October 27, 2022

Heading

RC: Why voters should support PPB

Shall an ordi nance entitled, “Town of Bridgton Municipal Solid Waste Pay-PerBag Ordinance” be enacted?

Select Board rec ommends a YES vote.

Should Bridgton enact a Pay-Per-Bag practice regarding solid waste dis posal at the Transfer Station or not?

The question is on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Recently, Recycling Committee members met with Bridgton Town Manager Bob Peabody to discuss Pay Per Bag (PPB) and to clarify some com monly asked questions and concerns.

House District 81

Sweden

Waterford

The seat for Maine House of Representative District 81 is a battle between incumbent Sawin Millett Jr., a Republican from Waterford against Democrat Daniel Sipe of Norway.

HD 81 includes Norway, Sweden, Waterford and West Paris.

The News posed the following questions to the candi dates, and their answers are arranged alphabetically.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Q. Why did you decide to enter politics?

Millett: In my early 20s, I served as an elected select man and Town Meeting moderator; and also began an eight-year stint as a district-wide school administrator. Those experiences gave me a chance to interact directly with local voters and I thrived on being able to communi cate with them and earn their trust. Running for the Maine Legislature was a natural outgrowth of that local govern ment service.

Sipe: I am running to support higher wages, better infrastructure, and community conversations that allow us to bring our differences to the table without hating each other for them. I am running because we need to make sure that the younger generations in rural areas have opportuni ties that those in more suburban areas have. I am running because we need to take control of “Our Power” and to protect our environment “For Future Generations.”

House District

The race for Maine House of Representative District 82 is a battle between two newcomers, Democrat Nathan Burnett of Hiram and Republican Caleb Ness of Fryeburg. HD 82 includes Brownfield, Fryeburg, Hiram, Lovell and Porter.

The News posed the following questions to the candi dates, and their answers are arranged alphabetically.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Q. Why did you decide to enter politics?

Burnett: I feel I have something to offer. Four years ago, we were at the height of attempting to implement standards-based education results (that were being devel oped district-by-district and had nothing standardized about them) and there were many people telling teachers how to do their jobs that had no idea what our jobs were. That’s what got me started, and it’s still something that drives me, but that’s not the only reason I’m still at this, or why I spent this summer knocking on doors. This is my third time running. I ran four years ago, but lost a primary race. I ran two years ago, during COVID, and I made phone calls to over 4,000 voters, but lost again. This time, I’ve been able to get out and knock on doors, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. At this point in the campaign season, I believe I’ve been down every road in the district.

Ness: With the seat open, I wanted to take the opportunity to try and make a significant difference in our state and give us an opportunity to grow.

Peabody, who has been Bridgton’s town manager for the past eight years, had extensive experience with PPB while serving as town manager of Rockport.

“The committee is thank ful to Mr. Peabody for his

time, experience, and knowl edge on the subject of PPB. The Recycling Committee would like to extend thanks to Mr. Peabody and the Bridgton Select Board for their endorsement of PPB on the ballot,” the group said in

a joint written statement.

“The town of Bridgton is one of the fastest growing communities in Cumberland County with approximately 6% growth over the past several years. While we are excited to welcome new res

idents to our town, it results in an increase in the amount of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) being handled by our Transfer Station,” the group reported. “Unfortunately, since its inception in 2010,

Queen, the answer to man’s plan

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Songo River Queen II has a new owner who is no stranger to marine vessels.

“I’ve had a boat since I was 12. I was a commer cial fisherman out of high school, a lobster fisherman out of the Saugus River. I’ve had a boat my entire life. It has always been a

dream to have a retirement job that involved boats, like with a marina,” Ryan

Carvalho said “When I found the Queen, I said, ‘This is it.

I’ve found my retirement job,’” he said.

Carvalho discovered through a friend that the owner was interested in sell ing the Songo River Queen, a replica paddleboat that is synonymous with Long Lake and Naples, Maine.

“It was actually one of the employees on the boat. She gave me a call that it

As market grows, farmers need more space

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

The Bridgton Farmer’s Market transforms the Depot Street area every Saturday: offering up rows and rows of local raw pro duce, and creations from the harvest such as jams, jellies and pickled beets, organic meats, homemade baked goods and Maine-made jew elry. Some Saturdays, live music fills the air as cus tomers browse from booth to booth.

As the days get deeper into October, the crowds come later. Still, the faithful customers do their shopping

at the market to get locally grown fresh food.

Next Saturday will be the last outdoors market of the year. Then, on Nov. 12, the market will resurface indoors at a new space.

On Saturday, Market Manager BrennaMae Thomas-Googins, who also co-owns Patch Farm in Denmark, reflected on how the 2022 season has gone and also on what the new space has to offer.

“We are excited about the new location,” she began.

Starting on Nov. 12, the market will shift to the Oriental Masonic Lodge

#13 on Harrison Road, she said.

“It has got a big beauti ful parking area, which has always been a bit of a strug gle. Because we are growing more and more as a market, we need more parking,” she said.

“It is warm. It is going to be really nice big open space. We were not able to expand at the last couple locations because [the build ings] were a little small,” she said.

For two years, the winter

BACK TO THE FUNKY PAST — Bridgton turned the clock back to the 1970s Saturday night as over 3,000 boogied down to the funk tunes performed by the very popular Motor Booty Affair, at the 2022 final Music on Main series. The series will return in 2023 according to organizer Justin McIver. (Photos courtesy Music on Main)

Fryeburg

Lovell

Bridgton Farmers’

girl

handed her purchase of radishes. This

coming Saturday

last

(De Busk Photo)

Ryan Carvalho,

Training on OD response

FRYEBURG — If you came upon someone overdosing, would you know what to do?

Do you know the signs of an overdose?

These questions and more will be explained at a Narcan training today, Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Pequawket Valley Health Initiative (PVHI) is hosting the train ing, which is being presented by the state’s Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach Naloxone and Safety (OPTIONS) initiative. The event is taking place at the American Legion Building at Fryeburg Academy. It is free and open to the public.

“Our mission is to help educate youth about substance use disorders,” said Chris Whitaker, Founder and President of PVHI, which is hosting the training. “Our teen outreach pro gram provides youth with a safe place to go after school. This training is an extension of keeping them safe. Fentanyl is a huge piece of the puzzle.”

Fentanyl is the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in Maine.

“The objectives of the training will be to reduce stigma, dis cuss the particular concerns of fentanyl, and teach people how to recognize signs of overdose and administer naloxone,” said Glenn Gordon. “We will also discuss resources for obtaining more naloxone locally when it is needed.”

Gordon is the OPTIONS Initiative liaison for Oxford County.

In addition to Gordon, Matt Duka from the Larry Labonte

Warning about illegal signs

FRYEBURG — When it comes to posting a business sign, one can’t simply stake a “feather” flag or tack up permanent banners.

And, political support signs are prohibited in some areas of Fryeburg.

That was the message Code Enforcement Officer Natalie Foret sent out to Fryeburg business owners this week.

“There has been a relatively recent surge in the noncomplaint business signage in Town. While we want to see businesses succeed, there are regulations in place that must be followed. The Town is hopeful that businesses will voluntarily comply in the removal of such signs and avoid future formal enforcement action,” Foret wrote.

Per the Fryeburg Land Use Ordinance, the CEO noted that no sign may consist of “banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers or similar devices except as temporary dis plays not to exceed 10 days, and approved by the Code Enforcement Officer in writing”.

Foret added that the placement of feather flags would be considered a violation of this section of the ordinance; therefore, any feather flags shall be removed. Similarly, per the Fryeburg Land Use Ordinance, no sign may con sist of bunting or flags except “open,” state, religious, or

FA Head of School headed to Doane

Once Erin Mayo com pletes her final year as Fryeburg Academy’s Head of School (her 10th), she is headed to Burlington, N.J.

Last week, the Doane Academy Board of Trustees announced the hiring of Mayo as the next Head of School there. She officially starts on July 1, 2023, the start of Doane Academy’s 187th year.

“I am elated and deeply grateful to have been select ed as Doane Academy’s next Head of School,” said Ms. Mayo. “I was first drawn to Doane by a sense that it lives out its beauti fully stated mission and is a place of empowered learn

built by the love and dedica tion of many people, past and present. I’m so excited to join their company and serve.”

Mayo’s familiarity with the culture of independent schools began in childhood at St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury, Vt., where she was the daughter of a long-tenured Headmaster. After graduating from Georgetown University, Mayo returned to St. Johnsbury to begin her teaching career. Along the journey from St. Johnsbury, then to the Episcopal School of Dallas, and finally to Fryeburg Academy, she has served as an English teacher, Department Chair, Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Head of Upper School and Assistant Head of School for Academics, and Head of School.

Mayo and fellow English

teacher Peter Gurnis have been married for 28 years and are the parents of a daughter and a son, Maeve and Gunnar.

A seasoned educator from a family of educators, Mayo is first and foremost a teacher herself, who, by her own admission, strives for excellence and loves being a Head of School. Her work as a faculty member and in overseeing curricular chang es has garnered high praise from community members. Edified by her superb skills of communication, she has been a visionary leader and a solid manager with “the ability to do the big picture of strategic planning and see the details necessary for implementation,” according to one of her colleagues.

The Doane Search Committee found examples of Ms. Mayo’s qualities of openness, collaboration,

wisdom, and compassion in abundance, and believes that she is an excellent fit to lead Doane Academy, whose mission statement asserts that all students will be “known, loved, and strongly encouraged to dis cover their unique poten tial.”

Mayo will be the first female Head of School of Doane Academy since 1974 and the ninth female head in the school’s history.

Doane Academy, which was founded in 1837 by Rev. George Washington Doane as an academic boarding school for young women, was originally named St. Mary’s Hall. Today, Doane Academy is an independent, co-educational day school, founded in the Episcopal tradition, that serves about 240 students from age 3 through grade 12. It is the

Erin Mayo

WELCOME TO QUIRK WORKS STUDIO — The Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting last week to welcome Quirk Works Studio in Bridgton! Pictured from left to right, Nick Orgo of Stella’s on the Square, Heidi Edwards of Norway Savings Bank, Brooklynn Buera, Georgiann Fleck (Town of Bridgton), Keri Montague (Town of Bridgton), Tori Hill (Town of Bridgton), Dana Beth Wells-Goodwin, Dom and Anita Micale, Karen and Peter Lewis of Quirk Works Studio, Denny and Shirley Hoeman, Chamber Executive Director Angie Cook, Ben Wells-Goodwin of Cook Farms, and Al Bottone of Happy Valley Popcorn.

Denmark,

strong

improving the

of all Mainers.”

— G. Paul Waterhouse former five-term State

Candidate: Sawin Millett Jr. (R)

Age: 85

Residence: Waterford

Professional Background: B.S., Bates College; M.Ed, University of Maine

Personal Background: 26 years in public education as a teacher, coach, school administrator and State Commissioner of Education; 16 years as a member of the Maine House of Representatives and 22 years of Cabinet Level Service in the Executive Branch of State Government as an Appointee of five Maine Governors.

House District 81

Sweden • Waterford Candidate: Daniel Sipe (D)

Age: 30

Residence: Norway Professional Background: Co-Founder of Lights Out; currently working on renovating the old Snowcraft/Tubbs Snowshoe factory into a community art and innovation center.

Personal Background: My father, a small business owner, and my mother, a civic leader, raised me in Presque Isle, and I spent my youth as a “County” kid with a strong sense of community. In 2020, I moved to Norway. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, and exploring whether it be in the woods around Oxford County or across the globe.

Q. What strength/skills would you bring to the posi tion?

Millett: I am an experienced problem solver and a committed public servant. I enjoy working in a bipartisan manner to get to solutions that meet the needs and desires of my constituents. My personal reputation for honesty and integrity is my greatest asset.

Sipe: I am an organizer at heart. My greatest strengths are bringing groups of people together, finding connec tions and utilizing people’s skills to accomplish big things.

Q. What do you believe the role of government should be?

Millett: Government should serve to promote a free and open society, provide quality education for our youth, assure access to a healthy environment and quality of life and help to keep us safe and free without denying our basic freedoms.

Sipe: I believe that the role of government is to serve the people. That can mean many things, but essentially it means that the government needs to let people live, and support people so that they can live. The best judge of a government is how it treats the least fortunate among us.

Q. If elected, what would be your three priorities?

Millett: My top three priorities for the next Legislature will be: 1.) To do everything in my power to reduce the staggering rate of inflation that is hurting us all,

2.) Provide immediate relief and longer-term solutions to the high cost of energy and,

3.) To formulate immediate strategies and incentives to promote affordable housing for all Maine citizens.

Sipe: My top three priorities are: 1.) Investing in the infrastructure of Maine particularly Internet and trans portation. These investments will create jobs and lower consumer costs, and make transportation around the state easier.

2.) Passing the Pine Tree Amendment in order to protect our environment in Maine from the whims of corporations and the government. We need to protect what we all enjoy about living in Maine.

3.) Reel in corporate greed, specifically health insur ance and energy companies. Mainers are breaking under the cost of energy and health care and these companies are seeing record profits. It simply doesn’t add up.

Q. What issues/problems do you feel the state has fallen short on and what do you propose to do to improve that situation?

Millett: Maine state government — and many of the political leaders who run it — have a long history of “boom and bust” responses to the challenges that arise and the frequent tendency is to “kick the can down the road” until the next election. We need to focus our energy on making shrewd and thoughtful decisions that prepare us well for the next generation of Mainers.

Sipe: Infrastructure. We have bad roads, no Internet in much of rural Maine and a lack of public transportation.

Candidate: Nathan Burnett (D) Age: 36

Residence: Hiram Professional Background: Teacher of Mathematics and Computer Science at Sacopee Valley High School for 11 years; Vice-President of TriCounty Teachers Association; Treasurer of the Porter Grange #569; Co-President of Pi-Cone South Math League; Board Member of Francis Small Heritage Trust.

Personal Background: I enjoy woodworking, homebrewing and baking. I maintain a sourdough starter that has an alleged “pedigree” of 180 years-plus.

House District 82

Brownfield • Fryeburg • Lovell

Q. What strength/skills would you bring to the position?

Burnett: I’m a hard worker and a good listener, just ask any of the 1,400-plus people I had conversations with at the 3,000-plus doors that I knocked on this year. As a teacher, I’m used to explaining this multiple ways and multiple times. I’m patient, curious and a lifelong learner. I make a positive impact on the lives of around 100 kids a year at Sacopee. If I am sent to Augusta as your representative, I believe I can help everyone.

Ness: As a Constitutionalist, I am a student of the Founders and their intent for our state and country. I have an understanding of how government was intended to operate.

Q. What do you believe the role of government should be?

Burnett: There’s a Lincoln quote that I came across earlier this year that I strongly agree with. I tried to retype it here, but felt I was missing something important, so I went and got the actual quote: “The legitimate object of government, is to do for a commu nity of people, whatever they need to have done, but cannot do, at all, or cannot, so well do, for themselves — in their separate, and individual capacities,” — Abraham Lincoln, Fragment on Government, 1854.

Lincoln used a few more commas than we are all used to using today, but if you give that a few passes, I think he hit the nail on the head.

Ness: I believe government’s purpose is to help create and maintain an environment where citizens can thrive. It is instituted to protect God-given rights.

Q. If elected, what would be your three priorities?

Burnett: High speed Internet for rural Maine, addressing the educational lag COVID created, and modernizing energy policies for the state.

We need proper, modern, high-speed fiber Internet. The COVID pandemic made it crystal clear how important proper high-speed Internet is in order for students to continue their learning while we were all remote. It also is the backbone of our modern society, and Maine is being left behind as people are unable to participate fully and effectively in the new jobs that require high-speed connections. Also, for the folks who are able to live their lives without high-speed Internet, I’ve had many conversations with people who aren’t able to right size their liv ing situation and sell their homes because the Internet connection is just too poor. As an example of what I’m talking about, these sorts of improvements can be modeled and built upon the work that has already been accomplished by the Downeast Broadband Utility in Downeast Maine.

Candidate: Caleb Ness (R) Age: 23 Residence: Fryeburg Professional Background: I currently work at Harmac, a rebar fabrication shop in Fryeburg. I’ve worked there for over a year. Previously, I worked at Lowe’s in North Conway for about two years. In 2015, he founded the Constitutional Awareness PACT to help educate citizens about the Constitution and government. He served as a volunteer campaign staffer for State Representative Nathan Wadsworth.

Personal Background: I was born and raised in the area. I lived in Center Conway until 2009, then moved to Fryeburg. My dad, Erick, is the 26-year pastor of the Center Conway Baptist Church. My mom, Melanie, works retail in North Conway, and my sister, Hannah, works as a banker.

The educational lag that was created during COVID will have lasting impacts as our next generation of workforce makes its way through the pre-K to 12-plus education system. There are many unique gaps that every student developed while they were learning and it will take time for those all to be remediated. I want to be a voice in Augusta for this upcoming generation that doesn’t get to vote, yet.

And lastly, I’d like to see our state make investments in all of our futures by incentivizing and investing in municipal and resi dential solar and other localized power projects. It is important to note that this policy idea is to be differentiated from investment solar projects for investors. It is important that the monetary sav ings and returns that exist in investing in power should be real ized by “we, the people” not “they, the investors.”

Ness: 1.) Allowing Mainers to keep more of their money to incentivize economic growth and better business.

2.) Keep Augusta fiscally accountable, to eliminate waste in the systems, and keep government working efficiently.

3.) Ensure educational transparency so parents and teachers are on the same page.

4.) Bring a fresh perspective to Augusta with new energy and new ideas.

Q. What issues/problems do you feel the state has fallen short on and what do you propose to do to improve that situ ation?

Burnett: As I stated above, my policy goals are all places where the state has fallen short. I believe I’ve outlined improve ments that could be made.

Ness: We are woefully unattractive to business due to a high tax burden and the fact that we are out of the way. We need to responsibly lower taxes to attract businesses and keep our young people here.

