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Serving Bridgton and the surrounding towns of Western Maine since 1870.

Vol. 150, No. 46

14 PAGES - 2 Sections

Bridgton, Maine

November 12, 2020

www.bridgton.com

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TIF, a key to care facility

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Matthew Walters believes Bridgton is the ideal location to build a 48-bed memory care facility.

To make the financial numbers work, however, Walters says the project will require a TIF — tax increment financing.

What is a TIF? It is a public financing method that is used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure and other community-improvement projects. Through the use of TIF, municipalities typically divert future property tax revenue increases from a defined area or district toward an economic development project or public improvement project in the community. TIF subsidies are not appropriated directly from a municipality’s budget, but the municipality incurs loss through foregone tax revenue.

A TIF has to be approved by voters. Bridgton currently has three TIFs — one for the Magic Lantern, one for Route 302 project and one granted to a senior housing project off Harrison Road.

Walters, who is the managing member of Woodlands Senior Living (WSL), appeared before the Selectboard Tuesday night via Zoom to gauge their level of interest in supporting a TIF before starting the planning and project approval process.

WSL is a Maine-owned company with 40-plus years of experience. It has facilities in eight Maine locations, and for the past 20 years has specialized in memory care facilities.

Walters, whose father Lon had appeared twice before local officials regarding a proposed project here, said Bridgton is “underserved” in terms of assisting those with memory impairments.

WSL has entered into a purchase/sales agreement for two lots (total about 17 acres) on North High Street, contingent upon TIF and Planning Board approvals. At this year’s town meeting, voters cleared a path for the project to be considered by amending the Land Use Ordinance to include such facilities in that district.

“This project would bring significant economic benefits and added value to the tax base,” Walters said. “The model has been tested and proven to be effective.”

The facility would cover 24,000 square feet and would be similar in style to projects in Madison and Farmington. Citing cost and size, Walters said only a memory care facility will be constructed.

“We like the location. It sets up nicely for what we want to do,” he said. “It wouldn’t be sufficient to expand beyond a memory care community.”

The facility would create 32 to 35 full-time jobs, Walters noted.

Selectman Bear Zaidman said Walters should talk with Wastewater Engineer Brent Bridges regarding the cost to install a sewer line from the proposed memory care site to connect with the town’s wastewater system. The town, at one time, conBRIDGTON, Page 8A

REMEMBERING THOSE COVID CLAIMED — The Sebago community gathered at Veteran Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, to remember Maine residents that have lost their lives to Covid-19. Red hearts were placed on the fir tree, one for every person who had died. The hearts were hand painted by 25 Sebago volunteers. The event was organized by Anne McMahon and Wendy Newcomb of SPICE, a group who supports the Sebago Elementary School. Pictured are Ann McMahon and Wendy Newcomb organized the event; and Pastors Fred Fortier and Karen Moore, who placed hearts on the Covid memorial tree. (Photos by Allen Crabtree)

Can I hunt on town property?

Town braces for home work order

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — The dust had barely settled from the election season craziness when the staff at Naples town hall started preparing for the possibility of workfrom-home quarantine.

It’s a possibility, Naples Town Manager John Hawley said.

The increase of daily positive Covid-19 tests in Maine could mean some changes for municipalities.

For the past few weeks, new positive cases have been on the rise, with daily increases, ranging from 47 people on Nov. 1, to 177 people on Monday and 195 people on Tuesday. The total num-

ber of active cases reached 1,725, according to the Maine CDC webpage.

“If the number continues to increase, I do anticipate another shutdown to some degree; and the town staff are preparing to work remotely again when that becomes necessary,” Hawley said.

Already, Governor Janet Mills most recent mandate has meant that people must continue to wear masks despite a six-foot separation.

“Last week, the governor issued an executive order that repealed the bars and tap rooms ability to reopen, citing the rapid increase in contaminations,” Hawley said. “The order also reiterated and expanded

the mask order to include stricter indoor standards and to include outdoor public spaces. There is now no social distance-approved area. Masks have to be worn 100% of the time when you are on public property, even outdoors.”

Chairman Jim Grattelo commented that the City of Portland closed the city clerk’s office for cleaning on Monday and Tuesday.

Hawley has been trying to get the town reimbursed for expenses related to COVID. “I have started the process to claim pandemic expenses for reimbursement from the FEMA-declared disaster. Since the start of

the pandemic, we had had roughly $23,000 in additional expenses. Those expenses include personal protective equipment and supplies for our emergency staff as well as frontline employees; disinfectant and cleaning equipment and supplies for all of the town buildings and outdoor public spaces, office modifications to separate staff and citizens, computer upgrades for the delivery of municipal service remotely,” Hawley said. “Unfortunately, FEMA will only reimburse expenses that are directly related to fire, EMS and police.

Currently, those expenses are only about one-third of WORK, Page 6A

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — Local selectmen view the job of being the stewards of taxpayers’ dollars as a top priority — whether it is keeping the budget down or not losing out on valuable revenue.

Naples selectmen expressed a desire not to miss out on the property tax on homes that have sold in Naples for hundreds of thousand dollars more than what the recorded valuation is.

The Naples Board of Selectmen invited Town Assessor John O’Donnell to talk about chasing sales, the

changing of real estate valuations based on sales.

In a few weeks, the selectmen will hold a workshop on assessing. The assessing workshop is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. on Nov. 23. That’s an hour earlier than the selectmen’s regular meeting time.

On Oct. 26, O’Donnell was on the board’s agenda, and “chasing sales” was discussed.

Chairman Jim Grattelo asked if the town could adjust valuation after sales occur. He said that this practice might be discouraged by the state, but it is not illegal.

First off, he said he didn’t like phrase: chasing sales.

“I’ve had a problem with the fact that we have many people who come to Naples from out-of-state and they buy a property,” Grattelo said, adding that he could cite specific examples. “I know of a property that is listed at $850,000 and sold at $1.3 million. I know a property that is taxed at $800,000 and it just got an appraised at $1.2 million.

So, I suspect they would put it on the market with today’s Covid situation and everyone wanting to leave New York and Massachusetts and

California and come to a safe haven like Maine. That would sell for $1.2 in 24 hours.”

There are “properties that have sold in town for $100 to $200,000 above what is on the books. I don’t understand why we aren’t making adjustments. Why we are waiting 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 years without making adjustment as property sales are taking place in town,” Grattelo asked.

“You have said many times it against the law,” Grattelo said, addressing O’Donnell directly. “There TAXES, Page 3A

Legal to capture home-sales taxes?

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer CASCO — A citizen aimed his sights on finding out whether or not it was okay to hunt on town-owned land.

A Casco resident reached out to the town and asked if it was permissible to hunt for deer on a specific parcel of land off State Park Road.

“I checked in our files to see if we had a policy on hunting on town land,” Casco Interim Town Manager Don Gerrish said.

He found no laws or ordinance at the town level, but the state offered some guidance. According to State of Maine hunting laws, there is implied permission, meaning that if the land is not posted, people can hunt there, Gerrish said.

The inquiry was brought up during the Casco Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday night.

Holly Hancock asked if there were any homes near the area in question.

Gerrish said he did not know for certain.

He said that he did not have any opinion on the matter.

His reason for bringing up the topic was to make sure the selectmen knew, and to give them the opportunity to take action.

Newly-elected Selectman Scott Avery spoke.

“If we are going to post one piece of property, there are so many pieces of property that we will have to post. It is going above and beyond,” Avery said.

It would be very time consuming for the town staff to put up all those ‘no hunting’ signs, Avery said.

State laws prohibiting people from hunting too close to residential areas would sort out on which town parcels hunting would be allowed.

“I will tell the person that we are not going to post it,” Gerrish said.

“It is good that they contacted us,” he said. He added that hunters are required to contact private landowners with a request to hunt there. Since it was not a requirement that hunters contact the town about hunting on public land, it was courteous of the citizen to do so, he said.

No action needs to be taken, Gerrish concluded.

The Bridgton News Established 1870

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

Area news

Page 2A, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

Reaching milestones

Proud vets, former summer residents set to celebrate 75th anniversary

By Wayne E. Rivet Staff Writer Over their lifetime, Don and Helen Mellor have been extremely proud of three things: One, they worked very hard.

Two, they proudly served their country.

Three, the couple has created a loving, close-knit family.

They will soon add another impressive milestone to their life’s resume — the Mellors will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24, and according to family, they are believed to be the oldest living couple who both served their country.

Don is 99. Helen is 96.

The long-time Bridgton summer residents celebrate birthdays in February.

“They are an absolute hoot,” said grandson Mike, who remembers going to many 4 On The Fourth road races and seeing his grandmother win her age category.

“They rile you with their humor.”

Their paths seemed destined to cross. Each was born in Cranston, R.I. and grew up nearly a block or two away from each other.

Unlike families today, the Mellors established firm roots then and stayed put.

“When you look back over the last 90-plus years, I bet you could put a 7-iron down where they were born, and hit to the six different houses they lived in, in different directions. They have been Cranstonites their whole lives,” son Tom said.

They knew of each other, having both been employed at Builders Iron Factory, working the 8 to 5 shift.

They became an item after attending a special dinner.

“One of dad’s friends and mom’s acquaintances were going into the Army, so there was a dinner to say good-bye. They happened to be seated across from each other at the table. I think

dad had his eye on mom,” Tom recalled. “They had nine dates, and then decided to get married. My dad goes home and tells his mother, ‘Mom, I’m getting married.’

And she says, ‘To who?’”

Don is most proud that he always had a job. He grew up in the Depression. His dad had no money. Everybody was out of work. Don had a paper route and contributed to the family fund to buy food. He also helped a guy empty ashes.

“He had a barrel over his shoulder and went to different houses to empty wood stoves and fireplaces, getting 25 cents,” Tom said.

Don was a good athlete, playing three sports in high school. He was picked up by the Boston Olympics in 1941-42. They played in the old Eastern Hockey League, which consisted of six or seven teams. The Boston Olympics were the minor league club for the Boston Bruins.

“If they had a game in New York, the train made multiple stops picking up players until they finally had a full team,” Tom said.

“Dad, at times, had to hitchhike back because he had a job.”

When Don suffered an injury playing hockey, he had just started a job with New England Telephone Co. The company told Don he was either going to climb poles or play hockey.

“He was just starting a family at that time, so he made the decision it was time to get a real job,” Tom said. “New England Telephone was a solid job.

If you could get a job with a good company, you just kept that job. My dad followed a simple rule — you show up on time, you act respectful, you don’t complain, you be a team player and be a good citizen. A pretty good rule to go by.”

Don is also proud of his military service, 1943-45.

He served on a Fletcher-

PROUDLY SERVING THEIR COUNTRY — Don is pictured as he heads off to the Navy in 1943, while Helen heads off to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1944.

ENJOYING BRUNCH at their son Tom’s house — Helen and Don Mellor. The couple will celebrate their 75th anniversary on Nov. 24, likely making them the oldest couple to both have served in the military. Don turns 100 on Washington’s Birthday in February, while Helen reaches 97 on Feb. 1. class destroyer — the USS Hopewell, DD681 (which he has on his R.I. license plate) — in the South Pacific “His ship got hit by ground fire from the Japanese. They lost several men (17). Where the shell hit was the place my dad used to work; down underneath where the control room was.

It had been really hot, and he was friends with a commanding officer. Three days before, he was moved on top (deck),” Tom said.

Tom saw a special gleam in his dad’s eyes four to five years ago when he accompanied Don on an Honor Flight to the nation’s historical landmarks in Washington, D.C. “It was a wonderful day,” Tom said.

Helen served in U.S. Coast Guard, but didn’t go overseas. She was a member of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Women’s Reserve, known as the SPARS. It was established by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Nov. 23, 1942. This authorized the acceptance of women into the reserve as commissioned officers and at the enlisted level, for the duration of the war plus six months. Its purpose was to release officers and men for sea duty and to replace them with women at shore stations. Most of the enlisted women performed clerical duties, but they also rigged parachutes and drove jeeps.

“Dad kids her that she would be walking up the ladder, and all men would be below, and her skirt would

be waving,” Tom said. “They still have excellent sense of humor. And, they are very proud of their service. They are quite the couple.”

The Providence Journal recently reported that a couple in their mid-90s were the oldest living married couple that both served in the military.

“We wrote a nice respectful letter saying that was a beautiful article but we think they might be in second place,” Tom noted.

Finding Bridgton Although they have always called Cranston, R.I. home, the Mellors had a love for Bridgton.

“They always wanted to get something in Maine,” Tom said.

They were driving through Maine and saw a sign on Route 302. It said, “Cabins For Sale.” They debated about exploring the possibility, and suddenly made a U-turn into TaylorTown. Owner Craig Taylor handed the couple six to seven keys, noting that he had just put the cabins on the market.

“They’re all for sale.”

They walked around for an hour, looking at each cabin. They decided upon a corner cabin with stunning views of Highland Lake and Mt. Washington.

They gave deposit, and Don returned a week later with $36,000 cash. He had just sold a house where he lived since the couple had moved in with Helen’s elderly parents. For the next 20 years, Don added to the cabin — a loft, deck, dock, little playhouse for the kids, work shed.

Deep RETIREMENT Discounted TRADITION — Like many families, the Mellors hosted children and grandchildren during the Fourth of July, which included taking part in the road race.

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their children, they visited every state five times. They also drove to Alaska three times. That love of adventure rubbed off on Mike, who has also explored across the map.

When getting to Maine became tougher for Don and Helen, they sold the house and put a pool in their backyard, which Don still swims every day.

“A guy told my dad that he had never put a pool in for an 84-year-old,” Tom said.

Don retired from the Telephone Co. at age 65.

He took a month off and decided he needed to get back to work. So, Don went to work for the Cranston Public Library.

“It has seven branches and a main branch. You can take a book out of one branch, and return it to another branch. His job was to go to branch to branch, get the books that didn’t belong there, and bring them back to headquarters, sort them out and redeliver them back to the branches. He tells me that if everybody did what his mother told him to do — which is put it back to where you got it from — he would be out of a job,” Tom noted.

One day last year, Don just stepped away.

“He woke up and said the job was getting a little too much for him. He wasn’t as steady. It’s time to move on,” Tom said. “My older brother, Duke, who was a telephone man and had retired, took his role as book van driver. They’re keeping it in the family.”

Overall, the couple have COUPLE, Page 8A

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“He was an incredible handyman and furniture maker. He could do anything. He’d make gifts for those whose lives touched them,” Tom said. “They had more fun up at that cabin.

He’d take summer off from his job and stay at the cabin.

