Large Fines and Jail Time For Not Getting the Swine Flu Vaccination

Are we at the threshold of what is to be expected all across the United States? Does this bill make Massachusetts the Pioneer of another historical moment in time? H1N1 (Swine Flu) is perhaps the most controversial topic for generations to come.
AND currently you can find anything to support the belief of "it's a fake", "it's a fact" and or "it is a farce" and 'it's just a way for the medical world to make more money'.

Who can you trust?
Who should you trust?
Who will you trust?


"A new law just passed in Massachusetts imposes fines of up to $1000 per day and up to a 30 day jail sentence for not obeying authorities during a public health emergency. So if you are instructed to take the swine flu vaccine in Massachusetts and you refuse, you could be facing fines that will bankrupt you and a prison sentence on top of that.

The YouTube video below is of a news report about this disturbing new law. In particular, pay attention at the 1:40 mark when the anchor and reporter discuss the new penalties for not obeying the health authorities during an emergency....."

The Official Bill:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/bills/senate/186/st02pdf/st02028.pdf

***Reminder*** Town Council Meeting Airs Tonight on Cable T.V.

Tuesday's Town Council meeting will air tonight at 7:00pm on Cable Access Channel 7.

Lisbon Election Update

UPDATE 9/2/09:

Council District 1: Mark Lunt picked up papers.

Brian Daly notified the Clerk's Office he will not be returning his papers for the School Committee 3 Year Seat.

School Committee 3 Year: Kathi Yergin picked up papers.

Town Council Recap

Trail project bond referendum: Noyes Lawrence reported for a $100,000 home, taxes would increase $2/year. Roger Cote reported that we cut the school budget and looking at a shortfall with excise tax, etc. and times are tough. He said it was a great idea and good for the town but we can't afford it at this time. Gina Mason disagreed. Said it was part of revitalization of the town. voted 6-1 (Cote voted against) to be put on the ballot in November.

39 Village Street Demolition: Reggie Thiboutot, Property owner talked . He says he has sent certified letters to the town asking for an itemized bill and the town doesn't provide it. He wants to know line by line what was charged for legal fees. Mr. Thiboutot talked about other properties around town that do not have a fence around them. Church on Main St., Vacant basement filled with water on Frost Hill Ave. Mr. Crafts replied that "there is a family living in that property to keep vandals out". "Mr. Thiboutot doesn't have anyone living in his house."

Michelle Turmelle suggested to Chairperson Mike Bowie that he let the public speak. He said this has been going on for years, this isn't a new issue. Michelle said, but this is the first time it has been brought out in public. Mike allowed the public to speak and limited them to 2 minutes each.

Former owner (Reggie's mother) talked about the lien on the sewer. She has been receiving the letters from the town and she is no longer the owner. The TC said that is different than taxes. She said it is all lumped into the taxes.

Leon Bard spoke (see details in today's letter)...............

Michelle Turmelle got up and asked if the TC was sure all the T's were crossed and I's dotted. Were they sure legally, the town was prepared to go through with this. Mr. Bowie said he was 100% sure due to guidance from our town attorney. Michelle reminded the TC that if this goes to the appeals process this could cost a lot of money. And Asked the Question, Can the town afford that?

Vote was 5-2 to approve the demolition order. (Henry and Cote Against)



School Warrants were approved.

RT 9 water construction: Because of the contaminated Wells found and the timing of Route 9 construction the Town of Lisbon needs to get on this ASAP. TC to meet with Water dept. Town attorney responding to find out who is responsible to pay for this.

Town Manager's report: MMA convention coming up, Board of Assessment review needs applicants, Dispatch discussions will be come public after County meeting Wednesday. Mr. Eldridge will be out of the office attending the ICMA conference in Montreal. Click here for more information. Cathy Ricker will be in charge and will be running the next Town Council Meeting Sept. 15, 2009.* (What are we paying for his Networking Meetings? Isn't this the one that ole Jimmy Bennett is attending also? Imagine that. This must be a way to help Lisbon, right? Must be for Inter Country Revitalization.)

*9/8/09 update. Town Council meeting for 9/15 has been rescheduled for 9/22

Councilor Cote made note of the dedication of the Water Commission in particular to Publically thank Commissioner Bill Bauer for going the extra steps to personally investigate a citizens water issue. At the last Town Council meeting a citizen complained about the Water Dept. and strongly incinuated that her lack of water in her flush was a direct result of the Water Dept's. work. Mr. Bauer investigated and determined that her water problem was because the Water was turned off to her flush at the valve underneath it.