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

CASCO— Trout Unlimited (TU) has begun

what is left of the Edes Falls Dam. TU will need to know how much the

to

Although community members refer to it as the

mission of Doane Academy to deliver an exceptional college preparatory program while cultivating character development and nurtur ing the emotional maturity essential to prepare students for life.

market spot was the former Macdonald’s Motors build ing off Nulty Street. Prior to that, the winter market was held inside the United Methodist Church, which lacked parking.

“With the larger space indoors, we can continue to welcome new vendors,” Thomas-Googins said.

Inviting more vendors to the summer market is one of the improvements, she said.

“2022 has been amaz ing. We added four new vendors,”

Visually, the number of people appeared to be the same as last year. But con sidering that the crowd is spread between four addi tional vendors, it’s highly possible more people visit ed the market this summer, Thomas-Googins said.

The market manager said the summer crowd tends to be ‘early birds’ and the fall farmer’s mar ket customer is a different animal.

“In the summer, it is incredible. It is like people are right on mark. What happens in the fall around Labor Day is definitely we see a shift and people start coming later in the morning. But that is mostly because it is chilly and foggy. That is kinda nice we have time to take a deep breath and get fully set up,” she said. “But in the summer, it is 7:55 and people are already ask ing for sales.”

“It is great. It is still try ing to put food on the table as a producer and trying to make sure I have food

to last the whole time. We usually run out,” ThomasGoogins said.

She commented on a weather-related trend in the autumn.

“It is interesting because days like today [Saturday, Oct. 23] when it is super sunny and bright out after rain coming last weekend and rain coming again, we are very slow. It is a gor geous day and everyone thinks people are going to come to market. And, they don’t. They go out and go hiking and stuff,” she said.

“We tend to do better dur ing drizzly days because people want to get out and about, but they don’t want to make a big commit to go to the beach or go hiking or whatnot so they come here to the market.”

“It is amazing without fail our year-round custom ers are going to show up any time of day, any type of day,” she laughed.

“They are the reason why we are holding the winter’ farmer’s market. Locals and non-locals alike were asking for us to keep going,” she said, refer ring to the evolution of the indoors farmers’ market.

“With the winter market we get to roll right into winter with the same great set of people who support us all season long no mat ter what the weather is,” she said.

She provided a list of some of the food that can be found at the market over the winter months.

“Storage vegetables like celeriac, turnips, red onions, white onions, shal lots, storage radish, ruta baga,” she said.

“At Patch Farm, we grow through the season things like kale, spinach, lettuce mix, indoors, in our greenhouses. We do have greens all winter long that come to market, alongside

other storage greens like Kohlrabi, and cabbage. We try to have as much variety around the year as we can. Because in Maine, there is a lot of need for it,” she said.

Thomas-Googins said the winter market always mixes it up, varies from week to week.

“We have our winter membership. We always have 10 vendors through the winter. Then we have dif ferent vendors who come in and out, crafts people who have other commitments during the holiday season. You are always going to find your core vendors at our winter market all sea son long. There is always someone new popping in. It is always fun to come in and see,” she said.

Next Saturday (Oct. 29) is the last outdoors farm er’s market of the season at Depot Street.

“We’re going to have

live music, tasty vegetables and amazing baked goods. What more could you need,” Thomas-Googins said.

There is a short lapse between the last outdoors market and re-opening indoors in the winter mar

was for sale. She put me in touch with Kent Uicker who is the owner,” he said.

In 2009, Uicker pur chased the Queen from Frank Gerrish who built the boat and started the boat tours company. Therefore, Carvalho will be the third owner.

“The closing should

happen later this week,” Carvalho said.

“Everything right now has been smooth sailing,” he said.

On Monday, the Town of Naples granted him his entertainment permit and liquor license.

“I have been on the boat for the last couple months, working with the crew and

the captain, getting to know everyone,” he said.

He already has driving the boat down pat. Plus, he’s got food-service expe rience under his belt.

“Also, I’ve owned bars and restaurants. I’m pretty well-versed in alcohol and food and those operations,” he said.

Carvalho pulled the

Queen from the water ear lier than usual to start the capital improvements he has lined up.

“We have a threeyear plan. First year, we are upgrading the bar and painting the boat. Second year, replacing the canvas tops and making additional safety upgrades. Year three, we will consider renovat ing the bathrooms. I’ll keep reinvesting into the boat, putting some TLC in it,” he said.

“We are keeping the boat as original as it is. We are keeping the nostalgia. We are just refreshing it up,” he said.

The boat tour company will be business as usual.

“There are different organizations throughout the town, like the Lions Club, that rent it for the night cruises. Then, they sell the tickets,” he said.

That is going to continue to happen, he said.

“Obviously, the boat is

available for private parties, weddings, 50th birthdays, anniversaries and company parties,” he said. “Our last day in the water was the

ket space on Nov. 12.

“We take a week off. It gives our farmers one of our two weekends every season. But then none of us know what to do. We always feel like we should be packing up for market on Saturday,” she said.

first week in October. It was beautiful. For me, it was like wow. It is very relax ing,” he said. “The sunsets are phenomenal.”

RYAN CARVALHO is the new owner of the Songo Riv er Queen II. (De Busk Photo)

PURCHASING EARRINGS — A customer shows off her jewelry purchase from vendor Michelle Marshall at the Bridgton Farmers’ Market on Saturday. (De Busk Photos)

HEALTHY CHOICES — (At left) Market Manager BrennaMae Thomas-Googins, of Denmark, hams it up with customer Kendra Campbell, of Bridgton. Camp bell bought a bunch of radishes from Patch Farm and finished her shopping list with other vendors at the Bridgton Farmers’ Market.

LIVE MUSIC from the group Puckerbrush is among the treats at the Bridgton Farmers’ Market on Satur day. Oct. 29 is the last outdoor market.

DOCKSIDE, the Songo River Queen II has its awning removed before being put away for the winter. During that time, the new owner Ryan Carvalho plans to put on a fresh coat of paint and renovate the bar inside the boat. (Photo courtesy of Ryan Carvalho)

Police

Drug Take Back Day Saturday

Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 29 at multiple sites across Maine, including Bridgton Police Department at the Bridgton Community Center and CCSO Office at Raymond Fire Department.

Fryeburg Police has a drop box in their lobby which will be open to the public. FPD will not have anyone at the local Walgreens as in the past.

“Unused prescription drugs that collect in our homes can accidentally fall into the wrong hands, creat ing unintended gateways to opioid addiction,” said U.S. Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “Maine is one of the top 10 states disposing prescription drugs through the DEA’s Drug Take-Back Program, and we are confi dent that our state will con tinue to lead efforts to stop the misuse of unused drugs that

pose a serious threat to our children, our homes, and our environment.”

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, conve nient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medica tions. In 2020, the collection sites began accepting vaping devices and associated sub stances.

At a previous Take-Back Event in April 2022, federal, state, and local government entities took back more than 721,000 pounds of unused, expired, or unwanted drugs at more than 5,100 locations across the United States. Over the course of the pro gram, more than 15.9 million pounds of prescription drugs have been safely collected across the country, including over 525,000 pounds of med ication in Maine alone.

Bridgton Police Department blotter

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

Monday, October 17

9:42 a.m. An officer sent to intersection of Pinhook Road and South Bridgton Road to assist a

State Trooper with a traf fic stop.

12:10 p.m. Attempt to locate vehicle reportedly involved in a road rage inci dent on Harrison Road and Portland Road.

1:20 p.m. Welfare check on Willis Park Road.

Two men shot

CASCO — Two people suffered injuries early Sunday morning following a shooting at 18 Wings Way in Casco.

Deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office along with the Windham Police Department, Bridgton Police Department, Casco Fire/EMS, and Raymond Fire/ EMS at 12:14 a.m. responded for a report of a large gather ing where several fights began. Multiple witnesses called the Cumberland County Regional Communication Center and advised there was a person who was shooting a firearm and multiple people were shot.

Stephen Blais, 45, of Casco sustained a single gunshot wound and was evaluated by rescue personnel for this nonlife threatening injury, and released at the scene.

Micah Andujar, 20, of Biddeford sustained a minor injury to his hand. He was evaluated by rescue personnel and released at the scene.

Meadow Road (in the area of Plains Road) was shut down for an extended period of time due to the investiga tion.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has a person of interest and is following up on leads at this time. “The investigation remains active and ongoing,” according to CCSO Captain Kerry Joyce. “There is no other informa tion that will be provided at this time!”

Tuesday, October 18

6:58 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on North High Street.

12:30 p.m. Routine sex offender registry update.

1:49 p.m. Man arrested on a warrant at Bridgton District Court.

Wednesday, October 19

2:14 a.m. Mental health event on Iredale Street.

6:22 a.m. Violation of protection order at Mockingbird Lane.

6:29 a.m. Mental health event on Portland Road.

6:56 a.m. A stolen wood chipper out of Oxford County was recovered in Bridgton.

11:37 a.m. Report of vehicle “all over the road” on Route 302 in Naples. Police located vehicle, and found driver was “lost” and attempting to follower her GPS.

12:16 p.m. Assist motor ist, whose vehicle ran out of gas on Willis Park Road.

12:36 p.m. Welfare check on Portland Road.

7:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicles on Portland Road.

Thursday, October 20 5:46 a.m. Radar detail on Portland Road and Frances Bell Drive.

BPD Officer resigns Bridgton Police Department Officer Matt Regis has resigned his position effective Nov. 2. “We thank him for his service to the Town and wish him the best on future endeav ors,” said Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck in her report at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.

South High Street. 10:02 a.m. Welfare check (panic attack) on Sunset Road.

10:43 p.m. Verbal dis pute on Burnham Road.

Friday, October 21 5:47 a.m. Radar detail on Frances Bell Drive.

8:50 a.m. Cease harass ment notice served to sub ject on Portland Road.

12:19 p.m. Citizen assist regarding evicting a person from a residence.

5:13 p.m. Citizen dispute on Warren Street.

Saturday, October 22 12:06 a.m. Mental health event on Kansas Road.

8:02 a.m. Female located on Kennard Street, at the request of her parents.

Fryeburg Police

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

Monday, October 17

2:19 p.m. Traffic complaint on River Street; warn ing issued.

2:20 p.m. Radar detail at Molly Ockett Drive.

3:01 p.m. Criminal trespass complaint at Bridgton Road business.

Tuesday, October 18

1:24 a.m. Assist fire department at Willards Way.

7:10 a.m. Disturbance on Main Street; peace restored.

6 p.m. Suspicious activity at Fryeburg Academy.

6:36 p.m. Parking problem on Main Street.

6:45 p.m. Criminal trespass complaint on Stuart Street.

10:35 p.m. Criminal mischief report at Main Street residence.

Wednesday, October 19

5:20 p.m. Traffic complaint on Main Street.

Thursday, October 20

1:31 p.m. Assist citizen at Main Street business.

3:54 p.m. Complaint on Cobb Street.

4:53 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Bridgton Road.

7:55 p.m. Fraud complaint on Fish Street.

8:06 p.m. Restraining order served to individual on Haley Town Road.

Friday, October 21

5:08 p.m. Alarm on Dearborn Drive.

5:30 p.m. Suspicious activity on Fish Street.

8:26 p.m. Alarm on Bradley Street.

Saturday, October 22

1:15 a.m. Domestic disturbance on Smith Street investigated.

10:06 a.m. Alarm on Bradley Street.

10:20 a.m. Harassment complaint filed.

5:33 p.m. Radar detail on Molly Ockett Drive.

6:16 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Fish Street.

Sunday, October 23

Tiko… Tiko is a ~4 y/o male who was returned to us because his owner was having a hard time managing his diabetes.

handsome guy is so charismatic and curious!

Tiko is good with other cats

loves attention and to

is good with dogs as long as it’s not on his “turf.” Tiko is diabetic is going

Dulce Pretty miss Dulce is at least 10 years old and came to us when her owner could no longer care for her. Dulce is a lovable lady, who will rub all over you! It takes her a bit to adjust to change, and would prefer a quiet home. Dulce can have a cat-i tiude at times, so older cat-savvy children would be best. She does well with other kitties, and should be brushed/ groomed regularly.

harvesthills.org

our website at harvesthills.org to see other dogs and cats

a

9:59 a.m. Female issued a summons for operating a motor vehicle without a license following a stop on

9:59 a.m. Single-vehicle crash on Portland Road.

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Land

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12:28 p.m. 9-1-1 hang-up call on Portland Street.

8:24 p.m. Assist county deputy at Pequawket Trail in Brownfield.

Monday, October 24

4:03 p.m. Assist citizen on Lovewell Pond Road. 6:20 p.m. Assist agency on West Fryeburg Road.

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Portland

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Bridgton/

RC: The case for PPB

single sort recycling num bers have remained stagnant at roughly 20%. The town has budgeted $210,000 to cover the cost of MSW tip ping fees for the 2,628 tons of solid waste generated. This represents approxi mately a third of the total Transfer Station budget.”

The Recycling Committee includes Sally Chappell (chairwom an), Maureen McDevitt, Kate Fitzcharles, Therese Johnson, Donna Joss, Rachel Miller, Maureen Harpell and Patti Howard (Selectman Bob McHatton serves as a liaison between the board and the committee).

The group’s “mission and charge” — as given by the Select Board — is “to improve the recycling rate of the Town while reducing the disposal costs associ ated with the waste stream. Committee members shall become knowledgeable in the general operations of the transfer station, meth ods of disposal and recy cling. Working with the Station Manager, town staff and Ecomaine as well as the community, the Committee shall recommend to the Select Board those poli cies, practices and proce dures that might assist the Town in reducing its dis posal costs. The Committee shall recommend any ordi nance changes necessary

to support the reduction of solid waste disposal costs, improve recycling opportu nities and rates and provide other recommendations for consideration by the Select Board.”

The following ques tions were presented to Peabody by the Recycling Committee:

Recycling Committee: Is increasing the amount of recyclables the one control lable method the town has to offset the cost of handling our MSW?

Peabody: Absolutely. Increasing the amount we recycle, results in a direct savings. The $35/ton tipping fee is less than half of the current $79.50 for MSW.

Recycling more helps lower the cost of operat ing the Transfer Station, which will result in savings. Remember, the goal of PPB is to increase recycling, reduce expenses and stabi lize taxes.

Recycling Committee: How will PPB be imple mented?

Peabody: The final plans for rolling out PPB will take place after the vote. The town is currently working with a bag vendor. Within the budget, a line will be set up for bag purchase. The cost per bag is based on the total operating cost less the tipping fee. In 2021, the cost to handle our MSW was $201,083. A large bag

holds 30 pounds. We would need approximately 175,170 bags. To determine the cost of each bag, the cost of MSW is divided by the number of bags needed.

At the time of this inter view, bag cost to the pub lic are not finalized, but I feel comfortable stating the bag price will be $1.25 for a 30-gallon bag. The town will pay the sales tax on the bags at the time of purchase. This means the public will not pay tax on them at time of purchase. These bags are a heavier mil rate than the bags commonly sold by other companies. Initially, the bags will be available for purchase at the town office and the transfer sta tion. Within 90 days or less, bags will also be available at multiple local vendors.

Recycling Committee: Will all of the money raised from the sale of the bags be used to fund the operating cost of our Transfer Station? How will the revenues from the sale of bags be used to offset the Transfer Station budget?

Peabody: Each depart ment puts in their requested budget. The town manager formulates the budget. The gross budget minus the pro jected revenues equals the net budget. Money gener ated by the sale of the bags would be entered as part of the revenues. The result ing numbers help set the tax rate.

Some portion, if not all of the money will help reduce town expenses. The money from the sale of bags becomes part of the calcu lation and is included as a budget offset. During my time as manager of the town of Rockport, we saw a bud get savings of 50%.

Recycling Committee: Some residents feel that PPB

represents double taxation. Will there be a decrease in other fees to offset the cost of bags?

Peabody: It is not double taxation. Residents already need to purchase bags to dispose of MSW. And not all people that use our transfer station are taxpayers. Many are renters and summer visi tors. That is why PPB is so fair. Cost is based on usage similar to other utilities. Renters, commercials haul ers, and campground owners will recoup some of their expenses for bags via the fees they charge. The low sticker fee of $10 per house hold every two years will remain. The sticker allows a person to utilize the Transfer Station’s many services.

Recycling Committee: The Recycling Committee and the Select Board believes PPB is fair. How else can we ensure all resi dents pay their share of the disposal cost and how can we be certain that trash is not being brought in from other communities?

Peabody: That is what makes PPB such a great sys

Police blotter

10 a.m. Report filed regarding a North High Street window struck by a BB gun projectile.

2:31 p.m. A car collided with a deer on Harrison Road.

2:55 p.m. Request for a gun lock, which BPD provides at no cost to resi dents.

3:22 p.m. Reportr of lost medication on North Bridgton Road.

5:59 p.m. Disorderly conduct on Highland Road.

9:33 p.m. A pink camera, found at Music on Main, was turned in to police.

Sunday, October 23

1:56 a.m. Pedestrian on Mt. Henry Road checked.

8:44 a.m. Disorderly conduct (harassment and threats) at Sawyer Circle.

1:22 p.m. Report of lost debit card and ID on Main Street.

2:26 p.m. Citizen assist on Willis Park Road.

6:22 p.m. Open packages found on Misty Meadow Lane.

6:34 p.m. Man found sleeping in his vehicle on Evergreen Road; checked on and moved along.

7:31 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at the intersection of North High Street and Thompson Road. Monday, October 24

8:26 a.m. Police issued a male a trespass notice after he allegedly caused a distur bance with another patron at a Portland Road location.

tem. The designated bag color immediately identifies the MSW as acceptable. If haul ers or others come in with trash in regular bags, they will be required to purchase the proper bags and place the trash into these bags, prior to unloading. At this point, if some MSW is from out of town, it is paid for.