The kids had their kids and we all would have reunions around the Fourth of July; we’d rent some rooms, while also tossing down tents and sleeping bags.”

The family certainly grew over the years — six kids, 46 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike has fond memories of learning to build items with his grandfather, enjoying breakfast at Sandy’s Flight Deck in Naples, and of course, swimming in the lake.

“They called me the ‘loon’ because I’d go underwater for as long as possible and then freak my grandmother out by popping up behind her,” Mike recalled.

About 20 years ago, on one Fourth of July, one of Tom’s sisters is married to an Air Force pilot. He flew A-10s, and now teaches pilots in that aircraft. He arranged a three A-10 fly by.

“We were down on the dock, and he was on the phone with his boys. 90 seconds later, our eyes were on these dots on the horizon.

They came zooming down the lake, engines roaring, and shoot up into the air. I heard people in the coffee shops asking, “Did you see the fly by? What the hell was that?” We were waving flags,” Tom recalled.

Don and Helen also loved to travel. Over the years with

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Area news

November 12, 2020 The Bridgton News, Page 3A

Solar projects discussed at Sweden meeting

By Perri Black Special to The News SWEDEN — A special town meeting was held in Sweden on Saturday, Nov. 7, to discuss two specific items: compensation to the Town Clerk for additional work during the 2020 elections and an amendment and change of language related to conditional use permits in the town’s Land Use Ordinance.

Over 50 people attended the meeting, which began at 9:15 a.m. at the Sweden Town Meeting Hall on Bridgton Road (Route 93).

Current CDC protocols to prevent the spread of Covid19 were followed including wearing masks, limiting the

number of individuals in the meeting hall, and maintaining social distance. David Frum, head of the Sweden Selectboard, was elected to be the moderator.

The first item on the agenda — to allocate $1,800 in compensation to the Town Clerk for extra work related to two elections during the 2020 pandemic — passed unanimously and without discussion.

The second item — “… to Amend the Town of Sweden Zoning and Land Use Ordinance to Revise the Amendment Procedure and Provisions Regarding Public Utilities” — was motioned, seconded, and discussed indepth.

At issue was a proposed change in the language of an article in the ordinance related to conditional use permits and Public Utility projects, which was prompted by two project applications submitted to the town Planning Board by one solar energy company and a potential third project application from another solar company. Some members of the Selectboard believe that the proposed solar energy projects may be financially beneficial for the town depending on how the state legislature handles a solar bill now under consideration.

At the annual Town Meeting last July (delayed

from March due to the pandemic), Sweden citizens voted to allocate $25,000 to review and update the town’s Subdivision Regulations and the Zoning and Land Use Ordinances. To date, this process has not yet started.

During the public discussion at the meeting on Saturday, it was clear that the town citizens who were present are wary of changing town ordinances piecemeal when all of the ordinances are due to be reviewed and money has been provided for the job.

The nearly hour-long discussion was, at times, heated and passionate. The main concern among townspeople was a perceived urgency

to change the ordinance language now in order to accommodate the potential solar projects instead of waiting for the full review and update of the ordinances as agreed on and funded at the July Town Meeting. The amendment to change the language of the ordinance was defeated 33 to 12, so the current ordinance still stands.

Proposed and potential solar energy projects in Sweden will be under consideration for a long time.

While they may generate income for the town, these types of projects will significantly impact the character of the town and the quality of life of its residents.

Naples’ revaluaton planned for 2023

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — The longer a town goes without reassessing property values, the more expensive the cost of doing a revaluation becomes.

That is according to Naples Assessor John O’Donnell. He spoke to the Naples Board of Selectmen recently. Also, O’Donnell will be on hand for an assessing workshop that is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. on Nov. 23.

Naples Chairman Jim Grattelo asked why the estimated cost for a revaluation had doubled in the span of a decade.

“In 2009, we did a revaluation and you charged us roughly $110,000, give or take. This year, your proposal is $224,000,” Grattelo said. “My question is: what has gone up? We have roughly the same number of properties. Why has the price doubled? What more work is going to be involved in this reval versus the one done 9 or 10 years ago.”

O’Donnell explained.

“Everything we do is more expensive: the wages, the health insurance. When we did the 2009 revaluation, the prior revaluation was in 2002. That was 7 years” difference, he said.

“The passage of time has something to do with it. The market rates have something to do with it. And our overall class” has something to do with it.

Later, during the conservation, O’Donnell talked about the importance of keeping assessed values close to market values. He advocated for towns doing revaluations more often to achieve this and to keep down the cost of future revaluations.

“If I wanted to keep assessed values really tight as a group of numbers, I would look for adjusting them every four or five years. That is a pretty good timeframe for a rural Maine town to react to sales. Five years, in my experience as an assessor, you keep things

really tight in recognition of the market. I believe that six or seven years is more reasonable in terms of fairness and funding. But towns really don’t do that. They put it off and stretch it to every 10 years,” he said.

“By the time we do Naples it is going to have been 13 or 14 years. The passage of time does have to do with the difficulty of the job,” O’Donnell said.

“One of the things I would suggest is that we acted more frequently. We can do it cheaper, if we act more frequently. If the act within 10 years, it is the same [amount of] money.

If it has been 20 years, the difficulty of the job goes up with the passage of time.

The difficulty of the job goes up, the scope of the job goes up, with the passage of time.”

Also, O’Donnell told the selectmen that the town was getting a good deal based on price per parcel.

The Town of Naples has 3,000 homes on its property

tax list, he said. The price for Naples is slightly more than $60 per parcel, he said.

“The price per parcel for Naples is the lowest of all the numbers we have given in five years. It is also the furthest out — it’s a job that we’re are looking at in 2023,” O’Donnell said.

He cited the prices of towns that received revaluation in the past 10 years.

• In 2009, Town of Poland, $67 a parcel • In 2018, Town of Dixfield, $87 a parcel • In 2018, Town of Boothbay, $72 a parcel • In 2019, Town of Shapleigh, $67 a parcel • In 2020, New Gloucester, $71 a parcel • In 2021, Town of Jay, $74 dollar a parcel • In 2021, Town of Turner, $71 per parcel • In 2021, Town of Sebago, $85 per parcel Grattelo said that some towns are doing revaluation piecemeal: One class of properties at a time.

“Some towns are doing

(Continued from Page 1A) is no law on the State of Maine books that prohibits a town from changing assessments when sales are happening.”

“In a unique town like Naples, that is a tourist town with a lot of water property and people are willing to pay top dollar, why should 80% of taxpayers in Naples subsidize 20% of the people” who are buying property valued at less and not paying full tax on it, Gratello continued.

“Furthermore, they [the property buyers] are coming from other states where there is no such thing as a $11 or $12 tax rate. People coming from California or New York aren’t used to $11, $12 or $13 tax rates.

If we were to adjust their property based on what they bought it for, it would still be grossly under what they are accustomed to paying based on the mil rate,” he said. “I don’t know why we were told on more than one occasion that is against the law.”

O’Donnell, who was standing at the microphone, spoke.

“To your point: if you change an assessed value on the property in reaction

to the sale of the property, and you don’t change the assessment on any of the other properties in that area, basically you aren’t providing equitable treatment under the law,” O’Donnell said. “The state usually doesn’t do anything about sales chasing when it comes to an individual property owner being discriminated against. But if it turns into a mass appeal, where large group of property owners and it draws attention of the state tax assessors, one of the remedies is to force the town to do a revaluation.”

O’Donnell said that mostly it was not fair and equitable to “chase sales,” especially if adjustments to land prices are not being done across the board.

The town had its most

recent revaluation done in 2009. The town is planning to do it next property revaluation in 2023.

“When has the State of Maine ever forced a town to do a reval? When is the last time that happened,” Grattelo asked.

O’Donnell said it happened on Swan’s Island.

“That is a unique situation. I am talking about a regular town, not an island where everyone thinks they are overtaxed,” Grattelo said. “That fact of the matter is I don’t think we are trying to create an unequal proportion of the taxes. Number one: Several residents are subsidizing properties that are being sold at a much higher rate than they are being valued at. Number two: the state would have

to prove it was a willful act. We are not going out and trying to do something wrong against one person.

We are trying to adjust and create property taxes based on what is going on in the market. I don’t think for one second that we are going to do anything that is so egregious that the state is going to swoop in.” Grattelo continued, “Furthermore, if that is the worse-case remedy and you are saying we should do it [a revaluation] every four or five years [to stay on top of market fluctuations], then they are going to force us to do a revaluation that we should do anyway. We are missing out on adjusting properties that are being sold and we are forcing taxpayers to subsidize — that is my issue.”

Legal to capture home-sales taxes?

segments. They are doing commercial property, coastal property, rentals. You don’t have to do an entire town reval,” Grattelo said.

O’Donnell disagreed, saying it creates unfair taxation of one group or property class of taxpayers.

“It is unjust discrimination. I am not saying that towns don’t do it. Let’s say you break your town into four sections, and do sections in four years. Which group goes first? Which groups pays higher taxes for four years? Then, which group pays higher taxes for three years and so on,” O’Donnell said. “I will agree with you that there are assessors out there” who will do revaluation that way.”

Naples Code Enforcement Officer Renee Carter said the Town of Harrison approached its revaluation over a period of time.

“In Harrison, we factored shoreland zoning separately, and eventually residential rural caught up. First, we did shoreland zone and then we did residential rural,” Carter said.

Chairman Grattelo said the topic of assessing should be discussed more thoroughly during a workshop. The town has put on the municipal calendar an assessing workshop for Monday, Nov. 23, starting at 5 p.m.

Such projects will also affect neighboring towns in the area. Citizens, landowners, and taxpayers should be aware of these issues and become involved to have their say.

S w e d e n ’ s Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinances may be read at https://swedenmaine.org/ordinances/ The Selectboard and Planning Board meetings are open to the public.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The Selectboard meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. The Planning Board meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Due to Covid-19, meetings are currently being held via Zoom and the link is posted on the town website: swedenmaine.org.

More information, meeting minutes and updates are also posted on the town website and meetings are announced in The Bridgton News.

Cemetery dedication

After much delay due to current circumstances, Joshua L. Chamberlain Camp No. 69, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will be holding a dedication ceremony for the new Ridge Cemetery Union Veterans Monument on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 11 a.m., rain or shine.

All those interested are welcomed to attend. The event will take place outside, in the Ridge Cemetery, located at the four corners of the Middle Ridge, Upper Ridge, Highland and Chadbourne Hill Roads. There is room to park alongside the cemetery, and additional parking will be arranged if needed.

If anyone is concerned about Covid-19, the cemetery is large enough for individuals to spread out. Please bring a mask, and stay home if you are not well, regardless of Covid-19.

The ceremony should not be longer than half an hour, at most. Regardless, please dress warm for the occasion!

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I am proud to report that the voters of Bridgton, Denmark and Harrison have decided to return me back to the State Legislature for two more years. It’s an honor and a privilege to continue representing the fine people in this district. I continue to be awed by the concern and willingness to help each other. While dealing with the pandemic, it showed we can endure any crisis as long as we work together.

I want to thank my opponent Michael Davis for running. We made it a priority in our campaign to run a positive campaign because I believe that CIVILITY is very important to govern and to not denigrate opposing views. I will continue to listen and represent all of the voices in our communities. As I stated before, I will work hard for you.

State Representative Elect, Walter Riseman Telephone 207-890-7866 Email: wriseman@gmail.com Webpage: www.walterriseman.com

Police news

Page 4A, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

On the Bridgton Police blotter

Woman found in woods

LOVELL — A Lebanon woman, who was reported missing after her vehicle was found abandoned on Route 5 in Fryeburg on Saturday afternoon, has been found.

Tammy Millette of Tammy Millette reportLebanon edly spent the nights in the woods, and was discovered Sunday night by her husband, down an embankment and near a waterfall, covered with leaves.

Maine State Police Troop A sought public assistance in locating Millette Saturday afternoon. Millette was last seen on Route 5 in Fryeburg at the intersection of Lovell Road and Cornshop Road at approximately 1:30 p.m. Millette was last seen walking northbound away from her vehicle wearing a black and grey Nirvana t-shirt and leggings, and was barefoot. Millette left her cell phone with her vehicle.

According to her husband, John Millette, Tammy reportedly had stress-induced sleep deprivation, got FOUND, Page 6A

These items appeared on the Bridgton Police Department blotter (this is a partial listing): Monday, November 2 12:47 a.m. Noise complaint (loud music) on Thompson Road.

9:40 a.m. Motor vehicle collision in the Bridgton Hospital parking lot.

11:18 a.m. Welfare check of elderly female walking along Portland Road.

3:01 p.m. Subject served protection from abuse order.

8:29 p.m. Head-on motor vehicle crash intersection Harrison and Brickyard Hill Roads; subject pinned inside vehicle requiring Bridgton Fire Department extrication. Officers determined through interviews that one vehicle had crossed the center line and struck

another vehicle. Subjects were transported to Bridgton Hospital.

9:28 p.m. Report of Jeep off the road near intersection of Harrison Road and Blake Lane. The officer found discrepancy between VIN number and registration on file. Vehicle was towed. The next day, a female contacted BPD to find out what had happened to her vehicle. The caller said a tire “fell off” while she was driving, and she had received a ride home and planned to deal with the situation the next day. When asked about the registration, she told the officer the license plates belonged to the individual she had bought the vehicle from.

Tuesday, November 3 9:19 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on South High Street.

Fryeburg Police Department Robert Wentworth, 30, of Fryeburg with violation of a protection order.

5:08 p.m. Fraud complaint on Woodland Street.

7:06 p.m. Suspicious activity on Porter Road.

Wednesday, November 4 9:17 a.m. Assist agency on Leach Road.

10 a.m. Complaint on Main Street (town forest).

10:30 a.m. Peace officer detail on Meadow Lane.

11:43 a.m. Traffic com-

smallboat shop

plaint on Portland Street.

1:52 p.m. Missing person report on Belair Estate Road.

9:10 p.m. Following a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, police charged Hakeem J. Harris, 22, of Pembroke, N.H., with operating a vehicle without a license. Police also charged Sharleen E. Hoffman, 29, of Hollis Center with unlawful possession of a scheduled drug and violating condi-

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tions of release.

Thursday, November 5 7:12 a.m. Assist citizen at police headquarters.

8 a.m. Peace officer detail on Woodland Street.

8:41 a.m. Suspicious person on Denmark Road.

10:29 a.m. Radar detail on Lovewell Pond Road.

11:39 a.m. Welfare check on Briggs Lane.

12:14 p.m. Lost/found property at Lil’Mart on LOG, Page 6A

headquarters.

