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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 148, No. 29
32 PAGES - 4 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
July 20, 2017
(USPS 065-020)
Weather . . . . . . . . . . . 4D
www.bridgton.com
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
Plan changes drop-off routine
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer NAPLES — As Grant Plummer looked over a schematic drawing of proposed parking lot and student drop-off changes at Songo Locks Elementary School, he immediately wondered how parents might respond. Like Stevens Brook in Bridgton and Lake Region High School, the school district is looking to create two separate loops — one for buses only during school hours, and one for parent use. The priority is to increase safety, while also improving traffic flow. SLS Principal Cheryl Kline admitted that parents will need to be instructed how the new plan works, and early on, re-emphasize the
“do’s and don’ts.” “Because of the system we have in place now, there will be some disgruntled people because there is no drivethrough pickup,” Plummer said. “I know this is a modest change, but we’re trying to add parking and get kids to the building as safely as possible,” SAD 61 Superintendent of Schools Al Smith said. “This plan represents the biggest bang for our buck, but does so in the interest of safety.” Thomas S. Greer, of P.E. Pinkham & Greer Civil Engineers of Portland, gave an overview of the $465,000 plan, which calls for the development of a secondary entrance to the school, as well as a new bus loop
and parent parking for student pickup and delivery at a public information session on July 5. Greer said the project adds 133 parking spaces for use during school, as well as after-school events. The presentation was part of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection approval process. Abutters to the school property were notified, and could offer input. One neighbor did express concern regarding how SAD 61 planned to provide a buffer between his property, which is across the road from Burnham Drive, and the new parking lot. Greer met individually with the property owner following his presentation to
Putting a face, story to health debate
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer NAPLES — There is a lot of big talk going on in Washington, D.C. as politicians try to craft a new national healthcare plan. Brady Chappell of Naples may be just a little guy, but he and other children battling type I diabetes hope their voices and important messages are heard. Brady will be attending the JDRF 2017 Children’s Congress July 24-26 in Washington, D.C. The group’s goal is to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the importance of Congressional support in advancing research that will result in better treatments, prevention and one day, a world without T1D. “Because of research, there has been significant progress made toward better treatments and a cure (for example, artificial pancreas systems were tested with the support of JDRF and the Special Diabetes Program (SDP),” according to the JDRF website. “We need Congress to continue critical federal funding for T1D research and ensure agencies, such as the U.S. Food
discuss the matter. One solution would be some type of fence. Buses will enter the existing entry point and use the present circle to drop off students. Meanwhile, parents can enter the present entrance, and then veer to the left, where 22 diagonal parking spaces along with four handicap-only slots will be created. Students will proceed onto a sidewalk, which leads to the school’s main entrance. From there, parents will exit the school grounds through the new parking lot and new secondary entry point to the property. Or, parents can park in the new lot and walk their child to the sidewalk leading HOW THE CHANGES WILL WORK — Engineer to SLS. Thomas Greer explains parking and drop-off changes SLS PLAN, Page 2A slated for Songo Locks School at an information hearing.
