’s edge. This is the third one we put in in 12 years that is failing today,” he said. “I have a problem with going to water’s edge again. If they are going to require us to plant sod a couple feet away from the lake. Next year, we will be replanting sod, with the amount of foot traffic. I am not saying sand is the answer either,” Plummer said.

The board voted, 5-0, to table it.

Town Manager Ward pointed out that the board could reject all the bids instead of tabling it.

“What this agenda item was awarding the bid process.

If you choose to, if you decide this plan is something that you’re not comfortable with, you have the right to decline all bids,” he said.

9:57 a.m. A 22-yearold Parsonsfield man was charged with gross sexual assault (Class C), and transported to the Cumberland County Jail.

3:42 p.m. Motor vehicle

Fryeburg Police log

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

Monday, May 8

6:38 a.m. to 12:29 p.m. Police made 10 traffic stops

(Lovell Road 3, Bridgton Road, Main Street 3, Portland Street, Pine Street 2), warnings were issued.

12:55 p.m. After a traffic stop on Fish Street, police charged Ashley Graves, 30, of Stow with speeding (30plus mph over the posted limit) and driving to endanger.

Tuesday, May 9

7:10 a.m. Theft complaint on Fair Street.

11:02 a.m. Animal complaint on Ice House Road.

2:40 p.m. Agency assist on West Fryeburg Road.

8:08 p.m. Shoplifting complaint at Bridgton Road store.

Wednesday, May 10

12:16 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Abbey Road.

9:51 p.m. Citizen assist on Pequawket Village Road.

p.m. Juvenile offense on Bradley Street, warning issued.

p.m. Citizen assist on Lovewell Pond Road.

p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Woodland Street investigated.

Thursday, May 11

7:45 a.m. Motor vehicle crash at Molly Ockett Drive.

12:15 p.m. Harassment complaint on Franks Way.

10:39 p.m. Criminal trespass complaint on Lovewell Pond Road.

Friday, May 12

3:51 a.m. Assist county deputy on Bridgton Road.

2:17 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Main Street, near the Academy.

4:43 p.m. Welfare check on Farnsworth Road.

5 p.m. Harassment complaint on Fish Street.

5:28 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call at Portland Street business.

8:52 p.m. Theft complaint on Morningside Drive.

9:40 p.m. Traffic complaint on Bridgton Road.

Saturday, May 13

7:52 a.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue at the intersection of Lovewell Pond Road and Ice House Road.

10:52 p.m. Suspicious activity (a man tossing “something” into the woods) at the intersection of Sandy Creek Road and South High Street; “nothing located.” said. “I am a week behind due to storm cleanup. There was extensive damage to [the Kent’s Landing docks sections] and we had to get two of them fixed. Hopefully, by Thursday [today], they will be in the water for the boat launch,” he said. “Then, we will start doing the main run for the town docks.”

10:25 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Main Street.

Sunday, May 14

9:05 a.m. Welfare check on Old River Road.

1:17 p.m. Traffic complaint on Bridgton Road.

1:46 p.m. Unwanted subjects at Bridgton Road store.

~ Lake Region Maps ~

Great Northern Docks owner and pen/ink artist Sam Merriam, has released a collection of new lake maps. With assistance from his graphic artist brother, Seth, the vintage style, 11x17 on heavy parchment, depict earlier and simpler times in Maine’s Lake Region.

Prints are $15 each, and support local food pantries. They can be purchased online at www.greatnortherndocks.com/maps

Regional Sports

Lakers ‘rock’ Raiders, twice

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG — As Emily Rock’s towering rainbow drive sailed over the leftfield fence, it immediately brought back one of Coach Daryl Fernald’s fondest memories.

Four years ago, senior pitcher Haley Fernald — coach’s daughter — cranked two home runs to lead Lake Region to a win over the Raiders at Fryeburg. Rock belted a pair of home runs, going 3-for-5 with 3 RBI as the Lakers hammered the Raiders 11-5 last Wednesday.

Laker senior pitcher Melissa Mayo struck out 13, walking one and surrendering seven hits.

The Laker offense was rocking in the opening inning, knocking six hits and scoring six runs. Kylie Myers, Margo Tremblay and Rock each whacked consecutive singles resulting in a 1-0 lead. Two Raider errors plated two runs, and a sacrifice bunt by Avery Ver Wey added another run.

Rock opened the second inning with a bang, crushing a drive to left for a solo home run. Singles by Mayo and Lyla Levesque put runners in scoring position, but Raider hurler Abby Ontengco struck out two and ended the threat with a lazy fly ball caught by Alegra Bartlett.

Mayo held the Raiders in check over the first two innings, striking out a pair in each frame after FA put a runner on first.

Fryeburg broke through in the third as Carlin Galligan singled, stole second and eventually scored on an infield error.

The Lakers responded with Rock again leading off an inning with a home run. With one out, Levesque singled, moved up on an error and later scored on Kaitlin Lane’s infield out.

LR went up 10-1 in the fifth as Myers reached on an error and later scored on a sharp Mayo single.

Fryeburg finally got some traffic on the base paths in the bottom of the fifth, sending seven hitters to bat. Ally Southwick started the uprising with a laser to right-center that bounced to the fence for a lead-off triple. After a strikeout, Emma Keaten put the ball in play and reached on an error, Southwick scoring. LR committed two more errors, enabling Keaten to score. Mayo closed out the frame with a pair of strikeouts.

LR added a run in the sixth, while the Raiders plated three runs in the seventh as Keaten and Ontengco singled, and Brooke Gerry doubled. Mayo struck out two in the frame to seal the victory.

LR players with two hits were Myers, Tremblay, Mayo, Levesque and Laura Dutton. Mallory Smith had one.

Raider pitcher Abby Ontengco struck out four and walked two.

Round Two Monday

If the Raiders looked to show their rivals they were much better than what was seen on Wednesday, FA didn’t have to wait long.

The two squads were back at it on Monday, this time in Naples. Unlike the hit fest in Game 1, this one was a pitching duel.

Mayo remained dominant, striking out 14 and giving up just three hits. She also walked three.

Ontengco silenced the LR bats, striking out six, walking two and allowing just five hits.

FA threatened in the first as Jilyan Byrne walked with one out and stole second. But, Mayo struck out her second hitter and Ontengco flied out to Laura Dutton in right.

The Lakers went up 1-0 as Kylie Myers (2-for4) singled and moved up to third base on two wild pitches. Emily Rock plated the run with an infield out.

After Mayo retired five straight, Emma Keaten opened the third with a hit and Keyshaw Winters reached on an error. But, Mayo showed no signs she

REACHING OUT and trying to make a catch and tag is Fryeburg Academy third baseman Brooke Gerry.

was rattled, retiring lead-off Carlin Galligan on a hit back to the mound, then striking out two.

FA put runners at second and third in the fifth with two out, and again, Mayo notched an inning-ending strikeout on four pitches.

The Lakers opened up some breathing room in the fifth as Rock singled, and scored on Mayo’s triple. Levesque’s infield out plated Mayo.

SWEEP, Page 8A

Lake Region sports scoreboard

TRACK & FIELD

Lake Region has often ended its regular season with Fryeburg Academy at Sacopee Valley, but this year the schools gathered a week early for the meet. Greely was there, as well and dominated the score,

but the Lakers still had their highlights.

Leah Edwards was second in all three throwing events (shot put 25-8.5 and javelin at 74-5), two with personal records (PR). Her discus PR was by over 7 feet (88-3) and automati-

cally qualified for states.

Izabell Apovian PRed in the discus (81-3) to place third and won the javelin with a seasonal best throw of 85 feet, 4 inches.

“Leah and Izabell put in a lot of time this week to work on their spin in the discus as well as their javelin approach. These results will inspire more of the same,” Laker Coach Mark Snow reported.

Ezra Gronlund won the 800 meters in a PR and automatic state qualifying time of 2:07.95.

“His speed and endurance are getting better as the weeks go by. He paces races well, this time in 63-65. It will be interesting to see how he handles the pack running at WMCs,” Coach Snow said.

Bhavnish Tucker (third in 1600m at 5:09.27, second in 800m at 2:15.61), Grady Kemp (second in 1600m at 4:58.58, and second in 3200m at 10:55.94), Sadie Plummer (fourth in 400m at 1:09.95, fifth in 800m at 2:55.39), and Molly Webster (fourth in 1600m at 6:53.15, triple jump) all placed in two events.

Hailey Brewer (100m, fifth, 14.65), Colin Murphy (pole vault, third, 9-6), Taylor

Spearrin (javelin, third, 111-5), Alecssander Freitas (110m hurdles, third, 17.71), Tristan Cormier (3200m, third, 11:59.93), and Michael Clarke (800m, fourth, 2:32.62) also placed in the meet.

It was a bit warm and windy making it difficult in many events to PR. However, netting two PRs were Olivia Roy (javelin, shot put), Colin Murphy (200m in 26.71, pole vault), and Leah Edwards (discus, shot put). Molly Webster (4x400 split in 1:15.1), Izabell Apovian (discus, 81-3), Michael Clarke (100m in 12.65), Collin Varney (100m in 13.35), Alecssander Freitas (110m hurdles, 17.71), and Ethan Kutella (triple jump, 28-9) each had one.

Lakers girls were third out of five schools, LR boys were fourth.

Up next: The Lakers travel Friday to Yarmouth.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

NYA 17, Lakers 5: Ashley Pelletier and Olivia England each netted two goals, while Bella Smith added one in a loss to North Yarmouth Academy. Goalie Sam Donahue had seven saves. York 15, Lakers 4: The

Wildcats had too much firepower for the Lakers to contend with as York rolled to the win. LR goal scorers were Emily Reardon, Olivia England, Rachel Lake and Bella Smith. Netminder Sam Donahue recorded five saves. Lakers 9, Bonny Eagle 9: Olivia England had a hat trick while Bella Smith chipped in two goals as the Lakers finished deadlocked with the Scots. Carly Dyer,

Ashley Pelletier and Rachel Lake each scored a goal, while Emma Aker had a goal and an assist. Emily Reardon also recorded an assist. Goalie Sam Donahue turned aside five shots. Heal ranking: The Lakers (4-4) are ranked #7 in Class C. The top 10 teams make the playoffs. BOYS’ LACROSSE Lakers 10, Raiders 6: Jacob Lemery was sniper

ROUND TRIPPER — Lake Region senior Emily Rock rounds third base and is congratulated by Head Coach — and dad — Shawn Rock after belting one of two home runs against Fryeburg Academy last Wednesday to spark an 11-5 win. (Rivet Photos)

RUNNING CATCH made in right field by Lake Region’s Laura Dutton.

SET TO DEFEND is Lake Region’s Hannah Siebert against Waynflete in varsity lacrosse action.

(Photo by Lynne Pelletier)

AWAITING THE START — Ready and set to run is Lake Region’s Lucian Bassett. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

May 18, 2023 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

Laker recaps

(Continued from Page 7A)

of the day, scoring 5 goals and dishing 2 assists as the Lakers avenged an early season loss to Fryeburg Academy on their home turf.

Zach Vogel netted three goals and had an assist, while Aiden Bourgoin and Josiah England each scored and had an assist. Goalie Gabe Lunt was a wall, turning aside 20 shots.

For the Raiders, goal scorers were Haden Fox, Seamus Coleman, Asher McKenney, Tyler Bartick and Aiden Clement. Assists went to Myles Garland, Asher McKenney and Gabe McKenney.

Waynflete 12, Lakers

1: Facing the Class C state champion Flyers, 28 players strong to the Lakers 16 — and two were limited due to injury — Waynflete rolled to the win. Aiden Bourgoin was the only Lakers to find the back of the net. Goalie Gabe Lunt made 12 saves.

So far the season is 2-7.

Heal Ranking: The Raiders (3-6) are ranked 11th, and the Lakers (2-8) are ranked 12th. The top 10 teams make the Class C tournament.

BASEBALL

Raiders 7, Lakers 2: Michael Malia singled on a 3-2 count to plate a pair of runs in the fourth inning, and Alexis Castillo, Bryce Richardson and Alex Allain drove in runs in a four-run sixth inning as Fryeburg Academy rolled past the Lakers last Wednesday.

In the first inning, the host Raiders got their offense started, plating a run off a Laker miscue. Fryeburg took the lead for good with two runs in the fourth inning off Malia’s clutch hit.

Bryan Martinez Chavez was credited with the victory for FA, surrendering two runs on two hits over six innings, striking out eight.

Brock Gibbons took the loss for the Lakers, lasting five and two-thirds innings, allowing five hits and six runs while striking out nine.

“Both pitchers threw well, made good pitches in big spots to keep it close early. Fryeburg just put together that one inning where they got those 2-3 big hits in a row and we didn’t have an answer,” Laker Coach Andrew Stacy said.

York 11, Lakers 1: Lake Region got things moving in the first inning when Jacob Chadbourne singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

Then, it was all Wildcats from there. York scored seven runs in the fourth inning to hand the Lakers a home loss.

“Started with both teams having a little momentum and then we had that one inning where we had some walks, mixed in an error and then added some big hits, tough things to recover from. All we can do is realize it’s one game, and come ready to go against FA,” Coach Stacy said.

John Jacobson was the winning pitcher for York, as the fireballer went five innings, allowing one run

Lakers sweep Raiders

(Continued from Page 7A)

Laura Dutton singled in the fifth, and following two walks to load the bases, an infield error allowed the fourth LR run.

Mayo struck out three over the final two frames, allowing a single by Galligan.

Tough loss in extras

When sports writers talk about favorites to win the Class B South this season, York is one club mentioned in the conversation.

If the Wildcats are a measuring stick, then the Lakers can be included in that playoff talk.

The Lakers rallied from 3-0 and 4-3 deficits Friday, pushing York to extra innings where the Cats finally settled things with a solo home run for a 5-4 victory in Naples.

LR Coach Shawn Rock liked the way his squad battled all day against the highly-regarded Wildcats.

York struck first in the opening inning on an error and two singles.

The Lakers had a tough time getting anything started against the Cats, with only two runners (walks) reaching base over the first five innings.

York went up 2-0 in the third on two singles, adding another run in the fifth on a home run off a 2-1 count.

The Lakers rallied with two out in the sixth as

on one hit and striking out five.

Chadbourne took the loss for the Lakers. The righty allowed five hits and 11 runs over 3 2/3 innings, striking out three.

Raiders 16, Lakers 2: The Lakers watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 16-2 loss to Fryeburg on Monday.

Fryeburg scored in the first inning as Bryan Martinez Chavez drove in three when he homered.

Fryeburg scored six runs in the fifth inning with the big blows being home runs by Martinez and Tom Ontengco.

“Today, FA just simply hit every bad pitch and did so very well with four home runs. You tip your hat to them on that,” Coach

Margo Tremblay broke up the no-hit bid knocking an 0-2 pitch for a single. Emily Rock then cracked a home run as the Lakers pulled closer, 3-2. In the seventh, York

Stacy said. “On a positive note, our young guys did pretty well, some for their first varsity experience. Keep getting a little better every day, it all adds up in the end.”

Ethan Lord pitched Fryeburg to victory as the ace lasted five innings, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out eight.

Jacoby True took the loss for the Lakers. The righthander allowed five hits and four runs over two innings, walking one.

Heal Ranking: The Raiders (7-4) are ranked

regained momentum with a double and single to go up 4-2. But, the scrappy Lakers forced extras as Lyla Levesque opened the inning with a double,

third in Class B South, while the Lakers (1-9) are ranked 15th. The top 11 teams qualify for the playoffs.

GIRLS’ TENNIS Greely 5, Lakers 0 #1 Singles: Annie Al Faro (G) def. Kasey Johnson (LR) 6-0 6-1 #2 Singles: Emma Lindsey (G) def. Sarah Solomon (LR) 6-0 6-2 #3 Singles: Isobel Wright (G) def. Ava Smith (LR) 6-0 6-0 #1 Doubles: Becca Carlson/Amara Quimby (G) def. Jenna Jordan/ Rianna Reynolds (LR) 6-0

Hancock Lumber’s PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

With Lake Region off to one of their best softball starts in years (7-1), junior Kylie Myers has been one of the driving forces behind the team’s early success.

