Community Jazz Collective at ‘Brick’; Art pottery at Gallery 302; Jester & 236 Strings at DAC Page 1B
Trip of lifetime
Inside News
LR threesome and teacher venture to Germany after Wind Storm Challenge win
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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870. Vol. 149, No. 35
28 PAGES - 2 Sections
Bridgton, Maine
August 29, 2019
www.bridgton.com
(USPS 065-020)
95¢
Streetscape parking, detour concerns aired By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer What is more valuable, one or two parking spaces along Bridgton’s busy Main Street or another park bench when there are 14 others within a short walking distance? Judy and Pete Oberg pick parking spaces. As the streetscape project prepares to gear up, the two business owners made a late pitch to selectmen Tuesday night to slightly alter the plan developed by HEB Engineers to preserve two [or at least one] parking spaces in front of their Main Street insurance office. Under the proposed streetscape plan, Judy Oberg pointed out that they were the only
business along the Main Street corridor to have zero parking spaces in front of their business. “These spaces are highly-used. We don’t have a lot of parking behind us,” she said. “We’d like to keep two, but would be willing to compromise and keep at least one [space].” Oberg noted that the family has been in business since 1934, and looks to support the town’s efforts. “We don’t complain often…” she said. But, when she counted the number of park benches [14] within a 40-step perimeter that will be available for the public’s use, losing one, along with a tree, doesn’t seem to be a
major sacrifice. One space is eight feet, meeting today’s current standard while the other is just under that dimension. Oberg said the couple would be willing to grant an easement allowing the town to bring the sidewalk closer to their building’s front steps [much like what was done at Renys] to gain the needed eight-foot space. Selectman Bear Zaidman asked Colin Dinsmore of HEB Engineers if keeping one or two parking spaces would have a major impact to the streetscape plan? Dinsmore, a senior civil engineer, said the change would eliminate a “bump out” and
Naples, marina sign agreement By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — A Shoreland Zoning law violation, that was discovered by the Town of Naples almost a year ago, has been resolved through a settlement. In lieu of paying fines for illegally renovating the second floor of the restaurant building, the Causeway Marina deeded to the town an easement for the existing water suppression lines, according to the settlement paperwork. “We reached a settlement with the Causeway Marina. That has been signed,” Naples Town Manager John Hawley said. The Town of Naples code enforcement department sent the owner of the Causeway Marina, Dan Allen, a notice of violation on Sept. 21, 2018. According to Hawley, “attorneys have been involved since November. We have been going back and forth now since last November.” “The initial violation went out as construction without a permit on the second floor of former ‘Merced’s on Brandy Pond’ building on the Causeway Marina property,” Hawley said. A residential apartment was being constructed, which is not allowed in the Shoreland Zone, the paperwork said. After the restaurant was no longer in
business, this construction took place without a permit for the time period between September and April, according to the paperwork. Later, an after-the-fact permit was granted in order to build an office space on the second floor, the paperwork said. An office space is an allowed renovation. Currently, there is no ongoing violation — to the town’s knowledge, only a past violation, according to the court paperwork. “There was a bigger issue,” Town Manager Hawley said. “Once we gave the notice of violation, we received a letter from the marina about the water suppression line that was put on his property as part of the Causeway restoration.” “It went across his property with the agreement that, at some point, Dan Allen and the town would come to financial compensation for the element of that waterline,” he said. “After we issued the notice of violation on the property, we got a letter from the marina’s attorney. The attorney wanted the waterline removed because the town had never compensated the marina for the waterline,” he said. The waterline is located underground on the lot of the Causeway Marina. “In lieu of fines or penalties, Dan exchanged the easement to the town,” Hawley said.