It was also addressed that the Code Enforcement position was expanded to a 40 hour per week job with a pay increase because of the extra responsibilities. To the argument of Town Manager Steve Eldridge the position did not warrant a pay increase because of mandated pay freezing for employees this year. After a detailed record of the minutes was presented by Councilor Cote, Code Enforcement Officer Mike Cote (No relation to Councilor Cote) is entitled the pay raise as recorded on Town Council Minutes. Mr. Eldridge was going to Look into it further.

Mr. Cote also presented a request for a "No Jake Brake" sign to be put out on Rt. 9 at the top of the Hill before coming down into town. Eldridge responded, "we'll look into it".

Smiley Recap of Town Council Meeting

Janet , Roger ,Dale , Fern , Mike ,
Steve ,Gina , Norma ,
Twila , Roger T

Leon

and somewhere out there is the LCC

Recap of Town Council Meeting Held Last Night Pertaining to 39 Village St. Property

39 Village Street Property owned by or formerly owned by Reginald Thiboutot

39 Village Street Property now questionabley owned by the Town of Lisbon

Dear Lisbon Reporter and Citizens of Lisbon,

Last night I attended the Lisbon town council meeting, with a personal interest in one of the items on the agenda; the order of the demolition of the building at 39 Village Street in Lisbon. Yes I am friends with the owner of the building, but no one twisted my arm to get involved.

When one has been the victim of fraudulent practices, one tends to develop the ability to detect such practices. I sensed some time ago that the manner in which elected officials in Lisbon were dealing with this case, just did not add up, but I could not put my finger on it until the last few weeks.

Some years ago, Western Avenue extended the length of the fire station lot and intersected with Village Street just North of the fire station. This section of Western Avenue adjacent to the fire station lot was physically blocked by the addition to the fire station in 1986. Due to the lack of documented evidence at this time, it appears that this same section of Western Avenue was never officially discontinued. Careful study of the details will give an indication as to why this was not dealt with when the addition was built.

It could simply be described as a catch 22 for the town. Common sense dictates that the road should have been discontinued, but here is what would have happened, the Eastern boundary line of the lot at 39 Village Street would be moved to the center line of Western Avenue. Without knowing the width of Western Avenue, I'm not sure exactly where this line would be, but a quick check with a tape measure, leads me to believe that it could be in front of the fire station building.

In addition, the setback would be less than the 15 feet required by ordinance. As it stands right now, the setback on the Westerly side of the fire station to the municipal parking lot appears to be 14 feet, but since the town already owns the parking lot, who would complain. It's also very possible that to discontinue this section of road, would make the lot at 39 Village Street a landlocked piece of property, this would be an illegal act under Maine law. This same issue could also affect the driveway for 37 Village Street.

Now if the town were to obtain ownership of the lot at 39 Village Street, most of the issues I have mentioned here would go away.

Now in 2001, along comes Reggie Thiboutot, who like a lot of us, is not loaded with dough. Records show that shortly thereafter, town officials started to complain. They gave Reggie lists of things to correct. Although he may not have completed them in a timely manner as set forth by the town officials, I believe that Reggie did indeed comply with their demands.

According to information received from Maine's Bureau of Taxation, it appears that the town had two choices, either recommend demolishing the building, or repair it and set Reggie up with a payment plan of up to ten years. But you have to realize that only one of these options makes the problems go away.

How to arrive at the results desired? Keep hiring an engineering firm and give the impression to the town's people that it is a dangerous building, all the while adding fees and liens to the property.

Now if Reggie brought the property into compliance, wouldn't it make sense for the town to choose to repair the building? Oops, sorry short memory, it wouldn't make the problems go away. As I told the council last night, stop the shenanigans, work with Reggie for a solution that would benefit him and the town. Never mind the attorney, he could collect food stamps.

It might make the most sense if the town did own the property at 39 Village Street, I'm sure that Reggie and the neighbors wouldn't mind seeing an improvement in the scenery. But for gosh sakes, don't steal the man's property in an attempt to hide mistakes made by town officials, negotiate a fair price and resolve the dispute. The town council voted last night to demolish the building.

While Reggie is planning his appeal, the town attorney is planning his frequent trips to the bank, courtesy of the Lisbon Taxpayers.

It amazes me how so many public officials are unaware of, or totally ignore their primary responsibility, which is to help the residents to comply with the rules.

Simply enforcing statutes, rules or regulations may not always be in the best interest of all involved.

And that's my opinion, DYODD (Do Your Own Due Diligence)

Leon Bard

Recently Used By Lisbon Town Council

Click on photo to read more easily.

This Old Tool has been reintroduced

In Washington D.C. by the New Administration.

Are you starting to feel it yet?