Saturday, November 7 7:44 a.m. Criminal trespass complaint (former tenant at building) on Walker Street.

9:33 a.m. Customer dispute at Sandy Creek Road; refund issued and matter peacefully resolved.

9:38 a.m. Suspicious activity on Old Elm Road.

5:41 p.m. Motor vehicle collision at intersection of Willett Road and South High Street.

8:19 p.m. Fireworks and noise complaint area of Portland Road.

10:02 p.m. Criminal threatening complaint (remarks made on Facebook).

Sunday, November 8 1:38 a.m. Domestic verbal argument at John’s Cove.

1:52 a.m. Assist to ambulance personnel at Main Street residence.

3:52 p.m. Noise complaint (shots fired from a residence). Officer spoke to a subject regarding discharging a firearm within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling.

8:39 p.m. Assist ambulance personnel with subject at a Portland Road location.

11:45 p.m. Assist ambulance personnel with subject at a Middle Ridge Road residence.

Monday, November 9 9:19 a.m. Motor vehicle crash on South High Street.

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These items appeared on the Fryeburg Police Department log (this is a partial listing): Tuesday, November 3 8:10 a.m. Assist at Bella Point on Fairview Drive.

9:21 a.m. Suspicious activity on North Fryeburg Road.

12:37 p.m. Criminal trespass on Pebble Circle.

12:58 p.m. Responding to a mental health event on Wicks Road, police charged

1:40 p.m. Welfare check on Dugway Road.

7:27 p.m. Welfare check at Bridgton Hospital.

Wednesday, November 4 1:21 a.m. Message delivery to Kennard Street residence.

6:03 a.m. Disturbance on Main Street.

8:56 a.m. Harassment complaint made at police headquarters.

3:33 p.m. Possible theft of woodstove and pellets on Church Street.

6:28 p.m. Possible violation of protection from abuse order on Sandy Creek Road.

11:53 p.m. Assist ambulance personnel at Briar Road residence.

Thursday, November 5 12:12 a.m. Attempt to locate subject on Sweden Road.

7:37 a.m. Citizen assist on Elm Street.

3:32 p.m. Disorderly conduct (banging on the ceiling and yelling) at a Portland Road residence.

Warning issued.

10:20 p.m. Theft of political sign on Meadow Street.

Friday, November 6 6:41 a.m. Mental health event at Winn Road residence.

7:48 a.m. Attempt to locate tractor-trailer, operator reportedly driving erratically on North High Street. Vehicle stopped, no action taken.

10:51 a.m. Harassment complaint made at police

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Area news

November 12, 2020 The Bridgton News, Page 5A

300 boxes assembled

HARRISON — This week, five Rotarians and friends of Rotary assembled 330 boxes for the Harrison Food Bank to be used to pack food for the pantry’s Tuesday food dis-

tribution.

Peter Kaurup from the Oxford Hills Rotary Club and Carol Rothenberg and Carol Madsen from the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club were joined

Warm gesture

HARRISON — Members of the Harrison Grange recently presented the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine (CRCofWM) with handmade rectangular comfort pillows and crocheted lap robes to bring comfort to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

According to Gail Butterfield of Lakeside Grange, “Our members take great pride in using their talents to make and provide these items to individuals undergoing cancer treatment and we want them to know we are thinking of them and wishing them well.”

The Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine is located at 199 Main Street in Norway. New clients are encouraged to call to make an appointment to learn about the variety of resources, wellness programs and comfort items — all free — for anyone impacted by cancer.

Check out their website, www.crcofwm.org, for more information, find them on Facebook or call 890-0329.

by Denise Eldridge and Mary Jane Chanese of Bridgton and Anne Holte of Waterford. For both Peter and Anne, this was their first-time volunteering on this box project.

Both had seen the notice to help on the BridgtonLake Region Rotary Club’s Facebook Page.

Rotary has been helping the Harrison Food Bank since the early days of the pandemic, delivering food to peoples’ homes, preparing health & wellness packets for distribution to their clients, and picking up and assembling boxes. Early on, a Maine manufacturer of boxes donated 1,500 boxes and shipped them free of charge to the HFB at the request of the BridgtonLake Region Rotary Club.

At the same time, Rotarians and Friends began to pick up used boxes at local grocery outlets. Rotarian George Szok of Bridgton has picked up and delivered to HFB about 1,700 boxes over the past eight months.

Altogether, the Bridgton Club has picked up and delivered more than 2,000

FRIENDS OF ROTARY, pictured left to right, Mary Jane Chanese of Bridgton, Lynn Hurd of Lovell, Nancy Hanger and Barbara Allen of Waterford assemble boxes to be used at the Harrison Food Bank. boxes. Over that same period, twice that many new boxes have been taped or folded in preparation for food distribution.

“Boxes have become a real issue,” said Linda Bradly, director of the Sweden Food Pantry. “In the early days of the pandemic, we put the twopiece banana box together for strength and ease of use. Eventually, we just used the top or the bottom supplemented by paper and

plastic bags. We have to be more creative all the time.”

Rotarians took some of the boxes which HFB had from last week’s laundry detergent distribution and delivered them to the Sweden Food Pantry.

“Every little bit helps,” Bradley said.

For more information about the Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club and its service projects, visit its website, check out the Facebook Page or e-mail

Lovell to open food pantry

LAKESIDE GRANGE donated handmade items to Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine. Pictured left to right are CRCofWM Executive Director Diane Madden and Gail Butterfield, Harrison Grange member.

LOVELL — A new food pantry is set to open in Lovell on Thursday, Dec. 10.

Thereafter, it will be open the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Lovell Area Food Pantry is under the guidance of Michelle Molloy of Lovell.

A committee has been set up to establish the pantry, which will be located in North Lovell at the Lions’ Club building (the former Kezar Lake Grange Hall) at 2081 Main Street.

“Our sincere thanks go to the Lions’ Club for their support of this project,”

organizers said.

There have been several successful food drives to benefit the pantry. The Lovell Masons’ organization has been instrumental in providing a drop off spot on Saturday mornings during hunting season, offering a discount on their breakfast selections if a person is donating food for the pantry.

The Lovell Fire Department was very generous, allowing a Halloween food drivethrough at their Center Lovell station. Monetary donations continue to arrive, ensuring that the necessities can be provided for families in need.

Information regarding the food pantry, including forms to enroll can be found at the website: LovellAreaFoodPantry.org Families of Lovell and the surrounding towns are eligible to participate. At this time, a food drop-off point is being set up and further information will be published. Organizers appreciate the enthusiasm and support the town and surrounding communities have shown.

If you wish to support this endeavor, the mailing address is: Lovell Area Food Pantry, 1898 Main Street, Lovell, ME 04051.

LakeRegionRotary@ gmail.com.

Exploring race & privilege WATERFORD —The Waterford Congregational Church (WCC) will begin offering monthly discussion groups via Zoom on Dec. 9, 2020, to explore our relationship to race and the privileges white members of our diverse society enjoy.

Based on the curriculum “White Privilege: Let’s Talk, A Resource of Transformational Dialogue” created by the United Church of Christ (UCC), these discussions will offer a safe, meaningful and substantive forum for interested church and community members.

Sessions will be led by the Rev. Doretta Colburn, pastor of WCC; Alan Struck, church moderator; and Deacon Dianne Morse Leonard.

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Page 6A, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

Area news

Town accepts dock company’s lease offer

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES — The next step is a site plan.

The Naples Board of Selectmen accepted the proposal by Great Northern Dock to lease from the town one-third of the Begin lot next to the fire barn. The section of the property to be used for storage is farthest from Route 302. A buffer of trees closest to the road is one of the highlights.

The next step is for an official site plan to be submitted to Naples Town Planner Ben Smith, who will review it before it is put on the agenda of the Naples Planning Board.

It was pointed out that

the lease will not be valid unless it is approved by the majority of voters at the annual town meeting. So, the parties involved have the winter to get the proverbial “ducks in a row” to store docks on the town-owned land next to the Naples Fire Station.

The bottom line is: the residents have a say-so in how this land is used.

Storing items, such as docks, to be sold in the future or docks that have been sold and are awaiting installation is an allowable land use. Manufacturing cannot occur on the lot.

On Monday, the board reviewed the proposal made by Sam Merriam,

who owns Great Northern Dock. Basically, the board accepted the proposal. Until a lease is drawn up, the board cannot vote to make it a warrant article. But, that is a future item — the lease proposal will be a warrant article.

Before town meeting, there are many steps involved. According to Naples Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) Renee Carter, Great Northern Dock will submit its plans to the town planner; the plans will go before the planning board and at least one public hearing will be held.

The selectmen instructed the town manager to work with the town attorney on

(Continued from Page 5A) all-white church, need to discuss issues of race? The UCC answers the question: “White” is a race just as much as “Black.” There is a need to realize conversations about race are not just about people of color, nor should all people of color be lumped together. Whiteness also should be examined in the safe space of the church community.

There are white people who feel undermined by actions of justice and equality. These people support those in our leadership who tout racist, and sexist rhetoric. Black people alone cannot stop this sort of hate speech and thought.

The UCC program takes the position that “The handson work of dismantling this level of hatred falls upon white people who remember

history, who see the danger and want to see an end. You don’t need people of color in your town or church to do this collective internal work of dismantling racism.”

There are blind spots in regard to racism that everyone carries, and as people of faith we need to become aware of these blind spots and dismantle them.

During the six months of sessions, participants will engage in large group discussions, watch short videos, break out into small groups and have a chance to journal about our own experiences and understandings.

There will be opportunities to read between group meetings, as well as to do self-reflective writing. By the end of the sessions, each participant will have the beginnings of an autobiography of how race, privilege and power have impacted our lives’ stories.

Participants will be invited to share their writing with the group, on a voluntary basis only.

To register, and for more information, contact Al Struck at: alstruck49@ gmail.com by Sunday, Nov. 22.

Series explores race, privilege

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drawing up a lease.

“It is my understanding all along that we would put this on a town warrant,” Chairman Jim Grattelo said.

He asked, “Should we go to planning board before town meeting?”

Carter threw out some pros and cons, saying “Some people might think that he is second-guessing the town.”

Vice-chairman Robert “Bob” Caron II favored putting the proposal before the planning board so at least the voters will know what is being offered as part of the lease agreement. Also, it cuts out the wait.

Grattelo agreed with going that route.

“Let’s not waste next six or seven months,” he said.

Carter spoke about the revenue source for the town.

“The fee to go before the planning board is typically $1,000. If they are willing to do the fee, it is something we can move forward with,” she said.

Earlier in the discussion, Carter explained the permitted land uses on the Begin lot. Retail is one of the allowable uses.

“What we came up with is: boats or completed docks are retail item, but the storage of goods is not really a retail item,” Carter said, adding that goods are used for light manufacturing.

Great Northern docks is

grandfathered in because the business has been used for light manufacturing at that site for about 80 years.

Chairman Grattelo summarized the use.

“He is allowed to store docks that are finished, but he cannot store raw materials,” he said.

The selectmen weighed in on the offer.

“The big plus is part of

Great Northern’s plans is a row of trees toward the front.

It will make it look better.

This gives us an opportunity to get it done at no cost to the town,” Selectman Jim Turpin said.

Grattelo echoed that sentiment.

“He has offered to do a lot of work on the front of the property to make it aesthetically pleasing,” he said.

By Dawn De Busk Staff Writer NAPLES— A recent request from a business to lease town-owned property prompted a question which brought to light some undone housekeeping.

A resident recently asked who had the authority to approve a lease agreement of town-owned land. Is this something the local selectmen can okay? Or do the rules for land sales and purchased apply? In other words, can town property be leased without the approval of voters at annual town meeting.

After some research, Naples Town Manager John Hawley learned that there are four active lease agreements, which did not get the required town meeting approval.

However, only two of those will appear as warrant articles at town meeting 2021: the lease agreement with the U.S. Post Office, and the one with the State of Maine.

This slight oversight was brought up at the Naples Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday night.

“After discussions about leasing the Begin property, I was recently asked by a citizen if the board of selectmen had the authority to enter into lease agreements for longer than a year,” Hawley said.

LEASE, Page 8A

Naples lease pacts need ok

Work from home?

(Continued from Page 1A) our overall expenses.”

“So far, there have been no relief programs that will directly reimburse municipalities for the non-emergency related costs. We are pushing state officials to pass legislation to help municipalities,” he said, adding it’s a moot point since legislators haven’t been meeting this or last session.

“Fortunately for us, about $19,000 of those expenses was towards the beginning of the pandemic and fell in last years’ fiscal year. Our Unanticipated Expense line was able to cover them all, and the budget was under expended,” Hawley said. “I will continue to look for reimbursement funding to get money back. But, at this point, it will not likely come from the State of Maine and it will have to come from the federal level.”

Meanwhile, in Casco, residents have been asking when they might have access to the Casco Community Center gymnasium for recreational activities.

The gym won’t be open to the public for the foreseeable future, according to Casco Interim Town Manager Don Gerrish.

“Parks and Recreation Director Beth Latsey has numerous requests about when the community center might be open. We have talked about how that could open according to CDC requirements,” Gerrish said on Tuesday. “With the growing number of cases we are seeing, it won’t open anytime in the future.”

Additionally, Casco selectmen’s meeting may make a return to the Zoom format.

After a conference call with area town managers, Gerrish said a likely scenario is the board will no longer meet in person.

“We may go back to Zoom meetings in December because of what’s going on. Because of what’s going on, we think it is prudent just to wait,” he said.

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FPD Log

(Continued from Page 4A) Main Street.

12:16 p.m. Assault complaint filed at police headquarters.

12:39 p.m. Motor vehicle crash at intersection of Pine Street and Lovewell Pond Road.

3 p.m. Radar detail on Lovewell Pond Road.

4;52 p.m. Assist fire department on Maple Street.

7:38 p.m. Motor vehicle crash on Bridgton Road.

Friday, November 6 1:47 p.m. Burglar alarm checked at Fryeburg Public Library.

8:28 p.m. to 10:35 p.m.

Seven patrol checks.

Saturday, November 7 12:09 a.m. to 6:04 a.m.

Nine patrol checks.

8:35 a.m. Missing person report on North Fryeburg Road.

11:49 a.m. Radar detail on Lovewell Pond Road.

2:35 p.m. Assist agency on Maple Street.

Sunday, November 8 12:39 p.m. Traffic complaint on Fish Street.

1:11 p.m. Civil matter on Moose Rock Road.

2:25 p.m. Assist citizen on Main Street.

7:30 p.m. Assist Fryeburg Rescue on Fairview Drive.

10:09 p.m. Assist State Police at Main Street business.

