Bn28 071317

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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 148, No. 28

32 PAGES - 4 Sections

Bridgton, Maine

July 13, 2017

www.bridgton.com

(USPS 065-020)

SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS

Beaches now open from dawn to dusk

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer If you plan to take a dip at local beaches, you better go swimming before dusk. To keep people safe, Bridgton department heads recommended that parks and beaches should be open from dawn until dusk only. “Bridgton is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and parks in New England, and every effort is made to keep these areas clean and safe for all our residents and visitors,” wrote the department heads in a letter to Town Manager Bob Peabody and selectmen. “However, in the town’s effort to make these parks and beaches accessible, we have over-extended the hours of operation, making them an attractive nuisance to those that would damage, litter and otherwise disre-

spect these beautiful sites.” The department heads include: Chief of Police Richard Stillman, Public Works Superintendent James Kidder, Recreation Director Gary Colello, and Salmon Point Manager Robert Morse. Previously, the parks and beaches were open until 10 p.m. “Dawn” is defined as a half hour before sunrise, thus early risers will still be able to see sunrise. The same goes for those wishing to watch a nice sunset, as “dusk” is defined as a half hour after sunset. “We believe the town has some risk in condoning the use of these parks and beaches after dark, especially our beaches, where all too often late night swimmers will be consuming alcohol, making for a dangerous mix,” they said. Right now, sunset is at about

8:27 p.m., Stillman told selectmen Tuesday night. Selectman Bear Zaidman asked the chief if there had been problems at town beaches resulting in the push to close them earlier. “We’ve been lucky so far,” the chief said. “You can’t see people in the water. That’s my concern.” Stillman clarified that the earlier closing time would not be in effect in all parks, such as people walking through Shorey Park or spending time at Veteran’s Park on Depot Street. Town Manager Robert Peabody pointed out that Shorey Park is “not posted.” Chief Stillman said his officers would use “discretion” when patrolling town beach areas. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, when you give people adequate

warnings that the park is closed, they leave,” Chief Stillman said. “We’re not going to start to write up summonses if we find someone there. If it becomes a constant problem, then we will issue summonses.” Selectmen approved the change by a 3–2 vote. Voting “yes” were Bob Murphy, Fred Packard and Bob McHatton. Casting “no” votes were Bear Zaidman and Greg Watkins. Selectman McHatton asked that when new signs are posted regarding beach/park hours, the signs should also include “No Smoking Allowed.” On the topic of beaches, resident Deb Holden questioned whether enough parking exists at Salmon Point and suggested that the town ask the company that leases and services porta-potties to increase

the number of cleaning days each week. Holden found the temporary bathrooms “filthy, dirty and pretty gross” and the unit lacked adequate toilet paper. At this time, the cleaning schedule is once a week. Holden also found the units being leased to the town quite old. As to parking space, despite the town developing a new lot, Town Manager Peabody pointed out, “We will never have enough space if the place is swamped. It is not swamped every day.” Kidder added that, “if people park correctly, the new lot will hold more than the other (parking) lot.” Chairman Watkins suggested that time be given to see if the amount of parking space is adequate or whether it needs to be SELECTMEN, Page 2A

One on One with...

Ephrem Paraschak

SEEING HIS TEAM IN PERSON WAS BEST MEDICINE for Erik Zinn of Harrison, who is battling colon cancer. A hospice house social worker made Erik’s wish to see the Boston Red Sox play one last time a reality last month.

Erik’s dying wish

Baseball has been needed distraction

HARRISON — Like many New Englanders, Erik Zinn was born into Red Sox nation. The Pittsfield, N.H. native fondly remembers listening to the games on the radio with his grandfather as a very young boy. And he’s been a Sox fan ever since. “He used to tell the kids that if we weren’t quiet during the games, he’d sell us to the gypsies,” Erik recalled. “I didn’t even know who the gypsies were, but I was pretty sure I didn’t want to be sold to them.” As most kids his age, Erik was a big fan of Red Sox Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski. As the years passed, pitchers with personality like Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd and Rich “El Guapo” Garces caught his fancy. “There were so many players that I liked, it’s hard to say who was my favorite,” he said. “Today, it’s Mookie Betts. I saw him play in Portland. I hope the Red Sox hang onto him, but they always seem to let guys like that go.” Erik, now 46, has found baseball not only to be a passion, but more recently it has served as a needed distraction. In January 2014, Erik was diagnosed with