Recycling Committee: An often-voiced concern has been in regards to low income residents and the possibility that PPB will be a burden. How would you respond to this?

Peabody: The Select Board has not created a pol icy, yet. But, we understand the concern over the cost to our low-income citizens and the Select Board are consid ering options.

Recycling Committee: Another concern is the town will raise the cost of the bags after the first year.

Peabody: The current price should be okay for the next two to three years. The Select Board will evaluate this annually. I cannot guar antee after that because the cost of everything is rising. It will depend on how much cost needs to be offset in the budget.

Recycling Committee: In your prior experience with PPB in Rockport, was there an uptick in off-road dumping?

Peabody: No, not really. Most items dumped on the side of the road tend to be large items — refrigerators, tires, couches, etc. — and that happens no matter what. It’s fair to say that the type of individual who throws trash in the woods is already doing it. A good citizen will not all of a sudden start off-road dumping of their trash just because of PPB. The town has illegal dumping and lit tering ordinances in place and they will be enforced.

Recycling Committee: Once PPB passes, what is the projected roll out time line?

Peabody: It is generally 90 days to roll out of PPB.

Recycling Committee: Regarding PPB and recy cling, is it possible to give an incentive?

Peabody: The incentive is to hold the line. Money from the sale of PPB is rev enue. Revenue helps to sta bilize taxes, reduce expenses and offset the cost of run ning the Transfer Station. PPB is a fair and equitable way to raise that revenue.

“Bridgton residents have important choices to make on Nov. 8. With the full backing of the Select Board and the town man ager, the Bridgton Recycling Committee hopes the case has been made to go forward with PPB.”

The deadline to request an absentee ballot without a reason for the Nov. 8, 2022 general election is the close of business on Thursday, Nov. 3. The Town of Bridgton Clerk’s Office will be open on this day until 7 p.m. No other town business will be conducted during this time.

After this deadline, voters may request an absentee ballot by completing and signing a Special Circumstances Application.

The Clerk’s Office will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 8 for administration of the election. The Election Day polls will be open at the Bridgton Town Hall on North High Street from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Any questions, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 207647-8786.

Regional Sports

Stinging finales — Foes put up 40-plus

Leavitt spoils Raiders’

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

FRYEBURG — “They are what we thought they were.”

Entering Friday night’s Homecoming game, Fryeburg Academy Coach David Turner knew exactly what his Raiders were up against hosting top-ranked and state title contender Leavitt.

The Hornets gashed a decent Raider defense for 395 yards rushing and four touchdowns, led by junior quarterback Noah Carpenter (13 carries, 138 yards, 2 TDs), while the Leavitt defense swarmed to the ball all night, limiting Fryeburg to 60 yards on 27 carries.

FA dual quarterbacks Cohen Carter rarely had time to throw, complet ing just 2-of-9 passes for 25 yards. His best throw was a deep bomb to Owen Galligan, who broke free from two Hornet defend ers to snare and overthe-shoulder 26-yard TD catch, just barely having enough real estate to get his feet down inbounds.

QB Gunnar Saunders went 0-for-3.

Fryeburg managed just 85 total yards against the stingy Hornet defense.

“They’re pretty good, because we actually did things well. We made some mistakes, but we made them drive the field. Yeah, they’re good. They’re good everywhere. They don’t have any weaknesses that we can see, at this point. They’re that good,” Coach Turner said. “They put so much pressure on you offensively and so much pressure on you defensive ly. They make you earn everything. I thought we did a good job of block ing all those things — Homecoming and field dedication — and played pretty well, overall.”

Even elite teams can play poorly, but it usu ally is short-lived, so it’s important to take advan tage when the unexpected chance arrives.

Fryeburg let two golden

chances go to waste.

Forced to punt on the game’s opening series, Fryeburg got a fresh set of downs when punter Cam Johnson was crunched by the Leavitt rush. Johnson was lost for the game with a leg injury, but FA was back in business. So, it seemed. Run play, minus 2 yards. Pass incomplete. Carter looks to throw, but is buried for a 6-yard loss by junior tackle Jace Negley. Punt.

Leavitt gave the ball right back to the Raiders when Dayton Calder fum bled, and FA corner Gunnar Saunders recovered at the L-44. Again, no push for the Raiders — sweep for minus 3, incomplete slant pass, Galligan gains 3 yards on a draw play, punt.

Leavitt finally got it in gear, needing just four plays to go 79 yards. Carpenter connected with wide receiv er Sawyer Hathaway for 23 yards, and found Calder all alone down the middle of the field for a 29-yard TD

strike. Carpenter booted the extra point at 5:03 left in the first.

The Hornets went up 15-0 as Carpenter hit pay dirt from a yard out, com pleting a 10 play, 63-yard drive. Will Keach slipped a couple of defenders on a 4th-and-1 for 3 yards at the FA-11 to keep the drive alive.

With Negley putting pressure on Carter, the Raider QB was intercept ed by Braxton Rowe with 10:23 left in the half. FA’s Gabe McKenney deliv ered two big stops, putting Leavitt in a fourth down try at the FA-39. Carpenter dashed right, but then cut across the field left to find lots of daylight, scooting 39 yards for the touch down. Brett Coburn added the 2-point conversion as Leavitt went up 23-0.

The Raiders took six minutes off the clock as senior Haden Fox gained tough yards off tackle, including an 8-yard low

Lakers had no answer for dynamic Trojan QB

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer

Eight-man football is the perfect fit for junior quarterback Spencer Laurendeau.

With elusive moves, speed and lots of open space to operate with, the Mt. Desert Island sig nal caller caused fits for the Lake Region defense Saturday afternoon, rush ing for 206 yards and three touchdowns in a 44-26 victory at the Art Kilborn Athletic Complex.

It was a day game, but Laurendeau was like a blur as he often made quick cuts to juke past defenders or changed directions result ing in big gains.

His homerun threat made the MDI option game lethal as senior Alex Gray rumbled 89 yards on 16 carries, the recipient of many pitches.

“MDI is very elusive, and #3 (Laurendeau) is likely the best running quarterback we’ve seen all year,” Lake Region Coach Mike Meehan said. “We have a lot of sopho mores playing linebacker, and they had a tough time dealing with #3. In 8-man, there’s lots of room espe cially on the outside. It’s the name of the game. You

LR sends both squads to States

Since Day 1 of pre season, the collective goal of the Lake Region varsity cross-country teams was to qualify for States.

Mission accomplished!

With the Laker boys finishing fifth out of 14

schools, and the girls captur ing sixth out of 12 schools at Saturday’s Southern Maine Class B Regional Championship held at Twin Brooks Rec Park in Cumberland, Coach Laura Pulito will lead both her

squads back to Cumberland this weekend for the State Meet.

“We had a feeling that this was the year to make it happen, with a number of veteran runners plus some ‘new’ talent. We knew it

wouldn’t be easy, though, and that everything would have to fall into place at the right time; we don’t have the same ‘insurance policy’ as some of the larger, more historically dominant teams in our region,” Coach Pulito said. “The toughest thing about preparing for this meet is that neither athletes or coaches know exactly how many teams will be eli gible to qualify for the State Meet until moments before the gun goes off; only half of the number of teams that start at least five runners are able to qualify, and they count the final numbers on the starting line. We knew that the only thing we could control was whether or not we showed up healthy and mentally prepared to run hard.”

Coach Pulito told the Laker girls and boys that if they announced that seven teams would qualify, then they needed to run like they were only taking six. The LR boys ended up plac ing fifth despite losing one of their runners to a hard fall just before the second mile of the race (he had to

run inside to open up the outside lanes. Honestly, that’s where most of the touchdowns have been scored on us all season.”

Coach Meehan had to like how his club opened the Saturday matinee. Twelve straight runs resulted in some huge holes opened by linemen Jackson Libby, Aundrew Edwards, Logan Buchanan, Ian Carras and Colby Chadwick and big gains by sophomores Sean Murphy (8 carries, 42 yards) and Sethlen Lester (4 carries, 22 yards) while taking nearly seven min

utes off the clock.

Faced with a 4th-and-2 at the MDI-24, sophomore quarterback Brock Gibbons flicked a short pass to tightend Jackson Libby, who rumbled for 15 yards. Four plays later, Gibbons con nected on a 5-yard pass to Chadwick in the left cor ner of the end zone. The Gibbons-to-Libby com bination worked on the 2-point try for an 8-0 LR lead.

The good vibes lasted about as long as it takes to drizzle some ketchup and

drop out) and the girls beat Yarmouth, one of the teams with the greatest depth in the region, to place sixth. Seven teams qualified on each side.

Lake Region has not sent a girls’ team to the State Meet since 1985.

“That alone has given us so much to celebrate,” the coach said.

The Laker boys last

qualified in 2017 by placing seventh.

In the boys’ race, three Lakers placed among the top 30 individuals, earning All-Region honors: sopho more Sam Laverdiere (4th), senior Grady Kemp (8th), and junior Bhavnish Tucker (18th).

“Senior Tristan Cormier and sophomore Ethan

FULL STRETCH — Lake Region sophomore tight end Jackson Libby makes a fantastic fingertip catch for a touchdown, managing to get his feet down inbounds against MDI defender Logan Blanchette. (Rivet Photos)

WRAPPED UP — Fryeburg Academy’s Gabe McKenney makes a strong open-field tackle to stop a Leavitt drive. (Rivet Photos)

BIG CATCH — Senior Owen Galligan made an incredible over-the-shoulder catch for a touchdown — the lone Raider score of the night.

JUST SHY OF PAY DIRT — Lake Region sopho more Sean Murphy is knocked out of bounds just shy of the goal line.

FENDING OFF A LATE CHALLENGE — Laker Grady Kemp approaches the finish line at the Regional Meet. He placed 8th. (Photo by Cassie Lalemand)

STATES — Lake Region cross-country runners

Carly Dyer, Abigail Roberts, and Susie Butler celebrate after first learning the team qualified for the State Meet. (Photo by Cassie Lalemand)

Leavitt puts a sting on Raiders

er-the-pads and hammer ahead for a first down. FA added another first down when a Leavitt player was hit with an unsportsman like penalty. The drive stalled at the L-46, forcing a punt.

4:20 proved plenty of time for the Hornets to strike one more time before intermission. Leavitt mixed both run (Maddox Demers rushed for 16 and 11 yards) and pass (Carpenter com pleted three passes) to go 80 yards on 15 plays with Carpenter hooking up with Hathaway from 3 yards out with 10 seconds left. Carpenter added the PAT kick for a 30-0 score.

FA’s Homecoming crowd had a chance to cel ebrate early in the third quarter when a Carpenter pass was tipped and Raider Gunnar Saunders made a nifty catch before the ball could hit the new artificial

turf. He kept his balance, and rumbled to the L-23.

“It was ready to light up #3 (the intended target), but then saw the ball had been tipped and I was able to catch it,” Saunders said.

Leavitt lost the shut out bid when Galligan hauled in the well-placed ball floated by Carter to the back of the end zone with 7:45 left. Carter was sacked by Brett Coburn on the 2-point PAT.

The Hornets tacked on two more touchdown drives, a 5-yard run by Calder set up by a 33-yard sprint by Carpenter, who was taken down on a sav ing hit by Galligan and a 33-yard TD run by reserve Keegan Reny with 3:39 left in the game.

Final score: Leavitt 44, Raiders 6.

Friday was the home cur tain call for seniors Owen Galligan, Caleb Micklon, Cam Johnson, Colton

FA knocked out

FIELD HOCKEY

Cape 6, Raiders 0:

Fryeburg had no defensive answer for Kait McIntyre, who scored twice in the first quarter and finished with a hat trick plus one to lead second-ranked Cape Elizabeth (13-2) over sev enth-ranked Fryeburg in Tuesday’s Class B South playoff game.

“We lost, but it was actually a great game — contrary to what the score indicates. We had plenty of chances to score in the first half, including break aways but just couldn’t fin ish and the goalie did well,”

Raider Coach Dede Frost said.

The first half ended 2-0. Cape scored one more in the third and two in the fourth.

“Everyone on the roster played in the game so they all contributed. It was a great journey,” Coach Frost added. “It’s funny how although we are all exhaust ed and the season has run its course, it is still hard to see it end. Even with a couple starters out sick and some injuries, it was so fun to see them play tonight. They are such great kids.”

The Raiders close out 5-10.

McCarthy, Joshua Wake, Jose Urquiza-Francis, Haden Fox, Myles Garland, Gabe McKenney, River Pullan, Noah Reed and Will Hallam (who was inactive due to a knee injury).

Now, it’s on to Cape Elizabeth this Friday night, 7 p.m., for the open ing round of the Class C South playoffs. Cape is the third seed at 6-2 while the Raiders finish as the sixth seed at 4-4.

The teams did not play in the regular season.

“If we can play like we did tonight, and clean some things up, we feel that wherever we go next week, we have a shot. It doesn’t matter where we go, we just have to play well and give it a shot,” Coach

SWARMED — It was tough running all night for the Raiders, as senior Haden Fox experienced.

Turner said. “We’ve played tough on the road. Beside tonight, we’ve been in a lot of close games. We’re

hoping we are healthy. We have a couple of guys that have been out, but some guys that have come in and

LEAVITT 44

First Downs: 21

Penalties: 7-70

Turnovers: 2 (fumble, interception)

Rushing: #6 Noah Carpenter 13-138, #3 Dayton Calder 9-67, #34 Maddox Demers 5-42, #31 Will Keach 5-53; 39-395

Passing: Carpenter 7-17-89 Total Offense: 484

RAIDERS 6

First Downs: 7 Penalties: 4-30

Turnovers: 1 (interception)

Rushing: Owen Galligan 4-19, Caleb Micklon 2-6, Gunnar Saunders 4-7, Joshua Wake 1-1, Haden Fox 10-28, Cohen Carter 2-3, Jagger Helwig 1-minus 2, Michael Malia 4-minus 2

Passing: Carter 2-9-25, Saunders 0-3; 2-12-25

Receiving: Saunders 1-minus 1, Galligan 1-26

Total Offense: 85

Tackles (solo/assist/total): Gunnar Saunders 2-2-4, Joshua Wake 2-3-5, Caleb Micklon 6-3-9, Gabe McKenney 4-37, River Pullan 0-2-2, Cohen Carter 3-0-3, Haden Fox 1-2-3, Owen Galligan 2-24, Colton McCarthy 2-1-3, Jagger Helwig 1-1-2, Jose Urquiza-Francis 1-0-1, Noah Reed 1-0-1, Idan Or 1-0-1, Seamus Coleman 1-0-1, Michael Malia 2-0-2

are playing well. You’re at the point it is one game so you just have to strap up and go.”

Both LR squads head to States

Kutella ran what I would consider, tactically, their best races of the season, placing 58th and 60th over all,” Coach Pulito noted.

Senior Ezra Gronlund remained tough despite coming off a week of illness to place 66th.

In the girls’ race, junior and first-year XC runner Abigail Roberts placed sixth overall to earn All-Region honors and lead the Laker team. Last year’s individ ual State qualifiers, senior

Carly Dyer and junior Susie Butler, were the next Lakers to cross the line in 37th and 41st place. They were followed closely by junior Sadie Plummer (44th) and senior Micaela Reed (45th).

“These four girls have been packing so well all season, and it really paid off on Saturday. I am especially impressed with Sadie’s and

Maine Class B

York, 18:57

Roberts, LR, 20:46

Dyer, LR, 23:48

Butler, LR, 24:10

Plummer, LR, 24:24

Reed, LR, 24:30

Macht, FA, 24:36

Micaela’s efforts to pass two Yarmouth girls in the final 200 meters of the race; they knew Yarmouth was a team we would have to beat and they really left it all on the course to secure those points,” Coach Pulito said.

In only her second race of the season, junior Izabell Apovian placed 59th while senior Caitlin Lees placed

71st despite battling dis comfort in her knee.

“I could go on and on, but I am so proud of every single one of these athletes. They are so tough, so sup portive of each other, and just such a joy to coach,” Coach Pulito said. “They really came together this weekend and made it hap pen, even against the odds.”

12th with 339 points.

BOYS

1. Henry Horne, Freeport, 16:40

4. Sam Laverdiere, LR, 17:25

8. Grady Kemp, LR, 17:44

18. Bhvanish Tucker, LR, 18:20

58. Tristan Cormier, LR, 20:00

59. Authur Baptista, FA, 20:06

60. Ethan Kutella, LR, 20:06

66. Ezra Gronlund, LR, 20:24

68. James Lougee, FA, 20:32

76. Dodge Mixer, FA, 21:37

FIELD HOCKEY

Freeport 3, Lakers 0:

Going into Tuesday’s Class B South playoff game, the Laker girls knew they could compete with the thirdranked Falcons.

The last time the two clubs met Freeport escaped with a 1-0 victory.

It seemed another nail biter was in the cards as the teams were scoreless at the halftime break. Freeport, however,

Apovian, LR, 25:48

Lees, LR, 29:27

Carbone, FA, 30:32

Moll, FA, 31:01

Albert, FA, 33:13

Clark, FA, 41:34

Cape Elizabeth won the meet with 60 points; Lake Region placed sixth with 173 points; Fryeburg Academy was

85. Chris Kwon, FA, 23:59

86. Isaac Twombly-Wiser, FA, 24:35

88. Andrew Irwin, FA, 24:56

91. Sullivan Olsen, FA, 25:55

Standings: Freeport won the meet with 40 points; Lake Region placed fifth with 148; Fryeburg Academy was 13th with 374 points.

mustard on a steamed hot dog.

Laurendeau gave the Lakers a preview of the heartache he planned to drop on them all day, taking the kickoff at the MDI-23, cutting right and then put ting on the jets for a 77-yard TD return. LR kept the lead as Edwards thumped MDI back Brendan Graves and stopped the 2-point equal izer.

Coach Meehan rolled the dice at the end of the first quarter, trying to pick up a first down near mid field, but Gibbons’ fourth down pass was tipped and fell incomplete.