Group Discounts Available Satisfaction Guaranteed

A Look Into The California Fires

California Fires Raging


Firefighters have been forced to play defense against an unpredictable California wildfire. CNN's Casey Wian reports. Source: CNN |

MAN, (Humans) Have Largest Impact On Atlantic Ocean

All the hype about Global Warming and its Effects are a topic for any discussion pertaining to Ecology. But what really makes the impact is Man himself, or to be proper now, Women or Human Infringement. Infringement because of over fishing of Mid and Northeast Atlantic Ocean Areas. But what is most apparent is the Development and Expansion of Coastal Areas. Building more and doing it more closely to sensitive ecological areas along coastal waters.


"Change is seen in Atlantic from climate, fishing"

"By CLARKE CANFIELD (AP)

PORTLAND, Maine — The basic makeup of the ocean waters off the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic region has fundamentally changed in the past 40 years because of climate change, commercial fishing pressures and growing coastal populations, according to a new report.

The 2009 Ecosystem Status Report says fish populations in U.S. waters from North Carolina to Maine have moved from their traditional home grounds because of a changing environment and human activities.

The report is the broadest study that researchers have undertaken for U.S. waters in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, Michael Fogarty, who headed the study, said Tuesday. The findings show how interconnected the ecosystem is, he said." Read more>>

Sometimes All You Need Is A Picture

I can't even think of anything to add to
this.



Two Story
Outhouse

Words
fail me! This picture is worth 10,000 of
them.

Yep!!! This pretty much says

it all.

Needs no additional

comments!!!

Hat's Thrown In the Ring For Local Elections

ELECTION INFORMATION

NOMINATION PAPERS FOR ANNUAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION NOV. 3, 2009

Nomination papers will be available at 8:30AM on August 12

Nomination papers shall be returned by 4:30PM on Sept. 21

Not less than 50 nor more than 75 signatures are required for filing nomination papers at the Town Clerk's Office.

Winning candidates take office after being sworn into office, which takes place at the first Council Meeting on December 1, 2009.

For more information call 353-3000 Extension 109 or c.319-6008.


(updated 9/2/09)

AS OF 9/1/09 THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE HAS THE FOLLOWING NOMINATION PAPERS OUT:
Council At Large: Lori Pomelow.
Council District 1: Jeff Ganong.
Council District 2: Mike Bowie & Gregg Garrison.
Budget Advisory Board At Large: Don Fellows.
School Committee 3 Yr: Brian Daly.
School Committee 1Yr: George Caron.

AS OF 9/1/09 NOMINATION PAPERS FILED:
School Committee 1 Yr: George Caron,
Council At Large: Lori Pomelow.
Budget Advisory Board At Large: Donald Fellows.


Positions Open For Election:

Town Council:

At large-Mike Bowie,

Dist1-Janet Henry,

Dist2-Norma Wells, all 3-yr terms

Budget Advisory Board:

At large-Lori Pomelow,

Dist1-Don Fellows,

Dist2-Walter Morse, all 3-yr terms,

plus a 1-yr term-Richard Main

School Committee:

Deb Danuski,

Janice Comber, both 3-yr terms,

plus a 1-yr term-Robin Tupper

Water Commission:

Stan Doughty, Jr., 3 yr term

HOW TO REGISTER

Drop by the Town Clerk’s Office and fill out a registration card. Please bring with you proof of Identity (Driver’s License, State ID, Social Security Card, or Birth Certificate) and proof of residency (Driver’s License if your local street address is listed as Lisbon, vehicle registration if your local street address is listed as Lisbon, tax bill, utility bill, check book, piece of mail if local street address is listed as Lisbon, etc.).

Town Website for more information click here.

Maine To Play Host for First Annual Bicycle Ride

"Maine Hosts the First Annual Bike Ride for Women Entrepreneurs in Countries Emerging...

Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:45am EDT Reuters

Maine Hosts the First Annual Bike Ride for Women Entrepreneurs in Countries

Emerging from War





NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 11, 2001, when the world

changed, Mary Ciampa was living in Hoboken, New Jersey about to embark on her

daily ferry ride across the Hudson River into her office in lower Manhattan,

soon to be known as Ground Zero.  Her husband, Paul, left early that morning

and was already at work in the World Financial Center.  Both Mary and Paul

survived.  Many people they knew and worked with did not.



Responding to the horror of that day, Mary joined a pioneering group of

executives who believe that business can play a role in world peace. Mary

volunteered for the newly formed non-profit Business Council for Peace

(www.bpeace.org), dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs in countries

emerging from war create the jobs that inspire hope, peace and stability.

Bpeace's strategy is: more jobs mean less violence."  Read More>>



Business Council for Peace Website click here.

Robin Williams Has A Plan

You may have seen this before but it is worth reading again.

The Plan!