“Kylie has been hitting the ball every game. She seems more confident this year at first base and doing very well hitting in the number one spot. She was a little surprised when I put her in the lead-off spot at our first scrimmage but she has found success and the confidence she needs to be that batter,” Lake Region varsity softball Head Coach Shawn Rock said. “Her dedication to this sport in the off-season has definitely proved itself so far this season.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Kylie is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player of the Week

Athlete: Kylie Myers

Year in School: Junior

Hometown: Sebago

Parents: Jeff and Joanne Myers

Sports you Play: Softball

School honors: National Honor Society

Q. Why did you choose softball? I have played softball for as long as I can remember, so it has always been a part of my life. Softball seemed to be the sport I stuck with because I liked the tight community that comes along with the sport.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good game if…” My team comes off the field feeling pumped and excit-

Mallory Smith reached on an error, enabling Levesque to score. Avery Ver Way singled, moving Smith to third. Laura Dutton tied the game with a sacrifice fly to left. With Ver Way on second, LR had a chance to win it, but hot hitting Kylie Myer’s line drive

6-1 #2 Doubles: Ruth

Weeks/Chloe Pierce (G) def. Susie Butler/Katie Peterson (LR) 6-0 6-0

Waynflete 5, Lakers 0

#1 Singles: Lucy Hart

(W) def. Kasey Johnson

(LR) 6-0 6-1

#2 Singles: Luccia

Moraes (W) def. Sarah Solomon (LR) 4-6, 6-1, 6-3

#3 Singles: Maeve

ed. Seeing my teammates smile after a hard-fought win makes everything worth it.

Q. What goes through your mind before a big game? Before a big game, I think about doing everything I can to make sure my team does their best. Everyone on my team needs something different to be successful, so I try to talk to everyone and make sure everyone is feeling ready.

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? When I’m feeling down, I remind myself that I’m here for my team and that my team needs me to remain positive for us to finish the game strong.

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? One of the big ways sports has changed me as a person is giving me a place to express myself and put everything I have into the sport I’m playing.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports?

The biggest reward I get from competing in sports is getting the chance to work through both success and failure. Sports are a special way that I have learned how to be not only successful but also work through hard times and sports have given me these important skills that will last forever.

was snared a shortstop. Mayo struck out 7, walked one, and gave up 9 hits. LR had 5 hits, striking out 4 times.

Heal Rankings: The Lakers (7-1) are #3 in Class B South. The Raiders (4-7) are #11. The top 11 qualify for the playoffs.

Mechtenberg (W) def. Ava Smith (LR) 6-1

6-0

#1 Doubles: Anna

Farmer/Jenny Morrill (W) def. Jenna Jordan/Rianna Reynolds (LR) 6-0 6-1

#2 Doubles: Sara Levenson/Elefe Angle (W) def. Susie Butler/Katie Peterson (LR) 6-1 6-2 Yarmouth 5, Lakers 0 #1 Singles: Adea Cobaj

JUST OUT OF REACH — Fryeburg Academy shortstop Ally Southwick is just unable to stop a hard roller up the middle in last Wednesday’s game against Lake Region. (Rivet Photos)

MAKING THE CATCH just on the outfield grass is Raider second baseman Carlin Galligan.

Kylie Myers

LR RECAPS, Page 9A

Senior Rambles

Hiking Trips & Tips by Allen Crabtree

Table Rock

The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs across the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Maine, and often the hikes I talk about in these columns either cross or follow the AT for a short while. The April 21, 2023, hike to Table Rock follows a short section of the AT as it crosses Grafton

Notch and climbs Baldpate Mountain. Table Rock is a prominent rock ledge at 2,350 feet elevation partway up the shoulder of Baldpate Mountain. We had only done Table Rock twice, the last time in June 2015.

Grafton Notch State Park is a 3,000-acre jewel of mountains, waterfalls and

deep gorges. It is located on Maine Route 26 about 12 miles north of Newry, or about three miles past Screw Auger Falls and Gorge. The hike to Table Rock in the

Notch is a short, but very steep climb to a splendid viewpoint of Grafton Notch and the ranges of mountains surrounding it. Table Rock can be reached by two trails with two choices of difficulty, the easier 1.4-mile AT white-blazed trail and the steeper 1.5-mile Table Rock orange-blazed trail.

Hiking today were 12 Denmark Mountain Hikers. Grafton Notch is about as far east as we wander in our weekly hikes, and the drive there took one hour and 15 minutes to go the 50-plus miles to the trailhead. Weather was raw, at 38 degrees, under overcast skies, as we left the Table Rock trailhead at 9:35 a.m. reaching Table Rock summit after 1½ hours of climbing via the white-blazed Appalachian Trail.

CREATING THEIR OWN AIR SPACE

Laker recaps

(Continued from Page 8A)

(Y) def. Kasey Johnson (LR) 6-1 6-1

#2 Singles: Mollie

Blaschke (Y) def. Sarah

Solomon (LR) 6-2 6-4

#3 Singles: Sabina

Petrucci (Y) def. Ava Smith (LR) 6-0 6-1

#1 Doubles: Eliza

O’Neill/Margot Patch (Y) def. Jenna Jordan/Rianna

Reynolds (LR) 6-1 6-1

#2 Doubles: Jill Schlax/

Haley Doan (Y) def. Susie

Butler/Katie Peterson (LR) 6-1 6-1

Lakers 4, Freeport 1

#1 Singles: Maria

McLaughlin (F) def. Kasey

Johnson (LR) 6-3 6-1

#2 Singles: Sarah

Solomon (LR) def. Brielle

Hodgkin 6-2 6-3

#3 Singles: Ava Smith

(LR) def. Yilin Wang 5-7

7-5 6-2

#1 Doubles: Jenna

Jordan/Rianna Reynolds

(LR) def. Lillian Gillis/

Kendra Williams 6-4 6-2

#2 Doubles: Susie

Butler/Katie Peterson (LR)

def. Soleil Liriche/Shona

Gruvennan 6-3 6-3

York 3, Lakers 2

#1 Singles: Madigan

Murphy (Y) def. Kasey

Johnson 6-2 6-2

#2 Singles: Artie Krebs (Y) def. Sarah Solomon 6-4 6-3 #3 Singles: Riley Barron (Y) def. Ava Smith 6-1 6-3

#1 Double: Jenna Jordan/Rianna Reynolds

(LR) def. Kelsey Gagnon/ Almu Receio (Y) 3-6 7-5 7-6 (8-6)

#2 Doubles: Susie

The Table Rock trail is an alternate, steeper climb. About 0.1 mile in from the AT trailhead the orangeblazed leg of this trail leads off to the right and ascends quite steeply to Table Rock. There is an extensive slabcave system on the Table Rock trail, which the AMC Maine Mountain Guide calls “possibly the largest in the state.” One of the caves is about 20 feet deep and 40 feet high, and care is cautioned in exploring them. A fall could be serious.

The Denmark Mountain Hikers stayed left on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail at the trail junction with the Table Rock trail. This 0.8-mile ascent is steady but more gradual until you reach the 0.5-mile blue-blazed spur that consists of the upper part of the loop to Table Rock. The ascent was very steady, but not difficult with a couple of stream crossings. The trail was essentially free of ice and snow, but muddy in spots with some running water spilling over the rocks and roots in the trail. We reached the intersection with the blue trail at 10:30 a.m.

From there, the trail took on a very different characteristic. The trail had a lot of ice and snow with a very distinct monorail about 6-inch high in many areas. Most of us had microspikes in or on our packs, but with one exception we didn’t want to bother to stop and put them on. So, we struggled up the last 0.5 miles avoiding the slippery parts by staying to the edges of the trail, stepping on a few bare rocks and only stepping onto the mushy snow on the sides of the packed down, narrow monorail when we had to. Finally, we reached the iron ladder that is embedded

in the ledge just below our destination.

After ascending the ladder, we reached Table Rock at 11:05 am after 1½ hours of climbing. The payoff was spectacular. While it was slightly breezy and chilly at first, the sun came out and the temperatures reached into the 50s. Table Rock is very wide with a steep drop-off, so the view down and into the notch and of Old Speck directly to the West was beautiful. Directly across from us on the slopes of Old Speck there were several vertical ledges with some snow left on them that particularly stood out. We enjoyed the scenery and our snacks for about 20 minutes.

As we prepared for our descent, most of us decided that it would be wise to put on our microspikes for the section of the trail leading down to the junction with the AT. We had also earlier decided to return by the way we had come up and avoid descending the steep orange-range blazed trail that would complete the loop. This turns a 2.4-mile loop trail into a 3-mile inand-out hike which is more appropriate for our ages and hiking abilities.

We began our descent at 11:30 a.m. with some of us donning our spikes above the ladder and others below the ladder. Our microspikes made the hike down the

icy section much easier for those of us who had them. We reached the junction with the AT in about 15 minutes, and removed our spikes for the remaining one-mile down to the trailhead. The remainder of the descent was uneventful, and we reached the parking lot at 12:45 p.m., 1¼ hours after departing Table Rock. The temperature was pushing 60° under a beautiful sunny sky as we headed out of the parking lot to our homes; a perfect day for a wonderful hike.

Table Rock in Oxford County, Upton, ME

Difficulty – Moderate Trail distance (one way) – 1.4 mile via AT Hiking times (one way) – 1.5 hours

Elevation – 2,350 feet

Vertical gains – 900 feet

Coordinates – 44.5872 N 70.9442 W

Topographic Map –USGS Old Speck Mountain 7.5-minute quad / 44.10567; -71.094

Directions to the trailhead: Take Route 26 north from Bethel and continue through Newry and another 12 miles. The Grafton Notch State Park trailhead parking for Table Rock is on the left (west) side of Route 26 about 3 miles north of the parking lot for Screw Auger Falls. The trail starts across Route 26 on the east (right) side of the road.

Butler/Katie Peterson (LR) def. Emily Cyr/Ahlina Onykiichuk (Y) 6-1 6-0

— Top, Campbell Johnson looks to clear the high jump bar, while below Collin Varney competes in the long jump. (Photos by Kevin Murphy)

Denmark Mountain Hiker Mary Lou Moulton at the large “AT” sign at the Grafton Notch trailhead. (Photo by Allen Crabtree)

Denmark Mountain Hikers on the trail Table Rock crossing log “bridges.” (Photo by Paul Waterhouse)

Denmark Mountain Hiker Greg Dean found this handy tree to hang his pack on Table Rock. (Photo by Paul Waterhouse)

Jones releases 1st album

if I had done it 10 years earlier or more I would’ve grown more rapidly in the ways that I’ve grown over the past year. I just have so many things to do in my life. There’s never a good time to release an album. Like, there’s never a good time to have a baby. You take it on and you’re like, you gotta do this. I spent five to six days in studio.

Q. What do you really, really like about this album?

VJ. I like the multi-instrumentalism because I love acoustic folk instruments. It’s fulfilling playing all the instrumental parts the way that I want them played.

Q. Relieved once you were done?

the people that I’ve worked closely with for more extended periods of time. As primarily a violinist by training, I’m able to fit into a lot of different genres as, as a more of an accompanying so I can sit in with just about any different genre. But as far as my own musical career with my songwriting, I’m only in the past few years really making that my main focus. It’s been my main focus kind of all along. I’ve taken a lot more solo gigs this summer and I’ve been doing a lot more duo gigs the past couple of years so that I can promote my own music.

Q. Do you set goals regarding the number of songs you write in a day, week or month?

VJ. I have a goal, a songwriting goal for each month. One month in the fall, I forced myself to only write on sixth string guitar rather than writing on mandolin. If you limit yourself to one instrument, you’re gonna come up with different chords and different ideas. You can ask people for two random words and then write a song around those two words. There’s all different kinds of ways to force yourself into writing something different than you’ve written before. How do I get past writer’s block? I have hundreds and hundreds of unfinished songs or just things that I’ve started that never really finished. I’ll read a bunch of those and that sometimes

helps me, or I’ll just sit with an instrument and play, just kind of play stuff until I start thinking of something. I have to write because internally I’m compelled to.

Q. Talk about the new album.

VJ. This album is called ‘40 Reasons,’ and I’m releasing it on my 40th birthday. It’s sort of about the different experiences that have gotten me through 40 years. When I set out to make this album last summer, early fall, I wrote down the 12 songs that I had in mind for it. And I think only six or seven of those made it onto the album. And then I wrote more.

Q. What’s typically the number?

VJ. Well, CDs are getting shorter and shorter really. So really many people I know are releasing CDs with between six and eight songs on them. Yeah. I wanted to do 12 because I’m always believing ‘go big or go home.’ There were a couple that I thought about cutting at the last minute, but I ended up leaving them on because the album is a snapshot in time of who I am as an artist on those days that I was in the studio (Baked Beans in Harrison). When you’re making all the decisions and you’re driving the whole project, it’s a whole different experience. I had some nervousness. There’s a lot of pressure. My main thought was, why didn’t I do this earlier? You know? I think

Naples candidates

(Continued from Page 3A)

a lot in part to do with under-paid and under-appreciated staff. We as citizens need to recognize how much our town staff actually do for us, certainly not just pushing papers and refusing to give the answers sought after. My term as selectwoman would be to highlight our staff and support them anyway possible, and show them some appreciation for once.

Q: What do you think are the most pressing needs of Naples at this point in time?

Leeman: The much-needed comprehensive plan update is certainly a high priority, and realistically something I would like to see started in my first year sitting on the board.

Q: What is your opinion about the town making a transition from maintenance department to public works department?

Leeman: I feel very deeply that the Town needs and deserves a Public Works Department. I’m not sure the public is aware of all that needs to happen with having to contract most of the work out, and how long that delays a solution. Versus having a PWD, in most cases, could be as close as an immediate fix for the smaller projects. Along with a more cost-effective solution in the long run, it would be highly beneficial to the town overall.

VJ. When I was driving home from the studio after laying the last tracks, I had nine instruments in my car. I remember driving down Dugway Road and looking back at all the instruments and just feeling like I had given birth. It was like relief, like whew, that’s done. It just freed up so much brain capacity to get those ideas recorded and I knew that I didn’t have to carry those ideas in that specific way anymore because I’ll never have to perform them that way again. If I had it to do over again, I would finish four songs and then I would start the next four and finish those.

Q. Will there be a second album?

VJ. Yes. Probably about five songs that I had intended for this album didn’t make it on, might emerge as singles or as an album project in the future. I have quite a few in the works. There’s tons of other stuff that I may release at some point.

Q. What do you enjoy most about performing?

VJ. I like the connection performing with other musicians, and the connection with audiences. I feel every live performance is an opportunity to communicate with other human beings. I think as a society we value connection with other people We’re designed for connection and I think music is a way to do that. I think people are starving for human connection. Music is one way to provide that in a positive way.

College noteboook

Kathryn M. Rose of Naples has been named to the 2022-23 academic year President’s List at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass. Kathryn is a 2022 graduate of Lake Region High School, where she graduated Valedictorian, co-captain of the soccer and tennis teams, and participated in Drama and Math Club.

To be named to the President’s List, a full-time student must have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher with no course grade below 3.0 during the term.

Samantha Fox of Lovell, Rebecca Lagoda of Bridgton and Andrew Gray of Raymond have been named to the Winter 2023 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List.

Denisse Sambrano of Fryeburg and Garth Thompson of Naples were named to the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Winter 2023 Dean’s List. The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the

reporting term are named to the Dean’s List.

Gilon Backlund of Harrison, a Communications and New Media major at Southern Maine Community College, was one of 10 Maine community college students awarded $3,500 scholarships in honor of Leon A. Gorman for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year.

The students were celebrated Monday, May 15, in an online event with Gorman family members and L.L. Bean leadership.