MDI cashed in, rushing the ball six times with Gray taking a pitch on fourth down, and breaking free for a 25-yard TD. MDI tacked on two with Laurendeau hooking up with Gray over the middle.

“It proved to be the wrong decision,” Coach Meehan admitted after the game.

Momentum was some thing the Lakers just couldn’t get a grip on throughout the game.

A fumble on their next possession recovered by junior linebacker Aiden Jeffers set up the Trojans at the LR-45. After Logan Blanchette busted free for 29 yards on a jet sweep, #3 took over, covering the final 16 yards on two run ning plays. Gray tacked

on the 2-point try, going untouched off an option pitch. Trojans up 22-8.

An unsportsmanlike penalty (a shove in the back after a play ended)

derailed another LR drive. Laurendeau went back to work, showing off a strong, accurate arm by going deep down the sideline to senior wideout Sam Sinclair, good for 63 yards. Laker freshman Matt Mansula chased down Sinclair and made a saving tackle. Laurendeau cut right and went untouched into the end zone from 8 yards out. Gray added the 2-point try

Laker recaps: GS closes out 3-2

4 penalty corner chances in the third quarter, which proved enough to advance the Falcons (11-3-1) and send the Lakers (5-9-1) packing.

“We were able to get into the offensive end, but never got a shot on goal,” Laker Coach Pauline Webb said.

Freeport was the more experienced squad with five starting seniors to the Lakers’ one.

“The girls never backed down; they played togeth er and worked hard to the last buzzer,” Coach Webb said. “It’s been fun to watch them play all season, to see improvement in individual players and the team as a whole. Last year, we fin

ished eighth and this year we improved and finished in sixth. We will work to improve that next year. It’s always tougher on the seniors and Reannah Dingley (Sr) finished with another great game.”

Reiyn Hart had a busy night in goal and finished with 12 saves out of 15 shots.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Lakers 7, Poland 0 (10/4): Kayli Goodwin broke loose in the second half and scored four goals on the night as Lake Region toppled Poland 7-0. Margo Tremblay had two goals and Melissa Mayo scored one. Margo had three assists, Kayli had three assists, and Melissa had an assist. Adi

Keefe and Marissa Harlow each had a shot on goal.

York 2, Lakers 0 (10/7): York traveled to Lake Region and came away with a 2-0 win. The Lakers bat tled all night but could only come up with four shots on goal. York had 8 shots on goal. Laker netminder Emily Rock had six saves on the night.

Lakers 2, Wells 0 (10/11): The Lakers trav eled to Wells and came away with a much needed 2-0 win. Margo Tremblay, Kayli Goodwin, Melissa Mayo, and Brilee Mains all had shots on goal. Brilee and Melissa both scored goals. Goalie Emily Rock and the back line of Bella Smith, Caitlin Ross, Abby

Lavoie and Olivia England all showed well. Adison Keefe was excellent in the midfield.

Gray-NG 2, Lakers 0 (10/15): The Lakers hosted the Patriots and fell 2-0. Adi Keefe, Margo Tremblay, Kayli Goodwin, Melissa Mayo, and Brilee Mains, all had shots on goal. The Patriots had 15 shots on goal with LR netminder Emily Rock making 13 saves.

Lakers 3, Fryeburg 0 (10/18): Fryeburg Academy came up empty on their visit to Lake Region for Senior Night. Kayli Goodwin had all three goals with assists from Margo Tremblay and Melissa Mayo, all from corner kicks. Goalie Emily Rock had 4 saves on 4 shots.

to put MDI up 30-8 with 4:54 until intermission.

The Lakers made some defensive adjustments and stopped the Trojans on their first two possessions of the second half. Freshman line backer Wesley Obermyer, who paced the D with 10 tackles, was a hitting machine and was con sistently around the ball. Obermyer delivered a key stop that thwarted a Trojan run on a fourth down play, leaving MDI a yard short.

LR used that momen tum to trigger a five-play scoring drive with Lester delivering a 16-yard run and Gibbons finding fresh man Jonathan Serpa for a 46-yard TD bomb. The 2-point try failed.

Early on, the “young sters” struggled running plays correctly, but they seemed to settle into the game in the second half.

“We had to make some changes this week due to injuries. There was some indecision, and some routes were a bit off,” Coach Meehan said. “There’s a lot that goes through players’ minds, and because we are such a young team, there’s mistakes. But, we’re proud of them.”

Down just two scores, Meehan liked the Lakers’ chances of mounting a rally.

Unfortunately, the Trojans had their own stop per — Laurendeau. The

MDI TROJANS 44

First Downs: 11

Penalties: 4-45

Turnovers:1 (fumble) Rushing: #3 Spencer Laurendeau 29-206, #39 Alex Gray 16-89, #2 Sam Sinclair 1-1, #5 Logan Blanchette 2-34; 47-330

Passing: Laurendeau 5-8-87

Total Offense: 417

LAKERS 26

First Downs: 12

Penalties: 4-45

Turnovers: 2 fumbles Rushing: Sean Murphy 17-71, Sethlen Lester 9-47, Brock Gibbons 5-1, Matthew Mansula 2-6; 33-125

Passing: Gibbons 14-26188, 4 TDs

Receiving: Jackson Libby 5-63, Colby Chadwick 2-6, Jaiden Meehan 1-minus 6, Sethlen Lester 3-51, Sean Murphy 2-15, Jonathan Serpa 1-46

Total Offense: 313 Tackles (solo, assist, total): Aundrew Edwards 3-25, Colby Chadwick 5-2-7, Wesley Obermyer 8-2-10, Nolan Cummings 4-37, Brock Gibbons 7-2-9, Jackson Libby 3-1-4, Daniel Noyes 1-1-2, Sethlen Lester 1-1-2, Matthew Mansula 1-2-3, Cooper Miller 0-1-1, Sean Murphy 1-12, Jonathan Serpa 1-1-2, Logan Allen 1-0-1

shifty QB answered the Laker score with a 55-yard TD jaunt. He started left, reversed pivot and went right, saw daylight to the sideline and it was off to the races. MDI went up 38-14 with 24.4 ticks on the clock.

BLOCKING THE PASSING LANE, Lake Region’s Aundrew Edwards makes it tough for MDI quarter back Spencer Laurendeau. (Rivet Photos)

JUST GETTING THE THROW OFF — LR quar terback Brock Gibbons found himself under a lot of pressure, but still delivered 4 TDs, including one to Colby Chadwick (right).

OPEN FIELD STOP — Freshman Wesley Obermyer was a bright spot for the Laker defense, recording a team-high 10 tackles.

Dam removal fundraising on horizon

dam, the dam no longer func tions as such. However, the granite slabs that once made up the dam still stretch across the Crooked River.

At the most recent Annual Town Meeting, the majority of Naples residents voted to have a portion of the gran ite slabs removed. Voters approved the project with the understanding that taxpayers’ funds would not go toward it.

TU is the entity respon sible for the financial piece of the project.

“At this point, the fun draising efforts for Trout Unlimited have not yet start ed, but there is high degree of confidence that obtaining the funding they need will not be an issue,” according to Naples Town Manager John Hawley.

On Monday, Hawley updated the Naples Board of

Selectmen on the dam remov al. The plan approved by vot ers includes removing part of the granite slabs and putting up on the shoreline a kiosk about the dam’s history.

“I sat in on a technical meeting with Maine Inland Fisheries, TU and a couple of the contractors that Trout Unlimited is talking with regarding the removal proj ect,” Hawley said.

Ten percent (10%) of the

project’s cost will be fund raised and presented to the town for continued mainte nance of the area, Hawley said.

The representatives from Trout Unlimited “are work ing with the contractor to get the plan created and get some preliminary estimates,” he said. “Once they have a plan in place, they will meet with the town to go over the new information.”

OD response

Recovery Center and Kari Taylor, executive director, Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative are presenting the infor mation.

This community training event is part of an ongoing compo nent of the OPTIONS initiative.

“I try to have at least one community training per month,” said Gordon who has been in his position for nearly two years. He said he finds the work gratifying.

“I am a person in long term recovery who has also seen the impact of substance use and mental health on loved ones and in my community,” he said. “I wanted to use my experience and recovery to assist people who use drugs and people affected by their loved one’s drug use.”

If you would like to attend the training, the address is 47 Bradley Street, Fryeburg (across from the Academy gym). An RSVP is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. RSVP to Chris. whitaker@pvhi.org.

For those who are unable to attend, the website https:// getmainenaloxone.org/ is an excellent resource for information about the use of naloxone and a directory of where naloxone is available around the state, https://mainedrugdata.org/findnaloxone-in-maine/

dock stay

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES— The use of the Naples town docks was extended by about a month thanks to a little help from a local marina.

Typically, the docks at Kent’s Landing and on the Causeway are pulled out of

finds fireworks costs sky high

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer

NAPLES — The cost of fireworks has gone sky high.

Actually, the same amount of money will cover the cost of fewer shells in the air.

The Town of Naples could have 562 fewer shells during its Independence Day display next year. That is 25 percent less.

“We sent out two invita tions to bid to the two com mercial fireworks contractors in the region. This bidding process is done slightly dif ferently in that we send our budgeted amount to the bid ders, and they tell us what number and size of shells will be used during the show,” according to Naples Town Manager John Hawley.

“Just to show you how much things have increased, the show we provided last year included 2,398 shells in various sizes. The same $10,000 is only getting us 1,836 shells,” he said.

“Only one bid came back — the same contractor that we have used the 3 years,” he said.

The Naples Board of Selectmen voted, 4-0, to

accept the fireworks bid of $10,000 from Central Maine Pyrotechnics. Selectman Ted Shane was absent from Monday’s meeting.

The cost and the number of shells was being locked in for a three-year period. The caveat was that the town manager would ask how much more money it would

cost to get 2,398 shells — the same as last year’s show.

After Hawley provided the comparison of the num ber of shells, Selectman Bill Adams said he never real ized the fireworks bidding was done in this manner. He joked he would count the shells next time.

“Our fireworks have

been stunning every year,” Chairman Jim Grattelo said. “I don’t think it will be noticeable.”

Selectman Kevin Rogers spoke

“It is an important night. It puts Naples on the map,” Rogers said.

Grattelo directed his com ment to Hawley, “Ask the

question, ‘If we were to have the same amount of shells as last year, what would the prices be?”

Hawley explained to the board it would be best to accept the bid now instead of waiting on the answer to vote. The town could be left with out a pyrotechnics company to pull off next year’s show.

MDI runs wild, beat Lakers 44-26

from Page 9A)

Not to be totally out done by his counterpart, LR quarterback Brock Gibbons showed great touch tossing a deep ball to end Jackson Libby, who leaped high above a MDI defender to make the catch near the goal line, and then landed both feet in bounds for the 23-yard TD. Lester’s 2-point try failed.

While the Laker D was likely running on fumes by the time Laurendeau moved the Trojans inside the LR-6 with 8:31 left in the game, they found enough juice to deliver another big play.

With Laurendeau scram bling to find an open seam, he fumbled the ball and

senior Colby Chadwick recovered.

LR was unable to move the ball, at all. A short punt put MDI’s offense back in scoring range at the LR-28. After Laurendeau gained 13 and 10 yards, Gray scored the Trojans’ final TD from 5 yards out on a pitch. Gibbons deflected the 2-point pass try.

Gibbons tossed his fourth TD to Lester from 39-yards out with 4:41 left. It was the fourth different receiver to haul in a TD pass from Gibbons.

A word Coach Meehan finds himself mentioning each time he talks about his club, it is “young.”

“We’re young, young, young,” he said in the postgame interview

One of his youngsters is Jonathan Serpa. The fresh man dropped back to receive a punt, which bounced off him inside the Laker 10. Serpa took a shot from a MDI player, and the Trojans recov ered the fumble at the LR-6.

“He learned a painful les son today,” Coach Meehan said. “Unfortunately, that’s what football is about, some times learning a lesson the hard way. At the 5-yard line, you let the ball go into the end zone. I’m sure he’ll know better next time.”

2022 has been a learn ing-as-you-go season for the

Lakers. While the end result — a 1-6 record — isn’t what Coach Meehan and his staff expected, they feel they are on the right path to building a more competitive program.

“It’s all about momen tum. We just couldn’t hold onto it today. We knew they were assignment driven, and #3 is elusive. We didn’t do a good job breaking down plays or making tack les when we had a chance to,” Coach Meehan. “We made some good plays. We showed what we can do. Now, we need to take what we learned, improve and show what we are capable of on a consistent basis.”

the water before Labor Day in September because the Town of Naples loses a main tenance department employee who is seasonal, according to Naples Town Manager John Hawley.

In late August, the area marinas offered to help out by providing equipment and an extra person — if the town wanted to keep the docks in the water longer, Hawley said.

Of course, after Labor Day the marinas are busy remov ing marine vessels from the water and winterizing them.

The town decided to take the marina up on the offer to help out its one-person main tenance department.

After all, it is nice for Naples to have a few extra places for boaters to moor during the tail end of the boating season and when leaf peeping in at prime. Having a place to moor might invite boaters to stay and eat and spend time in Naples.

So, the town dock off the Causeway stayed in the water until last week, according to Hawley.

“Those docks were removed this past Wednesday. Kent’s Landing docks were removed on the Thursday before Columbus Day weekend,” he said.

Moose Landing sent an employee and a pontoon boat to help Steve Merkle, mainte nance department director, to do the job, he said.

“They helped us with a pontoon boat and a man,” Hawley said.

Over the winter, the sec tions of docks are stored on the Naples Town Beach property.

HAUNTED GOOD TIME — There is a Zombie nightmare happening on North High Street in Bridgton this Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m. Bridgton Rec presents its second weekend of Zombie Laser Tag and Haunted Walk at the town ice rink. The event is rated PG-13. Cost is $6 for the walk, or $16 with laser tagger. Proceeds benefit the Rec Department’s child enrichment programs. Register in advance at bridgtonmaine.org

Opinion & Comment

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director

The Mournful Song of Ethan O. Elwell

Howdy neighbor!

In keeping with the spirit of the season, we have a somber, and slightly spooky story to review today; both because it will be Hallowe’en in a few days, and also because the very next day will be the 186th anniversary of a remarkable local tragedy, which I feel it’s high time to put back into circulation in this disenchanted age.

As a local historian, I must say that while we do often, we run into oddities in this field, rarely do our histories chronicle anything which might well be called miraculous. But today, we’re looking at just one such tale. After hearing it, I’ll leave the final determination on that point up to you.

Our story today concerns the untimely death and extraor dinary aftermath surrounding the tragic drowning of eightyear-old Ethan O. Elwell in Thompson Pond Heath, over in Otisfield, in the year 1836. When I first heard about this inci dent, I dusted off my genealogist’s toolkit and sought out the Vital Records of Otisfield. Courtesy of the Otisfield Historical Society, their file of Accidental Deaths for the period 18031940 notes the incident rather plainly: “Ethan Elwell, Nov. 1, 1836, drowned in the Thompson Pond Heath.” Elsewhere in the History of Otisfield, the encyclopedic entry for the Cobb Family can be found to offer a few more details, viz: “An entry in Samuel Knight’s diary dated Nov. 1, 1836, says ‘Ethan Elwell of Poland, a boy about 8 years old, who was living at Andrew Cobb’s wandered away and was found drowned in Thompson Pond Heath. He was missing 13 days from Nov. 1st to 13th.”

A sad enough tale, and a simple one at that. And, sorry to say, not a very uncommon one in that era either. But the real oddity of this story, the real fact which invests it with dispro portionate historic interest today, is what followed in those 13 days after the boy went missing. As was later printed in the Bridgton News of Aug. 23, 1935: “There is an old legend over in the town of Oxford about a young boy who was sent out into the woods by his foster parents to bring in some firewood. He never returned and for days the neighbors searched in vain for him. One night, one of the neighbors dreamed that he saw the body of the boy lying in Thompson Pond, which was near his home and in the morning, he told of his vision. A hasty search was made and strange as it may seem, the body of the youngster was found precisely as the neighbor had dreamed it would be.”

A miraculous thing had clearly occurred, so far as the good people of Otisfield and Oxford were concerned. The boy had gone missing, the community rallied together to find him and mourn his vanishment, and that Sunday they had surely prayed for providential guidance in the deliverance of the poor boy. After just under two weeks of waiting, one of their worried number had received a prophetic vision, a dream of the boy floating at the edge of the pond, where he had fallen while trying to pick some berries from a bush at the margin of the heath. Such a prodigy was scarcely to be believed, let alone credited, but hastily another search party formed and, being directed to the very spot seen in dream, Lo! the body of the child was discovered, even as had been foretold. On the subject, I am sure, quite a volume of poet’s ink and eager sermonizing was soon spilled out in that community.

How do I know this? All these other facts? Well, as the News related in 1935, “It just so happened that somebody at

ETHAN O. ELWELL, Page 2B

published minutes of Oct. 13, it was written that, “We need to change the ordinance regard ing human and animal waste.

The delights of bird watching in October

This afternoon, I stepped out the door to go looking for birds and heard a Chickadee calling. Then, I heard the yank-yank call of a White-breasted Nuthatch. Both are frequent visitors to our feeder, but neither was in sight at the moment. Sunlight filtered through the branches of the huge maple tree, lighting up golden leaves that covered the dooryard. Nearby, on the paved driveway, dried pine needles in fascinating geometric patterns appeared to have been arranged by an artist. There was not a cloud in the clear blue October sky, and not a bird in sight.

When a Blue Jay called from the backyard, I headed in that direction. I was careful to avoid the slimy squashed mushroom cap that I had slipped on a few days ago and that I knew was still hidden under a layer of leaves. The leaves that carpet our backyard are a magnificent combination of colors, but something was missing. For months, we have seen Sparrows here, but today there were no Sparrows to see, and whenever I saw a bird flying and turned to look at it, or aimed my binoculars in its direction, it turned out to be a blowing leaf. In recent days, the slightest breeze has detached autumn leaves from their moorings to go sailing off into the air, where they fly across the airspace of the yard fluttering and turning like birds. It’s confusing for a bird watcher, and I wondered if the birds also find it distracting. In frustration, I decided to return to the house, where I was fairly sure I could see birds at the feeder.