colon cancer, and while there was some hope after initial treatment, his condition has deteriorated rapidly and the end of his life is growing nearer. While being cared for at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Hospice House, the Harrison resident mentioned to social worker Jen Dimond that his last wish was to go to Fenway Park and see the Sox play in person one final time. Thanks to the fast actions of a few and the tremendous generosity of many, just three days later, Erik’s wish came true. He, his aunt, Martha Raley and a hospice nurse were transported by limousine donated by the Fortin Group to watch the Red Sox battle the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 25. He was treated to the very best seats in the park, as a guest of Red Sox owner John Henry in a luxury suite directly above first base. W.B. Mason was integral in securing the tickets. When Erik learned that he was going to the game, he was at a loss for words. “You always hear about stuff like this, but you never think it’s going to happen to you,” he said. “I had been

thinking about going to a game a lot, but I just kind of blew it off. But then, I thought that this was one thing I could actually do before my time is up.” Erik received a proper send-off from the nurses and some Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice staff. As he walked from the Hospice House entry to the limo, he sported a Cheshire-cat grin from ear-to-ear. A small group held signs that sent him off in fine style. Nurses and staff who could get away for a few moments joined in the fun and smiles were punctuated with tears of joy. “You hope to experience something like this at least once when you’re working in hospice,” said Dimond. “I am so happy for Erik.” On the way to the game, Erik shared his other wish that came true on May 29 when he married his wife, Min, in Thailand. “There’s nothing too romantic about our story. I met her at an ice cream shop in Thailand when I was visiting my father over there,” he said. Erik had hoped that his health would improve so ERIK’S WISH, Page 3A

Hybrid solution to manager hiring By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES —– After much discussion, Naples elected officials opted for a hybrid solution for the process of hiring a new town manager. Current Naples Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak will start his new position with the Town of Gorham on Sept. 1 and is also doing job-shadowing in Gorham

prior to that start date. When it was brought up by a selectman that maybe Naples might have a replacement town manager four weeks after the process starts, Paraschak said, “Four weeks is optimistic.” “I think you are looking at not having a town manager on board until mid- to late-October,” Paraschak said during Monday’s meet-

ing. The Naples Board of Selectmen has started the ball rolling by awarding bids to the companies that provided proposals to the town for the service of hiring Paraschak’s replacement. The board-backed decision was to contact Maine Municipal Association (MMA) to utilize its network of town manager

applicants and its thorough vetting process, and also to simultaneously contact Carter Terenzini, the former town manager in Moultonborough, N.H., who has helped many towns through this transition. The vote was, 4–0, with Selectman Bob Caron II absent. Along with that motion, HIRING, Page 6A

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — After taking on the multi-tasking, straightout busy role(s) of the town manager and road commissioner in the community where he grew up and currently owns a home, Ephrem Paraschak has made a huge career decision. The hiring of Paraschak for the open job of Gorham town manager was announced last month. The here and now is a transition period that the towns of Naples and Gorham, as well as Paraschak, will face. Despite his busy schedule that is sometimes spent on fire or rescue calls, Paraschak shared his thoughts as his three years as Naples town manager comes to a crossroads. B-News: What year did you start in Naples? Paraschak: July 1, 2014 B-News: What accomplishments are you most proud of? Paraschak: Procuring a building and facility from the MDOT for use as the first Naples maintenance department. B-News: What changes are you most pleased with? Paraschak: I don’t think there has been any one change that I am most pleased with, all projects and activities of the town are a collaborative effort between the elected officials, manager and town employees. B-News: What were some of the things that you wished you could have changed — BOTH something in the past that could have been done differently or an accomplishment/task you will not be able to get to before you start the new job? Paraschak: There is always a list of items that a manager regrets not having had the time and resources to complete during their tenure. I sincerely believe that Naples has made significant progress in most areas over the last three years. B-News: What will you miss most about being town manager in Naples? Paraschak: Working with the employees. B-News: Could you please touch on the benefits of no longer being the town manager in the town in which you live? Paraschak: Living in the town in which you also manage has its advantages and disadvantages. Overall it isn’t a bad experience but it is hard to enjoy your personal time in the community you manage without constantly worrying about town business, looking at cracks in sidewalks, etc. and being approached about town matters when you are with your family. B-News: In what ways will you still contribute to the town of Naples? Paraschak: I still plan to be an active member of the ONE ON ONE, Page 6A

The Bridgton News Established 1870

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


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