By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

To honor the memory of her late husband, Kimberly Leighton wants to place a memorial bench so others can enjoy the beauty of Highland Lake, much like Dr. Peter Leighton once did.

“My late husband, beloved Peter A. Leighton, was an integral part of our community serving as a primary care physician and hospitalist and most important to Peter, as an addiction medicine physician. Peter played a vital role in helping adults and their families struggling with substance use disorder. He co-founded the Lakes Region Substance Awareness Coalition with former Chief of Police Rick Stillman, which led to the creation of the Lakes Region Recovery Center,” wrote Kim Leighton in a letter read to the Bridgton Select Board last Tuesday by Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck.

The bench, which Mrs. Leighton designed and worked closely with Colette Monuments (pictured here), was generously donated by the Crooked River Counseling Agency and several donors who purchased t-shirts for Peter’s annual Walk in Remembrance held in Bridgton in September. Mrs. Leighton requested that the bench to be placed in Kramer’s Landing to the right of the boat landing (to the right of the one already there). 

On the back, an inscription reads, “God, grant us the Serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the Courage to change the things we can, And the Wisdom to know the difference. — Reinhold Niebulr”

“One of Peter’s favorite things to do was spend time in nature and on the lake. It was always important for him to face the west and he loved watching the sunsets over the White Mountains on our daily walks on Highland Road,” Mrs. Leighton’s letter said. “If this location is not an option, I am open to the idea of having his bench in Shorey Park or Pondicherry Park, as well. I am aware that there may be an EPA fee for having the memorial near the lake and I am prepared to pay this fee. Thank you for your time and consideration for this priceless gift for our family, our children, and our community that will continue to carry on his legacy.”

She added in a Facebook post, “This memorial will be part of his lasting legacy here in Bridgton and all are welcome to come and sit and enjoy a moment of peace, prayer and surrender.”

Officials felt the Leighton bench might be a better fit for Shorey Park, feeling the style might “look out of place” next to the existing bench at Kramer’s Landing, and it would have a more “private spot” there. The bench would be positioned so that users could look out toward Highland Lake.

“The location of any donated bench or monument shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen upon recommendation of the Public Works Director, who shall give maximum consideration to the wishes of the donor(s),” according to town policy.

Select Board members instructed Public Works to arrange a meeting with Mrs. Leighton to show her potential spots in Shorey Park. Once accepted, the town is responsible for basic maintenance.

In other meeting notes:

Lines of communication. With the winter months nearing and the greater chance people could be unavailable due to illness (flu or Covid), Selectman Fred Packard felt the board should look into use of Zoom at future meetings. While board meetings, for the most part, are televised “live” by community access cable and streamed online, Packard noted those options lack the ability to pose questions to town officials. 

While board members could interact via Zoom’s “chat” option, the public is also able to pose questions or make comments during the agenda’s public participation segment.

Fee schedule adjustments. Every year, the Select Board takes a look at various fees charged by the town, making adjustments where and when needed. For example, items containing Freon will cost $25 for removal, rather than $15, while commercial haulers will be charged $200 for a two-year dump sticker.

Selectman Bear Zaidman sought clarification regarding the wastewater EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) charge. The current schedule calls for $98 per quarter or $392 per year. However, Zaidman cited that during conversations with an individual looking to purchase a local laundromat a figure of $508 was given.

“Which is it?” Zaidman asked Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck, who was filling in from Town Manager Bob Peabody at last week’s board meeting. If the $392 figure is accurate, Zaidman suggested that Peabody contact the interested laundromat buyer regarding the number. “I believe it might make a difference in the negotiation,” Zaidman said.

Board Chairwoman Carmen Lone questioned the proposed jump in price for the Rec Before and After-School Care program from $70 to $100. For some families, Lone felt the increase is a “big jump,” especially if more than one child attends the program.

Rec Director Gary Colello pointed out that enrichment programs like Mad Science and Karate, which carried individual costs, have been rolled into the overall B/A School Care program. Colello said the $100 is a “bare minimum” fee he could charge, and thus “not put taxpayers in the hole.”

Selectman Paul Tworog was surprised the Rec Department could operate at such a low fee.

“It’s super competitive,” said Tworog in relation to the Rec Department’s fee compared to private daycare programs. “It’s a great price.”

Colello added that grants help keep costs down, and that scholarships are given to those who need financial assistance.

“In my eight years, I haven’t turned anyone away,” Colello said.

The Select Board approved the amended fee schedule, except the EDU rate which will remain “as is for now.”

Winter Carnival will return to Highland Lake Beach area on Feb. 19, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Select Board approved the request by the Chamber of Commerce to use the beach area, with the stipulation that hot tub water not be dumped since the treated water damages the grass.

Event chairman Dan Harden noted that due to Covid concerns, there will be no hot tubs used this year for those taking part in the Harvest Hills’ annual fundraiser, Freezing for a Reason.

Harden said the Carnival will include an Ice Bar, horse-drawn wagon rides, vendors, ice fishing derby and fireworks (6 p.m.). A couple of new items include a chili contest overseen by chef Nick Orgo and demonstrations on how a hot air balloon works (no rides). There is also a possibility that a 40-plus pond hockey tournament could be held.

Food Truck at former Commons Golf. The Select Board approved victualer licenses for Subway, Morning Glory Diner and Street Eats (food truck) at 146 Harrison Road, the Commons Golf location (which has made an appearance at the Depot Street Tap House and owners are in the process of determining the best times to be open at the Harrison Road spot).

Sand for seniors. With slippery weather on the doorstep, local Health Officer Cathy Pinkham wants to be sure seniors avoid pitfalls created by snow and ice. She is compiling a list of seniors, who could use a bucket of sand to make walkways safer. She has reached out to local service clubs to help with this effort. Any senior that would like a bucket of sand dropped off to their residence should contact the town or leave a message or e-mail for Pinkham.

Selectman Bear Zaidman wondered if police officers could assist in dropping off buckets while on patrol? Police Chief Phil Jones responded, “Absolutely.”

Building still booming. The Code Enforcement Office reports that 27 building permits were issued for the month of October (26 last year) with 202 to date (241 last year). 16 plumbing permits were issued for the month of October (17 last year).

Approved. Angie Cook, who is the executive director of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, was approved as a member of the Community Development Advisory Committee, filling one of two vacancies.

New personnel. Victoria Hillis the new Deputy Community Development Director, and Holly Heymannis the new Finance Director.  

Quick takes. The Haunted Town Halland Ice Rink Fundraiserraised $2,259 for scholarships to summer camp and before and after school care.

Out of an abundance of caution and in hopes to limit COVID-19 direct contacts masks are requiredinside the office area. 

Officers are responding to an increased number of incidents related to illegal drug useand/or non-fatal overdose. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the non-emergency line and connect with resources for recovery. 

Officer McCloudfinished another successful week at the Police Academy which included the infamous pepper spray day.  He is scheduled to graduate on Dec. 17.   

TheHalloween eventat the Police Department was a success. Two officers were on foot patrol, while Public Safety Administrative Assistant Gendron, Chaplin Mike Zullo, Fire Chief Glen Garland and Deputy Town Manager Georgiann Fleck handed out candy to roughly 1,000 trick-or-treaters.