Bird Watch

by Jean Preis BN Columnist

Back at the house, I sat down at the kitchen table where there is a good view of the feeder, and assembled the proper equipment: binoculars and a dish of ice cream with a friend’s homemade fudge sauce. The ice cream and fudge sauce were delicious, and the birds did not disap point either. Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Red-breasted Nuthatches flew in briefly to grab seeds, but left even before I could put down my spoon. When a female Red-bellied Woodpecker flew in, birds on the feeder scattered. I knew she was female because the red on the back of her head did not extend over the top of the head, as it does on the male. She had the food to herself until a Blue Jay arrived on the feeder, then four more Jays landed below on the lawn, where they looked for fallen

Recycling Matters: Remember When…?

It surely can be agreed that change of any type is dif ficult. Change provokes anxiety — something we try to avoid, but when that something becomes so glaringly upsetting that it causes us misery, then change becomes not only possible but necessary.

We only have to look at societal changes in our life time to realize that changes can make life better to the point that going back to the old way is unthinkable. Here are a few “remember whens”:

Remember when smoking was allowed in restaurants and airplanes?

Remember when DDT was sprayed from trucks roam ing through neighborhoods?

Remember when gasoline contained lead?

Cost of Pay Per Bag

To The Editor:

I continue to have ques tions for which I need answers before I can decide how to vote regarding the Pay Per Bag Ordinance.

To seek answers, I read the minutes of the Bridgton Recycling Advisory Committee Meetings. In the minutes of the Oct. 13, 2022 meeting, it was recorded that the cost of the bags would be “Probably $.75 and $1.25 — Cost to town is $.16 and $.32.” I am not sure why the cost is still in the “probably” catego ry. I do wonder about the ratio nale for such a mark-up in cost from $.16 to $.75 and from $.32 to $1.25.

In the minutes from Sept. 8, 2022 it was recorded that, “The average household uses 2.5 bags per week.” So, I re trieved my calculator to de termine the estimated annu al cost of Pay Per Bag. For the 13-gallon bag, the estimat ed cost could be $97.5 (.75 x 2.5 = $1.875 x 52 weeks = $97.5). The estimated annu al cost for the larger 30-gallon bag is $162.5 ($1.25 x 2.5 = $3.125 x 52 weeks = $162.5).

In my Letter to the Editor on Sept. 29, I wrote that the Town of Bridgton Municipal Waste Pay-Per-Bag Ordinance stated that prohibited waste will include “…human or an imal fecal waste…” I asked “Does this mean that soiled cat litter, dog excrement, and soiled diapers cannot be placed in the purchased bags?” In the

Currently states that it is not accepted.” (At the time of sub mitting this letter, the minutes from Oct. 20 were not post ed.) My question is, how long does it take for an ordinance to be re-written? And, does the Select Board have to vote on an ordinance change? Does it need to be published for a spe cific period of time? How do we know which ordinance we are voting on?

The minutes also reflect that one purpose of the PPB is to ensure that visitors pay their fair share for disposing of waste. One point that comes to my mind, though, is that, by definition, visitors are not here for 52 weeks so they will pur chase bags only for the time they are here. Those who op erate Airbnbs can pass the cost to the renters. Permanent resi dents have nobody to pass the cost on to.

A couple more points.

Apparently, it has been decid ed that if the ordinance passes, PPB will begin 60 days after the vote. What will I do with the 120 bags that I recently purchased? And, if it passes, I advise that citizens go through basements and attics, etc. to decide what to dispose of be fore the increase in cost.

Finally, I am fully com mitted to recycling. I contin ue to need specifics to decide how to vote on this ordinance. Because my CMP, cable TV, phone, Internet, heating, gro ceries, auto fuel, and health costs are increasing, I need to pull out my trusty calculator to evaluate what my budget al lows or does not allow.

Nancy Donovan Bridgton

Remember when there were separate entrances to pub lic facilities for “whites” and “colored”?

Remember when children with disabilities could not go to public school?

Remember when cars did not have seat belts?

We’ve reached an upsetting point when it comes to waste. There is more of it with fewer options of where to put it. Oceans have become plastic soup, landfills eventu ally leak, and even the best incinerators release toxins, all of which makes it more expensive to dispose of waste.

“Throw away” must become “redirect.” The direction of items for which we no longer have use needs to be: recycle it, compost it, give it away, upcycle it and choose products that have a low or no waste potential.

She gets it right

To The Editor: I got to know Jess Fay when we were both first-term legisla tors. Her determination to un derstand the issues from all sides made her stand out; she knows that good policy has to respond to the needs of all of the people it impacts. Time af ter time, she has sought my opinion, wanting to dig deeply into the blue-collar perspective I have as a paper mill electri cian, and we have spent many hours exploring the ins and outs of policies that affect fam ilies like mine. She asks some of the most thoughtful, mean ingful questions of anyone I have ever worked with. She makes a point of tackling even the thorniest issues with respect and deep integrity.

Jess’s commitment to get ting it right is as much a part of her as her smile and her in telligence: it is who she is. Maine needs more legislators who, like Jess, are willing to work diligently with everyone involved, reaching across the

aisle and beyond, bringing to gether people with different perspectives in order to shape policies that work for Maine as a whole. She is a rare gem and one our Legislature cer tainly needs.

Jess is running to serve the people of Casco, Poland, Raymond, and Frye Island, and I urge you to vote for her.

Tina Riley Jay

Yes for Sipes

To The Editor: When Daniel Sipe dropped by my home last summer I was impressed with how person able, energetic, and passion ate he is about our beloved Western Maine and its people. He has a long-term vision that will make Maine safer in the years to come.

I know that some people think this election is about in flation. As hard as it is on all of us, consider which party ac tively works to bring down gas prices, handle supply chain is sues, keep wages high and keep us healthy at the same time.

Recycling Matters

By Sally Chappell Bridgton Recycling Committee

Importantly, our personal efforts need to be in com bination with corporate efforts to reduce waste. This is where the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR for Packaging) law that was passed last year by the Maine Legislature will hold large corporations accountable for their contribution to the waste increases we are all seeing. Consult the Natural Resources Council of Maine for a detailed description of how the new law will work and why it is important to continue recycling.

For more information on how to recycle, go to Bridgton’s town website: www.bridgtonmaine.org/trashrecycling/

Pay Per Bag will help us redirect our waste and save taxpayers money at the same time. Adopting new habits like recycling and composting may be difficult at first, but any avid recycler and composter will tell you how satisfying it is to take this big step toward less wasteful living. Waste not; want not.

As a Democrat representing our area, Mr. Sipe would work to preserve women’s rights to abortion, tackle inflation and safeguard democracy.

In the past, Mr. Sipe has worked tirelessly on issues that affect us all: raising minimum wage, expanding health care, and making elections fairer. He knows how to mobilize peo ple to work for community bet terment.

Why Riseman?

To The Editor: Why vote for an indepen dent?

Why vote to re-elect Walter Riseman?

As election day approach es, it has become apparent to me the importance of inde pendence and independents.

Over 300 years ago, this coun try was established because we demanded fairness and equi

ty. We fought for our indepen dence after experiencing the ty rannical regime of an English Monarchy, which countered our desire for a sovereign en tity. Fortunately, our goal for a democratic state prevailed.

After Independence, the au thors of our Constitution cre ated three separate but equal branches of government — the executive office, congressional branches, and the judicial sys tem. They were intended to be independent of each other and ensure the democratic system would stay healthy and strong.

Along the way, we have had our challenges but overall, the strength of our democratic re public has relied on compro mise and the moderation of our governmental leaders to bring the country back to the its basic founding principles. Woodrow Wilson once said, “Our democ racy is not so much a form of government as a set of princi ples.” Our state and country are made up of many varied back grounds and principals. I be lieve it is the responsibility of our elected officials to guaran tee that the all members of the

Vote for Daniel Sipes for Maine State Representative from District 81 Jane Gibbons Sweden

JACK O’LANTERN CONTEST — The Naples Recreation Department had 150 pumpkins donated. On Monday, Julie Eyles, 11th grade, and her brother Lucas, 3rd grade, picked out the perfect pumpkins to take home and prepare for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Decorated pumpkins can be dropped off at the Naples Town Hall starting today through Halloween. For information about more activities, go to townofnaples.org/recreation and click on Halloween Central. (De Busk Photo)

“melting pot” are heard, have equal opportunities, and are given a seat at the table of de mocracy. It often requires a fair balance of listening and accep tance to accomplish the tasks.

Good politics can play an important role in a democracy’s success, but bad politics can be debilitating. Too often during the last decade, legislation and public policies have been made based on extreme party postur ing or ideology rather than the best interest of the common people.

I find that most voters I meet are wanting a fair and bal anced approach to government. They want to maintain their in dependent lifestyle, but at the same time they want their en titlements protected, like Social Security and Medicare. We also have many residents who need adequate housing, health care, education, and much more; so many needs and so little resources to address them.

At the same time, I believe in a reasonably conservative and prudent approach to bud geting our state’s money and it includes sufficient govern ment accountability and trans parency.

Can we find a balance? Yes, absolutely. We have kept true to the principles that created our independence and we need to preserve our society’s values and promote our independent nature and caring attitude.

I will hold true to these prin ciples. Please consider cast ing you ballot for me, Walter Riseman, the Independent Candidate for House District 83 — Harrison, Bridgton, and Denmark.

Walter Riseman Harrison House District 83 candidate

Return to power at what cost

To The Editor:

A message is emerging from Republicans — lie and deny; lessons they learned from their pathological lying lead er. Republicans say, “I don’t care about ‘character,’ I vote Republican because I want Republicans to return to pow er.” At what cost? I am re minded of a Republican friend telling me in 2015 regarding Donnie for President, “You don’t have to like him in or der to vote for him.” My friend voted for Donnie and got Jan. 6, 2021. Thank you!

Character does matter in life and in politics. Yes, people make mistakes, and yes, they change their minds. This is hu man. However, when a mistake is realized, remorse is in order. When one changes their mind, facts, logic and character are in order to explain the change. We live in a very dangerous time. Donnie called a Republican mob together in 2021; then urged the mob to march on the Capitol and cause Congress to stop the certification of the electoral vote. Donnie wanted to overthrow the Constitution! That was “Sedition,” defined as “an illegal action inciting re sistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disrup tion or overthrow of the gov ernment” (Advanced English Dictionary). Mr. Couy Griffin was found guilty of Sedition in New Mexico and re

moved from office as County Commissioner. Sedition vi olates the 14th Amendment, Section 3, (and applies not only to those who actively partic ipate in the seditious actions, but also those who give aid and comfort to those who do active ly participate).

Thus, the question — do Republicans vote for their Party out of blind loyalty and destroy our democracy in doing so, or do they stand up and speak out against Donnie, his enablers, and those Trumplicans who just can’t see the forest for the trees?

Without our democra cy, without our Constitution, Republicans will have “No” voice. Legitimate Republicans, Democrats and Independents, it is imperative for us to stand up, speak out and vote to defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

Joseph W. Angelo Bridgton

Don’t ignore your documents

To The Editor:

The following was sent to the Bridgton Planning Board: My wife and I are 17-year homeowners living at 115 Kezar Heights in Bridgton. Of the Rolfe property that abuts ours, we are the longest ten ured residents within Kezar Heights, White Mountain Way and David’s View. We pur chased our five-acre tract in 1986. We treasure our home and the beauty of surrounding forests and lakes, inhabited by a variety of wildlife.

Fortunately, the town of Bridgton operates according to regulations, concepts and zon ing that describes appropriate expansion in our growing mu nicipalities, assuring that resi dential and commercial inter ests will be similarly balanced in further development plans. Regrettably, the Planning Board has apparently ignored its own documents.

For example, the purpose of the “Rural Neighborhood” dis

Opinions

trict is “to encourage an appro priate mix of low-impact com mercial and recreational uses along with continued residen tial development, and to pre serve the overall rural and sce nic characteristic of this dis trict.” I find it incredible that the Planning Board has not vot ed down the distressing pro posal of a gravel pit. How, by any stretch, can that propos al satisfy the description of a “Rural Neighborhood” that is “intended to protect the rural character and natural beauty of these areas.” Will others enjoy the noise levels of diesel trucks roaring up and down the roads and spewing diesel exhaust and creating dust. In fact, both dust emissions and diesel particulate emissions are considered to be a long-term health hazard.

We strongly oppose the construction and operation of a gravel pit on the property off Route 302, as proposed by the R. Rolfe Corporation.

James and Elizabeth Curtis Bridgton

Enough of Leadership Failures

To The Editor:

Another election cycle is here with important choic es and decisions to make in November. Many unaddressed issues remain unresolved by Governor Janet Mills and this current administration, includ ing child welfare service fail ures, among other social ser vices system failures, with un paid unemployment claim pay ments and SNAP benefits, on this governor’s (Mills) watch.

Concurrently, legislative leadership negligently failed in its duties in many ways. Far too many missteps with inaction and other failures occurred, in cluding during the pandem ic “emergency,” with ever-in creasing bad “public policy” and growing misfeasance. This includes but isn’t limited to the Department of Labor’s and Department of Health and Human Services’ multi ple problems and bureaucratic failures. Why would Mainers want more of the same incom petence, with worsening bu reaucracy and bureaucratic sys tem failures, poor service etc.? Also, why is it ever accept able to be non-responsive to Mainers’ constituent issues, in cluding in 2021-2022? Also, why do we have a worsening homeless and substance use/ abuse situation, including in Portland and in other cities? Why aren’t veterans and others getting needed help? Why do some folks want to remain on this same path, with bad “pub lic policy?” Meaningful chang es must be made now.

Additionally, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, is out-of-touch and uninterested in most of her constituents, with minimal, lackluster constituent’s servic es. She’s failed to meet with constituents. Why is this ac ceptable and tolerable? How can Mainers trust her to serve Mainers to get things done and

resolved for her district? We need better, more responsible leadership from Congress, rep resenting the people of the First Congressional district.

Let’s all ask ourselves the following:

• Are we all better off now than we were one, two or four years ago? How so, if better off now?

• What are the current and future needs for all Mainers? Who will do the needed work to serve Mainers?

• What has our congress woman and our governor got ten done and successfully ac complished for Mainers?

It’s time to carefully dis cern and vet all candidates thor oughly and thoughtfully. Let’s move forward electing bet ter and responsible leaders to lead, problem solve and repre sent the people’s interests at the state and federal level. In clos ing, let’s vote discerningly, re sponsibly and wisely for bet ter political leaders, to have a better future for all Mainers. “Failure is not an option.” David Hall Aggrieved taxpayer Cornish

Will make tough decisions

To The Editor: Barry Powers has my vote for Maine State Representative. He is new to politics, but brings a lifetime of experience and commitment to public service to the job. He’s an excellent lis tener, who will show up every day to represent us in Augusta.

Don’t let his gentle and calm bearing fool you. Barry will make the tough decisions and be a strong leader for all his constituents. He will not follow the demands of special interests or bend to the expectations of party leaders.

Barry is not afraid to de scribe himself as a cancer sur vivor and the energy and the extensive door knocking cam paign he’s conducted to earn supporters demonstrates his re covery and dedication.

Barry is a husband, fa ther, outdoorsman, business man, and community sup porter who has the right pri orities. The voters of Naples, Sebago, Baldwin, Steep Falls and Standish will be proud to elect Barry Powers as their new State Representative.

Roy Gedat Naples

The wolf?

To The Editor:

Maine currently has four qualified parties — Democratic, Green Independent, Libertarian and Republican — that may participate in primary elec tions. (Note: although some unenrolled candidates choose to designate themselves as “Independent,” there is no “Independent” party in Maine.

The Mournful Song of Ethan O. Elwell

the time wrote a rhyme recounting the strange tragedy and it has been handed down from mouth to mouth. Wilbur Tenney, of Casco, learned the poem by heart when he was a boy and it has lingered in his memory, so that even now he can recite it nearly word for word. Our Cook’s Mills correspondent sends in the verse as Mr. Tenney has recited it to her, thinking that it would be of historical interest. Mr. Tenney does not know the author nor much about the circumstances which led up to the tragedy, but he does remember the verses which he readily recites as follows.”

Such folk ballads, arising out of local tragedies, were once quite common hereabouts in the early days of the 19th century. Traditionally called ‘Mournful Songs’ and often featuring somber woodcuts of coffins, these poems were typically writ ten up by traveling poets within days of the event in question, and mass printed in broadsides which were widely distributed for pennies, acting both as folk histories of the event and religious lessons relating the various morals supposed to be learned from the tragedy.

Most notable of these local poets was the “Down East Homer,” Thomas Shaw of Standish, whose mournful songs we have discussed before in earlier columns. His known works include ballads on shipwrecks in Portland harbor, pub lic executions from there to Castine, and the deaths of various people by unfortunate accidents from Gorham to Windham to his home town of Standish. Sometimes, he wrote on subjects well remembered even today, while at other times his ballads survive as seemingly the sole documents remaining to attest to those tragedies they luridly celebrate. I mention Shaw here because his work is relatively local to our section of country, and also because some of his broadsides are still to be found in the archives of the Standish Historical Society and Maine Historical at Portland. For locals unable to make so far a trek, I will also note that I do own one personally, which I would be glad to share by appointment with any reader who wishes to see it. But that’s another matter; for our story today, we are focusing on the Mournful Song of Ethan O. Elwell, as memorized by Wilbur Tenney of Casco, who heard it sung in childhood. Unfortunately, it is unattributed, for Tenney did not remember the name of the author, but given that Shaw died in 1838 and continued to write poetry right up until almost his dying day, it is entirely possible that this is another of his works.