Found

(Continued from Page 4A) into her car sometime Saturday and drove 65 or so miles north until her vehicle ran out of gas.

Maine State Police found the car and Maine Game Wardens searched for her, but it appears she spent the night in the woods. John Millette told a TV station that he learned Sunday at 3 p.m. the game warders had tracked her to Fryeburg.

He called in his friends and search volunteers from the Down East Emergency Medicine Institute.

“If they didn’t track her that eight miles from where she started, it would be literally like finding a needle in a haystack. I would have never had that opportunity to go back and know where those footprints were,” John Millette told the TV station.

Millette found his wife of 22 years at around 10 p.m. He said she was covered in leaves and told him she was too weak to get back up to the roadway.

Millette said his wife was taken to the hospital for treatment and released.

School news

November 12, 2020 The Bridgton News, Page 7A

5 FA seniors named scholars

FRYEBURG — Five Fryeburg Academy seniors have been named College Board National Recognition Scholars, scoring in the top 2.5% of 2019 PSAT/NMSQT test takers and identifying as one or more of the following: African American, Hispanic American, Latinx, Indigenous or attending school in a rural area and/or come from a small town.

These students are Kaia DeVries Kyleana Carbone of Fryeburg, Ava Chadbourne of Sweden, Kaia DeVries of Fryeburg, Quang Nguyen of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Andrii Obertas of Lyshche, Ukraine.

Additionally, the College Board has recognized Kaia DeVries as a Commended Scholar for achieving a score that was among the highest 50,000 scores on tests taken — 1.7 million students nationally took the 2019 PSAT/ NMSQT.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE…Covid-19 style as Lake Region Vocational Center students, representing various programs including culinary arts and law enforcement held their annual Veterans Day appreciation program on Tuesday. Due to pandemic, LRVC moved the festivities outdoors, enjoying summer-like temps. As area veterans pulled up in their vehicles, they first were greeted by students lining the sidewalk and entry area, waving American flags and thanking veterans for their service. Then, Culinary Arts students brought packaged meals that included chicken parmigiana with green beans and a freshly baked roll. Diversified Occupation students served the appetizer that included beef and barley soup and apple pie squares as patriotic music played in the background and a color guard stood at attention. Albert Pinkham won a quilt, made by the Chickadee Quilters.

(Rivet Photos)

STUDENT OF THE MONTH — Aiden Porter of Naples is the October Mason’s Student of the Month at the Lake Region Vocational Center. Aiden is a senior in the Law Enforcement II program, and is the son of Gregory and Jennifer Porter of Naples.

Aiden always displays a positive, enthusiastic attitude. He is a focused and mature young man, who has accepted the challenge to earn six college credits through the Law Enforcement program this year. He has demonstrated his leadership potential as a class leader, and he is respected by his peers and staff alike. As a class leader, he frequently offers good suggestions for ways to improve aspects of the class. He is a dependable student with an excellent attendance record. Aiden is committed to all components of the Law Enforcement program, including working on physical training on his off time. He plans to pursue becoming a Game Warden after he graduates. Aiden Porter will succeed at whatever he pursues, and he is fully deserving of this recognition!

NHS induction

NHS member, Logan Davis, lights a candle while new inductees look on during the candle lighting ceremony.

(Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Great effort!

A unique season for Lake Region Middle School Soccer brought skills and drills to the forefront for local athletes but didn’t forget the fun.

The teams had a modified four-week season, practiced within cohorts (fully remote and home-school students committed to a cohort throughout the season), and focused on ball-handling skills. SAD 61 Athletic Director Paul True created this terrific opportunity by

stipulating modifications that allowed the teams to participate in soccer this season safely. These young Lakers should be commended for their commitment!

Congratulations to the following Laker athletes: Abe Grace, Allison Bourgoin, Adan Chavez, Aiden Roberts, Audrey Dubay, Averie Smith, Bella Smith, Brady Chappell,

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Lake Region High School’s Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 20 new members on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Newly inducted members included: Mikayla Allen of Sebago, Allison Baker of Bridgton, Rebecca Caron of Naples, Eleanor Cowan of Bridgton, Mary Donkin of Naples, Noah Duprey of Casco, Abigail Elsaesser of Naples, Mya Grant of Casco, Cierra Grover of Naples, Elle Hall of Casco, Jasmine LeShane of Casco, Sabrina Lopez of Casco, Fiona Murphy of Bridgton, Annie O’Connor of Bridgton, Leah Plummer of Casco, Caydence Riley of Bridgton, Kate Rose of Bridgton, Elizabeth Smith of Casco, Brooke Toole of Naples and Brendon Tremblay of Naples.

NHS officers (all seniors) are: Sanjay Tucker of Casco, president; Justin Lees of Naples, secretary; INDUCTION, Page 8A

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Page 8A, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

Bridgton

(Continued from Page 1A) sidered pushing the expansion out to Route 93.

Walters will check into it, but also noted that if the project gains approvals and construction can start as planned, developers would not want to delay completion due to the wastewater system not being ready to go. The target date to open the facility would be spring or summer 2022 (Walters figures it will take 14 months to develop the project).

Regarding the TIF question, Walters said Farmington agreed to a 100%, 10-year model while Madison went

with 85% over 15 years.

Walters reiterated the need for a “high percentage up front.”

“We need to recoup extra investment to develop the project sooner than later,” he said. “We’re flexible if it’s more aggressive on the front end, where we get the greatest benefits to offset costs.”

Selectman Paul Tworog asked that Walters provide tables outlining other TIF agreements WSL negotiated, regardless if the TIF has since expired, so give local officials points of reference. Chairman Lee Eastman would “love to see the project go because I see a need” but he is hesitant about agreeing to a 100% TIF. Other officials agreed that 100% may be too much to

Continuations

their liking, but are willing to see what figure can be agreed upon.

Eastman also asked if Walters could provide visuals regarding what the project might look like. Walters agreed to the request, but also pointed out that officials could get a good idea about it by taking a “virtual tour” that is available on the WSL website.

More discussion will take place at the next board meeting on Nov. 24.

In other business: Signing off. Jim Cossey thought a solution to slowing down motor vehicle travel on Highland Road was on its way.

After presenting a petition to town officials regarding

Couple reaching milestones (Continued from Page 2A) enjoyed good health. Don had an aortic valve replacement a few years ago, and was back on the job three months later.

“He prides himself for being tough and never complains and has a great sense of humor,” Tom said.

He also holds his military service close to his heart.

Today, he shares those experiences with schoolchildren.

Tom took old photographs of Don’s military days and

had them enlarged to poster size. He brings them to his informal lectures, and also passes out American flags to the youngsters.

“He is often asked, ‘How old are you?’ Since dad has plenty of one-liners he likes to use, he says ‘99 but I’d be 100 but I was sick one year.’ He loves a good joke,” Tom said.

The Mellors stay connected to Bridgton through the BNews.

“We got them the Bridgton News a couple of

years ago. You’ll find the paper sitting on table, and they tell us how much they love The Bridgton News,” Tom said.

To honor the couple of their upcoming milestone, Tom and Mike came up with a little surprise.

“What a fun idea to pick it (The News) up and read a story about themselves,” Tom said.

Indeed, the Mellors can add another chapter to their incredible story.

(Continued from Page 6A) “I consulted with [Maine Municipal Association] MMA legal and was informed that because Naples is a selectboard community with no charter, the board is only permitted to enter into lease agreements if an approved warrant article at town meeting grants that authority,” he said.

At this point in time, the Town of Naples has four active lease agreements, according to Hawley.

Two of those are localbased entities. The Naples Before and After School Care Program rents the Singer

Center. The Maine Blues Festival organization rents the old town hall, which is the larger of two brick buildings on the Village Green.

The State of Maine rents the fire station office space, which is used by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the United States Postal Service rents half of the town hall for the post office.

The town manager can handle short-term leases.

“As the municipal administrator, I do have the authority to manage municipal spaces without lease agreements but once we enter into legal

arrangement, those must be approved by voters or have been given authority by voters to do so,” Hawley said.

Chairman Jim Grattelo said it was best to get the procedure right with the post office.

“The only issue is the post office is not going to agree to anything unless it is a lease,” he said.

Hawley said he post office lease expires in 2022.

The warrant articles will ask residents if the selectmen can enter into leases, which have already been established with the post office and with the State of Maine.

Naples lease pacts need okay

speeding, Cossey met with Police Chief Phil Jones to discuss options. One was to purchase a solar-powered, computer-style speed limit sign, which neighboring Harrison has found to be an efficient deterrent. The sign not only flashes if a motorist is exceeding the posted limit, it also records speeds and time of day, giving law enforcement good travel data. The cost of two devices is $5,744.

To get the ball rolling immediately, Cossey received donations from Upper Highland Road residents to cover the cost. Cossey found that if the money was donated to the Police Department’s Donation Fund, he would not have to pay sales tax.

The town would pay for the signs and take ownership of the devices. The signs were ordered, and would be delivered this month.

As part of the deal, Cossey sought for the town to reimburse donors by including money in the next municipal budget.

Selectmen immediately hit the brake.

First, Chairman Lee Eastman chimed in, “I don’t see how it works. It doesn’t add up. You say it’s a donation, but then ask to be paid back. That doesn’t qualify as a donation. My opinion, we don’t take the money, it’s not proper protocol to handle it that way.”

Selectwoman Carmen Lone felt Chief Jones followed board instructions to look into the problem, develop some options and bring them forth to the board.

“We did not talk about purchasing new equipment.

This is like someone creating a budget for us,” she said.

“I understand they (Highland Road residents) are passionate about it…but we didn’t approve this.”

Chief Jones had conversations with Maine DOT, and found that current speed limit signs (which cost about $150) should be relocated to be more effective.

Selectman Fred Packard added, “I agree, it is not being

funded the proper way. We have to have it in the budget; it’s not a great year to begin with. I am not saying it may not be necessary, it’s highly traveled, but this is not the way to do it.”

Town Manager Bob Peabody noted that citizens are not authorized to place speed limit signs. Speeding is a problem in other areas of town, as well, so the selectboard said they need to consider options that serve all and not a few residents.

Cossey offered to donate the money so the town could buy the signs, but the string attached would be the signs be placed in the Upper Highland Road area.

The selectboard, however, felt if the donation was accepted and the town owned and maintained the signs, it should decide best use, be it on Highland Road, at times, or in other perceived trouble spots, like Kansas Road and North High Street.

Chief Jones noted that Harrison moves its signs, and puts them in storage during the winter months to preserve their longevity.

Eastman again emphasized the need to follow protocol.

He cited how speeding was a

concern near Highland Lake Beach, and a solution was worked out — the placement of removable speed bumps.

Before a vote on the issue, Eastman wanted some clarification, asking “I thought a gift is a gift, and the town may want to move them at some point, it has to be understood.”

Cossey responded, “I’d have a hard time agreeing to that.”

The motion to accept the donation was turned down, 4-1 (Packard voting yes).

Lone asked Chief Jones to develop recommendations since “we still have the problem and we still need to solve it.” A traffic study was suggested, but will likely not occur until next summer when activity is busier in that area.

The Chief said one problem with using the town’s mobile message board is it is too wide to park on the side of the road. Peabody said the town could ask a property owner to place it on private land, but he would strongly encourage obtaining a temporary easement, and not “just a handshake,” to cover the town’s liability.

With the negative vote, Cossey hoped to be able to cancel the sign order.

NHS induction

(Continued from Page 7A) Casey Berger of Naples, treasurer; and Daniel Brewer of Casco, sergeant at arms. The vice president, a position held by an underclassman, will be determined in the near future.

LRMS soccer

(Continued from Page 7A) Jacoby “Red” Robichaud, Jordan Blantan, Kayli Goodwin, Kaylee McGuire, Katherine Reed, Liam Gelinas, Madelyn McDougall, Margo Tremblay, Marissa Harlow, Marissa Payne, Maritza Lopez, Nicole Watson, Nico Russo, Noah Peterson, Owen Poulin, Rees Vogen, Scarlett Ross, Sam Burnham, Saul Burnham, Shougo Sturk and Theresa Thayer.

Coaches Paula Grace and Jackie Harlow developed unique competitions that kept the athletes distant while working together. They played “marbles,” where teams worked together to knock a ball off a disc across a large circle, Soccer Tennis and Soccer Hockey, where they juggled a ball back and forth over and under a “net,” juggling competitions and relay challenges that strengthened ball skills and field awareness.

THANK YOU VETERANS Bridgton Hospital honors the selfless service of our employees, family members, volunteers, patients and community members who are veterans.

We salute you today and every day.

10 Hospital Drive | Bridgton, Maine 04009 | 207-647-6000 | www.bridgtonhospital.org

Country Living

November 12, 2020, The Bridgton News, Page 1B

Winter Farmers’ Market DAR Chapter organized starts 5th season Nov. 14 in Bridgton recently

While farmers might be putting their fields to sleep, they are busy sorting and washing storage produce for long winter nights… and for the fifth season of the Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market!

Many favorite vendors will be in attendance with fresh baked goods, smallbatch roasted coffees, veggies, grass-fed meats and dairy along with jams and jellies — plus some new vendors, too!

By implementing safety measures and following state guidelines, BFM will be offering several ways for folks to safely shop at market. Many vendors will be

offering online pre-ordering so customers can quickly pick up their order. The inperson winter market will operate socially distanced and vendors and customers alike will be required to wear face coverings. The number of customers allowed in the building to shop is limited to 5 persons, so we greatly appreciate limiting the number of persons you have shopping for your family.

The new location at The All Roads Hub (the old Macdonald Motor Building) at 4 Nulty Street in Bridgton will make spacing out easy, and we look forward to this new big clean space to share our produce and products with you!

The Winter market begins on this Saturday, Nov. 14 and runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through the end of April, when BFM moves back outdoors. BFM gladly accepts cash, check and credit/debit. Through the winter, BFM also will continue to accept SNAP/ EBT and match 100% of all SNAP purchases with Harvest Bucks to use toward fresh fruits and veggies at market.

Grab your face covering and your shopping bag (yep, you can bring your own!) and come visit your local farmers for fresh wholesome foods.

Please visit the Facebook page for ways to place a preorder with participating vendors, or send BFM an e-mail with your questions.

For a full list of vendors visit https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / BridgtonFarmersMarket/ or contact bridgtonfarmersmarket.me@gmail.com To See What’s Happening at The Hub check @allroadshub for updates on the new space.

Enroll now for coverage

Bridgton Winter Farmers’ Market will open at 4 Nulty Street this Saturday, Nov. 14. Don’t forget your face covering!

