Lisbon Students' Healthy Decisions Day‏

  A group of Lisbon High School Students showed support for nine year old, Matthew McKay, son of LHS Math Teacher, Todd McKay during the school’s Annual Healthy Decisions Day.  Medical testing required Matthew’s head to be shaved.  The project was suggested by LHS junior, Kyle Frazier.  Joining the Solidarity movement, Jeff Bineau, owner of Hair Razors in Lisbon volunteered his entire staff to assist.  The event was offered as one of the workshop to students during the school’s Healthy Decisions Day recognizing the medical issues surrounding seizures.  

Pictured (l-r) seated, Kyle Frazier, Jeff Bineau and Matthew McKay.  Photo by Monica Millhime.

  Student members of the Lisbon Chapter for Students Against Destructive Decisions welcomed WCSH reporter, Susan Kimball as the keynote speaker for the annual event.  Pictured left to right: Front Row - left to right --  Officer Renee Bernard, Michelle Hatherley, Sarah Giraldo, Ashley Beaulieu, Katie McManus, Ryan Fairbanks, Cody Watson.  Second/Middle Row -- Pauline Mathieu, Lindsey Whitney , Shelby Lawrence, Tyler Dupal, Susan Kimball, Tara Metzger, Ashley Fournier, Katherine Lemieux, and Detective Bernie McAllister.  Back Row -- Mike Degou, Alex Kazimer, Dillon Pesce, Crystal Ingerson, Shauna Riordan, Allicyn Fitzgerald and Zack Turner.

Lisbon - On Friday, April 16 all Lisbon High School students and staff participated in the Sixth Annual Healthy Decisions Day sponsored by the local Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A. D. D).  The event promoted alternative activities for students.  Highlights of this year’s event featured activities on the dangers of Texting and Driving and other workshops including a Lisbon Police Department K-9 Demonstration, Operating Under the Influence (OUI) golf chart challenge, Healthy Eating Tips, and an Iron Chef competition, and a Solidarity Group of students supporting a child’s medical issue.   Directly following workshops, a school-wide assembly was featured a presentation from Channel 6, WCSH Reporter, Susan Kimball, on a traffic fatality due to cell phone usage while driving.  Thanks to combined efforts of Roy's Driving Academy, Healthy Androscoggin, Auburn Police Department, AAA, Janet Tuttle Rockin' T Rescue, Roger's Insurance Company,

Susan Kimball/WCSH, Maine Department of Corrections, Michelle Huston - Creative Memories, LHS Staff,

Lisbon Police Department, New England Vending, Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department, Maine Art Stained Glass Studio, and Hair Razors, students had a day filled with numerous choices for healthy and safe activities and future decisions.  FMI on future projects contact S.A.D.D. Advisor, Detective Bernard McAllister at 353-2500 or LHS SRO Officer Renee Bernard at 353-3030 or email rbenard@lisbonschoolsme.org.

Photo Copier Security, You Need to See This

The old copy machine can tell more than you think!

Click here to view video describing in detail just what a photo copy machine stores for data.

LJAL Opening Day‏

Hello Everyone,

     Here is the volunteer list for Opening Day Saturday May 8, 2010. This will be our fifth year celebrating Opening Day and we hope to make it the best yet. Please keep in mind, your one or two volunteer hours of time means the world to all of the kids that attend this event and I personally thank you. Without everyone who has volunteered your time this event would have never been possible, and here we are, in our fifth year!  

We are also looking for bake goods for our bake sale and I know we have some great bakers out there. We are only DAYS away and we don't have many people volunteering, this event happens every year because of the great volunteers we have in this town.  

If you would like to assist, please contact:

Elaine Daly, e-mail ymaine@live.com or Scott Harrington email, lisbonponytail@yahoo.com

Lisbon Community's Kid Correspondents‏

Good Morning Everyone,

Check out the link below to view our own Lisbon Community School’s Kid Correspondents!  Please make sure you cast your vote for LISBON kids!  Thanks…

Monica

http://www.wgme.com/newsroom/features/correspondent/videos/vid_5.shtml

MONICA M. MILLHIME

Community Resource Coordinator

LISBON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Reminder Town Council Meeting Tonight

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Lunt ___Councilor Pomelow
___Councilor Crafts
Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING

4. CONSENT AGENDA
2010-66 ORDER A. Minutes of April 7, 2010
B. Minutes of April 13, 2010
C. Minutes of April 20, 2010
D. Renewal Victualer Licenses

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES
2010-67 ORDER − State Sentiment for Lisbon Wrestling
2010-68 ORDER − Nominations to serve on the MMA Legislative Policy Committee
2010-69 ORDER − Upland Road Pump Station Replacement

6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Personal Property Tax Discussion
B. Policy for Disposition of Town-Owned Property
C. Town Manager’s Report

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
2010-70 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (C) Economic Development
2010-71 ORDER 1 MRSA § 405 (6) (A) Personnel Matters

11. ADJOURNMENT
2010-72 ORDER to Adjourn

Open Your Wallets, The Tax Man Is Coming LD1495

Parent Presentation‏

Lisbon – Lisbon parents and families are invited to attend a FREE parent presentation at Philip W. Sugg Middle School in Lisbon on Monday, May 10.  The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the PWS Library and  is sponsored by Lisbon Police Department and the PWS Parent Action Group.  Guest speakers Lisbon’s Detective Bernard McAllister and Assistant District Attorney, Deb Cashman,  will address issues and legal aspects surrounding text messaging, cell phone usage and other areas of harassment.   FMI contact Detective McAllister by emailing bmcallister@lisbonpd.com. 