As someone familiar with his style, I can only say it match es well with other surviving examples in so far as rhymescheme and general theme is concerned. Tenney also forgot a few of the lines, which I have indicated with ellipses. All in all, the miraculous vision of the dead boy remains a haunting, and for now unexplainable mystery, and the quaint style of the poem which preserves its somber tale feels particularly appropriate for newfound hallows-eve recitation. I should also mention, I cannot find any notice of these strange happenings in the archives of the Oxford Democrat for this period, which I find odd as it feels certainly newsworthy. Perhaps one day such an account can be found, or a printed copy of this old song discovered, and full context can be added to what has long remained an elusive piece of our regional history. I hope one day to learn more on this remarkable mystery, but for now, the old ballad will have to do. Enjoy!

In Oxford lived a lovey boy, His sister’s pride and his Mother’s joy, Ethen O. Elwell, aged eight, ‘Twas he who met that awful fate To wander in the silent wood And perish for the lack of food.

His doting Father being dead His Mother to him kindly said, ‘If you will go to your Uncles house to live My free consent to you I’ll give.’

‘Beloved Mother,’ he replied, ‘Your wishes shall be gratified.’

Unto his Uncle’s house he went; To use him well was his intent But he could there no comfort find, To those who proved to him unkind. His Uncle proved to him sincere And used him like a parent dear. His aunt was of a different mood, A peevish, fretful, ugly scold.

[…]

A LEAF all dressed up and ready for Halloween.

(De Busk photo)

LETTERS, Page 4B

ETHAN O. ELWELL, Page 5B

Here is why —

Republicans believe in parents’ rights to direct their children’s medical care. Republicans tried to make it illegal to do any of the following to children without their parents’ consent: physical examinations, surgical procedures, administering or injecting them with drugs or vaccines. Democrats voted them down! (See LD 1292, roll call vote #366)

Democrat lawmakers actually passed an increase in property taxes! Republicans oppose higher property taxes, especially with recession looming. But Democrats almost succeeded in increasing taxes on most high value properties. Republicans rallied to make sure it was vetoed. (See LD 418, roll call vote #245)

Republicans care about local farms struggling to survive. Local farmers strongly opposed the bill for unionizing workers on small farms that would have meant their death knell. But Democrats passed it anyway! Even a few Democrats joined Republicans to sustain the bill’s veto. (See LD 151, roll call votes # 414, 494, 487)

Republicans want to end sex trafficking. Democrats actually passed a bill for legalizing prostitution in Maine. Women who had escaped sex trafficking said it would create more victims! Republicans rallied to make sure it was vetoed. (See LD 1592, roll call vote #386)

Republicans are more concerned about public safety, crime, and increasing drug use. Even Janet Mills called the Democrats’ bill to hamstring police in investigating crimes “overbroad, unrealistic and dangerous to the general public.” Democrats passed it anyway! Republicans joined the Governor to sustain a veto. (See LD 217, roll call vote #385)

Democrats almost succeeded in decriminalize possession of large amounts of hard drugs. These included cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. And they almost succeeded! The bill only narrowly failed. (See LD 967, roll call vote #473)

Facebook: Vote.Mark.Walker

MarkWalker4Me@gmail.com

Vote Republican on November 8th For Government of, by, & for The People

are saying …

“This time, I think I will vote Republican.”

(Copied from Maine Political Parties online.)

What is the record for most of the individuals who have run as “Independent?” I would argue that most of them are “democrats in wolf’s cloth ing.” Our “Independent” rep resentative, Walter Riseman, caucuses with the Democrats. Really? Why? Is that the party he fundamentally agrees with?

What is “Independent” Walter Riseman’s record? I looked it up. He has voted 559 times with 88 absences. Of those 559 votes, 471 were “yes,” 88 “no.” We all know the leading party is Democrats in our legislature, so which party do you think he votes with?

Independent, I think “NOT!”

Kathy Laplante Harrison

The asylum

To The Editor:

New York Mayor Eric Adams proudly displayed the tent facilities set up for the “asylum seekers” last week. They get three meals a day, showers, fluff and fold laun

dry service, television, Xboxes and access to international phone calls! They can call their friends back home while their laundry is being folded and tell them how great America is. This will certainly help stop the daily invasion of our coun try across the southern bor der. Who is running the liber al asylum?

What about homeless Americans and homeless vet erans?

Only two weeks to the midterms. If you don’t like what you see every day, vote for a change.

Mark Lopez Bridgton

We need ‘tough love’

To The Editor:

My assessment of Paul LePage:

He is a man of strong mor al character and a good-heart ed soul.

In his terms as governor, he presented a tough image, almost “gruff.” However, his thoughts and actions were al ways consistent.

LePage worked to make Maine a respected state amongst its peers and helped improve the plight of the aver age working individual, as well as a hands-up for the under

Phyllis M. Charles

BROWNFIELD – Phyllis M. (Palmer) Charles, 91, passed on to eternity Tuesday October 11, 2022, at a family home in Fryeburg after being lovingly cared for by family and friends for several months. She was born in Fryeburg, May 7, 1931, to John and Blanche (Rogers) Palmer. One of seven children.

Phyllis was raised in Fryeburg attending local schools and beauty school in Portland. She married Dean R. Charles in 1953 and they had three children, Scott Lee, Janet Lynn and Cindy Sue. After some time living around New England, they returned to Fryeburg to raise their family.

Phyllis owned and operated Phyllis’ Beauty Salon for over 20 years. She was involved in many groups…church, Grange, Scouting, bowling and personally caring for people. She met many people in these areas and kept their friendships and memories dear.

Phyllis was a worker and adventurer…in her youth and throughout her life. After retirement, she attended The Shelter Institute on the coast of Maine. There, she learned about home construction and woodworking. This resulted in her digging and building a foundation with her faithful friend, Marcia, as well as many construction projects including the home she lived in her final years. She was a lover of nature and brought it into her home any chance she got — she never met a rock, tree, cloud or bird she didn’t love!

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Dean, her son Scott and all of her siblings.

She is survived by daughters Janet Day of Brownfield, and Cindy Priest and husband Chuck of Fryeburg. Grandchildren: Craig Charles of Randleman, N.C., Amber Day of Conway, N.H., Matthew Day and wife Melisa of Brownfield, Caren Priest of Old Orchard Beach, Curtis Priest and wife Katie of Georgia, Vt., Molly Charles and Ryan Charles of Fryeburg. And five cherished great-grandchildren including Caleb Mat thew whom she had the special blessing of helping to care for.

There will be a private interment at the Pine Grove Cem etery in Fryeburg.

A Memorial Reception will be held on October 30 at The Old Saco Inn, Rt. 5 in Fryeburg from 1 to 3 p.m. All are wel come. Any memorial donations can be made to the Fryeburg Rescue. They were very helpful to us.

Arrangements are under the care of the Wood Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg, Maine. To make an online condolence please visit www.woodfuner alhome.com

Andrew G. Clark

Andrew Garry Clark, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on October 11 in Florida. Although he lived in Florida as an adult, Andrew was born in Winchester, Mass., on Feb. 1, 1988, and grew up in Boxford, Mass., with his parents, Peter and Martha (Osberg) Clark. He graduated from Masconomet Regional High School and at tended the University of Vermont. While in high school, Andrew en joyed playing soccer and was an acclaimed springboard diver and swimmer.

Andrew worked for many years in restaurants as a line cook and sous chef, a daring occupation since he had many food allergies. He was an excellent cook and always wowed us with wonderful meals. He later had a career selling health insurance and was in the process of opening his own office.

He is survived by his parents and two sisters, Abigail L. Clark and Elizabeth O. Freierman, with her wife Rachel and children Asa Ames and Wilder Osberg Lee. Andrew also leaves his aunts, Nancy L. Durocher (Frank), Sally R. Osberg and Pamela H. Brewster (Tom) and eight cousins. He greatly respected and loved his uncle, the late Richard H. Osberg, and his grandparents, the late Calvin and June (Lander) Osberg of Sandwich, N.H., and the late A. Garry and Mary Lou (Low man) Clark of Painted Post, N.Y. In addition to his family, An drew leaves his many good friends and co-workers in Florida.

A celebration of Andrew’s life will be held at the First Con gregational Church, 33 South High Street, Bridgton, on Satur day, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. It will also be live-streamed on the First Church website, http://www.fccbridgton.org/remote-worship/ In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrew’s mem ory to the Lakes Region Recovery Center. Donations may be made online through Paypal at www.lrrcbridgton.org or with a check mailed to Lakes Region Recovery Center, 2 Elm Street, Bridgton, ME 04009. Please make a note that the donation is in memory of Andrew Clark.

Opinions

privileged of our state.

In our present “state of af fairs,” Maine needs a “tough love” individual who pays our debts on time, watches expen ditures carefully and faces all responsibilities as our leader without a self-serving agenda.

I was impressed by how governor and first lady LePage chose to live and work among the average class of people in Maine.

That is a rare quality for any politician that had residency at the Blaine House.

I endorse Paul LePage for our next governor.

Barbara Varricchio Harrison

Yes on Q2

To The Editor:

Naples voters have an op portunity to make a forwardthinking choice on Nov. 8 by

voting ‘Yes’ on Question #2. After decades of kick-the-can down the road and band-aid approaches, voters now have a chance to stop throwing good money after bad and get real value for their tax dollars. The proposal for a new Town Office/Community Center/Post Office to be constructed on the Village Green is the result of a three-year process that began with the Select Board form ing the Community Center Exploratory Committee and unanimously supporting the funding to assess the existing structure and develop the pro posed new building design.

The assessment report by Lavallee/Brensinger Architects can be viewed on the Naples Town website at www.townof naples.org, and in the days leading to the Nov. 8 elec tion, voters will receive a post card mailed to their homes with

more details on the project.

Citizens of Naples know that we are more than just a tourist town and thankfully we now have an opportunity to support a project that will ad dress the needs and enhance the services to all who call Naples home.

Bruce and Martina Witts Naples

Don’t go down the hole

To The Editor: Pay-per-bag is not the an swer.

We are part-time Bridgton folks and full-time Dover, N.H. folks sharing our experience with Pay-Per-Bag since Dover instituted this system two de cades ago. Pay-per-bag (PPB)

Obituaries

Judith H. Pelletier

Judith Hayes Pelletier, 82, passed away Sunday morning, October 23 at 12:30 at Bridgton Hospital after suffering serious brain hemorrhaging.

Judith was born on March 21, 1940, to Edward and Helen Horton in Providence, R.I. Judy attended schools in Pawtucket, R.I., and lived in the communities of Framingham, Mass., and Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

To have known Judy was to love Judy. She was a soft spo ken, kind, and gentle person who made an impact on so many lives with her optimistic attitude, love and inner strength.

She was married to her loving husband of 39 years, Rob ert, where they lived together in Scarborough, Portland, Ken nebunk, and finally Bridgton, where she resided until the time of her death.

Judy is survived by her husband, Robert Pelletier, two brothers, Robert (and Mary) Horton (Hope, R.I.) and Bill (and Jennifer) Horton (Ocala, Fla.), three children from prior mar riage, Susan Hayes and her partner Michael Ginti (Raymond), Robin Hayes and her partner Kirk Maines (No. Windham), and John Hayes and his wife Christina (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) and their four children Charlie, Edward, Max, and Mia. The Pelletier family became children of her own, and was greatly loved by her stepchildren: Paula Raposa and her hus band David (Warwick, R.I.), Robert Pelletier Jr. and his part ner Marie Wernicki (New Hartford, Conn.), Victoria Kennedy and her husband Bruce Kennedy (Alton, N.H.), Barbara Pel letier (Marlborough, Mass.), and the late John Pelletier. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren as well as six great-grand children. Judy was well known to never miss a child’s birth day, anniversary, or to mark a special occasion. The Christmas stockings she knit for each grandchild and great-grandchild will be a lasting reminder of Grammy Judy.

During her lifetime Judy worked at Old Stone Bank in Providence, R.I., was an administrative assistant at Communi ty Counseling in Portland, Maine, then worked at Kennebunk Medical Center and Digital Research before moving to her final home in West Bridgton.

Judy was always very involved in her community. She was president of the Portland Club in 1988. When residing in Bridgton, Judy was a boat inspector for Lakes Environ mental Association, active in the Bridgton Snowmobile Club, president of the Ladies Guild of the Bridgton Congregational Church, active in the Maine Republicans, and many other as sociations. She was a do-er!

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 10 a.m. at the Bridgton First Congregational Church, UCC, 33 South High St., Bridgton. For those unable to attend in person or feel more comfortable watching from home, it will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/FirstCongre gationalChurchBridgtonUcc. Donations may be made to the Bridgton First Congregational Church Ladies Guild. Condo lences by mail may be sent to Bob Pelletier and family at P.O. Box 425, Bridgton, ME 04009. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco. www.hallfuneralhome.net.

was advertised as the answer to skyrocketing costs of trash re moval. It is NOT. The reality is that some households produce a mind-boggling amount of trash each and every week, and the additional cost per bag does not motivate them to change their habits.

1. The price per bag has in creased some 300% since its inception here. Some house holds still fill multiple bags with trash every week and ab sorb the cost of PPB into their budget.

2. An increasing number of Dover residents now use a pri vate trash hauler as it costs less — even though the bags end up in the same place.

3. Households that need to dispose of a stinky bag even though it’s not full yet will take a bigger budget hit as the PPB bags are more expensive than

John D. Goddard

John Davis Goddard, 75, of Bridgton passed away on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at home in Bridgton.

He was born June 9, 1947 to John B. Goddard and Elizabeth D. Goddard of East Hartford, Conn.

He is survived by his son Clinton J. Goddard of Bridgton, and his sister Jean Cyr of Vero Beach, Fla.

John was quite the auto mechan ic and could fix just about anything automotive and lovingly restoring his International Scout and his 54 Ford.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Condolences and tributes may be shared at www. hallfuneralhome.net.

Roland Payne

Roland (Slim) Payne, also known as Ted to his family in Maine, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He was 89 years young.

He was born Aug. 2, 1933, in Eliot to the late Francis Payne Sr. and Relefa McIntire Payne of Denmark.

Roland attended schools in Eliot, Denmark and York. Roland started working for Omega Electric in South Burlington on Aug. 2, 1967; he sold his share of ownership in Omega in 1995 to start his retirement in Cabot, Vt.

He married Cecile Alexandria Payne in 1958 and together they had three children. They were married for 58 years, until her death in 2017.

He loved the outdoors and took Cecile and his children on many trips and taught them to love travel and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, who loved to spend time outdoors with friends and family. Later in life, he started raising and selling organic Christmas trees. He loved seeing the joy his trees gave people. He was a kind, generous, and compassionate man. He was always happiest when he was helping others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Cecile Alexandria Payne; his brothers Francis Payne Jr., Rayfield Payne, Dennis Payne, Carroll Payne and Herbert Payne; and sisters Gwendolyn Teague and Velma Ellis.

He is survived by his children, Melony Payne Harris of Oakland, Calif., Roland Payne, Jr. of Cabot, Vt., and Wendy Payne Guay of Burlington, Vt; his brothers, George Payne of Keystone Heights, Fla. and Robert Payne of Raymond; a sister, Sandra Utterstrom of Falmouth; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the summer of 2023.

Obituary Policy

To run at no charge, The News will include: who the person was pre deceased 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 grandchil dren 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.

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.

The Bridgton News P.O. Box 244, 118 Main St. Bridgton, ME 04009 tel. 207-647-2851 | fax 207-647-5001 e-mail: bnews@roadrunner.com

Owner and Funeral

Opinions

regular trash bags.

4. Currently, a commercial trash hauler pays $5 a year for a dump sticker, same as a household.

5. If my household fills a bag a week and the new bags cost a buck each, that’s an ex tra $52 a year.

Suggestion 1: Treat trash the same as demolition, weigh ing the truck in and out and charging accordingly.

Suggestion 2: Double my yearly dump sticker fee from $5 to $10. Not ideal, but way cheaper than $52.

Implement these two changes and we can review the transfer budget after a year. Please, please, do not go down the rabbit hole of pay-per-bag. Literally, there are towns who tried it and reverted to their pre vious system because the re sults were not as promised.

On a separate top ic: THANKS to all involved in the First Fall Festival and the Music on Main evenings. Bravo!

Lisa and Neal Stacy Dover, N.H., all the time and Bridgton as much as we can

Effective Response to Climate Change

To The Editor:

People of every political stripe want our policy makers to develop effective respons es to climate change. This re quires asking essential ques tions. In a Letter to the Editor to the Wall Street Journal, Jack Sturdevant of Coral Springs, Fla. asks such questions:

First, assume our president is in the last day of office of his second term and all new cars purchased must be electric, and the basic infrastructure need ed to support them is in place. Where will the energy to power them come from? Renewable energy, nuclear energy, or ener gy from fossil fuels?

PUBLIC

Second, assume that at that time, the President’s environ mental objectives are fully re alized and the unfavorable ef fect of our U.S. carbon emis sions have been materially re duced. Further assume that all other countries in the world have continued to follow their current strategies to address en vironmental issues. Will the global climate have improved at all, and by how much?

Third, how much would the U.S. leadership assumed in the prior two questions influence the behavior of other countries?

The answers to these ques tions are critical in forming an effective climate policy.

Roderick MacGregor North Sebago

Vote On Nov 8th

To The Editor:

For just one minute forget about your animosity toward Trump. Answer one question: Are you better off today than three years ago?

The cost of heating oil is up 35%! Gas is double what it was two years ago. Groceries are shockingly up every month. Some Maine residents must de cide what to do without — fuel or groceries. IRAs have lost about 25% of their value in the past year alone. Inflation is out of control! We are all feeling the pain in some way.

Our southern border is wide open as unvaccinated illegals, criminals and drugs pour into our country.