The pandemic did not stop the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) from organizing a new chapter in Bridgton.

The socially distanced, organizing meeting of the revitalized Molly Ockett Chapter, NSDAR, was held at the Bridgton Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Fourteen of the 19 organizing members and four officers of the Maine State Organization DAR attended in person, while three members and nine out-of-area associate members attended via Zoom.

The chapter is committed to community service in the Lake Region with a focus on historic preservation, education and patriotism. In September, before its official organization, chapter members donated school supplies and facemasks to the public school system. They also have formed a partnership with the Naples Historical Society to help preserve the Naples Village Cemetery, with work expected to begin in the spring.

Chapter members celebrated the chapter’s organization by donating dry goods to the Harrison Food Pantry.

In accordance with DAR tradition, the State Regent of Maine, Beverly F. Robbins of Lewiston, installed the chapter officers: Regent Sherry Edwards of Lovell, Vice Regent and Registrar D.J. Tasker-Brady of Bridgton, Chaplain Amy Chaplin of

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TAILGATE TEA — Chapter members in attendance (left to right) were Polly Bartow, Marilyn Jones, Margaret Babineau, Susan Smith, Kathy Keinath, Amy Chaplin, Sherry Edwards, Dianne Barth, D.J. Tasker-Brady, Lori Ingles, Nancy Coshow and Cheryl Swift.

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Harrison, Recording Secretary Marilyn W. Hatch of Harrison, Corresponding Secretary and Historian Nancy R. Coshow of Bridgton, and Treasurer Susan T. Smith of Stow.

Organizing Chapter members also include Margaret Babineau, Dianne Barth, Polly Bartow, Anne Beckelheimer, Julie Bruno, Peg Edwards, Lori Ingles, Marilyn Jones, Kathy Keinath, Rebecca Sells, Beverly Shaw, Cheryl Swift and Shirley Wells-Tasker.

Following the meeting, members held a “tailgate tea” outside — Polly Bartow, Marilyn Jones, Margaret Babineau, Susan Smith, Kathy Keinath, Amy Chaplin, Sherry Edwards, Dianne Barth, D.J. TaskerBrady, Lori Ingles, Nancy Coshow and Cheryl Swift.

Chapter members voted to revive the name of Molly Ockett Chapter. (The original chapter, located in Fryeburg, disbanded in 2017). The chapter wanted to honor the Abenaki Indian woman, who lived in the region around Fryeburg from about 1740 until her death in 1816. According to the Bethel Historical Society, Molly Ockett was known for her work as a healer to both Indians and white settlers. The latter included her cure in 1809 of Hannibal Hamlin, who later went on to become Lincoln’s first Vice President.

DAR, Page 2B

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Obituaries

Continuation

Page 2B, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

DAR Chapter organizes in Bridgton (Continued from Page 1B) The chapter’s next meeting will be this Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Bridgton Community Center. Social time starts at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 10 a.m. Current Covid-19 guidelines will be in place, including the wearing of face coverings and social distancing. The chapter welcomes women aged 18 years or more who can prove descent from man or woman who rendered patriotic service during the American

COLLECTION HEADED TO FOOD BANK — The Lakes Region revitalized DAR Chapter, Molly Ockett, collected food and money at their first official meeting held on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, for the Harrison Food Bank. Shown is Chapter Regent Sherry Edwards.

Marilyn Hatch will be delivering the donations to the Harrison Food Bank this week.

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Revolution. The chapter assists prospective members with the application process.

Interested women are invited to contact the chapter via e-mail at DARinBridgton@ gmail.com or call 925-1076 for more information.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic

preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.

Sarah Dodge Sarah Foster Dodge, 40, of Bridgton, died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.

Sarah grew up in Bridgton attending local schools. Graduating from Lake Region High School with her CNA certification, Sarah went to work with children and adults with intellectual disabilities. With the arrival of MacKenzie Maureen in 2013, Sarah became a doting stay-at-home mother.

Sarah is survived by her daughter, MacKenzie of Sebago; sister, Meagan Foster of Bridgton and a nephew; brother, Christopher of Fryeburg and a niece; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sarah was predeceased by her loving parents, Maureen and Robert Foster.

Like many others, Sarah was not without her demons and struggled with alcohol addiction. Through her battle, she met an amazing support group of peers and mentors. Many of whom have shared thoughtful stories of how Sarah helped them with their own fight.

Per the family’s request, there will be no services.

At one time, Sarah wished to be a healer. Let her tragic passing be a reminder that we all fight demons. If you or a loved one is fighting addiction please In Memory of call Lake Region Recovery Center 207-803-8709 for sup- Robert Reed Trimback port.

Gwendolyn C. Adams FARMINGTON — Gwendolyn Charmaine Adams, 83, of Livermore, formerly of Bridgton, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.

Gwen was born on Mar. 9, 1937, in Bridgton, a daughter of Newman and Madeline (Moran) Blanchard Sr., and attended Bridgton schools.

Gwen lived in various places throughout her life including Bridgton, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Windham, Naples, Casco and most recently in Livermore.

As a young woman she worked at the shoe shop in Bridgton and many restaurants as a waitress including Percy’s in Bridgton.

Always a customer favorite, Gwen enjoyed the work very much and was always ready with a joke with her quick wit.

Gwen was a tremendous cook, enjoyed the company of her dogs and keeping plants. Her charm was infectious and she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by a son, Robert Frank Jr. and his wife, Tammelyn of Westbrook, and Denise Frank of Alaska; a brother, Newman Blanchard Jr. and his wife, Debbie of Livermore; five grandchildren, Ethan, Elizah, Katie, Ryan, and Amanda; Nephew Bryan Blanchard; dear friend and neighbor, Lynn Durling. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Adams, whom she married in the late 1980s; a son, Dennis Frank; twin granddaughters; a sister, Sue Townsend.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 at the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road in Casco.

Private interment will be at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Bridgton.

Kind words may be shared with her family and friends at www. hallfuneralhome.net.

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2t46x REDS FIREWOOD — by the cord any amount. 124 State Park Rd. Naples, ME 04055. 207-6156342. Philmorton57@gmail.com.

Campfire wood bundled or by the truckload. Delivery available. tf3

MEN’S BLACK LEATHER — jacket size 2XLT Reasonable. Call 647-3548. 2t46x

FIREWOOD — Hardwood, cut and split, delivered Fryeburg area (Maine only), not seasoned $255/ cord; seasoned 3-6 months $275/ cord. 603-986-6125. tf23

$5 FOR TATTERED — U.S. Flag when purchasing new U.S. Flag 3’x5’ or larger. Maine Flag & Banner, Windham, 893-0339. tf46

DRIED FIREWOOD — Dried twelve months. Selling seasoned hardwood year-round. One cord $260, cut, split, delivered. Call 207-595-5029; 207-583-4113. maineseasonedfirewood.com 52t32x

FOR RENT

CASCO — Rooms for rent. Starting at $140 per week furnished with Internet and laundry onsite. Call Tommy at 207-595-4946. 26t38x

BRIDGTON — furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bath, 4-season house.

Wood and electric heat. Right-ofway to private dock. Washer/dryer, no smoking, no pets. $1,500 plus expenses. 1-year lease minimum.

Call: 1-951-285-9797. tf12

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

Green Firewood $225 per Cord Minimum two cords for delivery.

SNOWPLOWING — Bridgton/ Denmark areas. Call 207-4001040. 12t42x

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

WANTED

GOLDEN RETRIEVER — to a good home. 653-8141.

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hours Sun-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

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639 Roosevelt Trail, Naples Maine

LAKE REGION SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAN LAKE REGION HIGH SCHOOL Full-time, year-round position 40 hours per week, 3rd shift Sunday – Thursday 10:30 p.m. – 7 a.m.

Interested candidates should visit SCHOOLSPRING.COM to apply JOB I.D. #3394154 DEADLINE: Open until a suitable candidate is found EOE

Also Old Plaster Restoration & Painting NO JOB TOO SMALL s OVER 35 YEARS EXP.

KIMBALL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE — Fall cleanups, brush/tree removal. Light trucking, aggregates, brush chipping available. Fully-insured.

Call: 207-595-8321.

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Pickup upapplications applications inside store Pick inside store Spring hours Sun-Sat 9 a.m.Sun-Sat - 8 p.m. 7 a.m. -8 p.m. Summer

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The Fair Housing Act of 1968 at 42 U.S.C. 3604(c) makes it unlawful “to make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale, or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

DK PROPERTY MAINTENANCE — Property watch/caretaking.

Mowing, trimming, tree/brush removal. Light tractor work, gravel/ stone, driveway repair. Snow removal, roofs, decks, walkways.

Dan Knapp 207-713-0779. 4t43x

DEER CUTTING — Boneless, vacuum sealing. Sausage available.

Call Jim 595-1423.

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The Umbrella Factory Supermarket in Naples, Maine is looking for these positions.

•• Grocery GroceryManager Manager •• Full Full Time TimeMeat MeatCutter Cutter •• Part Help PartTime TimeGeneral General Help •• Pizza experience preferred/will train PizzaMaker Maker- Part-time; - Day or Night •• Bakery Time Nights BakeryororDeli DeliPart Part Time Nights •• Cashiers Cashiers- -Nights Nights •• Produce Produce- -Day DayororNight Night

HELP WANTED

Discriminatory Advertising under the Fair Housing Act

BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES

Help Wanted!

10' x 10' Unit – $75/mo.

10' x 20' Unit – $125/mo.

Order online at westernmainetimberlands.com or call 207-925-1138

BRIDGTON — Rooms for rent.

Starting at $125 per week furnished with Internet. Call Ben at 207-8948303. 12t38x

Call Joel at Cell 207-256-0352

DENMARK SELF-STORAGE 207-452-2157

FOR RENT

Professional Drywall s

ARE YOU LOOKING — for a fun place to work? Do you want to be more involved in your community? The MSAD 72 School District in Fryeburg, Maine, has a variety of anticipated and current positions available! We are an E.O.E. See our website www.msad72.org for specifics and to learn how to apply. tf12

LOOKING FOR — Interior painting jobs. 31 years experience. Fullyinsured. Free estimates. Dirigo Custom Painting. 743-9889.

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FOR SALE

s

WORK WANTED

ATTENTION

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Legals

Area birth

Tree Sales at Food City Nov. 21

Expected hours of operation will be: Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Association will also be selling 50/50 raffle tickets for a chance to win some Christmas cash, as well as I Support Bridgton Fire Department t-shirts, which make excellent gifts.

Applications for Thanksgiving baskets NAPLES — The Community Resource Council of Naples will be providing Thanksgiving Baskets for Naples residents in need. Applications are available at the Naples Town Office or by calling 595-2754. The deadline to sign up is Monday, Nov 16.

If you would like to support our community programs, donations can be mailed to, CRC of Naples, PO Box 447, Naples, ME 04055.

“We wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday” — Community Resource Council.

Bridgton Storage will be having an on-line auction for storage unit 319 on November 18, 2020.

Contact Bridgton Storage at

AGENDA PUBLIC HEARING CASCO ZONING BOARD VIRTUAL MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2020 CASCO COMMUNITY CENTER 940 MEADOW ROAD 7:00 P.M.

Old Business: • None New Business: • Dimensional Variance Appeal – Submitted by Tyler and Kate Harnden, 148 Libby Road, Casco Maine – Map 3A, Lot 5. Deck too close to property line. Should be 25 feet. Currently, 9 feet. Looking for a 16-foot Dimensional Variance.

Additions: • None

LEGAL NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF HARRISON Winter Parking Ban Notice is being given that from November 15, 2020 to April 15, 2021, parking on all public streets, roads and parking lots is prohibited during snowstorms. Vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. This is being done to facilitate the plowing of snow.

THE BRIDGTON NEWS

Town of Waterford SNOW REMOVAL Warning is hereby given that no person or persons shall plow, shovel or otherwise deposit snow, or cause the same to be done, into the limits of any traveled public way.

Lovell residents attending, or planning to attend, a school of post-secondary education (whether liberal arts or vocational) are invited to apply. The Warren B. and John W. McKeen Educational Foundation will be awarding a number of scholarships to such students who have been Lovell residents for at least one year.

Application forms may be obtained at the Lovell Town Office (Tel.: 207-925-6272), or at the office of the Foundation’s Trustee, Peter J., Malia Jr., Hastings Malia P.A., P.O. Box 290, 376 Main Street, Fryeburg, ME 04037 (Tel.: 207-935-2061), or at the Guidance Office at Fryeburg Academy. Some financial information will be required, since awards must be made on the basis of financial needs, but such information will be kept confidential.

Completed applications must be received by January 31, in order to be considered.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CONSULT OUR LISTING OF BUSINESS SERVICES AND LET AN EXPERT DO THE JOB! ACCOUNTANTS

Jones & Matthews, PA Certified Public Accountants Accounting and taxes Roosevelt Trail Prof. Bldg.

Route 302, Bridgton 647-3668 cpas@maine.com

ATTORNEYS

CLEANING SERVICES

DENTAL SERVICES

Servicemaster Prof. Carpet Cleaning – Home/Office Fire/Smoke Damage Restoration 1-800-244-7630 207-539-4452

Bridgton Dental Hygiene Care, PA Family & Periodontal Dental Hygiene Svcs.

