The Lisbon Reporter

I love how the article criticizing the trail is written anonymously. 

The trail will be awesome, who ever you are!?!?!?! 

If you don’t like it…STAY OFF IT!!!! 

Written by Jason Young, Lisbon Trails Committee Member

Editor's note:  The article was written by Steve Warren, Lisbon Trails Committee Member.

NEWS FLASH!!!!!*****Trail Project Public Meeting - Tuesday June 22

 TONIGHT THIS MEETING TAKES PLACE!

(added June 24,2010)
By Steve Warren

Trail Project Public Meeting -

Tuesday June 22 7 PM -

Lisbon Town Office

The Androscoggin River Trail is taking shape over the next two years, after decades of vision, effort, and with the allocation of $1,600,000 in State and local funds. However, unless the public speaks out at this meeting, it will be reduced from a jewel for Maine and a legacy for future generations to just another paving project, which allows the engineers to say they met the requirements, but misses the whole point; something people will use. 

The benefits of doing this right include enhanced quality of life, image, property value, business development, population retention, community pride, and showcasing the unique character of the area. The popularity of the Papermill Trail shows how a well designed trail can become a focal point of the community and be intensively used. The Mill Street and Upland Road sidewalk/trail is evidence of what happens when the vision is lost and it becomes a paving project. Usage of the Papermill Trail runs 20:1 over the other section, which the engineers selected without consideration for trail users interest in a quality experience. They are now at work to do the same with this project.

The vision was to create a two mile long greenbelt along the water from the Sabattus River outlet to Lisbon Falls. We have the rare situation of having a sole landowner of the entire route, who has been very generous in the past and is very supportive of the project. The entire area would become a destination as an educational resource, a park, a canoe landing, as well as a transportation corridor. With this landowner’s support, the waterfront would be accessible for water related travel, exponentially increasing the possibilities for access and use. The resulting increased tourism traffic would have far reaching economic impact.

The riverfront route would be lined and shaded by stately mature tree growth and entail level or gently sloping terrain. The engineers contend that the riverfront scenery and lack of steep grades are boring, but actual trail users obviously feel otherwise. It would be inviting to all ages and physical abilities and the most direct route, resulting in 1,000’ less pavement. It eliminates several steep grades along the alternative route, which would keep a large portion of trail users away. Several large wetland crossings on the engineers preferred route will require expensive solutions. The only significant water crossing on the riverfront route would be much shorter and also become a scenic focal point, as opposed to a massive structure proposed to cross the swamp.

The riverfront route maximizes the experience of getting away from traffic and the man-made environment. The alternative route has the first ¼ mile of both ends in the road right-of-way, which creates an experience which will put off most users from going any further. The Davis Street section will but up against numerous mobile homes and cut through the yard of a trucking company. The loss of any front yard, any privacy, parking space and interference in the conduct of business is likely to result in negative feelings toward trail users in the neighborhood. One land owner has already expressed disapproval by installing nearly 1,000’ of chain link fence along this trail route. The riverfront route connects to a canoe dock and parking area well suited to support the creation of canoe related trail use.

Lisbon HS Marine Biology Project‏

Lisbon - Lisbon High School announces a Marine Biology service learning project.  This years’ LHS marine biology classes, and students at the Lisbon Community School have been raising endangered Atlantic Salmon.  Students were granted a permit to release the salmon in the Little River in Lisbon in attempts to help reintroduce salmon into the Androscoggin River Watershed.  High School students have decided to team up with two fourth grade classes at the Lisbon Community School to add a service learning component to their salmon rearing project.   During the week of May 17  teams of LHS students will be guest speaking at LCS helping to prepare the fourth grade students for their field experience at the Little River.

(Photos Courtesy of Olivia Griset)

  Each marine biology class will be mentoring a fourth grade class on Wednesday, May 19th and another class on Thursday May 20th to participate in the release and to be involved in a water quality testing activity.  The release day event will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 12:15 pm at the Little River in Lisbon.  Volunteers are needed and community members are invited to attend!  This is an incredible opportunity for older students to share their knowledge with younger students, and for both groups of students to give back to their environment by raising and releasing these endangered fish in an ideal site in Lisbon!  

FMI contact Olivia Griset by emailing ogriset@lisbonschoolsme.org or call 353-3030, or Monica Millhime, mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org or call 754-0021.  

               

So You Want To Speak at a Public Meeting

Then Speak with Conviction and put some wind on your vocal chords so people can hear you.