This is the eighth year the Leon A. Gorman Scholarship has been given. The scholarship supports three students at Southern Maine Community College, two students at Central Maine Community College, and one student at the other five colleges.

The Leon A. Gorman Endowed Scholarship was

established in 2014 by the children of Leon and Lisa Gorman in honor of Mr. Gorman’s 80th birthday. The scholarship supports Maine community college students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community service, a hallmark of the scholarship’s namesake. Mr. Gorman was the longtime president and CEO of L.L. Bean. He was deeply committed to the people and places of Maine and recognized the power and potential of Maine’s community colleges to transform people’s lives. He and his wife Lisa worked quietly behind the scenes supporting the colleges and the couple was central to the 2009 establishment and success of The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges for which Mrs. Gorman continues to serve as vice chair.

LIONS HONOR STUDENTS OF THE MONTH — Bridgton Lions Club King Lion Bob Hatch is pictured with Students of the Month Abigail Littlefield of Raymond and Samantha Donahue of Casco along with Lion VP Cliff Tuchon. Abigail is SOM for May and she is the daughter of Jess and Michael Littlefield; Samantha is SOM for March and she is daughter of Jennifer Hutchins and Eric Donahue.

GUEST — Bridgton Lions Club King Lion Bob Hatch (left) is pictured with January Student of the Month Tyler Lafontaine along with Lion John Schuettinger, SOM Selection Committee member. Tyler is son of Scott and Tricia Lafontaine of Bridgton.

Opinion & Comment

May 18, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Dietitian’s Corner

by Donna Dodge Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Consultant

Are weight-loss aides worth it?

Q: Over the years, I’ve tried many things to lose weight. Some have worked, some have not. It’s a constant struggle. I’ve been hearing a lot about this new weight loss drug, Ozempic. What do you think? Is it worth a try? I have about 20 to 25 pounds to lose.

A: Trying unsuccessfully to lose weight can be extremely frustrating and demoralizing. The temptation to grasp at any aid — drug or otherwise — is powerful. In deciding whether to rely on something like Ozempic depends largely on its pros and cons. So, let’s have a look.

Ozempic, made by Novo Nordisk, is the brand name for semaglutide, a drug that is approved to treat diabetes, but is now being used off label for weight loss. People take it once a week through self-administered injections. Ozempic works in two ways: 1.) It slows down the emptying of the stomach that may help to increase fullness and reduce the amount of food consumed; and 2.) it reduces blood sugar by stimulating insulin production when blood sugar is elevated.

We must next ask, does Ozempic work? During a 40-week clinical trial of moderately overweight individuals, people taking Ozempic lost 8 to 11 pounds compared to 1 to 1.5 pounds lost in the placebo group. With Ozempic, an average of 10 pounds over 40 weeks equates to one-quarter pound per week.

All drugs have side effects, it’s just a matter if whether they are worth the payoff. The most common side effects of Ozempic are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation. In the clinical trials, these gastrointestinal effects were responsible for a slightly greater weight loss.

But there are serious health concerns, too, including pancreatitis, vision changes, kidney failure, gallbladder problems and low blood sugar. The label carries a Boxed Warning for possible thyroid tumors, including cancer THAT has been seen in animal studies.

Perhaps the biggest concern, and the one that I find most alarming, is that there is significant risk of birth defects if taking Ozempic while pregnant or immediately before becoming pregnant.

Doctors are encouraged to issue warnings to women to

WORTH IT, Page 4B

Letters

Fixing Dangerous Windows

As spring arrives, we always listen for, and look for, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It is the most highly migratory Woodpecker in North America, flying south in the fall to spend the winter anywhere from the southern United States to Panama, and then returning north in spring to breed and raise a family. Slightly smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, the Sapsucker has a red forehead, a black patch on the upper breast, and a large white patch on the wing. Its back is mottled, or barred, and the belly is yellowish. Both sexes have red foreheads, but the male has a red chin and throat, while the female Sapsucker’s chin and throat are white.

True to their name Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers eat tree sap. They drill neat rows of tiny round or square holes in the bark of a tree and use their specially modified tongue with a brush-like tip to lick the oozing sap that makes up most of their diet. They also eat many insects that are attracted to the sap or that they catch in the air, as well as berries, fruit, and the soft cambium tissue found under the bark of the tree. In spring, when males arrive first to stake out a breeding territory, we love to hear their distinctive staccato drumming, typically a series of two or three evenly spaced, rapid beats, followed by an irregular series of slower beats. This drumming functions the way song does for songbirds, to define a territory and attract a mate.

The sound of the Sapsucker drilling into a tree, or even on

Bird Watch

by Jean Preis BN Columnist

metal, is an important sign of spring for us, so we were deeply disappointed and saddened recently when the first Sapsucker we saw this season had a fatal encounter with one of our windows. If a bird cannot see the clear window glass it may try to fly through, or if the glass mirrors the bird’s surroundings it may fly into it. Sometimes, a bird can see directly through the house and out another window on the opposite wall and may try to fly through. Placing bird feeders close to windows can create a hazard, as birds fleeing real or imagined dangers may crash into a nearby window. When a bird hits a window head first it can die of head injuries, but even if only knocked unconscious, or injured in some other way, it is temporarily defenseless and may be an easy target for a predator. Placing a visual barrier on the inside of the glass only creates a mir-

WINDOWS, Page 3B

June 10: Garden Show and Tell

As I walk around my gardens at this time of the year, I enjoy taking time to observe the daily changes that occur as the plants and insects reveal themselves as the weather gets warmer. Perennials emerge and begin to show their colors, and insects search for food and mates. Birds that sought warmer weather by migrating southward now appear at my feeders, which requires that I increase my spending on bird seed. The native perennial seeds that I placed in pots, and put outside in December and January, are now germinating and will be ready in the autumn to complement the plants that are already established in several garden plots.

At this time of the year, my gardening books are stacked next to my favorite chair and will not return to shelves until the season changes again. I keep them nearby to answer questions I have or to seek guidance about plant characteristics. As I visit my favorite nurseries to choose annuals to assemble by complementing colors in colorful planters, I hear people asking questions from the expert staff as they want to ensure that their gardens flourish.

As a physical therapist that ended my career as a homecare PT, I am sensitive to the lack of accessibility to gardening for people that require canes, walkers or wheelchairs. Some have difficulty bending forward, reaching forward or have a fear of falling due to impaired balance. Others cannot negotiate pathways that are too narrow or stores/nurseries that have restrictive thresholds or stairs. During my career, I found that

Save the trees

To The Editor: We are students at Bridge Crossing Academy in Bridgton. We sometimes go on adventurous walks on the Pondicherry Park trails. We read the article about Emerald Ash Borers by Wayne E. Rivet. We felt sad to hear that the ash trees are being eaten by the EABs. We wanted to give a big thank

Good Deed

To The Editor: A true good deed. Two weeks ago, I joined the hearing aid troops. I made a visit to Bridgton Hospital Special Services for a treatment. While I was leaving, I placed my mask in the waste basket. I also removed the hearing aids, which fell to the floor. A great dude found my sound improvement items, and left them at the front desk. The

you to Colleen Teerling (of the Maine Forest Service) for introducing parasitoids as a biological control measure. We hope the town Select Board voted yes.

Sugarloaf Classroom Bridge Crossing Academy Editor’s note: The Bridgton Select Board unanimously voted to use the biological control measure to fight the EAB infestation. The project will be overseen by the Maine Forest Service and Loon Echo Land Trust.

hospital posted a note on Facebook. My son Jote spoke of my lost to a fellow teacher. Her husband had read the post. The aids were returned. Great people surround us each day, with no fanfare.

Jimmy Oliver Fryeburg

Free Press?

To The Editor: According to recent polls, just 16% of Americans have

great faith in the mainstream media while 74% believe that the media is polarizing and dividing the country. 59% think the mainstream media is a threat to democracy!

Four months ago, the House of Representatives started an investigation into the Biden Administration’s ties to foreign money from China, Ukraine, and Romania, amongst others. With their majority, came subpoena power which is a game changer.

James Comer, chair of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, announced a major press conference will take place on May 10 at 9a.m., in which they would present preliminary evidence showing the transfer to money from foreign entities to the Biden family while Joe Biden was vice president.

Only Fox News covered the press conference. MSNBC, CNN, and the TV networks CBS, NBC, ABC chose not to cover the event. Even C-Span chose not to broadcast the event. They did, however, record the press conference

and it is available online at: https://www.c-span.org/ video/?527960-1/hou serepublican-news-conferencehunter-biden-investigation

The evidence presented (36 pages) proves that at least 10 million dollars was filtered through an intricate web of 20 LLCs to at least nine Biden family members in order to hide the transactions from public view, including: Hunter Biden, his current wife and his ex-wife, James Biden (Joe Biden’s brother) and his wife, Hallie Biden, and three grandchildren. What did they do to deserve this money? What could three grandchildren possibly have done to earn this money?

In the time since the May 10 press conference, ABC, CBS and NBC have not even mentioned the event— not one second of coverage of this important story, according to NewsBusters. Democrats, with the help of the media, are again withholding the facts from the American people.

Democrats used to say that no one was above the law. What happened to that

Down the Garden Path

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

the joy and satisfaction that comes from growing flowers and vegetables was not available to many with disabilities.

On Saturday, June 10 (rain date June 17) from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bridgton Community Center Gardens, the Loon Echo Land Trust and local horticulture professionals will provide educational workshops during a program titled, “Everybody Gardens.” The hope is that the joy that results from growing delicious food and having colorful gardens is indeed available for “Everybody.” Topics will include:

• Composting Made Simple

• Gardening on a Budget

• Plants for Bee Lawns

• Garden Plants for Pollinators

• Invasive Plants

On display will be two newly-built accessible garden beds

SHOW AND TELL, Page 3B

idea? This investigation is ongoing and represents just four of the 12 banks that have issued at least 150 Suspicious Activity Reports on the Biden family.

When will the Democrats and the mainstream media tell the truth? You can follow the rest of this very important story by watching Fox News — if you care about the future of this great country.

Bill Preis Bridgton

Gracious

To The Editor:

It’s a nice touch for Mr. A to thank Mark Lopez for his letter. A rare touch of graciousness on his part.

It’s a rather interesting question he asserts has produced “crickets.” Perhaps he doesn’t realize that he makes the same points over and over again recycling his wisdom for the “unenlightened,” who have responded to his repetitions many times, but apparently, he is either incapable of, or simply deigns not to engage in debate, but prefers

to continue to recycle some curious concerns.

So, to put it bluntly Mr. A, your question, curious as it is, has been asked by you and answered repetitively. Time for some new material.

Apparently prior to 1999, he was a happy camper in this greatest country on earth. It appears something happened that year that triggered his since chronic agita of dissatisfaction. However, in typical fashion, he has never given us background or progression of his issues. This is part of a consistent pattern of leveling broad-based hyperbolic assertions, or vague questions without offering details or clarification of what he’s looking for, and most importantly why.

Curious points lurking in this current question is a demand to know what since 1999 has taken place to strengthen our Constitution, and enhance our democracy. There is an inference that whatever he’s expected or been looking for is Trump’s fault for not happening. Interesting. Since, for the first 16 years of his timetable,

TRILLIUMS are in bloom on Mt. Tire’m in Waterford. (Photo by Pam Ward)

Carole J. McLellan

Carole Jean (née Ambrose) McLellan, 91, of Portland, passed away on April 30, 2023, after a period of declining health.

Carole was born on July 10, 1931, to Leigh and Hilma Ambrose in Island Falls. She was born at home and weighed a whopping 2.5 pounds. Her grandmother, Mina White, sewed a little dress for her and placed her in a shoe box in the warming oven of the kitchen cook stove. Carole hiccupped for an entire week, which may have kept her lungs going!

Her family loved her as an only child, but when she was about 15 years old, her family welcomed her baby sister Linda. Carole and Linda, born years apart, were so remarkably close, and although later lived hundreds of miles apart, remained best friends and loving sisters until Linda’s passing from breast cancer in 1999.

Carole married her high school sweetheart, Bertrand James “Bud’ McLellan, on July 10, 1951, her 20th birthday. Bud always remarked that he WAS her birthday present! Bud and Carole flew to Nugent Camps at Chamberlain Lake for a brief honeymoon (via borrowed seaplane) then moved to Lincoln, Mass., where they lived until after their son Barry was born. They bought their first house in Tewksbury, Mass., and welcomed daughters Bonnie, Brenda, and Christy.

Later they bought a large tract of land in Boxford, Mass., complete with gristmill and pond, and with business partners developed a subdivision there. They built a beautiful reproduction colonial home overlooking the pond. During the summer months, the family and pets (dog, cat, and bunny) travelled to northern Maine, waterskiing on Perry Pond, and visiting grandparents and large extended families.

In 1971, they bought “the camp,” on Trickey Pond in Naples, where the family legacy took hold and huge family gatherings the norm. Carole served dinners for up to 25 or 30 at a time, where meals seemed like Thanksgiving every week. Carole learned to slalom ski and volunteered as the “observer” in the Red Boat for hours on end while all the kids and relatives took turns waterskiing.

When Barry left home to fly for Bar Harbor Airlines and Bonnie went away to college, Carole went back to school and earned her certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1974. Staff and patients appreciated her caring, compassion, and work ethic alike.

In 1979 Delta Airlines offered Bud the chance to fly the L-1011 jumbo jet, which required a relocation to Florida. Their first home was in Pompano Beach, then bought a larger home in Delray Beach, where they enjoyed playing tennis, boating, and making new friends.

When Bud retired, they bought a motor home and spent years traveling throughout the United States and Canada. One of her favorite places to visit was Branson, Mo.

In 2018, they sold their home in Florida and became “official” year-round residents of Trickey Pond. Carole was so happy to be with her family full time! She was a great cook, always well dressed and so beautiful! And so gracious, kind, and loving! All adored her!

She loved to entertain, shop, and go out to dinner and dance. Carole and Bud were fixtures at Sydney’s and Merced’s in Naples. She was always eager to play cards and games, enjoyed reading, and watching “her” soap opera. Carole stayed connected with her large extended family through letter writing and was known for never forgetting to send cards celebrating birthdays or other special occasions.

And Christmas! She had her little notebook filled with lists for everyone and spent months shopping and wrapping gifts.

Even when ill, she showed appreciation for the medical staff and was polite and kind. She always put others before herself and never complained; except to Bud, whom she referred to as “Henry” when exasperated with him. Her sense of humor and love for family, stayed with her until her passing. We miss her so!

Predeceased by her parents, sister, Linda, son Barry, and infant daughter Angela Dawn, Carole leaves behind her husband Bud, daughters Bonnie Pierpont and husband Richard, Brenda Olsen and husband Rolf, Christy Fogg and husband Robert, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and so many friends who loved her as family, as well as her cat, Misty.

Celebration of Life at Trickey Pond planned for later this summer.

May God Please bless her soul.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared at www. hallfuneralhome.net.

Warren’s Florist

Christine D. Archambault

NAPLES — Christine D. (Martel) Archambault, 90, of Naples, and a former longtime resident of Warrenton Road in Haverhill, Mass., died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Bridgton Hospital in Bridgton. Born, raised and educated in Haverhill, daughter of the late Raymond Martel, and the late Edna (Middleton) Martel, she attended Haverhill High School and Northern Essex Community College.

Christine was employed as a bookkeeper at Northern Essex Community College for many years and was a member of All Saints Parish of Haverhill and the former Saint Joseph Parish. She was happiest living life through her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren and, of course, doing housework and laundry.

A resident of Haverhill for many years, Christine moved to Naples in 2006, and for the last sixteen years has made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Dan Allen and their family in Naples.