Infants, Toddlers, Teens and Adults InNetwork; N.E. Delta Dental & MaineCare 207-647-4125 bdhc@myfairpoint.net

TLC Home Maintenance Co. Professional Cleaning and Property Management Housekeeping and much more 583-4314

COMPUTERS

Grammy Geek Shelley P. Carter, Attorney Tech support for seniors (jr.’s too) Law Office of Shelley P. Carter, PA 1-1 support at your home 110 Portland St., Fryeburg, ME 04037 Malware & virus removal/PC repair 935-1950 www.spcarterlaw.com Free pick-up & delivery 207-310-0289 Michael G. Friedman, Esq., PA 132 Main St. P.O. Box 10, Bridgton, ME 04009 647-8360 Hastings Malia, PA 376 Main Street – PO Box 290 Fryeburg, ME 04037 935-2061 www.hastingsmalia.com

CARPENTRY Robert E. Guy General Carpentry – Additions Repairs – Remodeling www.bobguy@myfairpoint.net Harrison 743-5120 239-4804 (cell)

Naples Computer Services PC repair/upgrades – on-site service Virus and spy-ware removal Home and business networking Video security systems 71 Harrison Rd., Naples 207-693-3746

CONTRACTORS Quality Custom Carpentry From start to finish and from old to new Jeff Juneau Naples 207-655-5903

DANCE INSTRUCTION

CARPETING

The Ballroom Thurlow’s Carpet & Home Center Dance - Exercise - Yoga - Aikido Main St., Harrison, Maine Carpet and Flooring 207-583-6964 Sales and Installation 21 Sandy Creek Rd., Bridgton DENTAL SERVICES 647-5562 800-310-5563

CHIMNEY LINING The Clean Sweep LLC Chimney Cleaning Service Supaflu and Stainless Steel Chimney lining and relining Dana Richardson 935-2501

Bridgton Dental Associates Dr. Paul Cloutier Complete dental care 138 Harrison Rd., Bridgton www.bridgtondental.com 207-647-8052

FOUNDATIONS Henry’s Concrete Construction Foundations, Slabs, Floors Harrison Tel. 583-4896

GARAGE DOORS Roberts Overhead Doors Commercial/residential – free estimates Now offering Master Card & Visa 207-595-2311

HEATING Bass Heating Oil Burner Service Sales and Installations Waterford (207) 595-8829

INSURANCE

Mountain View Dentistry Dr. Shilo Annis, DMD Chalmers Ins. Agency Cosmetic/restorative & Family Dentistry 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311 207-647-3628 MountainViewDentistryMaine.com Oberg Insurance Auto, Home, Business, Life ELECTRICIANS 132 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858 D. M. Electric Inc. & Sons Dennis McIver, Electrical Contractor Southern Maine Retirement Services Medicare Supplements & Prescription Plans Residential/Commercial/Industrial Licensed in Maine & New Hampshire Life and Senior Dental Insurance 150 Main St., Bridgton 207-647-2900 Bridgton 207-647-5012

INTERIOR DESIGN

From November 15, 2020 – April 15, 2021, no vehicle shall be parked on any public street or way from 9 p.m., to 7 a.m., as per MRSA 29A Section 2068-2069. Vehicles may be towed at owners’ expense.

J.P. Gallinari Electric Co. Residential - Commercial - Industrial Universal Designz Aerial - Auger - Lifting Service Consulting – Design Bridgton 647-9435 Decorating – Aging in Place www.UniversalDesignzMaine.com McIver Electric 207-754-0730 “Your on time every time electricians” INVESTMENT MANAGERS 221 Portland Rd., Bridgton 647-3664 Daniels D’Amelio Group www.mciverelectric.net (5320x) Donald M. Daniels 207-803-8389 R.W. Merrill Electrical Contractor Donald Daniels Jr. 561-427-5857 www.ddimg.org (5320x) 24 hour Emergency Service Residential & Commercial OIL DEALERS Harrison 583-2986 Fax 583-4882 Dead River Co. EXCAVATION Range & Fuel Oil Oil Burner Service Tel. 647-2882, Bridgton D&D Services Dirt work, snow removal PAINTING CONTRACTORS Property care and light trucking Cell 207-400-1040 Redo Properties.com Interior/Exterior painting & repairs FLOORING Local, experienced & professional Call/text 207-693-4663 (Home) (5320x) Bolsters Decorating Center Carpet – vinyl – ceramic Webber Painting & Restoration Always free decorating consulting Interior/exterior painting & repairs bolsters@megalink.net Waterfront specialists – Free estimates 9 Market Sq., So. Paris 207-743-9202 Fully insured – References 207-831-8354

TOWN OF DENMARK Notice of Public Hearing Zoning Board of Appeals Zoning Board of Appeals replacement of Section 8.8 of the Zoning Ordinance AND Planning Board solar ordinance addition of Section 5.16 of the Zoning Ordinance AND Planning Board miscellaneous Zoning Ordinance revisions Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020 Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Denmark Municipal Building Meeting Room

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PUBLIC NOTICE

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT NO. 61 INVITATION TO BID

CUSTODIAL EQUIPMENT BID NO. 11.19.20 M.S.A.D. # 61 is accepting bids at the Central Office from qualified vendors for purchase of custodial equipment as follows: one (1) 28” Self-propelled Auto Scrubber with battery charger.

Bids shall include: a) all set up and delivery costs. b) all warranties. c) the approximate date of delivery.

Bids must be in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Custodial Equipment Bid” in the lower left-hand corner and received at MSAD #61, Central Office, 900 Portland Rd., Bridgton, Maine. by 1:30 p.m. on November 19, 2020, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Due to COVID-19, we will accept bids by fax or e-mail to the attention of Roxanne Gagne. Contact Roxanne Gagne for a Bid form either by fax to 647-5682 or by e-mailing: Roxanne.gagne@lakeregionschools. org. Bids received after 1:30 p.m. on November 19, 2020, will not be accepted.

All equipment quoted must be at least equal to the equipment make and model specified in the bid packet and must include manufacturer information and specifications sheets.

Andy Madura, Facilities Director, is the contact for questions regarding this bid (207) 693-4635.

The Board of Directors of Maine School Administrative District No. 61 reserves the right to waive all informalities, to reject any or all non-conforming or conditional proposals, and to accept any bid or reject any bid (or part thereof) should it be deemed in its best interest to do so.

1T46 PLUMBING & HEATING

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

Collins Plumbing & Heating Inc. Specializing in repair service in The Lake Region 647-4436

Dyer Septic Septic systems installed & repaired Site work-emergency service-ecofriendly 1-877-250-4546 207-583-4546

PLUMBING & HEATING

SURVEYORS

Ken Karpowich Plumbing Repairs/Installation/Remodeling Master Plumber in ME & NH Over 20 years experience 207-925-1423

F. Jonathan Bliss, P.L.S. Bliss & Associates Surveying, Land Planning 693 Main St., Lovell 207-925-1468 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT blissinc@fairpoint.net

Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape Organic lawn & garden maintenance Shoreline restoration Creative stonework, property watch Snowplowing & sanding 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com

REAL ESTATE Chalmers Real Estate 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311 Kezar Realty Homes, Land & Vacation Rentals Lovell Village 207-925-1500 KezarRealty.com Oberg Agency Residential, Business, Lake Shore Property 132 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858

RUBBISH SERVICE ABC Rubbish Weekly Pick-up Container Service Tel. 743-5417 Worsters Rubbish Removal Trash hauling Docks – Demolition Snowplowing/Sanding Harrison 207-583-6914

SELF-STORAGE Bridgton Storage 409 Portland Rd. 28 units & 4000’ open barn Bridgton 272-8085 JB Self Storage Rt. 5, Lovell, Maine Monthly/yearly secure storage 207-925-3045

Maine Survey Consultants, Inc. Land info services – Surveys Boundary/Topographic/Flood elevation PO Box 485, Harrison, Maine Off: 583-6159 D. A. Maxfield Jr. PLS Over 10,000 surveys on file

NOV 2020

Chandel Associates Accounting, Taxes Audits, Full Service Payroll 3 Elm St., Bridgton Office 647-5711

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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WINTER PARKING

Public Notice

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for a Pardon for BRUCE HOURIGAN, who was convicted of the crimes CR 1999-00409 – BURGLARY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE is now pending before the Governor and a hearing will be conducted in the MAINE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS BOARD ROOM, 25 TYSON DRIVE, 3RD FLOOR in Augusta, on Thursday the 21st day of January 2021, at 9:00 o’clock A.M.

s/Melissa St. John Town Clerk

Town of Waterford

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PETITION FOR PARDON STATE OF MAINE

Next Meeting: • No Meeting in December • January 18, 2021 If Needed

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE?

803-8497

for more information.

Notice of Scholarship Available

First Order of Business: • Call Meeting to Order • Determine a Quorum

NEED A

e ag or St

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on idgt Br

Pursuant to MRSA 17A, Section 505, “Placing Obstructions on a Traveled Road” and MRSA 29A Section 2396 “Snow, a person may not place and allow to remain on a public way snow or slush that has not accumulated there naturally.” Persons in violation of these laws shall be subject to legal action.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Adjourn

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE:

Riley Ann Harper, daughter of James Harper and Courtney Irving, was born on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, at 8 p.m. at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway.

Riley weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. She joins brother, Colton James Harper.

Maternal grandparent: Todd Irving of Sebago.

Paternal grandparent: Bill Harper of Junction City, Oregon.

The Bridgton Center Village Firemen’s Association will be taking delivery of Maine grown Christmas trees on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 21. Once again, Food City has graciously agreed to let firefighters sell Christmas trees from their parking lot, so they look forward to seeing everyone this holiday season.

November 12, 2020, The Bridgton News, Page 3B

TREE SERVICE Q-Team & Cook’s Tree Service Removal-pruning-cabling-chipping Stump grinding-bucket work-bobcat Crane-licensed & fully-insured Q Team 693-3831 or Cook’s 647-4051 Toll free 207-693-3831 www.Q-Team.com Rice Tree Service – Sheldon Rice Complete tree service – free estimates Removal-prune-chipping-stump grinding Licensed and insured Utility and Landscape Arborist Waterford ME – 583-2474

VETERINARY Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Route 302, Fryeburg 207-935-2244

WINDOW TREATMENTS Bolsters Decorating Center Custom window treatments Always free decorating consulting bolsters@megalink.net 9 Market Sq., So. Paris 207-743-9202 Universal Designz Window Treatments – Upholstery Slip Covers – 207-754-0730 www.UniversalDesignzMaine.com

THIS SPACE CAN BE YOURS Call 647-2851 for details or e-mail bnews@roadrunner.com

Page 4B, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

Opinions

Let’s take the time to count

The Associated Press “called” the 2020 presidential election at 11:30 a.m. Saturday for Joe Biden. Other networks followed. Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, the rest of the Democrat Party, and allied media behaved as if it were official. President Trump had not conceded, had instead filed suit in Pennsylvania and Arizona alleging improprieties in vote counting, and is waiting for results of recounts in Georgia and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he will not congratulate a winner “until all the legal matters have been resolved. I can’t congratulate one candidate or the other. I want to wait until the electoral process is over.” Reuters then declared: “Democrat Joe Biden won the election on Saturday after a victory in the battleground state of Pennsylvania put him over the threshold of 270 Electoral College votes.” Reuters evidently believes our Constitution doesn’t have as much authority as media do in presidential elections.

Others disagree. “Networks don’t get to decide elections, courts do,” said Trump lawyer and advisor Rudolph Giuliani.

So, here we are at this writing on Sunday. I cannot help but wonder what will happen if recounts in Georgia and Arizona produce Trump victories, and then the Supreme Court rules that Pennsylvania must disregard ballots it got after Election Day. That scenario looks unlikely at this point, but is still possible. Media called the election for Biden and will continue cementing that idea in America’s collective mind as strongly as they can. They’ll also continue depicting allegations of Democrat fraud as preposterous.

What if, after all the court cases, the Electoral College then declares that Trump has won a second term? Many Americans

expected explosions of rioting by groups like Antifa and BLM if Trump were to have won a second term last week. Imagine if those groups, assuaged at first by a perceived Biden victory, had it snatched away. It’s not unrealistic to visualize huge riots in our cities that would dwarf what we saw all summer.

Should that come to pass, we could justifiably blame media for inciting it.

When Trump announced his candidacy in 2015, networks gave him enormous coverage because it pushed their ratings up. After he won, the nomination coverage turned negative.

After he was elected, it turned malevolent. It was more than 90% negative for all four years of his administration.

Before Trump’s inauguration, mainstream media knew the Steele Dossier couldn’t be verified, but they longed to publish it anyway. So, they used a staged briefing on the dossier by fired FBI Director James Comey to then-President-elect Donald Trump as cover to publish it. In turn, Comey’s FBI used that press coverage in its attempt to legitimate the dossier in order to obtain FISA warrants for spying on President Trump’s administration.

As determined by the Mueller Investigation, there was no evidence of Trump collusion with Russia to win the 2016 election. Nonetheless, mainstream media pushed the story for more than two years.

Last Thursday night, President Trump called a press conference to call attention to reports of election cheating last week by Democrat operative in various states. Major TV networks however, had become so arrogant in their Trump hatred they cut away from his remarks and boldly said the president was lying! Whenever they mention Trump’s various lawsuits,

Bridgton Celebrates 1880 Election

Hello neighbors!

Wasn’t last election something? More on the particulars of the day in a separate letter of mine, but reflecting on the day and the incredible American spirit I saw in our people while at the polls on Tuesday, made me curious as to how other Presidential elections have been carried out here in earlier times. For today’s story, we are jumping back to Nov. 12, 1880, to the results of that election which carried James A. Garfield and his running mate Chester A. Arthur to the White House, together with the rest of the Republican ticket here in Bridgton. This was a long and divisive campaign season, and in Maine was filled with reports that out-of-state money and influence, particularly from New York, threatened ignoble influence over our election. Funny how that’s always the concern, isn’t it?

Today, regardless of your candidate and their fate in the

It’s time to hunker down

(Continued from Page 5B) Connecticut from exempt status under our travel advisory; and fifth, we required that Maine people wear face coverings in all public places, regardless of how far apart we are from other people.

These moves are very similar to moves made in other states this week in response to the tragic trajectory of this pandemic.

I take these actions with a great deal of hesitancy because I’m always mindful of how our actions might affect business, might affect our economy, but I’ve been told by so many people, we cannot have a healthy economy, a healthy community, without healthy people. So, we must all do our part to control this virus.

To keep people safe, to keep businesses open, to keep our economy rolling, to keep schools open, we each have to avoid gatherings, stay six feet apart from others, use hand sanitizer, get a flu shot, wear a face covering indoors and outdoors, and wash our hands frequently.

We can stem the tide of this virus, but it will require a team effort on the part of all of us. We are all in this together. You know that this is a fundamental matter of social and personal responsibility — like not driving on the wrong side of the road, like putting your young child in a car seat, like wearing a coat in cold weather. For goodness sakes, it’s common sense and now a matter of social responsibility.

We all worked together so hard this spring, summer and fall to make sure that we could leave our homes safely and get back to something of what life used to be like, with some adjustments. But, winter is coming.

It’s time to hunker down, bunker in and buckle up. If we don’t, as Dr. Fauci says, “We’re in for a whole lot of hurt!”

Keep the faith and please stay safe.

last election, I think it would do all of us a whole lot of good to pause, de-couple from the world around us, and read back to a time in our community when the very advent of an election was cause for widespread patriotic celebration; parades, election cake, floats, fireworks and highly inventive ‘illuminations’ on nearly every lawn in town. Perhaps, in my lifetime, we may see such sights here again. Enjoy!