Foreign countries see us as weak as China threatens to take over Taiwan (where most

TOWN OF HARRISON

Special Select Board Meeting

Special Select Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 5 p.m. for Harrison Broadband Committee & Crystal Lake Dam 1T43

PUBLIC

TOWN OF HARRISON Voting Hours

Absentee ballots available Oct. 11 until Nov. 3, 2022. You can call and request a ballot to be mailed to you (207-583-2241, ext. 1), stop in the Town Office, 20 Front St., Harrison or apply online. Our office will be open late on Wed., Nov. 2 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. for absentee voting only.

Election Day is November 8, 2022, and held at the Town Office from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Election information is available on our website www.harrisonmaine.org under Clerk’s Office.

of our semiconductor parts are made for cars and electronic devices).

Critical race theory and transgender identity materials at young ages have infiltrat ed our classrooms. This has no place in our schools.

Out-of-state dark monies are pouring into Maine elec tions. The negative ads are full of deceptive and outright lies! Who knows better what our candidates stand for than Maine people?

Republicans for better gov ernment:

Governor Paul LePage will support the police and be tough on crime. He will bring back fiscal responsibilities.

Rick Bennett is running for re-election to the Maine Senate and deserves to continue his fine work working with both parties in Augusta.

Donna Dodge is running for Maine House Representative and will work on day one to get CRT out of our schools.

Mark Walker is running for Maine House Representative. He is a first-time politician and wants to see better education in public schools.

Bruce Poliquin is running for U.S. House Representative against Jared Golden (a ‘Yes’ man for Biden). Bruce will work to undo all the irrespon sible policies that Biden has created.

Ed Thelander is a first-time politician, former Navy Seal and running for U.S. House seat currently held by career politician, Chellie Pingree. He will work to restore respecta bility to our military.

Be honest with yourself. If you are unhappy with the way the country is going, it’s time

Jon Chappell Bridgton

to make some changes. Vote Republican on Nov. 8. Joanne Webb Denmark

Stupid is as Stupid Does

To The Editor:

In the immortal words of Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, “Stupidity is pain ful” and in fact it really is painful for the American peo ple. Consider the administra tion’s war on American oil, nat ural gas, and coal. Shut down pipelines in the United States. Approve pipelines for the Russians. How does that help the planet?

Restrict our production of fossil fuels with regulations. Delay licensing and construct other roadblocks to hinder meeting our energy needs, then go around the world begging our enemies and allies to sup ply us with oil. This is a shal low ploy to keep the current administration in power. How does that help the planet?

With the high cost of energy and profligate spending caus ing inflation, the administration doubles down with even more spending. How does that help the planet?

When our enemies and alienated allies actually cut, rather than increase their ener gy production, the administra tion hits the petroleum reserves once again just prior to the midterm elections. How does that help the planet?

The problem with “Saving

LETTERS, Page 6B

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

CHASE STREET, SUITE 1

MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

Bridgton Town Office OFFICE CLOSED

The

Clerk’s

TOWN OF BRIDGTON

CHASE STREET, SUITE 1 BRIDGTON, MAINE 04009

PUBLIC NOTICE

Bridgton Town Clerk OFFICE HOURS

Ethan O. Elwell

One day they sent him after wood

In order for to cook their food.

Their stern command he did obey

And started for the wood straightway.

That night the wind began to blow

Which soon brought on a storm of snow.

Without his supper or a bed

The stormy blasts swept ‘round his head

That night the neighbors came to hear

How strangely he did disappear.

They searched […] o’er vale and hill

In hopes to find him living still.

For five days more they searched in vain

His lifeless body to obtain.

There was a man named Barley White

Who dreamed he found the boy one night, In Thompson Pond, both dead and cold And in the morning of it told.

He started early for that place

And found him lying on his face;

[…]

Of the bushes he had hold.

Some elder berries grew around The lonesome place where he was found.

He thought to gather them with ease

His gnawing hunger to appease.

In gathering them he fell in, no doubt

And being weak could not get out.

There he resigned his youthful breath

Into the hand of an awful death.

O, earthly parent, dry thine eyes

Thy offspring lives above the skies

In the sweet Paradise of rest

He sings sweet anthems of the blest.

Till next time!

October birdwatch

(Continued from Page 1B)

seeds. A lone red squirrel on the ground held his tail up over his back, as if trying to protect himself from the Jays’ sharp beaks, but the Jays did not bother it.

By then, it was late afternoon, a time when the sun shines directly into the backyard and we usually see Sparrows on the lawn and around the shrubs. I decided to go take another look. Leaves were still flying around in the air, but one flying object turned out to be an actual bird, a Song Sparrow. They usually show up here in early April, and stay well into the fall. White-throated Sparrows arrive here around the middle of April, and we are still seeing a few of them as they hunt for seeds on the ground. In the summer we see Chipping Sparrows, too. They arrive in late April, but usually are gone by early September. This day, the Song Sparrow was alone, and I wondered if it might soon be heading south.

These days, the sun sets early, so by late afternoon birds were in a hurry to visit the feeder before dark. Titmice, Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Downy Woodpecker, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker, a male Cardinal, and a single Goldfinch took turns flying in to get something to eat before settling down for the night. These species are here year-round, so this winter there should still be plenty of birds for a bird watcher to watch.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON Board of Appeals Public Hearing

The Harrison Board of Appeals will meet Thurs., October 27, 2022 at 6 p.m., at the Harrison Town Office, 20 Front St., Harrison for an Application for a Variance submitted by the Town of Harrison for the new Town Garage Facility at 558 Edes Falls Rd., Harrison. 2T42

PUBLIC NOTICE

The

the purpose of accepting voter registration and other election related issues. No other town business will be conducted during this time. 1T43

TOWN OF NAPLES Office Closures

TOWN OF HARRISON Planning Board Public Hearing

The Harrison Planning Board will have a Public Hearing on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Harrison Town Office, 20 Front Street, Harri son regarding a Site Plan Review Application submit ted by Camp Newfound/Owatonna Map 32 Lot 12. 1T43

TOWN OF SEBAGO

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The

•

1069 Main Street, Lovell, ME 04051

Phone: 207-925-6272 Fax 207-925-1710

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOVELL PLANNING BOARD

The

Planning Board has scheduled a site visit to, 21 Lily Cove Road Lovell, Maine.

site visit will take place at 6 p.m. on November 2, 2022.

Scott Ransley is seeking Conditional Use

convert a cottage into a year-round residence.

Planning Board meeting will take

at 7 p.m. at the Lovell Town Hall, 1133 Main Street,

the site visit.

The Town of Sebago

the

Board

Hearing

hold the

November 8, 2022, at 6 p.m.

Town Office Building.

SITE PLAN REVIEW

Susanne Wojcik & Kim Printy requests a Site Plan Review for the property located on Sebago Tax Map 10, Lot 24 (180 Hogfat Hill Road)

use of the property is for a Wildlife Refuge

TOWN OF NAPLES

Planning Board Site Walk

The Naples Planning Board will conduct a site walk for a 6,000 square foot storage building at the MSAD 61 High School campus (Tax Map R03, Lot 40). The Board will meet at 1877 Roosevelt Trail (Lake Region High School) by the bus garage on November 1st at 3:30 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend. A Planning Board meet ing regarding this matter will be held at 5pm following the site walk.

Jon Chappell Bridgton

A test to identify a brainwashable person: Anyone who believes PAC political ads.

vote you out of

that

er when the misery and hurt be ing heaped upon them is com pounded on them by elimi nating gas-powered automo biles. Put this up against reali ty. When people are forced to choose whether they can pay for food, housing, medicine, or transportation, they will be come unmanageable!

The schizophrenia Democrats are experiencing is because they pretend that they care about the price of gasoline and inflation before the elec tion knowing that they will go right back to the policies that produce high gas and more in flation after the election.

Now that is stupidity that really hurts the American peo ple and it’s unnecessary.

Jock MacGregor Sebago

Beware

To The Editor:

OMG! Mr. Mark Walker running for House District 84 said, “The first duty of all gov ernments is to restrain outright evildoers.” Wow! What is an “outright evildoer?” Is there a semi-evildoer, or maybe a sort of evildoer? Who decides who they are? When the powers that be identify the evildoers, how do you restrain them? Jail,

shoot, black list, magic spell, maybe take away their right to vote? This isn’t a joke, is it? He’s downright serious.

Beware the restrainers of evildoers! You may be one and not even know it.

Cecelia Wernau Naples

Time for change

To The Editor:

We have big problems and great opportunities in Maine that need bright minds and people committed in our com munities to solve them. These solvers don’t exist with a par ty label tattooed on their fore heads — they come in all stripes. Despite what those in the media and politics would have us believe, we all share most of the same dreams — we all share most of the same challenges. We want a roof over our heads, food on the ta ble at dinner, clean water and air, a safe place for our families and opportunities for our chil dren and our children’s chil dren. We want to know that we can pay the bills without going broke from the costs of health care, heating fuel and student debt and have as good a shot as the next person to achieve the American dream. The ideas that get us there are not the sole domain of Red, or Purple or Blue — they are from all of us.

Last night, Christine and I went to our local Lions Club potluck dinner. We talked about all of these things over

a shared meal and then we discussed how we were go ing to give back to our com munity. No one said, “That’s a Republican/Democrat idea so it must be awful” and no one said “That’s a Republican/ Democrat idea so it must be great.” Every idea was consid ered under the thoughts “What can we achieve and what’s best for our town.” When I got home from that dinner, I had a card in my mailbox from a Standish Republican women’s church prayer group saying they were praying for me and my campaign — and they’re not the first people from across the aisle to do this. Getting bipartisan support is not easy. We all need to work with one another to make our state bet ter and that starts by building trust with one another that ev ery voice is heard, every need is evaluated and every solution is considered.

Win or lose, I have made some good friends with great ideas on the campaign trail and they are spread across the en tire political spectrum. If I am so honored to win your trust and you send me to Augusta in November you have my prom ise — I will represent ALL of you regardless of party.

Part of the reason I am run ning is to bring that commonsense attitude to our state cap ital — to lower the tempera ture in our government and fo cus on what’s right for our dis trict. Our last representative rarely showed up and even more rarely crossed the aisle for the good of our district. As

we saw on Jan. 6, 2021, par tisans don’t solve problems; partisans cause problems. We need a change. If elected, I promise to represent ALL of us in Baldwin, Naples, Sebago, Standish and Steep Falls. We need to think as Mainers and Americans first. The eagle doesn’t fly without both the left and right wings and the larger body in the center where most of us live day in and day out.

Barry Powers Sebago House District 84 candidate

Did you miss it?

To The Editor:

On Friday at 11 p.m., the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol released a news dump of border statistics, hoping nobody would see them be fore the election. They were very alarming!

There were 2,378,944 en counters at the border in fis cal year 2022, making it the highest in history!

There were 98 known ter rorists apprehended at the border, making it the highest in history!

There were 856 migrant deaths at the border, making it the highest in history!

There were an estimated 599,000 Got Aways at the border, making it the highest in history!

The illegals are streaming in day and night — see the

night vision photo (above) from Eagle Pass, Texas.

Japanese and Dutch media were at the border this week, but still no sign of the main stream media.

This Demlunacy has to stop. Let’s make crime ille gal. Vote the rascals out.

Bill Preis Bridgton

Get the facts!

To The Editor: Shame on us!

My grandfathers were both Doughboys, fighting in the trenches in France in World War I. For these first-genera tion Americans, it was an hon or and a duty and the horrors they witnessed were not told to small children. No heroes — just doing what was expected.

They now are rolling in their graves!

Back in France years lat er, my father was a 19-year-old U.S. Navy diesel mechanic on a ship that made two landings of combat engineers and equip ment on the beach on D-Day. A child he was — didn’t shave

yet, but after 50 years of si lence started to speak about the sights, and sounds, and smells of that day. Not a hero — doing what was expected of a young American facing a threat to his country and the world.

He is now rolling in his grave!

Now in our current political climate, there is enough blame and finger pointing to last for centuries, if we, our democra cy, lasts for decades.

We have all watched the show for more than six years… entertaining some might say… patriotic some might say…a real change to the status quo some might say. Do you like the show?

Is it entertaining? Did it make you feel good? How does it feel now?

Shame on us I say! Shame on all of us!

We are in this together and have been whether you want to realize that or not! Dig in — get facts and stop listening to those boobs on TV and your phone. Go out and vote with your head and your heart, but vote. Millions have sacrificed so you can vote!

Chris Zorn Bridgton

Box of Joy collection

St. Joseph Parish in Bridgton is hosting box pick up and collection sites for the “Box of Joy” initiative at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (857 Main Street in Fryeburg) and St. Joseph Church (225 South High Street in Bridgton).

All are encouraged to participate if they are able.

“Box of Joy” invites participants from Maine to fill boxes (pictured) with toys and other gifts and return them to the parishes by Nov. 10. The boxes are then

shipped to children in need living in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala to spread joy and mercy at Christmas time.

Please enclose a $9 check made out to Cross Catholic Outreach to cover the ship ping costs. For more information about the history and impact of the Box of Joy initiative, visitwww.crosscatholic.org/ box-of-joy

Candy donations needed

Candy donations for the Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m. at Stevens Brook Elementary School can be dropped off at the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce office at 257 Main Street, Suite 1, or Norway Savings Bank or KeyBank or Chalmers Insurance Group in Bridgton.

If you’d like to decorate a trunk, please arrive by 4 p.m. at Stevens Brook School back parking lot! If you have questions, please call Chamber Executive Director Angie Cook at 647-3472.

White Cane Collection

CANCELLED

Due to personal circumstances, the Bridgton Lions Club annual White Cane collection has been postponed from Saturday, Oct. 29 to Saturday, Nov. 5. Your support is appreciated.

Goblin Market at DAC

DENMARK — Denmark Arts Center pres ents Goblin Market with Mary Bastoni and Teresa Dyer on Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m.

This musical rendition is based on the poem by Victorian author Christina Roselleti. Told through haunting musical numbers, narration and prose, the show tells the story of two devoted sisters, Laura and Lizzie, who return to their childhood nursery after many years’ absence. Here they both discover and invent the world of their adolescence. Their nursery becomes a woodland glen

peopled by bizarre goblins, who entice them with lus cious fruits.

One of the sisters, Laura (Mary Bastoni), partakes of the forbidden offer

ings and falls under their addictive spell. Her sibling, Lizzie (Teresa Dyer) bar gains desperately with the fey creatures to find the

BCC Calendar

What is happening at Bridgton Community Center?

Today, Oct. 27

6 to 8 a.m., Fitness class with Dan Lyons

5 p.m., Kettle Dinner (ham dinner), prepared by the Bridgton Lions Club.

Friday, Oct. 28

9 to 10 a.m., Chair yoga.

1 to 4 p.m., Mah-jong meets weekly, new players welcome.

3 to 6:30 p.m., Bridges of Maine.

Saturday, Oct. 29

5 to 10 a.m., Hunter’s Breakfast.

9 a.m. to noon, Martins Point.

Sunday, Oct. 30

1 to 3 p.m., Girl Scouts.

A FUNDRAISER hosted by Ten Lakes Chiropractic Clinic netted $1,876 for the Harrison Food Bank. The 10 Lakes staff pose with the check (from left, front row) Chiropractic assistants Cheyanne Harden and Britta Dole, Harrison Food Bank Executive Director Sandy Swett, Chiropractic Assistant Jan Henry and Office Manager Michelle Eagan, (From left, back row) Dr. Derek Eagan and Dr. Karyn Hood. The staff of Ten Lakes held the fundraiser on Oct. 17. Clients at the clinic were being asked to make cash donations. A woman who wasn’t a patient stopped in with a check. Additionally, on the same day, the food bank set up a truck for food donations from the community.

(Photo Courtesy of 10 Lakes Chiropractic Clinic.)

ST. JOSEPH PARISH in Bridgton and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Fryeburg are hosting “Box of Joy” pick up and collection sites.

GOBLIN MARKET with Mary Bastoni and Teresa Dyer is Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. at Denmark Arts Center.

Bridgton Farmers’ Market recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Dried Cranberries

By Nancy Tripp Bridgton Farmers’ Market

Right now, several of our farmers have beautiful sweet potatoes on their tables for you to purchase. The sweet potato, bright in color and sweet in taste, is a nutritious alternative to the beloved white potato. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, B6, C and manganese, these tubers pack a nutritious punch while being low in calories and having the added benefit of helping to improve the regulation of our blood sugars.

I love sweet potatoes anyway they are served. The easiest prep is simply to bake them in the oven until tender, split the skin and dive in. Butter is not needed with the oozing juices that drip out of the fork pricks, but if you must, a bit of fat on a sweet potato enhances the uptake of beta carotene contained in the sweet potato. Sliced and roasted in a bit of olive oil as oven fries, or in your favorite Thanksgiving casserole, this vegetable is hard to beat as a winter favorite.

The following recipe is one I discovered in one of my Ayurvedic cookbooks and it is a family fav. The sweet potato I use can easily be replaced with almost any winter squash you have available. I particularly like to prepare this dish when I have company over for dinner. Check it out!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Dried Cranberries

From Heaven’s Banquet: Vegetarian Cooking for Lifelong Health the Ayurveda Way by Miriam Kasin Hospodar Ingredients

4 cups puréed cooked sweet potato or winter squash

¼ cup melted ghee or butter

½ cup raw or packed brown sugar.

1 teaspoon allspice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

⅓ cup finely-chopped crystallized ginger

½ cup dried cranberries

Salt

½ cup pecan halves

Directions

Bake sweet potatoes or squash whole, halved, quartered, or sliced. If using squash quartered or sliced, remove the stringy portion and seeds, brush exposed surfaces with oil or melted ghee. Always bake spaghetti squash whole.

Bake in a 350º oven until completely tender. Sliced squash takes 30 to 45 minutes; whole squash takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350º. Butter a baking dish or if using squash shells, place on an oiled baking sheet.