Traffic light on fritz once again
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — With only one traffic signal in Naples, it is not surprising that drivers know when a red light lasts too long. In fact, three people have contacted the town hall to mention it. Blame the state, not the town. “The traffic signal at Route 302 and 35 has gone back into timing mode,” Naples Town Manager John Hawley said on Monday. “When the state ground up the existing pavement, TRAFFIC LIGHT, Page 3A
some accent paving, along with the bench and tree. He noted that not developing correct dimensional parking spaces creates liability for the engineer [substandard design] and poses safety issues. Zaidman asked fellow board members to take a walk and check out the existing parking spaces in front of Oberg Insurance over the next few days and “see what you think.” Selectmen will then discuss what direction to head in at their next meeting [Sept. 10]. Another business speaks out Rick and Julie Whelchel, owners of J. Decor, also had a few words of concern about PARKING, Page 2A
PROMOTING AWARENESS of water conservation from the lakes to the ocean is Michael Fitzgibbons, who is a self-appointed ambassador of 4Ocean. (De Busk Photo)
Clean up the ocean
One bracelet = one pound of trash
By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer Some ideas are an easy sell. For some things, there is a receptive audience. Michael Fitzgibbons and his friends discovered that the general public in Bridgton was more than willing to shell out money to support the environment, to clean up the ocean. On Saturday, almost a dozen people bought 4Ocean bracelets to pay for the removal of trash from the ocean. Some people didn’t buy the bracelets. That’s because they were already wearing ones they had purchased. A 4Ocean booth was set up in the parking lot of Hayes True Value store in Bridgton on Saturday. The individuals promoting the cause crystalized by the business 4Ocean were: Fitzgibbons, Bridgton resident Sue Santoro and Windham resident Scott Shaffer. “Call us self-appointed ambassadors,” said Fitzgibbons. “It started with buying one bracelet,” he said. “I bought more bracelets and they were bought from me.” Each bracelet is designed from a cord, which is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, while the beads are made from recycled glass. A portion of the proceeds from the $20 bracelet pays to have one pound of trash removed from the ocean.
4Ocean is a for-profit business started in January 2017 by two men, Andrew Cooper and Alex Schulze, who were on a surfing trip in Bali. That is where the problem of plastic trash in the ocean really hit home for them. The idea for their business is that fishermen are paid for each pound of trash they pull out of the ocean. According to wikipedia, the company is responsible for removing five million pounds of waste from the ocean as well as the coastlines. Currently, 4Ocean employs 200 people. It was through a lack of water that Fitzgibbons researched the company and decided to get involved in selling merchandize and bringing awareness about the worldwide problem of pollution in the ocean. This winter through spring, a fire closed the Westbrook Community Center Pool, where Fitzgibbons swam regularly. “Swimming has been the reset button for me. After the pool closed, I spent time in reflection,” he said. He became concerned that swimming was in jeopardy in the many outdoor venues he knew. Dating back to 1961, Fitzgibbons had been spending summers at his family home on Long Lake in Bridgton. Now, the family cabin is situated on Long Pond in Denmark.
As a real estate agent and mortgage broker, Fitzgibbons gained a superb knowledge of Maine’s towns and terrain. His love of swimming and the lakes made the next step easy: He decided to promote awareness of 4Ocean and water conservation right here in Maine. “I’ve been focusing on the lakes. I’ve had a fun summer,” he said. He has been meeting people and videotaping activities on the many bodies of water: Peabody Pond in Sweden, Bear Pond, Highland Lake, Stevens Brook, Long Lake, Brandy Pond, Songo River, the Songo Lock, and Sebago Lake. “I filmed the hut for gatekeepers at the Songo River swing bridge,” he said. On Tuesday, Fitzgibbons took a bicycle ride on a portion of the Sebagoto-Sea trail. He was accompanied by Toby Jacobs with the Presumpscot Land Trust. “I want to make a website with video clips of different lakes and rivers. People who buy the bracelets would be able add their videos,” he said. Fitzgibbons believes that Mainers should get out in front of the cause, be the voice of water conservation. Already, so many people he has talked to truly want to protect this state’s lakes and rivers and the coastline. “Maine should lead the United CLEAN UP, Page 3A
When a child needs help, support Play Warriors... Playing through life’s obstacles...
By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer When a child experiences illness, trauma, loss or difficult situations, he or she might need someone they feel comfortable with or has a way to help ease a tense or emotional situation. As a Child Life specialist, Kimberly Leighton helps youngsters “play through life’s obstacles.” Using various techniques along with music and aroma therapy, Leighton assists children through adverse experiences,
as well as teaching them coping skills that will aid them throughout their lifetime. She recently opened a private practice space at 82 Main Street, Suite B-1, in Bridgton. The office includes a meeting area, and a playroom where she works with children, ages two and up. “This is a space they know they can freely talk. It’s a safe place. A place where they can learn to cope and develop coping skills,” she said. Sessions run 50 minutes to an hour, but can be longer.
Usually, 10 minutes is the handing-off point, talking to parents after the appointment. Naming the practice “Play Warriors” was the result of Leighton’s early work with a child battling a medical condition. It seemed to encompass her approach, using play to help children tackle difficult situations and obstacles. “The girl I started working first is a super warrior. She is this fireball of energy, spirit and courage. She has a rare disease that requires infusions once a week until there
is a cure for what she is going through. These are ‘warriors’ that are playing through life’s obstacles. They will overcome what is going on in their lives if they have support. If we don’t help them
at this level now, things will only escalate as time goes by,” she said. Her work spans a wide variety of issues from children suffering from anxiety WARRIORS, Page 6A
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