Bridgton Celebrates the Election of Garfield & Arthur — The Village Literally Ablaze with Illuminations and Fireworks — A Grand and Memorable Demonstration The Republicans of Bridgton celebrated their glorious victory in the national campaign on Wednesday evening by one of the most elaborate and enthusiastic demonstrations ever witnessed in this village. The whole affair was carried through with the generosity and large-hearted public spirit which has ever characterized Bridgton celebrations, and it is safe to say that no town of its size in the country has surpassed using the completeness of the illuminations, the size of the procession, or the enthusiasm manifested by our people. Bridgton Republicans have labored long and earnestly to secure the result achieved, and in common with the Republicans of the country, they were determined to wind up their political labors for this campaign with one of the grandest jollifications ever witnessed here; how well they succeeded let those judge who were present either as lookers-on or as participators in the ‘Jamboree.’

There were large delegations in the procession from Sweden, Naples, Denmark and Harrison, in addition to the three Bridgton organizations, while as lookers-on were large numbers from Sebago, Stoneham, Waterford, Lovell, Fryeburg, Casco, Otisfield, Norway, Paris, Raymond and Portland. Among the Bands furnishing music for the occasion were the Bridgton Brass Band, Bridgton Cadet Band, Naples Band, South Bridgton Band, and the Denmark Band. The large field piece from Norway was brought over to add to the racket of the occasion, while our citizens all along the line vied with each other in tasty and expensive illuminations.

The procession was formed at 7½ o’clock precisely in front of the Republican Headquarters, led by a platoon of Police and Maj. H.A. Shorey, Marshall. The procession numbered 449 men. The Denmark company were armed with axes, and the Sweden company with brooms. The following were the transparencies, which attracted especial attention. A large one, of oblong shape, on one side reading, ‘These bells toll the knell of Democratic lies and sells;” on the other, “These bells tell the story of W.H. Barnum and H.L. Morey, borne in a wagon, and bells within loudly ringing. Another oblong transparency, in wagon, on one side a big rooster, and beneath, “Our Maine rooster, ain’t he a buster?” on the other side a big chanticleer, and the legend, “Our New York rooster, ain’t he a hyster?” A white-canvas canal boat, 17 feet long drawn on wheels by two horses, having on the starboard side “Garfield’s canal boat goes slow but sure, and always comes out ahead,” on the port side, “Despite Dead Moreys and Democratic Barnums, it will land at the White House,” two boatmen within, and a stuffed rooster on a pedestal…

Front Row Seat

by Tom McLaughlin BN Columnist they preface their remarks with phrases like: “Although they have no evidence of election tampering, Trump’s lawyers…”

There are legitimate questions about how the vote-counting was done in several states last week. Remember, in the 2000 election, it took 37 days for courts to determine how to legally count votes and thus to let states, and then the Electoral College, determine who won. Vice President Gore at first conceded and then took back his concession. Media didn’t scoff at Gore’s claims. Media didn’t presume to declare the winner.

The country waited. What is the rush this time?

This time, mainstream media are more solidly in control of how people perceive what happened on Nov. 3, and there’s no question about who mainstream media wanted to win.

Here are a few historical quotes on politics, perception, truth and reality: “In politics, perception is reality,” said Republican campaign consultant Lee Atwater.

“There is no truth; there is only perception,” said French novelist Gustave Flaubert.

Remember who controls perception in America today and remember what Rudy Giuliani said: “Networks don’t get to decide elections, courts do.”

Tom McLaughlin of Lovell is a retired middle school U.S. History teacher.

In Ye Olden Times

by Michael Davis BHS Assistant Director It would be next to impossible to give an adequate description of the illuminations, which for variety and magnificence would hardly be surpassed. At Hon. C.E. Gibbs’ residence besides the myriad candles was a superb display of rows of Chinese lanterns, stretched along the street front, flambeaux, fireworks, etc., in his grounds, from which fire balloons were sent up. Chinese lanterns were festooned on the Cumberland House, and across the street to Mr. Gibbs’ trees. Jesse Murphey made a brilliant showing. Reuben Riley’s decorations inspired much applause, especially the costumed little child personifying Columbia. Luther Billings’ residence and grounds were a brilliant sight, with the many Chinese lanterns arranged on two arches and all over the grounds, the front door canopies with a large flag, blue lights, etc. Albert Fogg’s, adjoining, was likewise a rich spectacle, with numerous displays of Chinese lanterns, blue lights, flags and the Goddess of Liberty, personated by Miss Sharon Annie. P.P. Burnham’s house and park made a fine showing, Chinese lanterns being strung along the two street sides of his large park. Miss. M.E. Hill displayed in the front window of her millinery store an elaborate and beautiful red-white-and-blue illuminated pyramid of wax candles, etc…”

Till next time!

Mike Davis is assistant executive director of the Bridgton Historical Society. In recognizing The News’ 150th year of publishing, Mike each week takes a look back into the newspaper’s past for stories from Ye Olden Times.

Handsome Grackles

(Continued from Page 5B) ish purple on the Grackle’s head, is produced by “a layer of blue-reflecting cells over a layer of dark melanin-pigmented cells. Green feathers have the same structure, with a transparent layer of yellowpigmented cells over the blueproducing cells, combining to create green.” Iridescence results from feather structure, caused by “twisted and flattened barbules on the feathers, which disperse and scat-

ter light unequally so that its angle is constantly changing.”

In the shade, iridescent feathers appear black.

The scientific explanation of feather colors is a bit complicated, so after I read it, and did my best to understand it, I put the book back on the shelf. What I would remember was the sight of Common Grackles under my friend’s feeder, and the beauty of their iridescent purplish, blue feathers.

59. Tear down 60. Track competition 61. Cabbage in France 62. Displeasure on one’s face

63. Gaelic tongue 64. Draft choice 66. Repeated Cuban dance step

This week’s puzzle theme:

Thanksgiving

ACROSS 1. Glamour’s partner 6. Prime time monitor, acr.

9. Prelude to a duel 13. Video killed this type of star?

14. Orinoco or Grande 15. Temple Square performers, e.g.

16. Set straight 17. *Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday in this country 18. Filthy dough 19. *Opposite of Thanksgiving, traditionally 21. *The day’s offering 23. Declare 24. Unacceptable in a juror 25. Fire fuel 28. ThÈ alternative 30. Jumped or leapt 35. Chipping choice 37. Plural of #25 Across 39. Coupon clipper, e.g.

40. A woodwind 41. Vernacular 43. The brightest star 44. One born to Japanese immigrants 46. a.k.a. leaf cabbage 47. Capital on the Dnieper 48. Rear of a ship, pl.

50. Boisterous play 52. Not sweet, as in wine 53. Has divine power 55. None intended, often 57. *Macy’s offering

60. *34th Street offering 64. Relating to pond scum 65. Highest card in “War” 67. Blood of the gods, Greek mythology 68. Like unbagged tea 69. Female 70. Thousands, for short 71. Microsoft browser 72. *What we do on Thanksgiving 73. ____ welcome!

DOWN 1. Steffi of tennis 2. Tibetan teacher 3. Beware of these, in spring 4. Window treatments 5. Bay Area serial killer never captured 6. French Bulldog plus Pug 7. Alliance of former Soviet republics, acr.

8. Raccoon’s South American cousin 9. Give the cold shoulder 10. Locket content, traditionally 11. Snob puts these on 12. Prior to 15. Necklace fasteners 20. Spiral-horned African antelope 22. ____-been 24. Mendicity 25. *Thanksgiving Day football hosts 26. Galactic path

27. One in a gaggle 29. *Utensil absent at Pilgrim’s table 31. Colonel or captain 32. Steer clear 33. “When pigs fly!”

34. *Condiment of the day 36. ____-do-well 38. Without help

42. Allegro and lento 45. Get some air 49. Seed alternative 51. Jonathan Franzen’s 2015 novel 54. Rental agreement 56. Chip snack 57. Weary walk 58. Bug-eyed

Solutions on Page 6B

Opinion & Comment

November 12, 2020, The Bridgton News, Page 5B

Bird Watch

by Jean Preis BN Columnist

Handsome Grackles

Yesterday afternoon, while I waited to go for a walk with a friend, I watched the activity at her bird feeder. A Chickadee flew from the lilac bush to the feeder, grabbed a seed, and flew back with it to the safety of the bush. Then, a nondescript black bird, slightly larger than a Robin, landed on the ground below the feeder. A second black bird showed up and they both began to pick up seeds. In the shade, they looked solid black, but when they moved into the sunlight their head and neck shone a handsome deep purplish blue. They were Common Grackles.

Common Grackles are highly adaptable birds, able to eat almost anything from fruit to small vertebrates and insects.

They wade into shallow water to catch small fish, steal worms from foraging Robins, and will eat spiders, other bird’s eggs, nestlings, and even adult birds. A hard keel on the inside of the upper mandible is useful for sawing open acorns. Centuries of clearing this continent’s land for agriculture have resulted in extensive sources of seeds and grain that Common Grackles eat. Partly due to this, they have become one of the most abundant bird species on the continent, but unfortunately their success has led to problems. In parts of the United States, flocks of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of Grackles descend on agricultural fields and cause serious harm to grain crops. In some parts of the country, they are considered the leading cause of damage to corn crops. This damage to crops has, according to birdsoftheworld.org, led to them being controlled, or killed, in some areas.

As I watched these two handsome birds on my friend’s lawn, peacefully eating seeds below her feeder, I was not thinking about gigantic flocks, or decimation of important crops. I was thinking of iridescent feathers that we admire on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and Indigo Buntings, and the unexpected beauty of these Common Grackles, as their feathers glistened with iridescence in the afternoon light. Although most feather colors are the result of pigments in the feather, blue and green colors result not from pigment but from the structure of the feather itself. When I returned home after our walk, I began to search for a more detailed explanation of this phenomenon, and consulted one of my favorite books: Watching Birds, An Introduction to Ornithology, by Roger F. Pasquier. According to Pasquier, “Feather colors are produced in two entirely different ways — by pigment and by structure.”

Melanins, the most common pigments, produce “dull yellows, reddish browns, browns, grays and black.” Carotinoid, also a pigment, produces other types of yellow, orange and bright red. White feathers, which do not have any pigment, appear white because they reflect all light. The color of some feathers is caused by “light reflected from the structure of the feather,” resulting from “a combination of pigmented cells in the feathers overlaid with cells that reflect light of certain colors.” The blue color we see on birds, such as the bluGRACKLES, Page 4B

Letters Please pay attention

To The Editor:

Regarding the Nov. 5 lead story in The Bridgton News, “Planners define ‘filling,’ send ruling to judge,” one wonders if the Planning Board members actually read the memorandum from their counsel, Ms. Dixon (memorandum of Oct. 4, 2020).

The Procedural History included the item, “On Sept.

16, 2020, legal counsel for the Applicant filed a letter informing the Planning Board that the Applicant intends to file an amendment to the Hotel Bridgton site plan to “remove the ‘contouring’ work in the Stream Protection Zone and to reroute a stormwater drain pipe so that it will no longer pass through the Stream Protection Zone.”

One would think that statement would cause the planning board members to wonder “why?”

The Applicant asserted often and vociferously during the public hearings that both the “recontouring” and passage of the new stormwater drain through the Stream Protection Zone (SPZ) were necessary to stormwater management and erosion control. Why can these supposedly critical features now be dispensed with?

Not one board member brought up this discrepancy — each voting member instead opined on the “necessity” of the “recontouring” and passage of the stormwater piping through the SPZ. The board members believed as fact that the fill and change in slope really were stormwater management — something that the Applicant himself apparently does not believe. The board members believed as fact that the stormwater drain could not be rerouted, but apparently it can.

Even as the Planning Board was instructed not address the Sept. 16 letter from the Applicant, just the knowledge of the contents of the letter should have alerted the Board to the error of their assumptions

regarding the need for the fill, contouring and route of stormwater pipe installation in the originally approved plan.

Catherine S. DiPietro, P.E. Bridgton

Good luck to the victor

To The Editor:

Howdy neighbors!

Well, the people have spoken; this is Mike Davis, now returned to private life. Cut me off another slice of Election Cake and let’s sit down to talk it over.

Though we made a valiant effort at the polls on Tuesday, it was sadly not to be. Going over the returns after-the-fact, it’s clear we just about held our own in Bridgton, and in the late hours of the night our prospects were certainly buoyed up by the late return from Denmark, but when morning brought the news from Harrison, the bottom fell out and our incumbent, Walter Riseman, won the day. I wish him the best, as he surely deserves it.

Moving forward, I can only say that I’m very glad our communities clearly expressed themselves, and with the results being what they are, how greatly I hope that this time around our government in Augusta is able to step up to the task before it. As I promised to do were I elected, as I have heard so many of you tell me this year, our Legislature must do away with its partisan shutdown and convene immediately to work out a way forward for our state.

Our businesses, our schools, our continued prosperity depends on it. I believe the voice of our communities, for all our political differences, is wholly united in that sentiment.

It was a raw day for an election; I think it would have struggled to reach freezing even without the wind chill, but as I was standing at the polls, seeing you all again as you went to vote, I can honestly say I hardly felt the cold. I was warmed by the atmosphere of the day, and the magnitude of what we were accomplishing. I’m not sure if it was because of the increased political tensions this year, or the added difficulties of

WHAT A VIEW — Bridgton’s Pleasant Mountain viewed from Hacker’s Hill in Casco emerges from an early morning cloud bank. (Photo by Suzanne Richard)

It’s time to hunker down

On one day alone this week, Maine recorded 183 new cases of Covid-19, the highest single-day increase since the beginning of the pandemic. Our positivity rate, while significantly lower than other states, has more than doubled in the last two weeks and hospitalizations have increased.

The nation has surpassed more than nine and a half million total cases of Covid-19 — more than 100,000 new cases in a single day — and more than 230,000 deaths — about four times the number of American soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam war. 150 people in Maine have died. Not just numbers on a page, people like Tom Flacke, first selectman in the town of Morrill. People all over this state are getting sick and dying.

People with loved ones. Respected members of the community.

People who go to your church, your grange, your legion hall.

In a Washington Post interview recently, Dr. Anthony Fauci said, “We’re in for a whole lot of hurt. It’s not a good situation.

All the stars are aligned in the wrong place as you go into the fall and winter season, with people congregating at home indoors.

You could not possibly be positioned more poorly.”

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and our gradual reopening process, we have constantly monitored epidemiological data, like case trends and hospitalization rates, as well as health care system readiness and capacity, all of that has informed

Views from Augusta

by Janet Mills Governor of Maine

every one of our decisions on lifting restrictions and stimulating our economy.

Like sailors who used the night skies to navigate home, public health data has been our North Star, guiding us through this pandemic.

To combat the recent rise in cases of Covid-19 and to get us back on course, we made five changes this week.