Predeceased in 2007 by her loving husband, Donald C. Archambault, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by two daughters, Cheryl A. Martel and (Debra) of Dracut, Mass., Dawn M. Allen and (Dan) of Naples, a son, Benjamin “Skip” Ambrose and (Gloria Deforge) of Merrimack, N.H., a sister, Deborah Liszewski of Haverhill, fifteen grandchildren, Steven, Eric, Timothy, Jesse, Daniel, Jr., Zachary, Marc, Scott, Erica, Jason, Justin, Jared, Ryan, Adam and Brian; 24 greatgrandchildren, Jaclyn, Mackenzie, Mia, Chase, Remi, Finn, Carter, Capri, Lys, Cameron, Kieralyn, Kyler, Joshua, Dylan, Liam, Kaelin, Cameron, Aiden, Ashlyn, Jared Jr., Jordan, Adalia, Cohen Patrick, Elliott Benjamin; and a beloved niece, Margie Mears, and several other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Ronald J. Rattay, a daughter, Sue A. Rattay, and a brother, Raymond Martel.

Private family services will take place under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St. Plaistow, N.H., with burial to follow in the Mausoleum at Elmwood Cemetery, Bradford, Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Barbara E. Eastman

CHATHAM N.H. — Barbara E. (McAlister) Eastman, 86, passed away on Monday May 1, 2023, at home with her loving family by her side. She was born July 13, 1936, in Stow, Maine, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Mary (Smith) McAlister. Barbara attended and graduated from Fryeburg Academy. She married the love of her life Frank Eastman on November 27, 1954, and this year they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Barbara was a dedicated wife and mother of four girls, Maryann, Angel (deceased soon after birth), Linda, and Clara. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Kenneth, and Mary (Smith) McAlister, and her brothers, Donald, Linwood, and Edward.

Barbara’s list of dedication to her community is prodigious: She cooked hot lunch meals for the Chatham Center School from 1957 to 1969, was the Chatham-Stow librarian from 1967 to 2017, served as Town of Chatham Treasurer from 1982 to 1993, was on Fryeburg Rescue from 1971 to 2004, serving as treasurer for two years, and dispatcher for six years. She was an Avon representative for 12 years, served on the Chatham School Board from 1970 to 1978, was Supervisor of the Checklist (Town of Chatham) from 1980 to 2012, and was a lifetime member of both the Lovell Historical Society and the Chatham Historical Society, of which she was a charter member. She served simultaneously, holding titles of president, vice president, treasurer, and was the curator in Chatham for over 20 years. In addition, she volunteered at the Saco Valley Fire Association’s annual Chicken BBQ for over 20 years.

Barbara’s hobbies and interests included reading, crocheting, and genealogy. She helped to record every gravestone in all the local cemeteries, and researched extensively the Eastman, Smith, McAlister, Charles, and Kimball families. She also documented local history in over 40 scrapbooks. She was known far and wide for her beef stew, homemade biscuits, and buttermilk donuts as well as her warm home.

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband Frank, her loving children, Maryann, Linda, and Clara; her grandchildren Cheyainne Cooper, Abraham Cooper, Emily Cooper, and Carrie Currier.

Also, her great-grandchildren: Brayden, Lyla, Isaac, Bentley, and Brooklyn. She also leaves her sisters, Joyce Parmenter, and Beverly Wight.

In keeping with Barbara’s wishes the family will hold a celebration of life at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds on July 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Specialty Foods Pavilion. Light refreshments served. Donations in Barbara’s name may be made to Chatham Historical Society, Lovell Historical Society, or Fryeburg Rescue. Arrangements are under the care of Wood Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 9 Warren St, Fryeburg to

condolence

Arthur W. Ward

Arthur W. Ward, 84, of Norway, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, at Stephens Memorial Hospital. Arthur was born and raised in Harrison. He grew up on Depot St. in the Witham/Ward homestead. He was the son of Norman Ward and Celia Witham Ward. He married Merilyn E. Graham in 1957. They raised their three sons Wayne (Deb), Wyatt (DiAnne), and Wade (Kim) in Harrison. Arthur in his later years was renowned up and down the East Coast as a talented artist. Arthur left Harrison in his early forties to pursue his career. He returned to the area in 2018.

Besides his three boys, he is survived by the following grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Mindi, Nikki, Tia, Michael, Jason, Steve, Joe, Adam, Falishia, Whitney, Martika, Wade, Kylie, Kaylin, Tanner, Bryson, Brooke, Madelynn, Dawson, Charlie, Lucas, and Catalina. He is also survived by siblings Norma, Beverly, Vivian, Phil, Dennis, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Merilyn, grandson Wayne, and siblings Neal, Richard, and Betty.

There will be no services at this time per Arthur’s request. Burial date still to be determined. He was loved, and will be missed.

Please visit www.AdvantagePortland.com to sign Arthur’s guestbook and leave memories for the family.

Jacqueline D. Haley

Jacqueline (Jackie) Dorothy Jefferson Haley passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 9, 2023. Jackie was born July 6, 1932 in Salem, Mass., to loving parents Rossana and Alfred Sansoucy Jefferson. She was predeceased by her sisters, Claire Jefferson Connell, Pauline Jefferson Russell and Delores Jefferson Arpin, and brothers, Alfred “Juni” Jefferson and Norman Jefferson. She is survived by her four children and their spouses:

Mark Haley, (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), David Haley and Diane

Downing (Holderness, N.H.), James and Chris Haley (Newburyport, Mass.), Paul (Jackie’s favorite) and Maureen Haley (Salem, Mass.)

As a child, Jackie attended St. Anne’s Grammar School and graduated high school from St. Chretienne’s Academy, which served Salem’s large French-Canadian population at that time. French and English were both spoken in the Jefferson home. Jackie attended Salem Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1950 and graduated in 1953. As a Registered Nurse, her life’s work was devoted to those in her care. Her career began with the Salem Public Health Department and later joined the nursing staff at Salem Hospital specializing in Respiratory care becoming one of the earliest Respiratory Therapists in the United States. She eventually took on the role of director of Respiratory Therapy at Salem Hospital and was a fierce advocate for patients and a mentor for nurses and medical staff. She spent the later years of her career returning to direct patient care, caring for the sickest individuals and those needing special attention. Her compassion and gentle manner helped many local families facing end-of-life decisions.

After retirement Jacky moved full time to the Lake Region of Harrison, where she developed many lasting and precious friendships. She loved to travel and was an avid skier. More than anything, she loved the small-town life and could regularly be found at pot-luck dinners with friends or volunteering at town and church events. She cherished her sister-in-law Shirley Davis and their group of close friends around Proctor Pond, Crystal and Long Lakes.

After returning to Massachusetts to be closer to family she was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a form of Dementia. Never one to complain or engage in self-pity, she continued to relish time with friends and family including her lifelong friend and fellow nurse, Mary Tremblay. Together they worked at Salem Hospital, raised families, and traveled in retirement creating many happy memories.

“Grammie Jackie” especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, Faye, Andrew and Grace Haley (Marblehead, Mass.), Alexandra, Rachel and Jeremy Haley (Newburyport, Mass.), Akira and Margaret Haley (Bainbridge Island, Wash.). She found joy in the simple pleasures of reading, gardening, watching the many birds in her West Newbury yard, and spending time at family gatherings. She was also a fan of Boston sports teams, particularly the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins and could be quite vocal in her critiques.

As life came full circle, Jackie came to rely on the caregivers from Help-in-Home in West Newbury and eventually the wonderful staff at Kaplan Estates in Peabody, receiving the same level of compassionate care that she offered to so many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Jackie epitomized humility and selflessness. She never sought the limelight. In keeping with her wishes, services will be private. Those wishing to make a donation might consider AgeSpan (formerly Elder Services of the Merrimac Valley and North Shore). Arrangements were made by the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, Peabody. To view online obituary and sign guestbook, visit www.ccbfuneral.com

Always Improving

Obituary Policy

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

Names of grandchildren will not be included, but the number of grandchildren or nephews and nieces will be used. If the deceased individual’s only connection to the area is a nephew, niece or grandchild, that person will be listed by name. E-mail to news@bridgton.com Obituaries to run “as written” are paid obituaries, a price quote and proof will be provided. The News reserves the right to edit all obituaries including length if necessary. E-mail to ads@bridgton.com The Bridgton News

Opinions

May 18, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 3B

Recycling Matters

Howdy neighbor!

The Walker Log Slips In

Have you noticed Stevens Brook this past week? The recent rains, unable to soak any further into a soil well saturated with snow-melt, have for the past several weeks channeled their way down our fields, glens, mountains, and highways into the various lakes and ponds of the region on their eventual way down to Lake Sebago and the sea. Little Stevens Brook here in our Center Village has lately been contributing more than its common share, being swelled well above its usual high-water mark. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the falls at the Third Power Site, near Tannery Bridge beside our very own News office, in quite so flooded and raging a condition as they were last week, when the brook was so high it almost didn’t appear to fall when going over the two-foot drop. This circumstance reminded me of the time of year it is, and how once in the olden days these very weeks comprised a special season for local industry.

Since the days of the first English settlers here, logging played an integral role in the early economy of Bridgton. Period accounts describe the immense forests of oak and pine timber which once occupied this section of country, “planted by the fostering hand of nature” for the use of man. One geography from 1794, describing each of the plantations north of Sebago Lake, reports that “Bridgton consists of large hills and valleys; the high land affords the largest growth of red oak, which often grow to three, and sometimes to four feet diameter, and 60 or 70 feet without any branches; the valleys are covered with rock-maple, bass, ash, birch, pine and hemlock.” Oak was cut into timbers, Hemlock trees stripped of their bark for leather tanning, young pines rough-sawn into boards and great pines hewed down for the spars and masts of shipbuilding. Through the later days of the 18th century, and indeed until the era of Maine’s Statehood in 1820, the considerable timber ranged along Long Lake and points south afforded an ample supply, most of which were cut and driven

Letters

(Continued from Page 1B)

he wasn’t involved in politics other than as a private citizen. Moreover, over Mr. A’s entire time period there have been three democratic presidents, and two republicans. His question itself challenging “improvements” in the Constitution is a vague and high bar as over the 234 years of its existence only 27 amendments have been added (the first 10 all in 1791) and the rest coming in dribs and drabs over the ensuing years. It would be helpful to know what areas for improvement he has in mind, but that would be a departure from his MO of leveling broad-based criticism but no specific suggested alternatives. He should also be aware if he wants to measure his politicians by their abil-

ity to pass amendments, there have been approximately 1,1000 attempts and 27 successes.

Improve our democracy, Mr. A? Precisely what do you mean by that? You are, of course, aware we are a republic, not a democracy. So, again and again, you tell us you’re concerned about autocracy. Indulge us. Give us some concrete examples. That should be fun.

Finally, you’re an independent eh? Well, congratulations!

I understand they are now the majority. You will definitely be a strange bedfellow for your new friends as they are generally defined as “centrist” seeking as Eisenhower used to say a “middle way” based on compromise usually arrived at through a civil process. I guess your presence among them will provide a measure of diversity.

Don Vose Naples

Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

in great log drives down the Songo River, across Sebago Lake, and eventually to the mills on the Presumpscot River at Saccarappa, now Westbrook. Samuel Nevers, a principal early settler of Sweden, is said to have been the first man to successfully drive a raft of lumber down Sebago Lake from Bridgton without it being broken up. That was in 1793.

Meanwhile, local timber barons like Enoch Perley and Asael Foster were busy buying up hundreds of acres of land in Bridgton and our surroundings as investments, the profits of which were realized with every winter’s harvest. We had local saw mills of course; Joseph Sears built one at the head of Stevens Brook to furnish the growing center village with lumber, and Asael Foster raised one in South Bridgton for the same purpose, but today we’re going to be focusing on those log drives which hauled timber out of Bridgton in the later days of the 1820s, after the great supply of easily accessible shoreland timber around Long Lake began to run low.

At this time, great tracts of untouched timberland still existed in Bridgton, chiefly ranged about the head of what is now Highland Lake, then called Crotched Pond, as well as further north on Stearns Pond in Sweden. This timber, for all its value in the markets at Westbrook and Portland, had little value where it stood in Bridgton, and only survived as long as it did for the simple reason of its being function-

By Rachel Miller Bridgton Recycling Committee

Corporations paying for waste

When the town of Bridgton voted down Pay Per Bag, many community members rejected the proposal out of concerns for the resulting costs to the individual and in reaction to the mandatory nature of the approach for individuals.

In the meantime, interestingly, the state of Maine has been working steadily towards a whole new model of addressing waste management at the level of the corporation. In fact, Maine was the very first state in the United States to embrace this new approach, called the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Law. Since it was passed with bipartisan support in July 2021, four more states have followed suit, and there are over 10 more states that have introduced such a bill, gathering serious momentum throughout the United States. While implementation will still take a number of years to fully roll out, it promises to provide new solutions to the current local and global problem of our copious packaging waste.

Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, manufacturers are held financially responsible for the waste they create and are required to support the collection, disposal, cleanup, and reuse of their products. Maine

WALKER, Page 4B CORPORATIONS, Page 6B

Kiss and tell

To The Editor: Had he not been so cavalier about the decades old rape and battery of civil court plaintiff E. Jean Carroll and kept his mouth shut more — almost impossible in the case for tfg — he might have saved himself five million bucks. A jury (he was too much of a coward to face in person) found unanimously in Ms. Carroll’s favor and damages were awarded her. Perhaps, had tfg heeded the advice of Rudyard Kipling in his poem Pink Dominoes from his Barrack Room Ballads and Departmental Ditties things might have gone differently for the elderly serial predator: “They are fools who kiss and tell

Wisely has the poet sung Man may hold all sorts

Obituaries

Gordon W. McLaren

A graveside service and celebration of life for Gordon W. McLaren, formerly of Harrison who passed away on Jan. 6, 2023, will be held on Saturday, May 20.

The graveside service and burial will take place at The Lewis Cemetery (Route 35 to Lewis Road in Harrison) at 1 p.m.

The celebration of life will be held at the RADR Field of Dreams Complex, Route 117, Harrison Road at 2 p.m. Please bring happy memories of Gordon to share.

Michael L. Rolfe

PINETTA, FLA. — Michael L. Rolfe, 71, passed away at home in Pinetta, Fla. after a long illness on Jan. 18, 2023.

The youngest of nine children, Michael was born in Bridgton on June 23, 1951. He graduated from Bridgton High School in 1969. Michael was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, which he enjoyed with his brother-in-law and best friend, Donald Wentworth. He retired from Atlantic Great Dane in South Portland in 2013 after which he and his wife moved to Pinetta, Fla.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Bonnie Wentworth Rolfe; two sisters, Elva Fowler from New Hampshire and Nancy Ridlon from Bridgton; his daughter, Michelle Moxley and family from Mechanic Falls; and his son, Michael Smith from Livermore Falls.

A memorial for Michael will be held Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Otisfield Community Center on Route 121.

Michael L. Laughlin

Michael Lee Laughlin, 61, of Bridgton, passed away on May 7, 2023, in Bridgton.

Michael was born in Portland to Eugene and Elsie Laughlin on September 17, 1961. He went to school at Jordan Small School and graduated from Lake Region High School. He married Penni Jo Daniels on October 31, 2021, in Bridgton. He worked as a machinist for local companies for a number of years. He loved motorcycles and could often be seen riding one on its rear tire through town.

Michael is preceded in death by his father, Eugene Laughlin. Michael is survived by his wife, Penni Laughlin, his daughters Megan Lowell and husband Joseph; Nikole Young and husband Andrew; and Shana Jones. His brothers Mark Laughlin and wife Pam; and Craig Laughlin. His mother, Elsie Laughlin, and grandchildren Cayden, Lillian, Ross. His niece Krista and significant other Chad Smith and great-nieces Lily and Ava. Also, his stepson Patrick Irish, wife Faith and daughter Lucy.