Lisbon High Prom‏

High school staff (l-r) Barbara Grinder, Sally Darling, Monica Millhime and Lorraine Bard

 

 

 

Assisting Alex Corey as he arrived for the event are (pictured l-r) Barbara Grinder, Corey, Monica Millhime and Lorraine Bard

Lisbon – On Saturday, May 8 Lisbon students held their prom at Lost Valley in Auburn from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. .  High school staff  Barbara Grinder, Sally Darling, Monica Millhime and Lorraine Bard; (not pictured) Jo-Ann Brunelle, along with senior class advisor, Rebecca Belmore, School Resource Officer, Renee Bernard, and Lisbon volunteer, Jim Millhime, served as chaperones.   Photos courtesy of Muriel Michaud.

Support Active Duty Service Project‏

John and I are looking for all Active Duty Service Members in Lisbon and Lisbon Falls for a bulletin board in the Town Office. On the bulletin board, we are putting their picture, their connection to Lisbon (son, daughter, resident), branch of service, and military address Please contact us if you have any questions ...and/or information about your service member. John and Mary Wierzbicki, phone: 353-4005; email: jmbjw@roadrunner.com; or Facebook: john_mary97@yahoo.com If you have a chance, please stop by the Town Office and check out who is currently serving. The board is changing frequently as we receive more names/information.

"Supporting our Home Town Service Members"

Thank you,
John & Mary Wierzbicki

 

We want to share a community service project with the Town of Lisbon.  The Lisbon community has always had many of its citizens serving in the armed forces.  Today, as in the past, we feel it is important to have Lisbon’s service members recognized, even in a small way.  With that in mind, we asked Mr. Eldridge, Lisbon’s Town Manager, for permission to use a section of the bulletin board in the Town Office.

            Our vision for the bulletin board is to obtain the following for each currently serving service member:  4” x 6” photograph (we will take any size picture and scan to resize), current address, and connection to Lisbon, i.e., Resident, Son/Daughter of _______________.  In the center of the bulletin board will be a Blue Star Banner[1] with one blue star representing all of Lisbon’s currently serving heroes.

At this time, we are in the process of obtaining information on any active duty service member.  We would appreciate knowing the active duty member’s information or have that family contact us.  We certainly do not want to overlook anyone.  Our contact information is jmbjw@roadrunner.com or 353-4005. 

Our goal is to honor the currently serving member, and to make sure each one realizes that Lisbon has not forgotten them.  In the future, we may also ask that the American Legion, VFW, and Lisbon residents help with cards, letters, care packages, and addressing their needs. 

---

[1] “A service flag or service banner in the United States is an official banner that family members of service members in harm's way can display. The flag or banner is defined as a white field with a red border, with a blue star for each family member in active duty. “  Wikipedia

 

Lisbon Firefighters Continue To Be Busy

Lisbon Firefighters continue to be busy with fire calls during the past two weeks.  The Lisbon Fire Department responded to 38 calls for service during the month of January and have piled up another 11 calls during the month of February.  Again, members have responded to 2 working house fires and were called to 2 minor fires that did not require as much work.  So far this year members have responded to 49 calls that required over 1200 hours of staff hours. 

 

February 1 - Reported Structure Fire on Village Street - Malfunctioning Heater

February 2 - Vehicle Fire inside a Garage on Lisbon Road - Fire Out on Arrival

February 3 - Medical Assist - Burroughs Road in Bowdoin

February 4 - Smoke Detector Activation - Lisbon Road

February 6 - Chimney Fire - Post Road inn Bowdoin

February 7 - Fuel Spill - Millers variety on Lisbon Road

February 8 - Fire Alarm Activation - Campus Avenue

February 8 - Working Structure Fire on Route 9

February 14 - Furnace Malfunction - Lisbon Road

February 15 - Motor Vehicle Crash - Route 196 in Topsham

February 15 - Working Structure Fire - Meadow Road in Durham

 

 

 Lisbon Firefighters at Ridge Road Working Structure Fire

 

 

 

 Lisbon Firefighters completing ventilation at Working Structure Fire on Ridge Road

 

 

 

 Lisbon Firefighters standby as Lifeflight Helicopter lands at the scene of crash just over the Topsham Town Line.