Robin Williams, wearing a shirt that says 'I love New York '
in Arabic.
You gotta love Robin Williams......Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin
Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN
Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.
Robin Williams' plan...(Hard to argue with this logic!)
I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan.'

1)
'The US will apologize to the world for our 'interference' in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those 'good 'ole' boys', we will never 'interfere' again.

2)
We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany , South Korea , the Middle East , and the Philippines . They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.

3)
All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!!

4)
All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide
here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5)
No foreign 'students' over age 21. The older ones are the bombers.. If they don't attend classes, they get a 'D' and it's back home baby.

6)
The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while

7)
Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells
filling up the storage sites would be enough.)

8)
If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not 'interfere.' They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9)
Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

10)
All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us 'Ugly Americans' any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH..learn it...or LEAVE...Now, isn't that a winner of a plan?

'The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?' '

If you agree with the above forward it to friends...If not, and I would be amazed, DELETE it!!

Cold Weather and lots of It Are Heading Our Way For The Winter

"Farmer's Almanac predicts abnormally cold winter"

By Krista Flynt Sun Journal

Published: Aug 31, 2009 12:00 am

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) -" Americans should double-check their supply of long johns and sweaters for the winter ahead, which the Farmers' Almanac predicts will be colder than usual across three-fourths of the nation.

But people who put their stock in the more scientific-based National Weather Service might want to think twice, with the weather service calling for a warmer-than-normal winter.

The almanac's 2010 edition, which goes on sale Tuesday, says numbingly cold temperatures will predominate in the country's midsection, from the Rocky Mountains in the West to the Appalachians in the East. " Read more>>

What Have We Learned?

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED IN 2,064 YEARS!

"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled,
public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be
tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should
be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to
work, instead of living on public assistance."
Cicero - 55 BC

APPARENTLY NOTHING

A Real Health Care Option To Be Considered

LET US SHOW OUR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON "PEOPLE POWER" AND THE POWER OF THE INTERNET. PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS.

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT!
KEEP IT GOING!!!!
Propose this in 2009:
START A BILL TO PLACE ALL POLITICIANS ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE PROPOSED NATIONAL HEALTH PLAN
---------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY:

(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)
Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.

Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.
You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan.

In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan...

For all practical purposes their plan works like this:

When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments...

For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7, 800,000..00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275, 000...00 during the last years of their lives.
This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries.

Younger Dignitarieswho retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives.

Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA!!! ZILCH!!!

This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds;

"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!

From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer), We can expect to get an average of
$1,000 per month after retirement.

Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits!

Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.

That change would be to

Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen.. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us

Then sit back.....

And see how fast they would fix it!

If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.


How many people canYOU send this to?

Better yet......

How many people

WILL you send this to?

More on proposed Health Care Bill

Michigan Congressman Rogers' makes his opening statement on Health Care reform legislation that is under debate in Congress.

Rare Bear(z) Sighted

Black bears typically have two cubs; rarely, one or three. In 2007, in northern New Hampshire, a black bear Sow gave birth to five healthy young. There were two or three reports of sows with as many as 4 cubs, but five was, and is, very extraordinary.

I learned of them shortly after they emerged from their den and set myself a goal of photographing all five cubs with their mom - no matter how much time and effort was involved.

I knew the trail they followed on a fairly regular basis, usually shortly before dark. After spending nearly four hours a day, seven days a week, for more than six weeks, I had that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and photographed them. I used the equivalent of a very fast film speed on my digital camera. The print is properly focused and well exposed, with all six bears posing as if they were in a studio for a family portrait.



I stayed in touch with other people who saw the bears during the summer and into the fall hunting season. All six bears continued to thrive.

As time for hibernation approached, I found still more folks who had seen them, and everything remained OK. I stayed away from the bears as I was concerned that they might become habituated to me, or to people in general, and treat them as `approachable friends. This could easily become dangerous for both man and animal..

After Halloween, I received no further reports and could only hope the bears survived until they hibernated.

This spring, just before the snow disappeared, all six bears came out of their den and wandered all over the same familiar territory they trekked in the spring of 2007.

I saw them before mid-April and dreamed nightly of taking another family portrait, a highly improbable second once-in-a-lifetime photograph.

On 25 April 2008, I achieved my dream.

When something as magical as this happens between man and animal Native Americans say: "We have walked together in the shadow of a rainbow."

And so it is with humility and great pleasure that I share these photos with you.


Sincerely,
Tom Sears


PS. As of today, August 22, 2008, the cubs are doing well but have gone their separate ways and there will not be another "family portrait".


For Tom Sears Website click here.


Submitted to The Lisbon Reporter by a dedicated reader. Thanks.