A celebration of life will be at the Naples Legion Hall on May 27, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 8 Elm St., Bridgton. To make an online condolence please visit www.chandlerfuneals.com

of posts If he’ll only hold his tongue”

Jon St. Laurent Lovell

Shouldn’t be silenced

To The Editor: Casco’s residents should have had the right to stand up and be counted. They should have been allowed to cast their RP Zoning vote at the upcoming Casco annual town meeting. Casco’s Select Board unilaterally stripped away and silenced the residents of Casco of their democratic right to express their opinion via their vote at Casco’s annual town meeting. Never mind that the properties requesting the change didn’t meet any of the nine criteria to be zoned Resource Protected (“RP”). The Select

Celebration of Life

Valerie J. Woodman

Please join us on Saturday, May 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. Location: 995 South High St. Bridgton Pot luck meal will be available. Please bring an item if you wish.

RAIN DATE: Sunday May 21st Same time/place.

Linda L. Kiesman

AUBURN – Linda Lee Kiesman, 81, of Fryeburg passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Bolster Heights Residential Care with her loving family by her side. She was born August 13, 1941, in North Conway, N.H., the eldest daughter of the late Howard and Bernice (Atkins) Kiesman.

Linda attended and graduated from local schools, loved to read, attend county fairs, and loved creating art. She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her children’s clothing when they were younger. She especially loved her cats.

For many years, she worked as a game attendant and then game owner in the carnival industry, which led to her love of fairs. Each spring, she would look forward to hitting the roads of New England with the carnival. She is predeceased by her loving parents, Howard and Bernice Kiesman, her children Samantha Jayne Bennett and infant son Paul Leroy Bennett.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Douglas Edwards and his wife Linda, Wendy Doxsey and her husband Thomas, Benjamin Edwards and his wife Anne, Dona Sickels and her husband Craig, Sean Edwards, and his wife Heidi, her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a sister Leslie Hicks and a special nephew Corey Hicks and his fiancée Christy Doe and their two children. And her beloved cats Mikey and Zoey.

Linda also leaves friends, who were like blood family to her, Lisha Phillips and her husband Dan, Deasy Edwards and fiancée Felicia Dyer, and Jolene Berry and her husband Ricky.

In keeping with Linda’s wishes, all services are at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may make a donation in Linda’s memory to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Fryeburg, Maine. Arrangements are under the care of the Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton, Maine. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.chandlerfunerals.com

2T19

Board glossed over testimony from Casco’s town staff that they verified with all of the various regulators the parcels should never have been RP zoned.

Instead, a select group of residents working in close partnership with Casco’s Select Board embraced governance by polarization. As a result, the rest of the residents were denied due process. The Select Board and a select group of residents denied the rest of Casco’s residents of their democratic right to cast their RP Zoning vote at the upcoming annual town meeting. Casco’s boards gave themselves permission to misappropriate their obligation of fair governance based on angry social media blogs and mean-spirited public hearings where those who dared to disagree couldn’t possibly defend themselves. They used their role as public servants to raise themselves above long-standing State of Maine laws, the processes surrounding those laws and the Town of Casco’s own RP ordinance as an opportunity to focus on building a wall around our community — figuratively and literally.

The “no growth” vs. “controlled growth” divisions in Casco are pervasive and profound. What’s scary about all of this polarization is that there doesn’t seem to be any basis or willingness for forging a common cause. It’s an efficient way to ruin a community (and our country) of mostly kind and caring people. This polarization has negatively influenced the

moral reasoning of otherwise well-intentioned private residents and public servants. It has rendered decent people to be foolish, biased, and illogical when others disagree with their extreme points of view.

The refusal of the Select Board to allow its residents to exercise their democratic right to vote on these two public RP Zoning warrants wasn’t the only issue that failed that night. Our town leadership failed, and we as a community failed. As a result, these well-intentioned folks have promoted the perception that Casco has only one community identity. We are a community comprised of “no growth, no outsiders welcomed” residents.

For further evidence, review the disparaging comments thrown at Casco’s Comprehensive Plan and the poor folks who have donated numerous hours of their time and effort to draft the plan.

Daniel P. Grotto Casco

The Debt Limit

To The Editor: President Biden seems determined to run the debtceiling crisis from the basement of the White House using a no negotiation strategy. His approach to the debtceiling crisis is to demand a blank check from Congress and slink back to the basement. President Biden seems to want to let government shut down and the country

LETTERS, Page 4B

Kathleen R. Cormier

LOVELL — Kathleen “Katy” Reh Cormier, 56, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2023, with her loving family by her side, after a courageous eight-year battle against fibrosarcoma cancer.

She was born July 22, 1966, in Somerville, N.J., a daughter of Vincent Sr. and Mary “Sue” McLaughlin Reh. Katy graduated from Somerville High School, where she excelled at cross country and was recognized as the most lettered sportsperson for her class. Katy later graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. After that, Katy went on to have a successful career in the insurance industry, including 24 years at Liberty Mutual as a commercial lines underwriter and product manager.

Katy met her future husband, Kevin Cormier, at college, and they married in 1991. She and Kevin later settled in Keene, N.H., where they lived for 17 years and raised two daughters, Eileen and Cecilia. Katy was a lifelong world traveler and lived in Dublin, Ireland, for four years.

Katy loved to spend time outdoors skiing, hiking, paddleboarding, and going on other adventures. She especially enjoyed vacations on Kezar Lake in Lovell, where she and Kevin moved full-time in 2020. Katy was an active member of the Lovell community and contributed to local food pantries and animal shelters, as well as conservation organizations.

Katy leaves to cherish her memory Kevin, her husband of 31 years, as well as daughters Eileen and Cecilia. She will also be remembered by her loving parents Vincent Sr. and Sue, her sisters Maryann Reh and Colleen Reh Sweeney, and her brothers Vincent Jr. (and wife Gigi Reh) and Matthew Reh. Also, by her nieces and nephews, Ian Hutson, Jacqueline Cormier, Luc Hutson, Donohue Sweeney, Ryan Cormier, and Teagan Sweeney. Her calm, steady, and loving presence will also be missed by her extended family and friends.

In keeping with Katy’s wishes, the family will hold celebrations of life in New Jersey (June 10) and Maine (July 22). While your thoughts and love are more than enough, if you are looking for a way to give, we ask that you donate to either the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, where Katy was treated, or our local animal shelter, Harvest Hills.

Arrangements are under the care of Wood Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. To make an online condolence please visit www.woodfuneralhome.org

The Walker Log Slips

(Continued from Page 3B)

ally landlocked; for once you cut one of those mighty trees down, there was no easy way to float it out of Bridgton by water, which was just about the only way to move timber any meaningful distance in those days. Cutting logs in the wintertime, they were then hauled by oxen or teams of horses out onto the ice of frozen ponds, and driven down and out of those ponds on their outlet rivers in the spring, pond to pond to pond until you reached the mills of the Presumpscot. But Stevens Brook was, sad to tell, too small to allow the passage of timber drives, and so it resulted for the period of a generation that all the logs of Crotched Pond could not easily be hauled to Long Lake, and were left to stand as they had since time immemorial.

All that changed in 1821 with a man named Joseph Walker, a businessman who, though then residing in Westbrook, had been born and raised here in Bridgton, the son of Capt. Benjamin Walker who managed Joseph Sears’ mill at Crotched Pond in the years after his death. Walker saw an opportunity in the valuable woodland north of his father’s mill in Bridgton, and soon approached the several owners of that land with an ambitious plan. As he saw it, the timber bar-

Are weight-loss aides worth it?

(Continued from Page 1B)

stop taking Ozempic a full two months prior to conception. But how many women will unknowingly become pregnant while taking Ozempic? If animal studies are any indication, we will see skeletal, liver, kidney, and heart abnormalities in newborns. The FDA has acknowledged this risk and has instructed Novo Nordisk to conduct human trials to follow the health outcomes of pregnant women taking Ozempic. These studies are scheduled to be completed in 2027 and 2033.

How much does Ozempic cost? According to a representative at Novo Nordisk, it sells to pharmacies for $892 for a one-month supply (four syringes). Consumer cost depends upon insurance coverage.

Overall, given minimal weight loss results coupled with potential for serious, long-lasting possible side effects of organ dysfunction and cancer and the potential birth defects, my honest assessment is that Ozempic is not worth the risk. If extra support and motivation is needed to help with weight loss, there are excellent health coaches, dietitians, and various support groups in our area, all easily accessible to most people. Until next time!

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

This week’s puzzle theme: The 1990s

Letters

(Continued from Page 3B)

default on its debt. Biden thinks he can shift the blame to the Republicans, who had the audacity to want to cut his bloated budget.

Let’s see, we currently have a $31.4 trillion debt Ceiling, which is inflationary, and exceeds our gross domestic product. Speaker McCarthy has proposed a $1.4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling and that funding for federal agencies return to fiscal 2022 levels, while aiming to limit the growth in spending to 1% per year.

The military excepted, McCarthy recognizes the threats from China, Russia, and Iran which will require the re-building of the Biden depleted military, weaponry,

ons in Bridgton holding land along Crotched Pond and also in Sweden, needed a canal in order to successfully exploit their holdings in the Stearns Pond region, and he purposed to make them one if they agreed to back his venture. Despite the tremendous cost of creating such an artificial canal linking Crotched Pond and Long Pond, he calculated that they would be willing to fund the attempt, since their valuable timberland was otherwise a useless investment to them. If they backed him, whatever the cost, the timber was so plentiful that they could be assured of recouping their losses and indeed profiting significantly once the canal was opened. His assessment of the situation was correct. These timber barons, Enoch Perley chief among them but also including Samuel Nevers of Sweden, the sons of Asael Foster, and James Osgood of Fryeburg, liked what they heard and soon agreed to take the risk. And so was drawn up on Jan. 4, 1822, the following agreement;

… between Joseph Walker of Westbrook in the County of Cumberland, Gentleman on the one part, and Robert Page, Ebenezer Fessenden, Jr., Robert Bradley and James Osgood, all of Fryeburg in the County of Oxford, Samuel Nevers, Benjamin Webber of Sweden in said county, and Samuel Andrews and Enoch Perley of Bridgton in the County of Cumberland on the other part, witnesseth, that the said Walker on his part covenants and agrees for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators, to make a canal from Crotched Pond in Bridgton, in the County of Cumberland, to Long Pond in Bridgton, in the County of Cumberland, suitable to convey logs from one pond to the other, and that he will take and receive all the pine logs, which are fit for merchantable boards, that [they] haul or cause to be hauled or rafted into Crotched Pond, and boom them in well, for a term of fifteen years, and the said Walker will take said logs in Crotched Pond, and at his own expence convey them to Saccarappa, and saw them into boards, and deliver one half of the boards which the logs are estimated to make, on some one of the wharfs in Portland…”

This effort was really a two-fold construction plan. First Walker needed to build a canal, later called the Stearns Pond Canal, connecting Stearns Pond with Crotched Pond along the course of Trull Brook. We don’t have time to go over the history of that canal today, but perhaps in a future article if there’s enough interest. It will suffice to say that this canal was promptly built, funded by many families including the Perleys, which soon allowed the passage of timber out of Sweden into Bridgton. These logs together with those cut on Crotched Pond next needed to make their way down to Long Pond, and for that Walker needed a second construction project. This is the one we are focusing on today; the famed Walker Log Slips.

From an 1851 account of these slips (aka flumes) 1851, we find them described as follows: “I have spoken of the stream which runs from Crotched Pond into Long Pond, as furnishing many water privileges which have added much to the growth and prosperity of the place. Some years ago, as far back, I think, as 1822, this water was used in a manner somewhat novel. Adjoining and near the upper part of Crotched Pond, and above it, around Stearns’ Pond, were vast quanti-

and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Democrats, led by Biden, are skipping down Folly Road if they think they can waste taxpayer money on schemes to insure their re-election and enrich their big donors without consequences. Further, Uncle Joe may have personal reasons to want a carte blanche. Perhaps, he needs to fulfill family obligations to overseas benefactors? (See House Oversight Committee’s May 10, 2023 Report on Biden family finances.)

If government is instituted to preserve and protect our Constitutional Rights, why are the Democrats and President Biden hell bent on destroying our Constitution, our free market economy, and our spirit.

One has to wonder why an intelligent fellow, our presi-

dent, would risk the country’s reputation, the economy, the military, and the standard of living of the American people for incomprehensible policies that benefit foreign enemies and leave the American people holding the bag?

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Addressing the debt ceiling

To The Editor: Here we go again, with yet another debt ceiling “crisis” at the federal level. It is another good example of what President Ronald Reagan (deceased) said at his inaugural address in January, 1981. He stated the following: “In this present

LETTERS, Page 5B

ties of pine timber. To bring it to market, it then had to be hauled into the upper waters of Crotched Pond, rafted down in the spring to the foot of the pond, and then again hauled, during the next winter, to Long Pond, and thence driven into the river to Saccarappa. This was a slow and expensive process. Capt. Joseph Walker, now of Portland, conceived the idea of constructing slips across those portions of the streams where the logs could not run, through which the logs could be run by water power with great rapidity. Having made a survey of the streams sufficient to satisfy himself that the plan was feasible, he resolved to put it in execution. He succeeded in obtaining bonds of large tracts of timber, leases of land, &c. &c., necessary to enable him to successfully prosecute and reap the profits of his scheme.

He then commenced making dams at different points of the stream, and slips of sufficient capacity to admit the logs, and with sufficient head and fall of water to propel them. This was a new idea, and, by many who were esteemed very shrewd, was ridiculed as wild and visionary. It was constantly predicted that Captain Walker would ruin himself, and the whole thing prove an entire failure. One of the principal men of this village (Mr. G) was particularly noisy in his ridicule of the whole thing, offering to come under bonds to ‘eat for his breakfast’ the first log that should go through those slips to Long Pond.

But the projector of the scheme was self-relying. He trusted to his own judgement, to accurate and scientific surveys which he had procured, and was in no degree discouraged or deterred by any of these predictions of failure. He completed his slips, hoisted the gate and let in the water,

WALKER, Page 5B

Dangerous Windows

(Continued from Page 1B)

ror when seen from outside, but barriers placed outside the glass can help prevent window strikes. In addition to using commercially available window stickers to prevent bird strikes, we also leave spiders’ webs outside the windows, as they catch enough light to let birds know something is there. We have tried to soften the impact of the glass by fastening screens on the outside of windows near our feeders, and birds that have flown into the screens have been able to fly away. In spite of our precautions, birds occasionally hit a window. Last week, when we heard a familiar, loud sickening thud my husband knew it sounded as if a bird had hit a window, so he grabbed a large paper bag on his way outside to investigate. There, he discovered a handsome male Yellowbellied Sapsucker lying on the ground below a window. Picking up the bird, he gently laid it in the bottom of the bag and secured the top with a large clip in case the bird regained consciousness and tried to fly before it was safe to do so. After an hour, though, there had been no sound of activity inside the bag, so we carried it outside, peeked into the bag and removed the dead bird. We placed it on the ground in our woods. It was a sad day, a reminder of how important it is to do everything possible to make our windows safer for the birds.

73. One or some or all

74. Find new tenant

DOWN

1. *”____ Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus

2. Highlands hillside

3. Raise the roof

4. Leopard marks 5. Bungle (2 words)

6. Part of a hammer 7. “____ the land of the free...”

8. Heathrow craft

9. Type of missile, accr. 10. Aquarium organism 11. Indian bread

12. “____ Kerenina” by Tolstoy

15. Breadcrumb, e.g.

20. Contain the ashes

22. Pen

TEEPEE built on the Southwest Summit of Pleasant Mountain provides a great view.

(Photo by Pam Ward)

May 18, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 5B

crisis, Government is not the solution to our problem; Government IS the problem.” President Reagan was 100% right. It remains correct and true on his point. This Congress and current president (President Biden) needs to raise the debt limit once again, to pay all its bills and not default on obligations, payments etc., including for Social Security and other payments, including to retirees, veterans, disabled people, among many others. It is imperative that this administration, under President Biden, get serious about raising the debt ceiling and also stop and avert a financial crisis and avoid defaulting on its obligations. Concurrently, it is also imperative that the U.S. Congress and this administration reign in current and future spending, and get more serious about reducing the financial deficit.