Purée the potatoes or squash, ghee or butter, sugar, all spice, and lemon juice together in a food processor or with a stick blender. Stir in the crystallized ginger and dried cranber ries. If you feel it’s warranted, cautiously add salt to taste.

Spoon into the baking dish or squash shells and spread evenly. Decorate the top with the pecan halves. Bake for 30 minutes.

So good!

The Bridgton Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from

Damnationland: A Fright to Remember

Autumn in Maine sets the perfect landscape for the strange and unusual. Damnationland is back. Now in its 11th year, Damnationland is an annual showcase of strange, fright ening (and sometimes funny) works conjured up just in time for the spookiest sea son.

Since the program’s incep tion in 2010, Damnationland has become one of the most vital independent film events in the state of Maine. Films from the program have gone on to screen at festi vals around the world, and Damnationland alumni have been to some of the most prestigious fests and inde pendent film labs, including

Sundance, Slamdance, and IFP/Gotham.

This year, Damnationland returns to in-theater screen ing events after a three-year hiatus, including a showing at the Magic Lantern Theater in Bridgton this Friday, Oct. 28 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

“Something feels extra special about this year’s program,” says Creative Director, Mackenzie Bartlett. “It’s been a weird few years, to put it lightly. We have such a vibrant, creative film community in our little state. Damnationland provides a unique opportunity to not

Book donations resume at BPL

Thank you for a very successful “clear the shelves” book sale. The Friends of the Bridgton Public Library are now accepting used books at the library until Dec. 17, 2022.

The Friends are looking for books in excellent condi tion for the big summer sale in mid-July 2023. Fiction, non-fiction and children’s books are the most popular genres — no textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibles, water damaged books, nor spiral-bound volumes, please.

After a winter break (book shed snowed in), the Friends will resume book collection in April – look for notifications at the library and in the media.

Enjoy your winter reads and donate in the spring. All proceeds go to support Library programs and resources.

only showcase that talent and uplift local voices- but also an opportunity to gather and celebrate in person.”

Damnationland strives to champion the diverse voices of Maine’s film community — from folks with feature documentaries under their belts, award winning genre short films, to first-time film makers. This year’s group of

Maine-based talent includes never before seen work by Emily Bodley, Thomas Campbell, Sam Carlson, Amber Chilton, Jacob Cote, Elizabeth Freeman, Ricardo Lorenzo, Phoebe Parker, Hannah Perry, and Lola RocknRolla.

Blurays and DVDs of this year’s program will be available in November at all Bull Moose locations as well as online via Bandcamp at http://damnationland.band camp.com

drive

NAPLES — Great Northern Docks hosted their 3rd Annual Food Drive with their business partners, The Maine Cabin Masters, for The Crosswalk Community Outreach in Naples. Despite pouring rain and high winds, 45 cars came out for the event.

“Though the wind and rain were wild Friday, there was plenty of sunshine at the Great Northern Docks food drive. Thank you to all the cheerful givers who made it happen,” said Sam Merriam, Owner at Great Northern Docks.

“We would like to thank everyone who came out

today with their generous donations” added Cathy Dennehy, Sales Manager at Great Northern Docks. “As an organization we are grate ful to be in a position to give back to our community, as a team we had great fun meet ing our neighbors and enjoy ing the day with the Maine Cabin Masters.”

“There are no words that express the level of grati tude we have for what you have done once again with your food drive event!” said Joanna and David Moore, representing Crosswalk Community Outreach. “Your hospitality, generosity and

were evident today.”

8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 29. You can find BFM on The Green behind Renys on Depot Street. If you bring your dog, please maintain a short leash and control over your animal. Thank you!

Nov. 12, the Market will be moving to its new winter loca tion at the Masonic Hall, Oriental Lodge #13 at 166 Harrison Road (Route 117). The market will run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For a full list of vendors and information on ordering visit https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact BFM at bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com BFM accepts credit cards and EBT. See you there!

Breakfasts & Suppers

SCRUMPTIOUS & SPOOKTACULAR SUPPER

The Casco Village Church, United Church of Christ is hosting its annual “October Saturday Night Supper” on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This month’s dinner will be a “Scrumptious & Spooktacular Supper” featuring casseroles, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, salads and homemade pies for dessert! It’s all for only $10 for adults, and $5 for children age 8 and under. Costumes welcome of course! The church is located at 941 Meadow Road in Casco. Contact: 207-627-4282.

HUNTERS’ BREAKFAST

The Stoneham Rescue Hunters’ Breakfast will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the rescue on Butters Hill Road in Stoneham. Menu: Pancakes, sau sage, home-fries, bacon, ham, and breakfast sandwiches to-go. Raffle and more.

HUNTERS’ BREAKFAST

Every Saturday, starting Oct. 29 to Nov. 26, 5 to 10 a.m., at the Bridgton Community Center.

BEAN SUPPER

The Edes Falls Sewing Circle will hold a public supper on Saturday, Nov. 5 with settings at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Edes Falls Community Hall on Edes Falls Road in Naples. The menu includes two kinds of beans, hot dogs, American chop suey, potato salad, cole slaw, homemade biscuits and a variety of jellied salads. Cost: $10 for adults, and $4 for children.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

A free (donations appreciated) Thanksgiving Community Lunch will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Otisfield Community Hall, Route 121. Menu: Turkey with stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, cranberry sauce, rolls, pies, apple cider and coffee. Helpers are needed! If you can help set up, help at the lunch or clean-up, please call George Gallant at (207) 739-1065.

Pam

Calendar of Events

Thursday, October 27

Harrison Maine Climate Action Group has changed its meetings to the second and fourth Thursdays at 2 p.m., at the Harrison Village Library. Next meeting is October 13. This is a nonpartisan group. Masks are encouraged, as the space is small. Interested but can’t attend? You can participate without attending meetings: join the Facebook group: Harrison Maine Climate Action, or e-mail Andrea at: harrisonmaine climateac tion@gmail.com.

Kettle Dinner, present ed by the Bridgton Lions’ Club, 5 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. Menu: baked ham, au gratin pota toes, salad, rolls and ice cream sundaes. Indoor, sitdown service only. Free of charge.

Friday- Saturday, October 28-29

Survive the Haunted Walk and Zombie Laser Tag presented by Bridgton Rec, 5 to 9 p.m. Outdoors at the Town Hall, 26 North High Street. Volunteers needed. Cost is $6 for the walk or $16 for the walk and Laser tag. Proceeds benefit the Rec Department’s enrich ment programs. This event was created as a fundrais er to support Children’s Enrichment Programs in

Bridgton. These proceeds go to offering more enrich ment opportunities after school for children and their families. Last year, the Rec raised $2,259 in just three days for summer camp scholarships and enrichment field trips! BR wants to reach $5,000 this year! For tickets, go to bridgtonmaine. org/bridgton-recreation

Friday, October 28

Guided Nature Walk. Join Shannon Nelligan and Tom Durkin at the Highland Research Forest for a guided nature walk at 9 a.m. The group will explore strate gies and adaptations that enable life to survive in the winter months and the dif ferent birds, plants, amphib ians, and reptiles that you are likely to see in the for est. For more info or to sign up, e-mail shannon@ mainelakes.org

Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30

Goblin Market with Mary Bastoni and Teresa Dyer is Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. at Denmark Arts Center. Tickets are avail able at the denmarkarts.org/ events

Saturday, October 29 Fall Bake Sale, Naples United Methodist Church, 1000 Roosevelt Trail,

Naples from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will feature Fall breads and desserts!

Drive-Up Lunch at Lovell Church of Christ, 1174 Main Street, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $5 per person. Menu: homemade tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich, brownie. Call 928-3132 to reserve. Proceeds benefit LUCC Christmas baskets.

Halloween Boo Extravaganza from 5 to 8 p.m. at Crystal Lake Park in Harrison. Includes Trunk or Treat. Event sponsored by the Harrison Village Library, Harrison Recreation and Pam Sessions of Bearfoot Realty of Oxford.

Beetlejuice on the big screen on the Naples Village Green at 6:40 p.m. The movie, popcorn and hot chocolate provided by Naples Recreation and Community Activities. Bring a chair, blanket and snacks.

Halloween party from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring music, dancing, contests, and valu able prizes at the beloved “Hawthorne House” located at 40 Hawthorne Road in Raymond. Admission to the Halloween party is free, with fundraising donations great ly appreciated. Costumes are encouraged and the event is BYOB. Those wishing to attend are asked

Classified Advertising

DRIED FIREWOOD — Dried twelve months. Selling seasoned hardwood year-round. One

$350, cut, split,

Call 207-595-5029; 207-583-4113. maineseasonedfirewood.com 52t31x

CHESTNUT — 3x5 dining table, four dowback chairs. Showroom condition $275. Yardman snowblower 9hp, 28” electric start $300. Snowbear trailer 5x8. Great for hauling lawn tractors, etc. Great condition $325. Call 890-6432. 2t43x

WANTED

SNOWPLOWING & SANDING (a plus) for long driveway. Lakehouse Rd., Naples. Call. 6538141. 2t43x

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

KIMBALL PROPERTY MAIN TENANCE — Fall cleanup, Bark mulch, loam, aggregates installed. Brush removal, chipping avail able. Firewood available, call for price. Fully Insured. Call 207595-8321, 583-8010. 6t38x

DENMARK HOUSE PAINTING — Since 1980. Interior and exte rior painting. Free estimates. Call John Mathews 452-2781. tf40x

DRIVING MISS DAISY — Transportation Service… Especially for Seniors. From shopping trips, pick-up and delivery to personal errands, airport, and special requests. Call or text your request to 207-2910193. 4t42x

YARD SALES

LOVELL — 20 Eastman Hill Rd., Sat. & Sun., Oct. 29 & 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Antiques, slant top desk, drop leaf table, end tables, rocking chair, lamps, kitchenware, glassware, pots, pans, books, bike, A/C window units, and knickknacks. 1t43x

to please register in advance by e-mailing Hawthorne@ maine.rr.com or by going online to https://hawthor neassoc.com/halloweenparty-2022/

Sunday, October 30

Drive Up Trick or Treat in the Lovell United Church of Christ parking lot, 3 to 4:30 p.m. (or until run out); photo booth available; all are welcome.

decorating contest.

Halloween fun in Waterford, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the North Waterford Fairgrounds, 36 Irving Green Road. Truck or Treat, photo-ops, free books and refreshments. Interested in volunteering? E-mail waterfordcommunitycoor dinator@gmail.com

Meeting Hall (Route 93, 147 Bridgton Road).

Texas Holdem, JacksonSilver Post, 595 Gore Road, Locke Mills. Doors open 11 a.m., games begin at 1 p.m. $50 buy-in, high hand option. BYOB (anyone under 21 must be accompa nied by a parent or guard ian). Beverages and meals available. FMI, Legion Office, 875-2375.

Peaceful Means will appear live at the First Universalist Church, 479 Main Street, Norway, at 7 p.m. Free, but donations welcome. Masks required.

Monday, October 31 Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, 5 p.m. at the Stevens Brook Elementary School parking lot.

Halloween games, cookie decorating, treat bags for kids at the Naples Halloween Party on the Village Green from 4 to 6 p.m. Come see the decorated pumpkin con test entries and show off your costumes. Check out the Naples Recreation & Community Activities Facebook page and town website for information regarding the costume photo contest and pumpkin

Wednesday, November 2 HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) staff will be at the Harrison Town Office, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check town web site for documents you will need to present as part of the application process.

Saturday, November 5

Christmas Craft & Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., North Sebago U.M. Church, Route 114 in Sebago. Light lunch.

Holly Berry Craft Fair, 9 a.m., Lake Region High School.

Craft Fair and Bake Sale, Sweden Volunteer Fire Association, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sweden Town

Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 Winter Wear Giveaway. Community HELP wants to keep local residents warm this winter. A Winter Wear Giveaway will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5-6 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center. Bridgton residents only. Children must be present to try items on; no exceptions will be made. Income verification forms required (available on site). Contact Laura at (207) 3211988 if you are unable to attend on these dates.

Friday, November 11 Veterans Day service to honor fallen veterans, pre sented by American Legion Post 67 of Bridgton, at Farragut Park, North High Street, across from the Bridgton Town Hall at 10 a.m.

Goblin at DAC

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antidote that would save her sister from an untimely death. Their story weaves an enchanted spell that will linger long in the memory.

Goblin Market musi cians include cellist Barbara Paschke, violinist Ellen Schwindt, and pianist John Waldie.

Script by Polly Pen and Peggy Harmon with music by Polly Pen; adapted from the poem by Christina Rossetti and performed by Mary Bastoni and Teresa Dyer.

A facilitated discus sion with Lakes Region Recovery Center will fol low each performance.

Tickets are available at the denmarkarts.org/ events.

The show is funded by a grant from the National Endowment the Humanities (NEH) initiative Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) as part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan of 2021 and support from Lakes Region Recovery Center

The Art Center’s HEPA air purifier systems and ventilation will be engaged for indoor performances.

Carving for Sunshine campers

Once again Lake Region High School last Thursday, Oct. 20 assisted Camp Sunshine with their annual pump kin festival held at L.L. Bean in Freeport. Unlike other schools that may send a handful of jack-olanterns, our local Lakers contributed a third of all the pumpkins at the fes tival!

This year, like others, Lakers carved 2,000, a third of the 6,000 at the festival. It is a “whole gym affair” requiring the gym floor to be covered and taped, numerous tables brought in and then all those pumpkins. Set up started near the end of the day Wednesday, Oct. 19, and carving was done all day Thursday.

On Friday, the Hancock Lumber truck rolled in and hauled all the jack-olanterns to Freeport.

Lake Region

Alternative Education students and staff met the pumpkins in Freeport and set about unloading them, as well as others, all over the L.L. Bean campus and then a candle was added to each. They are lit up Friday and Saturday nights. There are all sorts

of other activities at the festival, like the artful carving of a thousandpound pumpkin, corn mazes and games.

Lake Region Alternative Education staff Ann Bragdon and Tyler Battist supervised the event from set up,

carving, the time at L.L. Bean and all the clean-up.

“It is a lot of hard work, but Camp Sunshine is a great cause and is in our own community,” Bragdon said. “It is a wonderful yearly tradi tion the high school takes on.”

Rotary Club’s Good Citizens

Elizabeth O’Leary of Casco has been selected as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for September.

Each month, the Rotary Club recognizes a Lake Region High School stu dent who displays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a mon etary gift.

Parent: Brian O’Leary Activities: Blood dona tion

Hobbies: Creative writing, watching movies, reading, spending time with friends.

Future plans: Major in psychology at UMass Dartmouth, volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good citizen? Having empathy, respect toward others, and perse verance.

Q. What piece of advice that you have received that has made a difference in your life? I can’t really pick a single piece of advice, but really just all the encouragement I’ve gotten from my aunt, Sharon Cabral, has made such an impact on me. I don’t think I would’ve made it through high

Emily Rock of Bridgton has been select ed as the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club’s “Citizen of the Month” for October.

school without her.

Q. Who is your favor ite teacher and why? Mrs. Curtsinger. It’s awesome having a teacher who just gets it. She doesn’t pres sure me on hard days and instead encourages me on my good ones. We need more teachers like her, who understand the stu dent perspective and work with it instead of against it.

Q. How have you tried to make your school/ community a better place? I always try and encourage those around me to be their best selves and to put their best foot forward.

Q. What accomplish ment are you most proud of, and why? I’m most proud of myself for perse vering. The world is a hard place, and many allow themselves to become hardened by it. I’m glad I still have a fairly positive outlook on life.

Alecssander Freitas of Naples has been selected as the Mason’s Vocational Student of the Month for October, according to Lake Region Vocational Driector David Morse.

Alecssander is a mem ber of the Class of 2023.

Parents: Rick and Angela Strout Siblings: Caiden and Caleb Hobbies: I enjoy cross country running, track, and skiing.

What program are you in at the Vocational

Center? I am in the Law Enforcement II program.

What do you like most about your program? I like how I’m able to work and learn in an environ ment that’s tailored to my interests.

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend a four-year col lege to major in Political Science.

What career goal(s) do you have? I plan to run for State Senator and then eventually to run for U.S. Senator.

Who or what inspired you to pursue this path? I was inspired by the American Legion, through their Dirigo State and Boy’s Nation programs. I was grateful to be a part of both of these.

What advice would you like to give future stu dents? Always ask ques tions no matter how insig nificant they may seem. The answer might help you more than you’d think.

Each month, the Rotary Club recogniz es a Lake Region High School student who dis plays good citizenship and contributes to the school community. The recipient is honored at a Rotary breakfast meeting and is presented a mon etary gift.

Parents: Melissa Rock and Shawn Rock Activities: I am a part of the soccer team, ski racing team, and the soft ball team.

Hobbies: In my free time, I am a volunteer youth coach. Other than that, I enjoy thrifting and eating sushi.

Future plans: In col lege, I will get my mas ter’s in the field of psy chology.

Q. What do you believe are three keys to being a good citizen? Getting involved, having a giving personality, and understanding your own limits.

Q. What piece of advice that you have received that has made a difference in your life? My dad has always been my coach and his biggest saying is “don’t suck.” As harsh as that may sound, that is the most used thought I have in my mind before doing something stressful.

Q. Who is your favor ite teacher and why? Ms. Gaumont. Though I might

not be the most academi cally inclined student, I still try. Sometimes I get in slumps in the school year and that results in me having trouble doing my work. When that hap pens, she makes sure I am okay outside of the classroom.

Q. How have you tried to make your school/community a bet ter place? Since I am involved in a lot of pro grams and clubs, I am able to make upgrades with those groups. I also make a difference by example; I stay posi tive as much as I can, so that others become just as positive.

Q. What accom plishment are you most proud of, and why? This past summer, I went to Dirigo State. This was an organization that mixed Boys’ and Girls’ State so that it could be co-ed. Even though it was only a week long, I made so many connections and still talk to the people I met every day.

Alecssander Freitas