Lakes Plaza construction wraps up this month
HEADING TO WASHINGTON, D.C. for the July 24-26 Children’s Congress will be Brady Chappell of Naples, who will talk with U.S. Senator Susan Collins about the importance of type 1 diabetes research funding. and Drug Administration (FDA), are doing their part to advance new treatments like artificial pancreas systems.” With the annual cost of diabetes soaring near $276 billion per year, the nation cannot afford to falter in its support for better treatments and a cure, which will help to lessen, and ultimately eliminate, the burden of diabetes in this country, according to JDRF. Brady was selected to be part of the 160 children coalition — ranging in ages
4 to 17 representing all 50 states — to meet with their elected officials in Congress and seek continued federal funding for T1D research. “This Children’s Congress show of bipartisanship may also be a harbinger of things to come on the healthcare front,” said Brady’s dad, Tait. “The mission of Children’s Congress also illuminates why, as chairwoman of the diabetes caucus in the senate, that (Maine) Senator Susan Collins is coming out against HEALTH, Page 7A
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Word gets around fast. But, when the location is a particularly busy and well-traveled section of Route 302, people are going to notice and talk about the construction taking place. Once there was a farmhouse. Now, a commercial plaza is in the final stages of construction. The large, ordinanceapproved business sign at the edge of Roosevelt Trail lets people know it’s the future site of the Lakes Plaza. Every week, the construction goes at a feverish pace. According to the owner Kevin Gagnon, the Naples units will be done in less than two weeks. “We still have a punch list of items,” Gagnon said on Tuesday. “There are three more units that need awnings. Gooseneck lighting will go across the whole front of it plus down the side of it. The gooseneck lighting will be illuminating the front of building to make it have a lit presence at night but still soft,” he said. In addition to lighting suitable for a town with a small community appearance, Gagnon said the vacant space has lots of amenities that should attract more clients. “Everything is brand new. With the heating system, we have a warranty. Everything is
warrantied because it’s brand new,” he said. “Everything is fresh.” Every unit has 1,800 square feet of space. The one restaurant spot is already spoken for, and that is also 1,800 square feet. “The exposure,” he said, “you cannot beat that. It’s great exposure on Route 302.” The plaza is set back from Route 302 near the Route 11 junction, just past Aubuchon’s Hardware in Naples. The Lakes Plaza offers business spaces in an area that was thirsting for just that. Already, two businessowners have signed a lease
with KP Gagnon Company. The respective owners of Annette’s Country Skillet Diner and Jewelz Beyond Hair aim to be moving in and setting up shop in early August. Gagnon is pleased with the types of businesses that will be going in for certain, a beauty salon and a restaurant, he said. He plans to attract professional and serviceoriented businesses as future lessees. “The beauty of the diner is all home-cooked meals will be served,” he said. The restaurant will be successful because people like to eat out and a diner is a great PLAZA, Page 3A
Diner designed to score big
Ask the Expert: Issues answered Editor’s note: The following column is Part Two of the Lakes Region Substance Abuse Coalition’s “Ask the Expert” series, answering questions about opioid issues raised during a recent public forum. Answers are provided by various Lakes Region Substance Abuse Coalition members with expertise in the fields of medicine, treatment, recovery, mental health, prevention and public policy. The following questions were raised during the “prevention and intervention” topic area. A future column will address Q&A from the “treatment and recovery” topic area. A copy of the complete Q&A document is available upon request — send via e-mail to lrsacoalition@gmail.com Q: How can opioid dependence disorders be prevented? A: There are several prevention strategies with evidence showing their effectiveness. They are (in no particular order): safe prescribing practices, prescription monitoring and safe disposal programs, access to mental health services, early intervention and access to treatment for victims of trauma or other substance use disorders, anti-stigma campaigns, and community coalitions using universal prevention best practices throughout a community. Prevention opportunities exist at all levels in a community; personal, family, institutional and public policy. Q: Are current public healthcare policies adequate for
THE AWNINGS WERE UP on some of the storefronts of the Lakes Plaza earlier in July when this photo was taken. On Friday, a subcontractor paved the driveway and parking lot of the plaza. By the first week of August, two tenants will be setting up shop there. (De Busk Photo)
addressing risks associated with the opioid crisis? If not, what are some policies that could help? A: On a federal level, addressing the opioid crisis appears to be one of the few issues that garners bipartisan support. Congress overwhelmingly passed the Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act (CARA), which is the first major piece of addiction legislation in decades. However, existing evidence based prevention and treatment strategies are highly underutilized across the United States. Policies that: improve opioid prescribing practices, expand the use of the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, improve the integration of MAT medication-assisted treatment services in specialty care and primary care, provide pain management training for medical professionals, improve patient access to comprehensive treatment and recovery services, target law enforcement efforts to address doctor shopping and pill mills OPIOID Q&A, Page 8A
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Over the years, some residents might have seen Coach Annette Metcalf when a local girls’ basketball team was on a hot streak. In the next few weeks, Metcalf will be stepping into a hot kitchen, hoping to score some loyal customers and fill the seats. Metcalf is eagerly awaiting the completion of the
Lakes Plaza so she can prepare the space for the new eating establishment she is starting. Annette’s Country Skillet Diner is the name of the restaurant that will move into the Lakes Plaza, set back from Route 302 and within a quarter-mile of Junction 11. The Harrison resident said this will be her first time as a restaurant owner. She’s spent more time working up a sweat SKILLET, Page 3A
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