Furthermore, all agency and departmental programs need reviews. Such audits and reviews needed to address waste, and fraud, and abuse, via misuse of appropriated funds. It is time for this Congress and all future Congresses to get much more serious about these very important issues.

Concurrently, leadership at the federal level needs improvement significantly. Subsequently, it is necessary for Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, to act responsibly and be responsible, fiscally and all-around. However, they have generally been pretty lax and irresponsible in federal spending, with the continuation of the “Pelosi principle,” if you will. The aforementioned refers to what Nancy Pelosi said in March 2010: “But, we have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.” This appears to be standard operating practice for Congressional appropriations and federal spending, including with the passing of last year’s omnibus megaspending appropriation. It has resulted in more of the same causality, with the cause and result reoccurring. The federal government must find the ways and means to address the debt-ceiling limit crisis, pay its bills and all obligations to avoid a financial crisis and avoid a financial system failure. Further, we must get Congress to focus on our nations’ issues and problems and less so on world issues.

Isn’t it time to compel Congress and this administration to change its ways of operating and conduct business for the American people? Isn’t it time for more of the usual “stuff” in

Washington, D.C. to end. It is up to the American people to demand better of this federal government and compel Congress to do a better job to serve the American people.

In closing, it’s time to “make it so” to address federal and other multi-governmental issues, including fiscal responsibility matters. Let’s get our governments in better operational condition to serve the American people better, from the federal (National) level on down to the state, county and local levels.

David Hall Standish

The Value of Money

To The Editor: In Reverend Plaisted’s thought-provoking commentary, “Time to relax, it’s just money,” in the May 11 Bridgton News, he claims that extrinsic value (things valued in monetary terms) is somehow inferior to intrinsic value (the air that we breathe, or water that we drink, for example). Obviously, clean air and water are essential to our lives. However, when we go to the grocery store, rent or buy a house, it is not possible to pay for these items with air or water. When government fiscal policy causes inflation that eats away at our paychecks, we lose the

intrinsic value of our efforts. Very few people hoard money. After all, Scrooge McDuck is a fictional character. There are few mattresses stuffed with currency. Most people save it. It can then be invested for future gain and a comfortable retirement. Those who have amassed fortunes invest them. This grows the economy and creates jobs. Many rich people give their money away to causes that they feel will improve others’ lives. Accumulating money can’t save us from folly, but might keep us out of poverty in our old age.

LETTERS, Page 6B

June 10: Garden Show and Tell

(Continued from Page 1B)

that are part of the Bridgton Community Gardens. I (Nancy Donovan) submitted an application to the Cumberland County Master Gardener Association Norm Steele Memorial Seed Grant Program and the proposal was funded. Mr. Richard Lewis, of Richard H. Lewis & Son Building and Remodeling, volunteered to assist in the construction of the two garden beds.

While visiting the Bridgton Community Gardens you should visit the Pollinator Garden that was installed during the summer of 2022. Master Gardener Volunteers Ann Lasman and Susan Coyne received funding for the project from the same Cumberland County Master Gardener Association Norm Steele Memorial Seed Grant Program. Ann and Susan continue as Master Gardener Volunteers with planning and oversight of the garden. Future plans are to build a pathway to allow those with physical disabilities to visit the pollinator garden. Many were involved with the establishment of the pollinator garden and the list is provided below:

• Greg Bouley from River’s Edge Landscaping, donated design and construction

• Nancy Donovan, Rick Brackett and Marcia Harris donated significant material support and time to the project

• The Moulton Family donated fieldstones

• Hayes True Value Hardware provided machinery

• Eli Hutchins, from Hutch’s Property and Tree, donated woodchips

Legals

Public

The Annual Town Meeting will be held at the Town Hall Building on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 6 p.m. and will be immediately followed by the Sebago School Budget Meeting

The Municipal and School Budget validation elections will be held at the Town Hall Building on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Doug Jones, from Cross Excavation, donated rocks

• Rolfe Corporation provided mulch and loam

• St. George’s United Methodist Church Youth Group, Fairfax VA, volunteered time to complete the landscaping of the project Carmen Lone, former Executive Director of the Bridgton Community Center, provided support.

• Darcey Pomerleau, the current executive director of the Bridgton Community Center, is very supportive of the additions and improvements to the gardens.

The voluntary contributions of each person or entity listed above deserve not only recognition, but also gratitude from the community. Last summer, I was doing some work at the gardens when a couple from another state approached me to ask questions about the gardens. I smiled as each of them said that they wished their community had the same opportunities. Their response reminded me about the good feelings that result when community members come together to participate in positive and supportive activities.

I do hope that readers will attend the event at the Bridgton Community Center on Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to noon (rain date June 17). You can listen to the experts on the topics in which you are interested, and hopefully take away some tips and techniques that will result in gardening successes and smiles.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF CASCO

NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURES

The Casco Town Office will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday, May 22, 2023 – Clerks will be attending training all day.

• Tuesday, May 23, 2023 – Clerks will be conducting the SAD#61 District Budget Validation Referendum. Polls will be open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Crooked River Elementary School, 1437 Poland Spring Road.

• Monday, May 29, 2023 – Office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

TOWN

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

The Walker Log Slips

(Continued from Page 4B)

and a large sized log was immediately run through with great rapidity amid the shouts of the crowd collected to witness the experiment. The entire success of the scheme was at once demonstrated, and Mr. Walker immediately sent a message to Mr. G. that his ‘breakfast’ was ready for him” whenever he should care to collect it… “For years these slips were visited by many people, anxious to see the logs as they were shot through with rapidity, and went tumbling into the waters below.”

In this manner, all the ancient logs of Highland Lake reached Long Lake from 1822 until 1837, when at last there were no more left worthy to be felled. Millions of board-feet of timber were moved this way; 2,135,558 board-feet in 1827 alone, all conveyed down Highland Lake to the slips in big booms of timber which, though they could hold almost a million feet each, always had to be broken up into smaller parcels to negotiate the many islands. Just imagine it, a raft of timber so large that it can’t be moved down the lake in one parcel, since the islands are in the way!

If the above figures seem a little hard to believe, then hold onto your hats folks, it’s about to get even more impressive. Going back to why I was reminded of these slips last week, that’s because this is the only time of year when the old log slips were able to be operated.

As later records reveal, the driving of logs through Walker’s slips was only possible on the high-water floods of late April and early May, and thus every year these millions of board-feet of timber were all moved “in the spring of the year ending usually by the middle of May; and that the time occupied for such purpose was from 2 to 4 weeks when there was a freshet.” This was done each and every year, with Walker exacting toll on each and every log, and in this way, he soon became a very wealthy man. He later sold half his interest in these slips to the Warren brothers of Westbrook, who built the milling empire which still exists there today in the form of the Sappi Mills, formerly the S.D. Warren paper company. Walker, with his side of the fortune, left us Walker Library in Westbrook, and likewise its twin, Walker Hall here in Bridgton. Though today the slips of Walker and the Warrens are long gone, and the old pines they cut are gone too, whenever I’m driving up on the Ridge I look down at the

WALKER, Page 6B

PUBLIC NOTICE AUCTION NOTICE

Lake Region Safe Storage

Online Auction

Lake Region Safe Storage will be having an online auction for storage units #208 and #427 – Leathers; #440 – Pearson; and #402 – Carson, starting May 19, 2023 to satisfy all liens due to default of payment. Contact Lake Region Safe Storage at 803-8497 for more information. 2T20

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

3 CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

Secret Ballot Referendum

The Municipal Officers of the Town of Bridgton will hold a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Municipal Building located at 3 Chase Street, in Bridgton to hear public comment on the following questions that will be presented to the voters via referendum ballot on June 13, 2023:

Public Notice

Municipal Election & School Budget Vote

• Municipal Election of Officers & School Budget

Voting will take place at the American Legion, Post 155, 206 Casco Rd., Naples on Monday, May 23, 2023, polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available for pick up at the Town Office. 2T29

Public Notice

• Outdoor Entertainment Permit for a summer kick-off concert at Causeway Marina (scheduled for 7/1/23). The property is found on Tax Map U02, Lot 39 (780 Roosevelt Trail).

The hearing/meeting will take place at the Naples Town Office, 15 Village Green Lane on Monday, May 22, 2023, beginning at 6 p.m. The public is welcome. 2T19

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON

Voting Hours – Election Annual Town Meeting

Absentee ballots will be available May 15, 2023.

You can call and request a ballot to be mailed to you

(207-583-2241 option 1) or stop in the Town Office, 20 Front St. Our office will be open late on Thur., June 8 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for absentee voting only, last day to absentee vote.

Election Day is Tues., June 13, 2023, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Town Office. Annual Town Meeting is Wed., June 14, 2023, 6 p.m. at the Harrison Elementary School, 309 Naples Rd., Harrison. Election Information is available on our website under Clerks Dept. www.harrisonmaine.org

Question 1. Shall an ordinance entitled “Amendments to Town of Bridgton Fire Protection and Life Safety Ordinance” be enacted?

(Note: Copies of the text of the ordinance are available from the Town Clerk.) Select Board recommends a YES vote.

Question 2. Shall an ordinance entitled “Repeal of Ordinance for Adoption of the International Building Code for One and Two Family Dwellings” be enacted?

(Note: A “Yes” vote will enact the ordinance entitled, “Repeal of Ordinance for Adoption of the International Building Code for One and Two Family Dwellings.” The Town of Bridgton will enforce the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC).10 M.R.S. § 9724 thereafter. Copies of the text of the ordinance are available from the Town Clerk.)

Select Board recommends a YES vote.

Question 3. Shall an ordinance entitled “Repeal of Town of Bridgton Phosphate Detergent Ordinance” be enacted?

(Note: A “Yes” vote will enact the ordinance entitled, “Repeal of Town of Bridgton Phosphate Detergent Ordinance.” The Town of Bridgton will adhere to Maine State regulations on cleaning agents and lawn and turf fertilizer under 38 M.R.S. § 419 thereafter. Copies of the text of the ordinance are available from the Town Clerk.).

Select Board recommends a YES vote.

SLOWLY BUT SURELY this snapping turtle crosses the road. (Photo by Pam Ward)

Corporations Paying for waste

(Continued from Page 3B)

has eight other laws in place that are based in EPR-driven thinking (batteries, paint, medications, and e-waste, for example), but this latest packaging-specific EPR law will be transformative in a much larger sense, given that packaging is 28% of municipal solid waste in this country, according to the EPA, and given that in 2019 Maine municipalities were spending between $16 to $17.5 million annually to manage packaging waste, according to Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection.

In the same summer that Maine’s bill was passed, a number of multinational corporations (including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestle, Mars, Danone, and Unilever) signed a pledge in support of EPR for packaging: “To solve the packaging waste and pollution crisis a comprehensive circular economy approach is required. We must: eliminate the packaging we don’t need; innovate to ensure all the packaging we do need is reusable, recyclable, or compostable; and circulate all the packaging we use, keeping it in the economy and out of the environment.”

They also agreed that in order to achieve this, there must be mandatory programs “in which all industry players introducing packaging to the market provide funding dedicated to collecting and processing their packaging after its use.”

A number of Canadian provinces and European countries have in place EPR for packaging laws, and steadily bringing in the American market will ensure a full, steady stream of increasingly recyclable packaging materials for companies to reuse and rely on at much greater scale. When faced with real financial ramifications for producing unrecyclable materials, manufacturers will be incentivized to design packaging for maximum reusability and recyclability.

What Maine implements will help lay the groundwork for what other states end up rolling out with their EPR legislation. Maine will have companies (with exemptions for smaller businesses) pay into a fund based on the amount and the recyclability of packaging associated with their products. The fund will be managed by an independent stewardship organization, which will then reimburse municipalities for eligible recycling and waste management costs. Municipalities will receive payments based on the median per-ton cost of two types of packaging: material that is readily recyclable and material that is not readily recyclable. First reimbursements to municipalities are projected to start in 2027.

The funds will also allow for investments in better recycling infrastructure and will help Mainers better understand how to recycle. Citizen education and behavior shifts will have to be part of all this. With the vast resources of multinational corporations behind community education and outreach, hopefully recycling rates like Bridgton’s, at a paltry 20% for many years, will rocket upwards. Corporations helped turn us into a culture of disposability, and now they will be paying to move us out of that mindset.

What might this mean for us specifically? In 2022, the Bridgton transfer station costs for the year came to $638,519. In 2023, the projected annual budget for the Bridgton transfer station rose to a shocking total of $1,000,000 – or over $360,000 higher than last year. That exponential rise is supported by our taxes. If Maine’s formulas for reimbursement were to line up with the models in various Canadian provinces, we could potentially see reimbursement of 80% of the operational costs. Manitoba municipalities see 80% coverage, and Quebec municipalities are compensated between 80% to 100% of operational costs. Although participation will be

voluntary for Maine municipalities, given the potential for 80% operations coverage, town participation would be in the interest of every Bridgton taxpayer.

We’ll have a few more years of taxpayers footing the bill for corporate packaging waste until there will be some relief. Corporations for too long have been pointing the finger at the individual and saying it’s solely our responsibility to recycle. Now Maine is pointing its finger at the corporation, and companies will soon have to Pay Per Bag themselves.

The Walker Log Slips

(Continued from Page 5B)

glittering sheet of Highland Lake, and I look up at grand hall which Walker caused to be built there overlooking his former dominion, and thinking on these things I soon find I can almost see the thousands of trees still strewn like matchsticks across its silver surface. If you doubt me, I recommend you go out to look at Stevens Brook sometime soon before the fearsome current subsides. In the summer, it’s hard to imagine this river once had strength enough to turn any mill, least of all to drive timber; but right now that black rushing water, moving with incredible speed down its rocky channel, carries with it the power of bygone years and, perhaps, the ghosts of our former industry. I see them plainly enough already, but if you go to look before the current fails, I know you’ll see them too.

Till next time!

Letters

(Continued from Page 5B)

Roderick MacGregor North Sebago

Open your eyes

To The Editor:

In his letter last week, Mr. Angelo correctly acknowledges that all the polls say the same thing… “Our country is headed in the wrong direction.” Mr. Angelo indicates that he is an Independent and, as such, does not have allegiance to any party or “guy.” While I certainly do not know who got Mr. Angelo’s vote in 2020, I am pretty certain I do know who did not get his vote. That is okay…we all make mistakes. Finding people that will admit to voting for Biden is getting harder and harder all the time. The increasingly prevalent voter remorse is the result of having voted for personality instead of policy.

The reason the country is headed in the wrong direction is due to the progressive

agenda, soft on crime DAs, the open border (over six million illegals have invaded our country under Biden) and out of control spending, which has resulted in crippling inflation. The list is long. The policies of this president have resulted in over 100,000 American drug deaths per year. The continual money printing will bankrupt this country. And, people do not feel safe on the street or in their homes.

Mr. Angelo indicates that his primary concern is that we move in a direction that will “enhance our democracy and/or strengthen our Constitution.” Sounds great to me, but the current president has done nothing to address these concerns. Instead, our country is in chaos and the America we love is disintegrating before our very eyes. We are running out of time to right the ship. In 2024, the Independent voters will be the swing voters responsible for electing the next president. In 2020, far too many voted with their hearts. We will lose our way of life and the country as we know it unless voters open their eyes and vote with their heads.

Mark Lopez Bridgton

BN 20 ATTENTION

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

HELP WANTED

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. 3t19 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

This week’s game solutions

PLUMBING

PROPERTY

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

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

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

Oberg Agency Residential, Business, Lake Shore Property 132 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858

Classified Advertising

FOR SALE

$5 FOR TATTERED — U.S.

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

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

VEHICLES FOR SALE

JESUS IS LORD — new and used auto parts. National locator. Most parts 2 days. Good used cars.