Photos by: Jim Berube, Fire Dept. Photographer

 

Michael Robitaille

Deputy Chief

Lisbon FD

Lisbon Students Haitian Relief Efforts‏

6th Grade Students

Make Bracelets for

Haitian Relief

Photo and Story By: Connor Craig

PWS Student Media Group Reporter

  Philip W. Sugg students Trevor Gannon and Britney Brown assist with selling bracelets for the Haitian Relief efforts.

Lisbon - Mrs. Marilyn Curtis, sixth grade teacher at the Philip W. Sugg Middle School, always has the thought of helping others.  She and her daughter, Jocelyn, have helped others for a variety of causes as far back as 1970’s.  When the earthquake occurred in Haiti, and she heard news of the over two million children without food or water, Mrs. Curtis wanted to do something to raise money for the children of Haiti.  “What would the students enjoy doing,” she thought.    Making bracelets came to mind.  Mrs. Curtis shared the news article about the devastation in Haiti with her students.  Students were moved and after finishing their classroom work assignments on Friday, January 15, began their journey of making bracelets to assist in relief efforts. 

All six grade PWS classes are helping in the Haitian Relief.  Students plan on making 160 bracelets to sell for $1 to students.  Bracelets are also available to the public.  Mrs. Curtis’ class will gladly accept cash donations for Haiti Relief.  

Mrs.  Curtis’ students have been doing community service every Friday since the school year began.  Students learn how to give to those in need and how it puts a smile on someone’s face.  PWS students have made cards for soldiers and are currently working on making Valentine Cards for local nursing home residents. 

Contact Mrs. Curtis at mcurtis@lisbonschoolsme.org  or call her at 353-3055.  “I hope people who buy the bracelets will think of the children in Haiti each time they look at it their bracelet,” shares Mrs. Curtis.   Please help support this great cause and contact Mrs. Curtis today!

LCS Students Benefit from Volunteers‏

 Students in Suzie Piraino’s fourth grade class at Lisbon Community School benefited from the woodworking hobby shared by LCS Volunteer, Patti Roberts of Turner. Roberts also assists students with fluency and other areas. Pictured (l-r): back row: Megan Stone, Bradley Harriman, Tony Whittemore, Sean Scott, Lorean Reed, Kayla Roberts, Camron Perry, Rachael Bundy. Third row: Glenn Hill, Adam Loss, Sahara Aldrich. Second row: Trinity Barbay, Stevie Martin, Mrs. Roberts, Brandon Keith-Williams, Sean Marchant. Front row: Payton Veilleux, Brendon Matchett, Brian Small, Mercedes Green, and Cheyenne Pesce.   Picture by Suzie Piraino.

Lisbon – Each week, teachers and students at Lisbon Community School, are visited by a number of Lisbon Volunteers.   Community members, employees from area businesses, parents and grandparents alike, who have attended a Volunteer training class offered at the school, are welcome.  Volunteers spend time assisting teachers in their classrooms, working with students in smaller groups on specific projects, and often times share a hobby of their own.   During a recent classroom visit to students in Suzie Piraino’s fourth grade class, Patti Roberts of Turner shared her knowledge and passion of woodworking.   After the lesson, Mrs. Roberts presented every student with their own wooden spoon.  “Mrs. Roberts visits with my students every week and works on fluency levels,” shares Piraino.  “They love meeting with her each week to demonstrate their progress in reading fluency.”

FMI on Volunteer opportunities in Lisbon Schools, contact, Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime by calling 754-0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org to register for the monthly training class.

I'm Patti Roberts and I work with these students.  This is what I would like to add. 

When I first took the volunteer project for Mrs. Piraino, I believed it was just for 2 days, then she asked if I could do it until the end of the year.  I was very skeptical at first since I work well with younger children and was not sure about 4th graders. 

Well I have to tell you seeing these children excel in their  fluency I realize how very special each one of the children are.  So for Christmas they needed something special that was theirs so I thought of the wooden spoons.  May God bless each child and maybe one day they could make something special for another class.

Thanks.

Tango Mike Mike

Please watch this and learn what Tango Mike Mike means.  You've never seen anything quite like this!




"...did this as a way to honor all those who have struggled to come back from serving our country in times of war. The most interesting part for me was something I didn't find out until after I created this photoplay, was that this was Roy's second tour. He had been so gravely wounded, by stepping on a landmine, on his first tour that he was drummed out of the Army after returning. Roy built his body back up and returned to the service after proving himself fit and joined the elite Green Beret's and went back to Vietnam for a second tour for which he received the Medal of Honor"

Military Records Now Available, Form DD-214

This might be good information for some of the guys!