Tuesday Town Council Agenda

Note: At 5:00pm there will be a Public Informational Meeting with MaineDOT

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL

___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Henry ___Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Larochelle ___Councilor Wells
___Councilor Crafts

Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

4. CONSENT AGENDA

2009-125 ORDER A. Minutes of July 21, 2009

B. Minutes of August 4, 2009

C. CMP Pole Permit – Gould Road

D. Trail Project Bond Referendum

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2009-126 ORDER – Androscoggin Land Trust Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

2009-127 ORDER – 39 Village Street Demolition

2009-128 ORDER – Adopt Amended School Warrant

6. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Route 9 Construction Water Discussion

B. Town Manager’s Report

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS

2009-129 Conservation Commission (2 Alternate Positions)

2009-130 Appeals Board (1 Alternate Positions)

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

2009-131 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters – Conservation Commission Interviews

2009-132 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters – Appeals Board Interview

11. ADJOURNMENT

2009-133 ORDER to Adjourn

Freedom Of Speech On The Internet to be Doomed

This should get everybody's attention, but will it?
Will anyone care enough to do anything to combat this hidden plan?

The Internet is a hot topic now for the control czars of the World.
We recently witnessed the power that it holds with the recent elections in Iran.

A worldwide battle is beginning over the control of the Internet.
And contrary to what some believe it does not say anything about Al Gore inventing it.

The United States is trying to give control to the President.

"Internet companies and civil liberties groups were alarmed this spring when a U.S. Senate bill proposed handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.

They're not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft of S.773 (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency.

The new version would allow the president to "declare a cybersecurity emergency" relating to "non-governmental" computer networks and do what's necessary to respond to the threat. Other sections of the proposal include a federal certification program for "cybersecurity professionals," and a requirement that certain computer systems and networks in the private sector be managed by people who have been awarded that license." Read more>>

Iran recently bore witness to the effectiveness of the Internet on elections there.

"WHEN thousands of protestors took to the streets in Iran following this year's disputed presidential election, Twitter messages sent by activists let the world know about the brutal policing that followed. A few months earlier, campaigners in Moldova used Facebook to organize protests against the country's communist government, and elsewhere too the internet is playing an increasing role in political dissent.

Now governments are trying to regain control. By reinforcing their efforts to monitor activity online, they hope to deprive dissenters of information and the ability to communicate."

Read more>>

Get Involved Lisbon Citizens, Together We Can

By Dot Fitzgerald
August 22, 2009

I was not able to attend the Tuesday August 18 joint Town Council/Water
Department meeting, but did watch it on TV on Thursday. I could not help
wondering why the Water Department was so adamant on not forwarding their
water readings to Town Office. Now, after reading the August 20, 2009 Lisbon
Reporter, I know why.

I attended Council/Budget meetings when Ryan Leighton said that TRIO was
absolutely the best software program for the Town. Now I see why. No
history, no accounting.

I also attended the July 7, 2009 Council meeting
when the Tax Collector, Nancy Bosse's resignation was accepted, and Council
decided that Finance Director Cathy Ricker was to take over the Tax
Collector's duties.
Imagine my surprise when at the July 21, 2009 Council
meeting, Town Manager, Steve Eldridge announced that he was willing to take
over the duties of Tax Collector, and was appointed by a vote of 5 to 1.
Council member Larochelle was absent. Councilor Roger Cote was the only NO
VOTE.
Now, after reading the August 20 Lisbon Reporter, I see why he wants
that job.
No checks and balances, and with TRIO, no one to look over his
shoulder, so to speak.
From Rumford to Lisbon, nothing changes.

Speaking of water and sewer billing, I was surprised to receive my sewer
bill in the mail on Saturday, August 22. In the letter accompanying the bill
the Sewer Department apologized for the delayed billing. Actually my bill
was received BEFORE the end of my normal billing period. I can't help but
wonder if the Sewer Department knows what they are doing?
No wonder the Water Department wants to do their own billing. I agree with them,they
should also do the billing for the Sewer Department. There would be less
screw-ups!

As for the Sewer Department suggesting that water payments be sent
to them with sewer payments, I think not. My payments will be sent to the
respective departments, thank you very much!

I don't mean to sound like sour grapes. I know many think I am against
everything in the Town of Lisbon government. Not so. I am FOR responsible
government and AGAINST irresponsible government!
Since when is that wrong?

Anyway, back to the reason for this writing. On July 30, 2009 I attended a
meeting at the town office. I was not able to attend the August 13 meeting.
I thought this was going to be a Revitalization Meeting. It was a "Lisbon
Revitalization Promotions Committee" meeting, headed up by none other than
Rosie Bradley.

The meeting was all about promoting activities in town:
Concerts in the Park, a Halloween parade and other related activities, an
Octoberfest, and Christmas activities.