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

KIMBALL PROPERTY MAIN-

TENANCE — Spring cleanup. Brush cutting and removal, trucking of aggregates, loam, bark hauling and more. Fully insured Call 207-595-8321 or 207-5838010. 4t18x

BUSINESS SERVICES WANTED

LOOKING FOR — houses or camps to paint for 2023 season. Free estimates. 35 years experience. Dirigo Custom Painting. 7439889 18t18x

DENMARK HOUSE PAINTING

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

IF YOU NEED ANYTHING hauled off, my trailer is 7x18. Call Chuck’s Maintenance 743-9889. 32t18x

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

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

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

RETIRED PROFESSOR seeks temporary, preferably longterm housing beginning June 1st in quiet Bridgton/Waterford/Harrison area. Non-smoker. Have older cat. Please contact Paul at 207-3930411. 1t20x

Water District to host Birding Event May 27

HELP WANTED LAKE REGION SCHOOL DISTRICT BUS MONITOR POSITION School Year AND Extended Year Position Special Education Out of District Run Monday – Friday Approx. 30 Hours Per Week Interested candidates should visit Schoolspring.com to apply JOB I.D. #4253090 DEADLINE: Open until a suitable candidate is found EOE 2T19CD

Job Opening TOWN OF NAPLES

Code & Planning Office

Administrative Assistant

The Town of Naples is seeking qualified candidates for the Code and Planning Office Assistant. This position is a full-time year-round administrative job and would require working some evenings for meetings, along with attending classes that may take place outside of normal office hours. An individual with strong organizational skills who can multi-task and prioritize is a must.

A generous benefit package is included with regular hourly wages. Please visit www.townofnaples.org for a full job description. A cover letter and resume should be sent to kmatthews@townofnaples.org or dropped off to the Code Officer’s attention during office hours. This position will be opened until filled. 2T20CD

Seasonal Maintenance Worker

The Town of Fryeburg is accepting applications a seasonal maintenance worker for the Public Works Department. The position is 20 hours per week (two 10-hour days), June through September or October. The person filling this position will be responsible for spring and fall cleanup, mowing and regular maintenance of Town-owned properties including parks, cemeteries, and beaches. A valid State of Maine Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and a good driving record is required.

A job description is available at the Town Office or can be viewed on the Town’s web site. www. fryeburgmaine.org. Please forward application to Town Manager, 16 Lovewell Pond Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037, or e-mail to townmanager@ fryeburgmaine.org. Applications will be accepted until a qualified candidate is found.

The Town of Fryeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 1T20CD

FRYEBURG ACADEMY has the following position openings:

IMMEDIATE FULL-TIME POSITIONS:

● IT SUPPORT TECH

IMMEDIATE GRANT FUNDED POSITION:

● THERAPEUTIC COUNSELOR/SCHOOL

SOCIAL WORKER (One Year Grant Funded Position)

ANTICIPATED 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR PART-

TIME POSITIONS:

● LIBRARY AIDE

● TEACHER OF ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL)/English

ANTICIPATED 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

FULL-TIME POSITIONS:

● ALTERNATIVE SETTING SPECIAL EDUCATION CO-TEACHER

● BIOLOGY TEACHER

● CHEMISTRY TEACHER

● ENGLISH TEACHER

● ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) / SOCIAL STUDIES

TEACHER

● MATHEMATICS TEACHER - backgrounds in Finance and/or Statistics are pluses

● SUBSTITUTE COORDINATOR/TESTING COORDINATOR Fryeburg Academy offers a comprehensive Benefits Package for its full-time employees. To apply and view a full listing of our available positions, please visit our website at: https://www.fryeburgacademy.org/about/employment. We are an EOE.

Saccuzzo Asphalt

BROWNFIELD — The Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District will hold a morning of birding at the Tenmile River Demonstration Forest, located on the Hiram/Brownfield town line on Saturday, May 27 from 7 to 9 a.m.

The demo forest is part of the migration route for many exciting birds, and in spring the forest comes alive with the songs of warblers and the sight of birds flitting through the understory.

This walk is intended for all levels of birders and bird curious people. Trip leader Joe Scott will be helping to identify birds by both sight and sound. This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air, deepen your appreciation for nature, and get more familiar with birds!

Participants should bring binoculars and wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes for a walk on easy to moderate level hiking trails. Layered clothing and hats are recommended as well as sun screen, insect spray, and water.

Scott is an experienced birder whose most recent activities include volunteering for the Maine Bird Atlas, organizing a section of the Christmas Bird Count, and leading Bird Walks for the Greater Lovell Land Trust. His favorite time of the birding year is spring migration.

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.

Now Hiring! Sous chef who is enthusiastic, creative, and qualified to help assist in running our kitchen.

Competitive salary!

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

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.

The Umbrella Factory Supermarket HELP WANTED We are hiring Full and part-time positions are starting immediately in all departments Call David Allenson • 207-693-3988 639 Roosevelt Trail, Rt. 302, Naples • Supermarket Hours Sun.-Sat • 7 a.m.-8 p.m. UFO Hours Sun.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. • 693-3988 TF1CD (Continued from Page 7B) PLEASE RECYCLE THE BRIDGTON NEWS Sell it! …in the Classifieds $3.50 for 20 words or less 15¢ a word over 20 MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED (207) 647-2851 May 18, 2023, The Bridgton News, Page 7B Country Living

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

Town of Fryeburg

Community Initiatives Coordinator

2T19CD ALWAYS 10% OFF for Vets & Seniors

The Town of Fryeburg is accepting applications for a full-time (40 hours/week) Community Initiatives Coordinator. The Community Initiatives Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the Recreation Director and Town Manager. The coordinator will be charged with working in a fastpaced environment, assisting the Recreation Director with the planning and supervision of recreation programs, planning the development of programs/ events/projects by working with town staff and committees, coordinating public information and outreach efforts, working with media/social media, and identifying funding sources and raising funds. This is a newly created position and is dependent on voter approval on June 8. A job description for this position is available at the Town Office or on the Town website at fryeburgmaine.org.

Please forward a resume to Katie Haley, Town Manager, Town of Fryeburg, 16 Lovewell Pond Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037 or e-mail to townmanager@ fryeburgmaine.org. Resumes will be accepted until June 1.

The Town of Fryeburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

1T20CD

Country Living

Bridgton Lions honor Cossey & Schuettinger

The third annual Al Glover Nonprofit Leadership Award was awarded to Bridgton resident Jim Cossey by the Bridgton Lions Club on May 8 for his years-long connection and leadership of the 4 on the Fourth Road Race.

Although the race began as a fun run for exercise in 1975 and evolved into the 4 on the Fourth event in 1977, the race has continued to grow and 2023 registrations are at an all-time high. Over a half million dollars has been raised over the last 40 plus years and donated to a plethora of local nonprofit agencies. Much of this growth and success is attributable to Cossey for his chairmanship of the event for several years and his role as race registrar.

At the recent awards ceremony, Cossey was accompanied by his wife Beth and two members of the Fourth Board of Directors, David Hersey and Roger Lowell.

Lion’s VP Cliff Tuchon began the presentation by outlining the purpose of the Glover Award, designed to honor Al Glover who was a 61-year Lion and also served, over the years, on no fewer than seven local nonprofit boards of directors; of which he chaired five. His service to the community was legendary. If “it was happening” Al was there and probably leading the event in some manner. Always a teacher. An outstanding track coach. An avid photographer. And, a generally “good guy.”

Remarks regarding Cossey’s leadership were made by Lowell, who called Jim “scary” because of his many abilities and the vast amount of volunteer work he has done since his retirement as an Admiral in the U.S. Navy.

Local Happenings

Texas Hold’em tournament

HARRISON — The Harrison Lions will be holding a Texas Hold’em Tournament on Saturday, May 20 at the Lions’ Den, located in the back of the Block Building on Main Street in Harrison.

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

Naples Church Yard Sale

NAPLES — The Naples United Methodist Church, 1000 Roosevelt Trail on the Village Green, will be holding its Annual Yard/Bake Sale on Saturday, May 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you have gently used items to include in the yard sale, please call 693-6854 to arrange a drop off time or pick-up time. (Please leave a message if we do not answer and we will get back to you.) Volunteers to help are welcome.

The church is busy with a Church Service at 9 a.m., a Bible Study at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and a Bible Study at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The public is invited to attend any of these.

This spring and summer, the Church will be renovating and painting the outside of the church.

Stay tuned for Lobster Roll Luncheons, which will be held in June and August, dates to be scheduled.

Hospice presentation

Hospice of Southern Maine is pleased to present “Dying Matters: Conversations about end of life and the emotional honesty that follows” with keynote speakers Dr. Mary Jo Atkins, author and death educator and Nora McInerny, author and host of the podcast, “Terrible, Thanks for Asking.”

The event will be held on Tuesday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $35. In-person and virtually: https:// www.thresholdshsm.org/

SHS Yard/Vendor Sale

SWEDEN — The Sweden Historical Society will host a Yard/Vendor Sale and Historic Open House at the Center School House (circa 1854) on Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The sale will be held outdoors on the Sweden Historic Green (147 Bridgton Road). Vendors and crafters are being sought. Call Gail deWildt at 207-647-2592 or 207-205-0694 to reserve your outdoor space for $25.

The Historical Society will be selling antiques, old books, Sweden T-shirts and sweatshirts, and their book Living, Learning, and Worshipping: Buildings of Sweden, Maine 1813-1913.

The Sweden Food Pantry will have tables selling photo greeting cards. Raffle tickets for a locally homemade quilt and 50/50 tickets will also be sold. Food donations will also be welcome.

The Historical Society also welcomes you to their first Public Open House of the recently renovated Center School House, which has taken several years of work and fundraising. It is now being used for monthly meetings and to display Sweden artifacts and documents.

When Hersey assumed the podium, he said he agreed with Lowell that Cossey was indeed a presence in the community and could, quite literally, be found everywhere that something needed to be done.

Tuchon, who serves as the Glover Award chair, presented a plaque to Cossey in recognition of his leadership. He then presented a $1,000 check to the 4 on the Fourth organization for use as they see fit.

Comments of response were made by Cossey, who concluded with the statement that a good speaker should abide by the two “Bs” — be brief and be seated. A round of applause followed.

Nonprofits may submit nominees for the Glover Award annually in February; either a staff person or volunteer may be named. The honor is given out in May to the selectee and the agency receives a grant of $1,000 for their benefit.

High honor to John. Next on the agenda, club president Bob Hatch made a special presentation of the Melvin Jones

important since John had served two successive years during the COVID pandemic and had held the club together via Zoom meetings and unusual charitable giving to local emergency needs. Also mentioned were the honoree’s volunteerism with the local Boy Scout troop and as long-time chair of the Bridgton Board of Appeals.

Following the awarding of the impressive plaque, Schuettinger’s spouse Ann affixed the MJF pin to her husband’s Lion’s vest. Suitable tribute was awarded the new Fellow by the membership.

The business meeting followed with several important announcements. Namely that the menu of Chicken Marsala will be served at the Kettle Dinner of May 18 (tonight) at the Bridgton Community Center.

Tickets for the annual Independence Day Golf Ball Drop are on sale at Hayes Ace Hardware (according to Lion Marianne Magila 125 have already been sold).

A vote was taken to donate $200 to the annual Bridgton Police Department Torch Run.

Fellowship to Immediate Past President John Schuettinger. Lions Clubs International highest honor is usually presented at the club’s year-end meeting in June. However, because Schuettinger is having major back surgery, the award was advanced to avoid possible delay caused by John’s recovery process.

Hatch remarked that the fellowship was particularly

The theme for the Fourth of July Parade will be “Under of Big Top.”

After a couple of jokes by the Tail Twister, the club adjourned. The next regular meeting is scheduled on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the BCC. Persons interested in knowing more about the Lions are cordially invited to attend. — Submitted by Lions Carl Talbot

Rotary builds Community Garden

The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club partnered with the Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Program to build and fill four new garden beds at the Bridgton Community Center on Saturday, May 13.

All was accomplished in two hours with the help of hemlock timbers from the Red Mill Lumber in Casco and Super Loam from Rolfe Corporation in Bridgton, and eight determined Rotarians, one of whom manned a big blue backhoe and another who carried all the timbers in his big truck. Project leader and President Elect John Eliassen thanked those who came out on a beautiful Saturday morning, including club president Aaron Hagan, Dave Barker, Skip Sullivan, Herb Usilton, Jesse Walsh and Carol Madsen. Master Gardeners Ann Lansman and Surri Coyne brought expertise, volunteers and hay for the garden beds, not to mention delicious coffee and goodies to sustain the crew’s heavy lifting.

“Back in 2011, BridgtonLake Region Rotary Club members built the first beds at the Bridgton Community Center,” remarked Skip Sullivan, long-time Rotary Club member who on that occasion had his tractor to

help create the beds and carry loam. “It was nice to be back in a similar capacity where there are now 30 beds, farmed by many throughout the community.” Those beds managed by the Master Gardeners, help provide food for the Bridgton Food Pantry.

For more information about the BridgtonLake Region Rotary Club, check out its webpage: LakeRegionRotary. com or its Facebook Page. To ask questions or get on its email list for upcoming events, contact LakeRegionRotary@gmail. com.

SUMMER ART CLASSES

Area births

Abigail Rhys McInerney, daughter of Jospeh and Ashley McInerney, was born on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway at 9:13 p.m. Abigail weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

Maternal grandparents: David and Lisa Grammer of Denmark.

Paternal grandparents: Joseph and Marilyn McInerney of Woburn, Mass.

Jazmine Faith DeAngelo, daughter of Michael and Morgan DeAngelo of Norway, was born on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 4:09 a.m. at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. Jazmine weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces. She joins siblings Bella (age 8), Destiny (12), Michael (14), Bennett (13), Braxton (1) and Wilder (30).

Maternal grandparents: Diane O’Leary and Greg Mauler of Raymond, and Michael Miller of Gorham.

Paternal grandparents: Sally DeAngelo of Naples and Bernard DeAngelo of Summerville, Mass.

June 3rd: Coptic Book Binding

Anna Low from Purplebean Book Bindery will teach this ancient art of book binding from 10 am to 3pm Cost is $75

Mondays July 17 - Aug 7th: Portrait Painting in watercolor join Madeline Wikler on four Mondays from 1-3pm This class is for students with some basic watercolor experience Cost is $150

Wednesdays Aug 2, 9, 16, 23rd: Fun with Watercolor For Beginners join Ronnie Brunnock on four Mondays from 10:30 am to 1:30pm to learn about color mixing, washes, brushwork, and perspective Cost is $120

WORKING THE GARDEN — Rotarians and community gardeners happy with a job well done (left to right) Carol Madsen, Ann Lansman, Jesse Walsh, Skip Sullivan, John Eliassen, Aaron Hagan, Surri Coyne and Dan Lansman.

AWARDED — Bridgton Lion Cliff Tuchon (left) presents the Al Glover Award to Jim Cossey.

HIGH HONOR — Bridgton Lion John Schuettinger (left) receives the Melvin Jones Award from King Lion Bob Hatch.

Upcoming events at DAC

Authentic Dialogues with Shay Stewart-Bouley, Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. The afternoon will be a mixture of lecture and small-group work talking about racism and moving to action. The goal is teaching, sharing, and learning practical tools for working in our own communities to combat racism and to start conversations on addressing racism and difference in predominantly white spaces. This session will allow participants to deepen their knowledge of racism in 2022, examine their own biases, and learn techniques for starting conversations on racism and how to be an effective ally. Please join us churches, libraries, communities all.