 DD-214 
 Please pass on to other vets.
 It's official; DD-214s are NOW Online. 
 The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s

 online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/

 This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.
 Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents.

 Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.

 Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

The REAL winner of the Nobel Peace Prize

BELOW IS THE REAL WINNER OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!

Wouldn't it be fitting if this went completely around the world!..... 

John Gebhardt's wife, Mindy, said that this little girl's entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head...but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John's hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing. 

He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do. 

This, my friends, is worth sharing. Go for it!! You'll never see things like this in the news. Please keep this going. Nothing will happen if you don't, but the American public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that what we're doing over there is making a difference.. Even if it is just one little girl at a time. 

 http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/gebhardt.asp

Chili, Chowder, Chocolate Challenge Coming

Lisbon Students Community Caroling

                                    CHRISTMAS CHEER AT THE LAMP Alzheimer’s Facility

Story & Photo By:  Connor Craig

Philip W. Sugg Student Media Group Reporter – Grade 7

Lisbon - On Friday, December 4^th a group of 18 students from the Lisbon High School and Philip W. Sugg Middle School and ten adult Lisbon Volunteers shared Holiday cheer - a gift of Christmas Caroling for the residents at the Lamp Alzheimer’s Facility in Lisbon.  The evening sing-along was such a special time for the residents, as well as for the students and their families.   Upon arrival, student carolers were greeted by a few of the residents, and one resident was so happy to see the students decked out in their Christmas attire, she began to cry.    A special thanks to Richelle Niles, Activity Director at the Lamp Alzheimer’s Facility for inviting students to visit with the residents, and to PWS Music Teacher, Jonathan Pollock, and Lisbon’s Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime, for organizing such a good time for everyone.   The smiles on the residents’ faces made the whole night a blessing to all.

LACO Provides Service to Community‏

LACO During the Holiday Season

Story & Photo By:  Connor Craig

PWS Student Media Group Reporter

Members of the LACO program at MTM Center in Lisbon Falls assisting families in the community

left to right  Pat Ringrose, Food Bank Director

Carol Day, Clothing Bank Director

Jim Duley, Shopping Coordinator

Lisbon - The LACO program (Lisbon Area Christian Outreach) is a local food pantry which serves the communities of Lisbon, Durham and Bowdoin.  On Saturday, December 19, on assignment for the Student Media Group at Philip W. Sugg Middle School, I had the opportunity to take a tour of the MTM facility and meet with Mrs. Carol Day, Clothing Bank Director.  Mrs. Day shared that LACO receives support through matching grants and the assistance of Good Shepherd Food Bank.  Food is picked up at the Good Shepherd Bank each week by volunteers.  Members of the community can come and sign up to receive food they only need to show proof of residency and a picture ID.   Families are entitled to twelve visits a year to the food bank.  Each visit supplies a family with a week’s worth of food.  If someone is in need of more food, they can extend the times they can come by going to a local minister or their general assistance director at their town office.

During the interview Mrs. Day shared how supplies were running this holiday season.  “Due to the help of the boy scouts, local schools and the local businesses, they usually do a lot better during the holiday season.”  Compared to last year, the need for help by families increased.  “As of the end of November, 1839 families visited the food bank, 537 more than this time last year,” according to Mrs. Day.    “LACO has served 3405 adults, 936 more than last year, and 1907 children this year, compared to 673 this time last year.”   Every $1.00 donated to the food bank equates to  $5.00 worth of food.  Asked how members of the community could help during this season, Mrs. Day responded “If people have coats, hats, gloves, scarves, or even boots to donate, this would be the best time, it is very cold during this time of year. “  Hours of operation at the MTM Center in Lisbon are Wednesdays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.  FMI call 353-8019 or 353-6002. 

We could use your readers help‏

Two young members of the Lisbon Community, Noah Austin and Nicholas Welsh, are part of a team that have entered a contest to win team tickets to the Boston Bruins New Year's Day at Fenway Park.  We're asking for your help to send them.

Please visit     http://bruins.notchturner.com/contests/voting.aspx?team=29

 

You can vote ONCE A DAY until December 10th.

 

Thank you,

Traci Austin

and the Lewiston Jr. Maineiacs Mite Travel Team

New "Dugouts" On Lisbon Elementary School Fields

Photos and article by Traci Austin

Young group LRTC:

FRONT ROW =  Brandon Chaloux, Patrick Rogers, Tyler Baker, Dan Roberts, Ashley Maillette, Nick Pushard, & Ryan Profenno.