First, we extended the “Keep Maine Healthy” program through December to promote prevention efforts at the local level; second, we returned to lower indoor gathering limits; third, we postponed bar and tasting room indoor openings for now; fourth, we removed New York, New Jersey and HUNKER, Page 4B

What’s ahead in the 130th

It is time to get to work! We have a lot of big challenges ahead in the 130th Legislature and big challenges need big ideas. I want to share some of my thoughts: First, there will be a budget shortfall that needs to be addressed. We cannot tax our way out of this hole, nor should we. At the same time, we cannot make broad cuts across state programs, which desperately need funding to continue supporting the issues resulting from the health pandemic. It includes promoting public health, which will be one of my first priorities.

More than likely, the answer is a thoughtful balanced plan to increase revenues, reduce expenses, receive additional federal funding, and utilize our rainy-day reserves.

Second, Augusta also needs to be reminded that we are “Vacationland,” and we rely heavily on tourist activities. With the winter season right around the corner, skiers, snowmobilers and ice fishermen will soon be flocking to our towns looking to escape the cities. We need to make sure that our out-of-state friends feel safe coming here and our residents are also safe. At the same time, we must ensure our local businesses have the ability to operate profitably and have a great season. We will need to look beyond that and provide an ongoing plan.

Third, I will continue to demand transparency and accountability in state government and with regulated utilities. I was the virus and its requisite safety-measures, but I need to say that I was so pleased by how the event was carried out, and this feeling had nothing to do with my being on the ballot.

Reflecting on the election, we have not had in Bridgton a turnout like this ever before.

Looking at the returns, I see we had upwards of 3,000 citizens turn out to cast their vote, and some 5,500 overall in House District 69. That’s truly unprecedented, in either the modern or historic eras. Whereas in the 1830s, 1850s and 1880s, there was much talk of political violence or protest at the polls, and no slight amount of intimidation, buying of ballots and ‘electioneering’ once went on here, I am so glad to report that this year, despite the concern and fear of both sides, there was none in appearance on Tuesday.

Instead, I saw our town manager helping voters up the stairs, poll workers distributing extra donuts to small children, and neighbors of vastly differing political spirit riding together to ensure no one missed their opportunity. There was every reason this year to have had a low turnout, to have had a tense and fearful atmosphere, to have broken under the passions of the moment. But instead, our district stood together, and lifted one another to the occasion as friends. It was a true achievement for our community, and one for which we must well be proud. I sure am.

This Election Day, we participated in the oldest, most sacred rite of the American experience. The right for which our forefathers fought and died, those heroes of our revolu-

tion who, with their very lives’ blood, wrote the name America upon the page of history. The shadows they cast are yet seen and felt today and we, walking in their shadow, are living witness that their cause yet endures. I return to private life truly encouraged for the future of our towns and am ever grateful, of all the places to live in our state, that I get to live here, and have you all as my neighbors.

Thank you!

Mike Davis Bridgton

It’s not over…

To The Editor:

It is not over because CNN, NBC, etc. say it is over. It is not over until each state legislature, and the District of Columbia, meet on Dec. 14, 2020, to cast their electoral college votes, send their “Certificates of the Vote” to the “President of the U.S. Senate (the Vice President)”

by Dec. 23, 2020, where they are then counted, and the president is determined (“The Electoral College: A 2020 Presidential Election Timeline,” Congressional Research Service, Oct. 20, 2020).

When considering all the reports of fraud and rogue court rulings, including Pennsylvania, we may see a repeat of the 2000 election.

The fat lady hasn’t even started warming up.

Robert Casimiro Bridgton

From the House

by Walter Riseman Maine State Representative disappointed when the Maine Supreme Court blocked the public referendum on the CMP Corridor. Simply put, I do not believe the Corridor plan was developed with the best interest of Maine. CMP’s recent reputation has been very suspect: overbilling, malfunctioning meters, and frequent and protracted power outages. In the last Legislature, I sponsored legislation for utility companies to require two previous years of usage data on electric bills. This allows customers to accurately track how much energy they are really using and can correctly point out billing irregularities. I plan to continue to support legislation that will hold our utilities accountable.

Fourth, I will continue working with community and regionAHEAD, Page 6B

Wouldn’t you fire them?

To The Editor:

Question for Trump voters: Why doesn’t it bother you that your president is a pathological liar and racist that supports white supremacist, degrades women, makes fun of handicapped people, doesn’t pay his taxes and has no redeeming qualities? If you had an employee that did all those things or your employer was like that, I can’t imagine you thinking it’s a good thing. Just a question that all the rest of us would like to know the answer to.

Thank you. We can all wait a week for the answer.

Brian Grady Sebago

Making Maine unlivable

To The Editor:

It is now all but set in stone, after 200 years of being a fiercely conservative state, Maine is once again an appendage of the liberal state of Massachusetts.

For decades, folks from the Bay State have been migrating into Maine in ever increasing numbers, which is entirely their right and with the constantly expanding control exerted by Massachusetts state government over its cit-

izens, who can blame them one iota for fleeing the state?

Most of the newcomers to Maine are in a strong financial position, build nice homes here and contribute to a great deal of the state’s economy through purchases and taxes. They also join civic organizations and do much volunteer work, which is a great benefit to the various municipalities of the Pine Tree State.

Many of these arrivals are accustomed to having government shower them with all kinds of amenities, which residents of Maine have only been able to dream about.

Native Mainers, for the most part, have made do with limited government control and spending and have been perfectly content to do so.

As newcomers to Maine call for government to provide a never-ending amount of additional programs and services, taxes have to skyrocket in order to pay for all these new and often unnecessary expenditures.

Maine has long been one of the poorer states in the nation, as well as having the largest percentage of elderly residents. A conservative estimate would suggest that in excess of 200,000 native Mainers fall into the elderly category. Many of these folks never had the opportunity to work for high wages or had the good fortune to receive a company pension. A significant percentage of the elderly have only Social Security and whatever their families

LETTERS, Page 6B

Page 6B, The Bridgton News, November 12, 2020

What’s ahead in the 130th

(Continued from Page 5B) al leaders to develop plans to bring adequate and affordable broadband access to our communities. This year, we established several local task forces, which are putting together comprehensive plans to successfully move the process forward. The solutions are complex — infrastructure, costs, affordability, etc. No doubt, the health pandemic has magnified many of our existing challenges, accenting the need for a higher quality of Internet to promote small businesses and working from home, allow for improved access to telehealth, and improve educational opportunities. This will allow us to thrive in a competitive economy and provide benefits for our future generations. The Legislature needs to take bold action to appropriately clear hurdles, fund and support local action to get infrastructure investment where it needs to be to make this happen.

Of course, there are many other issues to be considered including the environment, infrastructure needs, property tax relief, education, etc. The list goes on, but as I said before, I will continue to work hard for the communities I serve.

As always, I am available at 890-7866 or Walter.

Riseman@legislature.maine.gov. Do not be surprised if I get in touch with you to pick your brain!

Walter Riseman (I-Harrison) represents House District 69, which includes Bridgton, Denmark and Harrison.

Letters (Continued from Page 5B)

can contribute to help them survive these extremely turbulent times.

Portland is a classic example of a city that is rapidly becoming unlivable for the average Maine working class family. Portland for decades has been electing increasingly progressive mayors and city councilors, who have pushed the city far to the left of the rest of the state. Property taxes in Portland have expanded exponentially to fund the massive increase in spending on social programs, as the city has become a mecca for the drug addicted, homeless and illegal immigrants.

Business and property owners can only absorb so much of the huge annual tax increases before they have to pass it along to already stressed and overtaxed tenants and customers who are at the mercy of a city run by out of touch progressives.

A day of reckoning is fast approaching and we are going to pay a fearsome price.

Robert M. Howe Jr. Bridgton

Count every vote

To The Editor:

Some states have early voting, mail in voting, heavy voter turnout, count ballots and post results within the laws of their states. Some states have early voting, mail-in voting, heavy voter turnout, can’t count ballots, won’t operate within their state’s laws and refuse to abide by court orders.

The former are red states, and

the latter are all blue states.

Some states have worked the “glitches” out of their voting systems prior to this presidential election. Some states have discovered that they have software with a “glitch” that converts Republican votes into Democrat votes. The former are red states, and the latter are all blue states.

Some states allowed poll watchers from both parties to observe the vote counting process, allowed objections to be filed if poll watchers suspected irregularities and ran their election process in the light of day. Some states didn’t allow poll watchers inside the room, told the watchers to observe through windows and then covered the windows; some made poll watchers stand 30feet to 100-feet away from the vote counters. The former are red states, and the latter are blue states.

The party of the blue states may yet complete the coup they attempted against a duly elected president four years ago. First, they declared that the president-elect was illegitimate because he colluded with the Russians and Hillary got more total votes. Taking the later first, we don’t have a national election but, 50 individual state elections. Hillary only received 227 certified votes in the Electoral College; Trump received 304 certified votes, therefore, Trump won, and Hillary lost. Taking the former, apparently it was Hillary and the Bidens who colluded with the Russians. Hillary got billions for uranium and Hunter Biden got millions for his knowledge of energy.

Then when this failed, the blue party folks impeached the president for asking the newly-elected president of the Ukraine if he would look into Joe Biden’s quid pro quo; a

Continuations

billion and half in bank guarantees for s--- canning the prosecutor looking into Joe’s son Hunter’s relationship with a corrupt energy company.

Covid-19 was a crisis too good to waste.

Finally, dubious vote counting in many blue state cities, channeling the Cook County, Ill., template for guaranteeing election outcomes, may have finally completed the coup, or not.

Jock MacGregor Sebago Editor’s note: The News asked the writer as to sources of claims made in his letter, and he cited Fox Business News and Fox News.

The ‘Party’ is over

To The Editor:

It’s all over but the shouting and, as usual, most of the shouting is coming from the far-right. Despite Donald Trump’s barrage of frivolous lawsuits, his single term in the White House will end by law at noon, Jan. 20, 2021. Don’t go away mad, Big Guy; just go away.

For years, I’ve used the analogy of a boat going over Niagara Falls to describe our flailing attempts to find unity and common purpose in the United States. Back near the beginning of Trump’s bungling of the Covid-19 crisis, I wrote, “So here we are today, falling like a rock. It’s impossible to predict how this will end, but it can’t end well.” By booting Trump and his cronies out of office, we’ve stopped the bleeding. Now, we have a fighting chance to heal our battered nation and rebuild it better than ever.

Here’s a question for Republicans, be they “conservative” or moderate, pro- or anti-Trump, sensible or nonsensical: How do you want to spend the next four years — binding up our nation’s wounds, or fighting each other and tearing at the fabric of our national life? Do you want our nation to recover its soul, its standing in the world, its physical and economic health, or do you want to keep playing that old schoolyard game, “King of the Mountain?” It’s your choice.

Contrary to what many of you believe, people like me don’t want to take away your religious rights to worship as you choose, believe what you wish and interpret the Bible however you find appropriate. All we want is for you to stop trying to use the coercive power of government to force us to live by the rules of your faith tradition, whatever it is. We are not interested in imposing socialism on our economy, starting riots in our streets, burning our cities, ruining our neighborhoods, or forcing violent gang members into our police departments.

None of that stuff is true. It’s all smear and fear. Do yourselves a favor. Stop watching far-right disinformation (much of it straight from Russia).

You’ll discover the world isn’t half as scary as those guys want you to believe it is.

Here’s a proposal. Stop attacking me like I’m your mortal enemy. I’m not. I’m just a citizen, tired of watching our nation act like it’s in a state of war. Our flamethrower-inchief soon will be gone. We need to devote ourselves to putting out his fires.

Rev. Robert Plaisted Bath

Voter fraud

To The Editor:

So now, we’ve had a presidential election with such massive voter fraud that it has brought us a president-elect who was a sub-par candidate, couldn’t even attract a large crowd and is known to sell influence to his vice president office for millions during the Obama administration. Biden is also known as a hollow candidate, who said whatever his handlers told him to say. How is it possible that this man won against an incumbent president who delivered the best economy the county has ever seen? Who has delivered the highest incomes for all working people? Trump drew huge crows sometimes tens of thousands of people who clearly loved him. How did Biden win against that? I don’t believe that he did.

The whole Biden-Harris victory over Trump doesn’t smell right to the masses and the Democrats know it. So, they enlisted the same dishonest media that gave us the Russian hoax, the Mueller investigation hoax, and the Ukraine phone call impeachment hoax. Now proven to be all lies. We should not let this same media convince us that this election is completely normal and something we just have to live with.

The Democrats think they pulled off the perfect crime.

But they are mistaken. I believe the whole county knows this election was criminalized by enemies within us. Those people who cheated and stole this election from their fellow Americans must be punished.

If Trump was any regular president he would give up and admit defeat because the media says it’s over. Fortunately for us, America has a fighter in Trump, he has many lawsuits pending in federal courts right now with more coming. His lawyers are armed with plenty of hard evidence. He is fighting for America, thank God. It is a fool’s errand to embrace voter fraud for one’s own preference, it is a doubleedged sword. We Americans have a right to democracy, but here we must fight for it again. Systemic ballot tampering at the scale we all wit-

Upcoming area blood drives

Two chances to be the lifeline patients need, give blood!

The American Red Cross will be holding the upcoming blood drives: • The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a blood drive at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Fryeburg this Friday, Nov. 13 from 12 to 5 p.m. Anyone wishing to schedule an appointment can call American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or John Berg at 935-2395.

• The Harrison Community United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and North Bridgton (77 Main Street in Harrison) will hold a blood drive on Friday, Nov. 20 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. sponsored by the Harrison Lions Club.

Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood. org and enter HarrisonME to schedule an appointment.

The Red Cross will test your blood for Covid-19 and provide you with the results.

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment. nessed is a terrible crime. Our country is at stake, if we allow this our laws could just quietly dissolve. It steals the very essence of our individual freedom that we are guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and if allowed to continue will surely destroy our country. If this obvious shame election goes through, who should ever trust another election?

We must do over and demand integrity. Fully review everything and this time count only one legal ballot from each living registered person who actually live in their state. We must not allow more votes than there are people registered to vote. Voting machines should not be programmed to

change the vote.

Let it be known that ballot scams will not be tolerated by the federal or state governments in any election. If I am wrong, then it must be proved for the good of the country.

Only then will we have election integrity and faith can be returned to the voting booth.

Ron Framarin Bridgton Editor’s note: The News asked the writer what sources he used to base claims in this letter, and he responded Fox News along with radio and TV commentary by Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Howie Carr, Mark Liven and others. “You won’t find it on NBC, CBS, PBS and MSNBC,” he added.

This week’s game solutions

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