Shay has been blogging since 2008 (frequently on matters of social justice and systemic racism) through her Black Girl In Maine website and, in 2011, she won a New England Press Association Award for her writing on race and diversity for the Portland Phoenix. Shay’s writing also has been featured in a variety of Maine and national publications as well as several anthologies. In November 2016, Shay gave a TEDx talk enti-

tled “Inequity, Injustice… Infection.” Free and open to all. Thank you to the Maine Arts Commission and Shelley O’Donnell for helping bring this conversation to DAC. WILD. LIFE. Art

Opening with Sharyn Paul Brusie, Saturday, June 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Crossing lines between figuration and abstraction, this new body of work, “Wild. Life.” explores animals and humans in their natural state of being. Life is simply wild and we are all

deeply connected. Sharyn notes, “creating bold marks, texture and using mixed media excites me. I like leaving the viewer with the opportunity to wonder, to look within themselves and hopefully connect to the greater whole. There is often a depth and a lightness to my work.”

Sharyn does work as a painter and a filmmaker and appreciates the similarities in both mediums, “they broaden my awareness and my view of what it is to be human. It’s essential to stay open and to keep taking leaps into the unknown — in art as it is in life.”

Denmark Library Plant Sale 5/27

DENMARK — The Denmark Public Library (DPL) will be celebrating spring with its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year, DPL will be adding a Pie Sale at the Denmark Congregational Church — homemade pies of all kinds just in time for Memorial Day Weekend!

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe Scallion Pancakes

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

I went to the market this week and perused all the members’ tables looking for inspiration. There was so much to choose from! The lettuces and spring greens were so vibrant, fresh and green. Beautiful baby turnips, tables of seedlings full of promises of what’s to come. Creamy raw dairy and goats’ cheeses, pasture raised meats and poultry. There was so much that I couldn’t decide what to feature… And I was feeling lazy.

So, this week’s choice is a simple appetizer featuring spring onions. Spring onions are lovely in their striking white bulbs and dark green tops. Rich in antioxidants and antibacterial nutrients, the flavor is sweet and pungent at the same time and so very fresh. I was thinking of a spring onion tart. But as I said, I was feeling lazy and I came across this recipe. I have always loved Scallion Pancakes at the China Dinah, but have never made them. They are dead easy! Flour and water and a small amount of time and effort. In about 45 minutes and only 10 minutes of actual prep, the result is a mouth full of crispy, flaky (and a bit of chewy oniony goodness inside) to be dipped in a flavorful sauce. Himself loved it. So, here it is.

This recipe makes four pancakes to share as an appetizer for family or friends. If you don’t eat them all, they freeze well for another time. Thaw them for 10 minutes and crisp them lightly in an oiled pan.

Scallion Pancakes Serves 4

For Pancakes:

1 ½ cups + 1 Tbsp plain flour

1 cup boiling water

6 (total) generous tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tbsp. sesame oil

1 cup thinly sliced spring onions, from about 4 whole spring

onions

For Dipping Sauce:

2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 spring onion, thinly sliced

Pinch crushed chili flakes (optional but very good!) I teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (my suggestion)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine flour and boiling water in a large bowl and stir to combine until a mass of dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, slightly tacky ball forms, 3 to 4 minutes. Step 2: Transfer the dough ball to a medium bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or cling film. Let rest 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to overnight in the fridge.

Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and sesame oil in a small bowl.

Step 4: Make dipping sauce: in a small bowl, stir together vinegar, soy sauce, spring onions, and chili flakes.

Step 5: Separate dough into four equally-sized balls. Return 3 to bowl and recover with a kitchen towel or cling film. Roll the remaining ball into an 8-inch disk, and brush with a thin layer of the oil mixture. Roll tightly, then twist into a tight spiral, tucking the outer end underneath the roll. Using the palm of your hand, flatten the spiral, then roll out again into an 8-inch disk. Brush the top with another thin layer of oil, and scatter with 1/4 sliced spring onions. Roll up the disk again, then re-roll into a spiral. Re-roll into an 8-inch disk, then repeat with remaining dough balls.

Step 6: Add ¼ vegetable oil to an 8-inch pan over medium-high heat until shimmering and gently add the first pancake. Cook, undisturbed, until golden on one side. Flip and cook until golden on underside, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate and season immediately with salt. Repeat with the remaining pancakes, adding more oil if necessary.

Step 7: Cut pancakes into triangles and serve with dipping sauce. Eat immediately Find the Bridgton Farmers’ Market on The Green behind Renys on Depot Street every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

For a full list of vendors and information on ordering or to sign up for the weekly newsletter visit BFM at 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!

Local gardeners are busily digging up hardy perennials from their gardens. In addition, the library will be adding a wide variety of colorful annuals. Local supporters have offered all kinds of exciting donations for the brown bag raffle.

Enjoy music provided by community DJ Mark Smith,

take home lots of new plants, a raffle prize, a delicious pie and, of course books! You will find the plants, raffle and books at the library and the pies at the church across the street.

The library counts on community members for donations of perennial plants, pies and raffle items. If you would like to contribute, DPL would be very grateful. Please contact Robin Gosbee at the library at 207-452-2200 or Amy March by e-mail: AmyMarch852@gmail.com. Special thanks to the church for allowing the library to sell the pies there!

The library is located at 121 East Main Street in Denmark.

Breakfasts & Suppers

FHS hosting ‘Spring Tea’

FRYEBURG — Fryeburg Historical Society (FHS) will be hosting a “Spring Tea” at the Col. Samuel Osgood House, 83 Portland Street, Fryeburg, on Saturday, May 20.

FHS will be serving from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission will be $15 per guest. Refreshments will include the traditional scones, tea sandwiches and sweet treats served at Victorian Tea Parties. Reservations are appreciated but not required. For more information, e-mail info@ fryeburghistorical.org or call 207-256-3001.

Sewing Circle Supper

NAPLES — The Edes Falls Sewing Circle will hold a public supper this Saturday, May 20 with settings at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Edes Falls Community Center on Edes Falls Road in Naples.

The menu includes two kinds of beans, hot dogs, American chop suey, potato salad, coleslaw, rolls, homemade pies and a variety of jellied salads. Cost is $12 for adults and $4 for children.

Famous Chicken Pies

HARRISON — The Bolsters Mills United Methodist Church will be selling its famous chicken pies and gravy on the third Saturday of the month until further notice. This month’s sale will be on Saturday, May 20.

Orders for pies will be taken only on the morning of the 20th by calling the church between 9 and 11 a.m. Do not leave a message. Telephone: 583-9024.

Chicken pies must be picked up at the church, located at 664 Bolsters Mills Road in Bolsters Mills Village, between noon and 2 p.m., unless arrangements are made when placing the order.

A Famous Chicken Pie with Gravy is $15. Multiple pies may be ordered; however, we cannot always guarantee that we can honor large quantities. The chicken pies are fully cooked and can be frozen and reheated for a future meal.

Casco Village Church Supper

CASCO — The Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ will hosting a “Breakfast for Dinner!” supper on Saturday, May 27 from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

This dinner will feature eggs, homefries, pancakes, French toast, bacon, quiché, breakfast casseroles, sausage, biscuits, muffins, and fruit salad. It’s all for only $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 10 and under.

The church is located at 941 Meadow Road in Casco. Telephone: 207-627-4282.

LHE/PAC Performances

FRYEBURG — Upcoming performances at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center (on the campus of Fryeburg Academy, Bradley Street in Fryeburg) include:

Saturday, May 20, 1 p.m., Met Opera Live in HD: Don Giovanni. Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove makes a major Met debut with a new take on Mozart’s tragicomedy, re-setting the familiar tale of deceit and damnation in an abstract architectural landscape and shining a light into the dark corners of the story and its characters. Maestro Nathalie Stutzmann makes her Met debut conducting a star-studded

cast led by baritone Peter Mattei as a magnetic Don Giovanni, alongside the Leporello of bass-baritone Adam Plachetka. Sopranos Federica Lombardi, Ana María Martínez, and Ying Fang make a superlative trio as Giovanni’s conquests — Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, and Zerlina — and tenor Ben Bliss is Don Ottavio.

Estimated run time: 3 hours 20 minutes. For tickets, go to the PAC website (address below).

Upcoming events at DAC

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Sharyn attended a summer session at the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated with a BFA in Jewelry and Photography from the Maine College of Art. She also received a BS in Art Education and taught art for several years. www.sharynpaul.com

Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be available for the gallery season opening. Thank you to Hannaford Supermarket and National Distributor for their kind support.

Halcyon String Quartet-Chamber Series, Sunday, June 11 at 3 p.m. A joyful and reflective musical program featuring traditional folk tunes alongside music by Beethoven, Bach, and Caroline Shaw. A string quartet and artist collective based in Midcoast Maine. Violinists Sophie and Josie Davis, violist Colin Wheatley, and cellist Aaron Wolff share their love of music in ways that foster connection, community, vibrancy, joy, warmth, and accessibility. For tickets, go to denmarkarts.org

Drawing Workshops with Ian Factor

Today, Thursday, May 18

Mental Health Awareness

Walk, Lakes Region Recovery Center, in collaboration with Bridgton Hospital, will hold a Mental Health Awareness Walk from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The walk will start and end at the Recovery Center, located at 2 Elm Street, in Bridgton. Parking at “Music on Main.” Swag, water, and snacks will be provided.

Kettle Dinner. Under the direction of “chef” Brook Sulloway, the Bridgton Lions Club will be serving Chicken Marcella at the Kettle Dinner at 5 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. Come and enjoy good food and community fellowship. The dinner is free to all. Donations are, of course, accepted.

Otisfield Historical Society’s first program for 2023 will begin at 7 p.m. at the Otisfield Town House on Bell Hill Road. Dr. Jean Hankins, archivist for Otisfield Historical Society, will focus on the early history of the town, covering the period from 1690 to 1803, shortly after Otisfield was incorporated.

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.

Opera enthusiast Joe De Vito will be hosting his Opera Lecture Series on Thursday, May 18 at 3 p.m. in the LHE/ PAC Seminar Room. The lectures are free and open to the public.

on Tuesdays, June 13 and 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. This is a fun, fast-paced introduction to tonal / value drawing from observation (life). Topics covered will be sighting and measuring, basic one and two-point linear perspective, an overview of light and shadow relationships, edges and atmosphere while working with graphite and charcoal. Materials provided. To reserve your workshop space go to www.denmarkarts.org

A professor of fine art, illustration, design, and photography for over 20 years, Ian Factor has taught and run programs in universities and academies from New York City to Guangxi China. IanFactor.com

Summer Camps

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

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

July 12-14, Hoop Dance Camp for 8 year-olds and up

July 24-28, Musical Theater Camp for 7 year-olds and up Online registration available.

Teen and adult musicians who play stringed instruments come together each Monday to play music they love. On Monday, May 22, the group performs its final concert of the 2022-2023 school year. The concert features three accomplished teen soloists playing very old music.

On the program are two complete concerti. About 1720, Vivaldi wrote four violin concertos themed on the four seasons, using sonnets describing the seasons as his guide. Gideon Richard, a junior at Fryeburg Academy, and Isaac Houghton, a sophomore at the Academy, play the virtuosic violin solo parts. Valley Strings provides the beautiful and descriptive accompaniment. From the comfort of spring, listeners

can look back on the rigors and pleasures of the season just behind us.

Jennifer Noh, a fine flute player who attends the Academy, is the soloist for a flute concerto written in Mannheim, Germany around the time Mozart was in Mannheim.

Carl Philip Stamitz wrote this concerto in G Major in 1780, following in the footsteps of one written by Mozart two years earlier. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of very classical repertoire — full of perfect proportions, contrasts, and consonant harmonies. The orchestra will perform an Overture by Johann Christoph Pez, composed around 1700.

The concert will take place at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fryeburg Academy (18 Bradley Street) at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Donations to support the future work of the ensemble are welcome. Contact ellen.m. schwindt@gmail.com for more information.

Sunday, May 28, 7 p.m., Seacoast Wind Ensemble. White Mountain Musical Arts presents the annual Memorial Weekend Concert, featuring the Seacoast Wind Ensemble. The performance by the Seacoast Wind Ensemble—a Sousastyle 50-piece band — has been underwritten by retired Air Force officers, Lt. Col. Jim and Col. Karen Umberger, whose generous donation permits the presentation of this exciting concert free of charge. The concert program will honor area Veterans and provide a musical salute to thank those who have and continue to serve in the armed forces.

Website: www.fryeburg-academy.org/pac.

E-mail: boxoffice@fryeburgacademy.org. Phone: 207544-9066.

Calendar of Events

Saturday, May 20 Grave Stone Cleaning. Volunteers are needed to help with cleaning of grave stones at Maple Ridge Cemetery from 9 a.m. to noon. Cleaning materials will be provided. Some “rugged young men” are also needed to help straighten tipped grave stones. For more information, call Gerry Smith at 583-2213.

Free Chewonki programs presented by the Waterford Library at the Wilkins House. All welcome. Families encouraged to attend. 11:30 a.m., Bats of the World; 12:30 p.m., Bring your own picnic lunch; 1:30 p.m. Scales and Tails.

Flag Placement. American Legion Post 67 will be remembering and honoring Bridgton’s veterans buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery on Kansas Road by placing a flag on each veteran’s grave in preparation for Memorial Day.

The public is invited to assist the Legion in placing the flags at 2:30 p.m.

Monday, May 22

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

Tuesday, May 23 SAD 61 Budget Validation Referendum in Bridgton, Casco and Naples, polls open in each town from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, May 26

Fundraiser for Lake Region Project Graduation, spaghetti dinner and raffle, 5 to 7 p.m., Sebago Town Hall.

Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids, $25 family of four rate. Cash, check and Venmo. Drive-through option, text 207-749-8279.

Saturday, May 27

Annual Spring Sale. St. Joseph Women’s Guild is having their Annual Spring Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the St. Joseph Church Hall, South High Street, Bridgton. There will be a variety of plants, (great for Spring planting), delicious baked goods, gently used clothing for all ages in the Boutique Section and special finds in the White Elephant display.

Book, Bake, and Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at Spaulding Memorial Library, 282 Sebago Road (Route 114), Sebago. Support the library and stock up on books, audiobooks, and DVDs sold at extremely reasonable prices. Delicious home-baked goodies as well as vegetable and flower seedlings and plants for sale. FMI 787-2321.

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.

Monday, May 29 Memorial Day Service.

American Legion Post 67 will be conducting a Memorial Day Ceremony at Farragut Park in Bridgton (North High Street, across from the Town Hall) at 11 a.m. The Legion asks that

you arrive at least 15 minutes early so that everyone can be seated prior to the beginning of the ceremony. 7th Annual Memorial Day Free Cruise for veterans and active duty military (and immediate family) on the Songo River Queen II, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Advance reservations are highly recommended. 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.

Wednesday, May 31

Water Awareness. A series of meetings will be launched as a community effort to understand and address issues around groundwater extraction in Maine. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School in Bridgton. Guest speakers include engineer Catherine DiPietro, Lakes Environmental Association

Executive Director Colin Holme and Community Water Justice co-founder Nickie Sekera.

Friday, June 2 Duke Robillard Band at Saco River Theatre, 29 Salmon Falls Road, Bar Mills, ME, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 general admission at www.sacorivertheate.org or call 207-9296473 for reservations.

Saturday, June 3 19th Annual Plant Sale at First Universalist Church of Norway will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a wide array of Maine hardy indoor and outdoor plants.

First Universalist Church of Norway is located at 479 Main Street, Norway. Please, no early birds!

Barbecue Dinner. The Sweden Volunteer Fire Association will hold its annual barbecue dinner at the Sweden Meeting House, 147 Bridgton Road, in Sweden from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes barbecue chicken and pork, potato salad, tossed

salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, bread, watermelon, cookies, coffee and water. Cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and younger.

Saturday, June 10

Opening Day at the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, 121 Main Street, Bridgton.

Everybody Gardens educational workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bridgton Community Center Gardens. Topics include Composting Made Simple, Gardening on a Budget, Plants for Bee Lawns, Garden Plants for Pollinators, and Invasive Plants, presented by Loon Echo Land Trust and local horticulture professionals. Rain date June 17.

Sunday, June 11 Rug Hooking with Elizabeth Miller, presented by the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity, https:// www.rufusportermuseum.org/ event-details/rug-hookingwith-elizabeth-miller