I admit, these activities will benefit some businesses in town, but is this why
our town manager hired Ms.Bradley? AND at $60,000 per year? To head up activities?
Activities the former Lisbon Merchants Association, the Parent Teachers Organization
and Rotary use to do?

Town activities are a great and positive way to bring the citizens together.
Concerts in the Park are great. The Octoberfest was well received and missed.
The Christmas Tree lighting with Santa is ongoing, and is great fun.

But to put things in perspective. Is this really what we are paying Ms. Bradley to do?
The former Merchants Association kept going, organizing events as long as
they could, with only a few doing all the work. Interest and members fell
off.

Lisbon merchants and business owners,  meet, form another Merchants
Association. Get the Rec. Dept. and PTO involved, and sponsor activities.

Leave Ms. Bradley to do the job she has been hired for and is being paid to do;
bring badly needed businesses and jobs to the Town of Lisbon! Look around. I
see vacant commercial lots and buildings begging to be sold and/or built on.
They are just waiting for a new life, a new business.

Lisbon Village is the forgotten part of town. But, I am told, "you just
don't understand how it works". I guess I don't, and never will.

Why does Lisbon Falls get all the attention, and not Lisbon village? Like the State
of Maine, we have two Lisbon's. Northern Maine has had to fend for itself.

It is time for the Lisbon Village merchants to speak up and be heard.
Tell Town Office you are a part of Town too.

Going into the grocery store a few weeks ago, I was stopped by a lady and asked if I
was part of "that group?" I asked what group, the Lisbon Concerned Citizens? She
asked me why I do it? She said it is so hurtful to many.

I wondered what planet she is on?

Does she really know what is going on in town?

She must be part of the 'nothing is wrong' and 'I don't care how some of our elected and
appointed officials are spending our money' citizens group.

I have been attending council meetings, listening and asking questions. And I don't like
all that I am seeing and hearing.

When a Police Detective uses profanity and intimidation at a council meeting to
"sway the vote" when things are not to his liking. And his boss, Police Chief Brooks
sits in the audience and does nothing, that is wrong. His lack of action condones
such behavior and that too is wrong.

When a council member says "it didn't bother her". That is wrong too.
Maybe that lady that questioned me at the store should attend meetings and get involved.
But then again, maybe that would not bother her either.

Why Not Wear Some Red On Fridays

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Ame ricans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast major ity of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .... every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far, will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

Maine Senior Athletes Win Big In California

"A delegation of athletes from Maine has returned home from the National Senior Games in California with more than 40 medals, and a half-dozen ribbons. Among them is a 53-year-old race-walker from Portland who only a few years ago suffered from chronic high blood pressure, and walked with a cane."

Read and View more>>

Congratulations to All!

The 912 Project

"Foxs Glenn Beck appeared to become emotional and wept during Fridays airing of his show. Beck was hosting a special show called Glenn Beck Friday: You Are Not Alone where he announced the 9/12 project."

www.the912project.com

Some Reader Writings

Buffett: U.S. Could Become Banana Republic
Warren Buffett says the growing mountain of U.S. debt could turn the country into a banana republic. Congress, Buffett says, must end the rise in the debt-to-GDP ratio and bring U.S. growth in obligations back in line with U.S. growth in resources.
Read more>>
J.J.

Comment

Hi. In defense of our police chief, we cannot and should not blame him for the police budget and/or the size of his dept. He is doing what he is paid to do and the Town goes along with it. Using a little empathy, I honestly believe the majority of us if we were responsible for any depts, State, County, Federal, Local. business's or whatever, we would do our best to get major funding for our dept. If not, this individual should not be in charge!! Not a good leader.

Appreciate you would print this side of the coin.

Thank you!

I enjoy your site and all the hard work you folks put into it. Of course I do not always agree, but isn't that the beautiful part of Democracy!

Keep up the SUPER reporting. Plenty of food for thought! R.H.

Thanks again. I very much appreciate it !!

Keep up the EXCELLENT reporting !! R.H.

Nice Try
U.S. Gov't Tried (and Failed) to Run Mustang Ranch

SUMMARY: Forwarded email casts doubt on the wisdom of taxpayer-funded industry bailouts by pointing out that in 1990 the U.S. government seized Nevada's Mustang Ranch brothel, tried to run the business, and failed.

Description: Email joke / Rumor
Circulating since: Oct. 2008
Status: False

I love urban legends....sometimes they sound so convincing...but in reality they make us all a little more unwise. From the urban legend website. D.H.

Forum

Why is this forum constantly attacking the Police Chief? J.Y.

I wonder

Hi there, Lisbon Reporter!

After reading the blog excerpt regarding vaccinations and the bit about Texas and Co seceeding, I find myself in wonder about the things folks say out of fear. People who I am sure are lovely, kind humans, who are gentle with children and pets, say angry and ugly things when they are fearful.

