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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 150, No. 28
16 PAGES - 2 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
July 9, 2020
www.bridgton.com
(USPS 065-020)
95¢
Error forces SAD 72 to move budget vote
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer FRYEBURG — For Jay Robinson, 2020 has provided more unexpected twists and turns trying to draft and get voter approval on a $21 million education budget for SAD 72 than he ever expected. First, COVID-19 hit leaving the school district to figure out how to present the proposal to taxpayers — they finally held a virtual meeting. Then came the question, how will taxpayers vote on the budget? Since in-person meetings were being postponed, SAD 72 shifted like many others to a secret ballot approach on July 14 — coinciding with the state primary and referendum vote. A phone call last week left SAD 72 superintendent scrambling once more. “During a July 1 phone call with the lawyers who prepared our referendum documents, they disclosed that an error was made that would not raise the appropriate funds from towns to support the budget,” Robinson reported in an e-mail sent to The News. “The stated amount of $9,939,248.81 of local taxes to be raised failed to include the local amount
over EPS (Essential Programs and Services – the state’s funding formula), which would leave us just under three million dollars short of the revenues needed to support our total budget of $21,445,159.27.” Unfortunately, the only method of rectifying the situation is to cancel the July 14 budget referendum and establish a date for a new budget approval referendum. A special meeting of the SAD 72 School Board was held Tuesday night to set a “virtual” public hearing on the budget for Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. followed by a district vote on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The public can access information on the SAD 72 website (www.msad72.org) regarding the budget-approval process, the proposed budget, and about how to access the virtual public hearing. “We thank you for your understanding in this matter, and we thank those of you who took the time to vote to support the budget through absentee ballot for the original July 14 vote,” Superintendent Robinson said. “It is our sincere hope that you will again vote to support the important work the district does to support our students and families.”
NFI North proposes new education facility
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Paul Dann remembers the last time he appeared before the Bridgton Planning Board. Twenty-five years ago, he brought forth an idea to create a residential education program for children. Since then, Dodge House has had a “significant impact” for hundreds of children. “…NFI North (which operates the 15 Wayside Avenue residential facility) has successfully helped thousands of children, youth, families, adults and seniors with diverse needs to make positive changes in their lives, to achieve personal goals, and experience the full promise of life in their communities,” according to the nonprofit organization’s website. “NFI’s broad range of mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, educational and rehabilitative programs include home-based services, supported living, residential treatment, and foster care programs. Working in close partnership with those we serve, our programs are supported by an experienced, highly committed, interdisciplinary staff comprised of clinicians, case managers, counselors, nurses, teachers, administrators, and medical/psychiatric professionals who employ a highly collaborative team approach to providing treatment.” Now, NFI North wants to add to children’s experience by renovating the former Community Help building at 7 Nulty Street into an educational facility.
MAKING THE MARCH — Several people joined Liam Opie for the Wide Awake patriotic march along Main Street in Bridgton on Friday night. The group Dann unveiled the idea to planners dur- walked to the Main Hill monument and placed a wreath there. Opie and Michael ing a virtual meeting. NFI North’s executive Davis gave speeches about the history of Wide Awake marches, as well as patrio(Rivet Photo) director said the first option was to develop tism. More photos on Page 2A. more educational space at the Wayside Avenue location. Sawyer Engineering had developed some preliminary plans when suddenly another option surfaced — the 7 Nulty Street building, which initially was There is an eighth choice connections with the people home to an auto parts supply building, came for the Bridgton Selectboard. of the town and continue to on the market. Samantha Zawistowski is hear what they have to say Dann sees the Nulty Street location as a running as a write-in can- as needs have changed these “dream” site due to its proximity to Dodge past few months,” she said. House (an estimated 300 yards) and its inte- didate. “Due to COVID and “The result of these rich rior possibilities for the day school. “A day school would be a wonderful other events in my personal conversations, coupled with use of the space for the children we serve,” life, I was not