MIDDLE ROW=  Andy Tupper (Lisbon Student) , Instructor Jason Merritt , Cody Walker, & Andrew Foss.

BACK ROW =   Alex Hall ( Lisbon Student)

 

Lisbon High School Students and others are giving back to Lisbon Junior Athletic League....

The Lisbon Junior Athletic League, a non-profit, is beginning to bring the fields at the old Lisbon Elementary School back to a quality playing complex for the youth of Lisbon.  Assisting in this effort are the students at Lewiston Regional Technical Center program, who are constructing two dugouts on the right field at the old Lisbon Elementary School site as part of their construction studies.  Leading this charge is instructor Jason Merritt of LRTC..  It's important to note that these students are building the entire project with hand tools over the last several weeks.

Stay tuned for another story to follow.

Left Field Dugout at Lisbon Elementary School

  Helping Hands Fellowship

Back Row:  Rene Dubois Sr., Ken Withers, Paul Eastman, Rene Dubois Jr., (helping) Jonathan Bennett

Front Row:  Bob Houle, Armand Marcouillier, (helping) Joe Bennett (Not shown Chuck Masselli, Tom Steenson, Peter Wade)

The left field dugouts were contructed by the Helping Hands Fellowship of Lisbon.  A volunteer group for over 30 years, who donated their time to build two dugouts at the LES fields on November 7th & 8th with assistance from Auburn Concrete, Lisbon's Public Works, Pineland Lumber and Lisbon School Department.  Many of these volunteers played, coached or currently have grandchildren playing for Lisbon Junior Athletic League.

If you have questions you can call 576-1603 or email me at austincreations@yahoo.com

Thanks, Traci Austin

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

A beautiful display of season's greetings right here in Lisbon!

God Bless US All !

Lisbon PWS Successful Spaghetti Supper

Philip W. Sugg Successful Spaghetti Supper

By

Connor Craig – 7^th grader, PWS Student Media Reporter

Lisbon - On Friday November 13, 2009 the Philip W. Sugg Middle School seventh grade parents and teachers hosted a spaghetti supper to raise money for Camp Kieve.  Camp Kieve is a leadership team building camp.  Each year, the seventh graders raise money to attend the camp for a week.  Fundraising has been getting harder each year with the economy.  Despite the economy, people were “hungry” to support the seventh graders and enjoyed good food cooked and donated by parents, staff and local area businesses.

 A raffle for 100 gallons of oil, donated by Piela Oil in Lisbon, raised $1000 for the students.  There were also many other silent auction items donated for the fundraiser.   The dinner and silent auction raised $1900.   During the evening, the Lisbon families who hosted the Haunted House presented a donation of $1150 from the Halloween event to seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Laurie Deraspe, in support of the Camp Kieve project. “We raised money at the Haunted House and wanted to make this donation.   Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Walter and Karen Morse, Dean and Jen Wiley, Erik and Christy Le, my wife and myself, along with a number of other volunteers we wanted to make this contribution so you may go and enjoy Camp Kieve,” shared Kevin Plourde. 

  “The spaghetti supper was absolutely a complete success,” commented Mrs. Deraspe.   “We raised over $1000 from the spaghetti dinner.”  The evening was a success due to the help from parents, staff and the community. Everyone walked out the doors of PWS with their bellies full and happy they had helped the students of seventh grade students attend Camp Kieve for a week in March.

Haunted House presentation

 front(l-r):  Anna Willey, Kathy Wheat, Shelby Plourde

center:    Laurie Deraspe

Back(l-r): Kathleen Littlefield, Dean Willey, Kevin Plourde, Taylor Plourde, Jennifer Robitaille

 Volunteers

 Front(l-r):  Deanna Ward, Amy Austin, Lisa Curtis, Mrs. Littlefield, Ms. Wheat.

Back(l-r):  Kelly Wade, Kathi Yergin, John Golino, Steve Curtis, Bobbi Hill, Marci Jouver

American Legion Christmas Project

Nelson-Conley American Legion Post #66, Lisbon Falls, is seeking Lisbon
connections in both Iraq and Afghanistan for its 7th Annual Christmas
Project. If you know an active duty person who will be in either
location this Christmas, please contact Bill Barr at (207) 353-4388 or e-mail:
bbarr27@roadunnercom. We would like a platoon in each theater.