I don't know if they are right or wrong. I don't know if they are well-founded in their fear, but from the evidence they provide in their declarations, I wonder if they might feel better if they asked more questions before getting their backs up, if they might take time to look for commonalities before focusing on differences.

Let's figure out how to make this work.

We are all in this together. D. E.

Screening of the Film "The Way We Get By" Coming To Bangor & Biddeford

"The SXSW Special Jury Award winning "The Way We Get By" is a deeply moving film about life and how to live it. Beginning as a seemingly idiosyncratic story about troop greeters - a group of senior citizens who gather daily at a small airport to thank American soldiers departing and returning from Iraq, the film quickly turns into a moving, unsettling and compassionate story about aging, loneliness, war and mortality.

When its three subjects aren't at the airport, they wrestle with their own problems: failing health, depression, mounting debt. Joan, a grandmother of eight, has a deep connection to the soldiers she meets. The sanguine Jerry keeps his spirits up even as his personal problems mount. And the veteran Bill, who clearly has trouble taking care of himself, finds himself contemplating his own death. Seeking out the telling detail rather than offering sweeping generalizations, the film carefully builds stories of heartbreak and redemption, reminding us how our culture casts our elders, and too often our soldiers, aside. More important, regardless of your politics, "The Way We Get By" celebrates three unsung heroes who share their love with strangers who need and deserve it."


Bangor, Maine Premiere
Bangor Mall Cinemas 10
Bangor, ME
Sep. 11 - 17, 2009
All day

The Way We Get By will be opening theatrically in* Bangor, Maine on September 11th at the Bangor Mall Cinemas 10* located at 557 Stillwater Avenue near the Bangor Mall. This will be the first time the film actually screens in Bangor where most of it takes place. Director Aron Gaudet and all three subjects from the film will be present during the opening weekend for... Read more »


This Weekend In Biddeford!

Biddeford, Maine
City Theater
Biddeford, ME - 3 DAYS ONLY!!
Aug. 28 & 29, 2009
8:00pm
Aug. 30, 2009
2:00pm

The award winning documentary film The Way We Get By will be coming to the *City Theater in Biddeford, Maine* for *three days only!!*-- August 28th - 30th. Do not miss these special Maine events. *The film will screen at 8:00pm on Friday, August 28th & Saturday, August 29th, with a 2:00pm matinee on Sunday, August 30th.** Tickets are just $7/person. * For More Information Read more »


http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/

Lisbon Schools Honor Community Partners & Volunteers‏

Group #3 / Bronze – contributing 50 to 74 hours

Standing (l-r): Taylor Plourde, Sarah Craig, Kailyn Hill, Taylor Martin, Rebekah Nida, Brett Williams

Kneeling: Cody Campbell, Breeann Sautter, Kayla Wagner-Coughlin

Group #2 / Silver – contributing 75 to 99 hours

Standing (l-r): Lily Wade, Monica Austin, Loren Grant

Group #1 / Gold – contributing 100 hours or more

Standing (l-r): Connor Craig, Erika Gardner, Jack Caron, Charles Roy, Paula Caron

Kneeling: Rachel Roy, Abby Curtis, Katherin George, Spenser Thebeau

(not available for photo Emma Randall)

(Photos by Stephen Sharp)

Lisbon – Recently the Lisbon School Department honored their Community Partners and Volunteers for the assistance during the 2008-2009 school year. The Cafetorium of Lisbon Community School was transformed into a tropical paradise Polynesian Village for the evening’s festivities. The event marked the fifth annual night of celebration. The administrators and staff from the community of Lisbon Schools, Lisbon Community School, Philip W. Sugg Middle School and Lisbon High School combined efforts to host the event. Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime and co-host of the event, Marcia Bickford, welcomed over 200 Volunteers, staff and family members. “Over the last five years, the number of hours by our Volunteers has grown 309%,” commented Millhime. “Last year, the combined efforts of our galvanized force of 763 adult and junior Volunteers, along with over 60 Community Partners, Lisbon School teachers and students received 15,546 hours of Volunteer service.”

Thirty-eight Adult Volunteers received the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award, 28 Junior Volunteer were recognized in the President’s Circle for Volunteering. Twelve students received certificates for their hours of service during the celebration.