in a position my own observations, is a Dann said. “It is important for the child to seek candidacy earlier keen awareness the people to have a normal environment. Going to this year. However, after the who make up this town and encouragement of several of what they want from their school in a different place is better.” The day school would serve 16 children townspeople, and a calming town and its leadership.” Zawistowski added, ages 6 to 12. The staff would include seven of my personal life, I am now able to declare candi- “Many of the people I speak teachers and three administrators. to feel underrepresented but Almost a quick ending to discussions dacy,” she said. Zawistowski is Bridgton often lack the time, resourcWhen Planning Board alternate Paul Tworog looked over the list of abutters that Public Library’s youth ser- es and confidence to run. I Samantha Zawistowski had to be notified via certified mail regard- vices librarian. She spends find myself in the position ing the proposed NFI North project, he a lot of time talking to the to be able to make time Bridgton Planning Board in people who work, shop, and I believe young people 2019, Zawistowski received noticed something a bit peculiar. have the obligation to par- much encouragement from The listing including the name of summer and live here. “I talk with children, ticipate in their communities townspeople in her interTworog’s former neighbor — the late Earl teens, teachers, parents, when they can. Though I est in participating in local Cash. Tworog wondered if notice had been made to new owners of the 12 Elm Street grandparents, social service am young and lack certain government. “I was suggested to apply professionals, and other experiences compared to my property — Chris and Brittany Rand? No notice meant no more discussions adults who visit library. opponents, I am an enthusi- for several committees in town and consequently regarding the project until the couple were Even during times of astic learner.” CANDIDATE, Page 3A COVID, I have maintained After running for the NFI NORTH, Page 3A
Add one more to race
Cupola hoopla:
Worth a Browse
Belfry backers question outcome
Tough to peddle during pandemic
Editor’s note: This is a first in a series of profiles about local writers. By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer One upside to the COVID-19 lockdown was it gave readers more time to dive into a new book. For authors, however, it proved to be both a blessing and a curse. Robert Spencer of South Waterford had scheduled three “virtual readings” for his newly-published “PROSPECTS, Mining Maine for Riches — A Novel” on Zoom. The first was in April. Thirty-eight people attended a program hosted by the Waterford Library, which took place in the yoga studio of Good Health Is A Habit in Waterford. The second was a May appearance hosted by the Bridgton Library. Five people participated in that one. The third was cancelled due to lack of reservations. “Virtual readings are not a particularly good way to sell books. They also tend to be quite impersonal. There is no interaction, other than digital communications,” Spencer said. “I tended to read too much in the first event and tried to spice up the second with questions I gave to the participants with little success. Unless the performer is a noted celebrity, I feel that Zoom leaves people bored or wanting more.” The Hebron Historical Society was “brave” enough to hold a live meeting and invited Spencer back for a reading from PROSPECTS at the annual meeting. It was the first meeting they had held since October.
Author Robert Spencer of South Waterford “I say ‘brave’ because all 15 attendees, including yours truly, are in the most susceptible age group of 65-plus. Instead of the usual small meeting room at the Town Office, they reserved the second floor of the town firehouse in order to have space for social distancing. It was a pleasant surprise to find that everyone was masked. Chairs were set far apart, and windows were thrown open to bring in whatever breeze there was on such a warm night,” he said. “The formal meeting was short, but during the limited discussions it became very clear that masks made verbal SPENCER, Page 8A
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — An advocate of preserving the cupola said that information was omitted that might have changed the outcome of the Town Meeting vote. Meanwhile, other residents are saying it was a truly unfortunate outcome: That a group of a few could dictate the future of something with historical ties to Naples. An outspoken proponent for saving the cupola, Jon March was at the Naples Town Meeting on June 25. People were missing an
important piece of information when the majority of Town Meeting voters decided to do away with the town’s ownership of the cupola, he said. Also, town officials should have made it clearer that an upcoming warrant article provided funding only after an equal amount was fund raised, March said. Also, he questioned whether or not Chairman Jim Grattelo should have spoken so strongly against the cupola when he voted to recommend the article to match fundraising efforts. BELFRY, Page 3A
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