Adult Volunteers receiving the Gold award for over 500 hours: Kathi Yergin, 665; Trisha Thebeau, 645; Mark Tupper, 600; Robin Tupper, 600; Jonathan Carsley, 527; Marilyn Curtis, 514. Silver awards for 250 to 499 hours: Robin Roy, 447; Karen Whitney, 376; Donna Rimiller, 329; Amy Austin, 283; Monica Millhime, 265; Pamela Shane, 254. Receiving the Bronze award for 100 to 249 hours: Ruther Couture, 223; Marcia Bickford, 212; Dottie Carsley, 206; Timothy Morin, 206; Tara Grondin, 203; Lisa Caron, 196; Carol Day, 196; Denise Morin, 188; Michael Crosskill, 144; Aspen Mikella, 144; Rod Hood, 140; Candace Barrett, 138; Annette Clark, 133; Carlene Iverson, 125; Tim Verrill, 125; Bobbi Hill, 122; Jim Millhime, 121; Kim Simpson, 118; Karen Erdmann, 112; Traci Austin, 108; Kendra O’Connell, 106; Maxine Shane, 106; Randy Bickford, 105; Christina Maney, 102; and Michelle Huston, 101 hours.

Brian Craig, Lisbon High School Young Adult Volunteer received the Gold award for over 250 hours by contributing 256 hours. Silver awards for LHS young adults contributing 175 to 249: Megan Craig, 198; Ashli Boucher, 176. Bronze awards 100 to 174: Adam Thebeau, 113; Breah Erdmann, 101; and Kaylee Kowalczyk, 100 hours.

LCS and PWS Junior Volunteer Presidential Awards receiving the Gold award for over 100 hours of service: Paula Caron, 160; Charles Roy, 146; Rachel Roy, 144; Spenser Thebeau, 118; Jack Caron, 110; Emma Randall, 110; Connor Craig, 109; Abigail Curtis, 102; and Erika Gardner, 101 hours. Silver awards for 75 to 99 hours: Monica Austin, 98; Lily Wade, 93; Loren Grant, 76. Bronze Awards for 50 to 75 hours: Sarah Craig, 68; Rebekah Nida, 68; Taylor Martin, 67; Taylor Plourde, 64; Breeann Sautter, 57; Brett Williams, 57; Kayla Wagner-Coughlin, 55; Kailyn Hill, 53; and Cody Campbell, 51 hours.

Certificates of Appreciation: Alex Corey, Tim Dobson, Tony Dobson, Sarah Drottar, Laura Giraldo, Sarah Giraldo, Ashley Johnston, Sebastian Knickbocker, Laura Longley, Caitlin Ramsay and Lindsey Whitney.

Brian Daly received an award as the “JA Advisor” for the year. Daly assisted with three different classrooms as an Advisor with the Junior Achievement Program.

The night was filled with lively entertainment! Hula dancing was performed by Jill Denniston and The Tropicanas. Performers were Monica Austin, Ashli Boucher, Paula Caron, Brian Craig, Megan Craig, Abby Curtis, Rebekah Nida, Taylor Plourde and Caitlin Ramsay. The Hula Contest was a big hit and LHS Young Adult Volunteer Alex Corey won the event. A rendition of Big Bright Sun by The Sunshine Road was performed by Laurie Adams and The Island Singers – Cody Campbell, Jack Caron, Lauren Grant, Taylor Martin, Rebekah Nida, Breeann Sautter and Lily Wade. The evening was a big hit with guests participating in the Limbo Contest and the Lisbon version of the Hula Macarena.

“Lisbon Volunteers work hard to make our community of schools in Lisbon, stronger and safer.” Millhime said. “Lisbon School Department is proud to be aligned with this prestigious national Volunteer Award Program, and we are especially proud of our Volunteers who have made Volunteer service a central part of their lives.” “Each and every time a Volunteer assists us with a project, whether it is in the classroom, tutoring, a reading buddy, chaperoning on a field trip, working from home on a special project, or assisting in the office, our Volunteers are contributing to broadening a child’s educational horizon. We have generations within families who all volunteer,” shares Millhime.

Special thanks to “Kuhuna” Jim Damsgaard, Jim Millhime, Betty White, The Lisbon Community School Custodial and Kitchen Staff, Jim Dunnington, Karen Nichols, Pam Ouellette, Adam P. Thebeau, Steve Sharp from LifeTouch, building principals, Carlene Iverson and Ken Healey; assistant principals, Kate Race and Warren Galway, and the rest of the Polynesian Village staff of staff Volunteers who assisted with making Lisbon Polynesian Village come alive. “Next year’s banquet is Friday, May 21 and our theme is Mexican – South of the Border. This celebration honoring our Volunteers has become THE event of the year in Lisbon,” said Millhime.

Lisbon School Department honored its Volunteers and Community Partners for contributing 15,546 hours of assistance. “Lisbon is a proud Community of hard working people. Over the last five years, the number of hours contributed by our Volunteers has grown 309%,” according to Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime. Pictured are student recipients of the National Presidential Volunteer Service Award.