RTE 196

Responding to the contributor regarding the condition of our local major and only way to go East/west or west/east on a direct basis to Lewiston, Brunswick, etc.  Consider what Lewiston did from the Lisbon/Lewiston line to the Maine turnpike  access.  I commuted that road for 30+ years and can remember the delays encountered when , with mostly State and Federal funds, 196 was expanded from 2 to 4 lanes and I was happy to wait.  The result was the flow of traffic coming from BIW, Liberty Mutual, Phillips Elmet , worked beyond expectations.  Drive slowly in the right lane? fine. Passing was allowed, no problem.  In winter, the 4 wheel drivers could go right past us.  Wonderful!  then? with Funds I can't believe were nothing but Lewiston's own, they changed to a 3 lane road?  some information indicated it was to make traffic easier to drive into businesses along that stretch?  It wasn't easier with 4 lanes? was it to aid the new "all purpose Service station" under construction?   Now! BIW traffic goes slowly through, Liberty Mutual and Elmet the same. what a waste.  I can't tell you how many times I've been passed , when your not expecting it, from that middle lane.  


Andy Riordan, Lisbon Falls

Join the only 5K Race with Moxie

 Lisbon Falls resident Molly Nicholson, No. 201, running the Annual Moxie Day 5K Road Race.  Applications for the 2010 5k Moxie Race are now available.

May 2, 2010.  The Lisbon Recreation Department and the Moxie Festival Committee are pleased to announce that the application for the 2010 Moxie Day 5K Road Race (3.1 mile) on Saturday, July 10 is now available.  Last year’s Moxie 5K Race attracted over 300 runners from throughout New England.

The 15th Annual Moxie Day 5K Road Race begins at 7:30 am rain or shine.  It is an early and quick scenic run through the outskirts of Lisbon Falls. The route includes two steep upgrades, one at the start and the second at the two mile mark.  The Moxie 5K Race begins and ends near Lisbon High School.  The $12 fee includes a free Moxie 5K Race t-shirt. 

Prizes will be awarded to the first male and female finishers. Awards will also be given to the first and second place male and female finishers in the following age categories: 12 and under, 13 - 16, 17 - 19, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, 70 and over. Additional awards will be given to the first male and female “Lisbon Resident” finishers!

There is also a Kids Pre-Race Fun Run starting at 7 am where kids of all ages race and everyone receives a prize.

Since 1983, The Moxie Festival in Lisbon, Maine has been held on the second weekend in July.  The Festival now includes a three day Pow Wow; Friday night firework show; a Saturday parade, 5K race, and family fun carnival; and on Sunday, the Chief Worumbo Androscoggin canoe race.  Moxie was designated Maine’s official soft drink on May 20, 2005.

According to Lisbon Public Safety Officials, an estimated 40,000 people attend the three-day Moxie Festival.  The Town of Lisbon has approximately 9,300 residents.

To get a Moxie 5K Race application and Map, contact the Lisbon Recreation Department at 207-353-2289 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              207-353-2289      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.   Print a PDF race application and map at  www.lisbonme.org/rec  or visit the Moxie Festival website: www.moxiefestival.com 

DREADFUL CONDITION OF 196‏

This will be this writer's 10th summer as a resident of Lisbon.  Each year from summer number one, route 196 between the Lewiston city line and where 196 meets route one in Brunswick has deteriorated more and more each year. 

That being said, on a more local note, the condition of 196 between Memorial street and Mill street has deteriorated to a point where it is simply dangerous to drive on, especially after dark.  Being even more specific, between the Getty gas station and Graziano square 196 is a mine field.

To which, over two years ago I called Gina Mason of the town council and discussed this issue with her.  Mrs. Mason replied that 196 was a state road and as such, maintenance was the responsibility of the state.  I thought she knew what she was talking about.

This past week I called the Governors office and spoke with an administrative assistant who listened to my complaint about 196 with kindness and a promise my call would be responded to.

A few days later I received a call from the district manager, I believe his name was Mr. Van Note, who explained the budgetary problems the state faced  making choices of state roads to be overhauled.  Route 196 was one of three top priorities of 2010, but when it came down to only two choices, 196 had to be shelved until 2011 or 2012.

When I told him of Mrs. Mason's reply to me that 196 was a state problem and not a Lisbon problem, this very courteous gentleman said that wasn't necessarily the case.  He went on to explain that the state gives each community money each year to have their local people make repairs to state highways within the bounds of their town. 

My question to the town manager is, where has this state assistance gone?  It has obviously not gone to repair the hideous conditions mentioned above. 

While on the subject.  When there is a selective small pot hole filled by the local workers, I have noticed when they  put down the black top, they do nothing more than pat it down with the back of a shovel.  With the next rain, the pot hole returns. Doesn't anyone on the local DPW staff know how to properly fill a pot hole?

Yours truly,

A pot hole dodging citizen ..... one of many I am sure!

Lisbon Community School Kid Reporters!!!‏

ATTENTION LISBON STUDENTS, PARENTS & FAMILIES, TEACHERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, AND LISBON FANS!

WE NEED YOUR VOTES TO WIN

Lisbon Community School was selected to appear on the Channel 13 News under the Kid Correspondent segment. Jeff Peterson came to our school and filmed fourth grader Joseph Fusaro and fifth grader Shelby Plourde as they showcased "what makes LCS such a great school. More than twenty schools were filmed and now we need your help in being voted the school with the best Kid Correspondents.

The broadcasts will be shown each morning at 5:30 and again between 6:30 and 7:00am. We don't know which school will air on any given morning because schools are selected randomly and not announced before the morning they are shown. The segment will appear online later in the morning.

Online voting begins May 26th and continues until Sunday, May 30th at midnight at www.wgme.com. People will be able to vote for their favorite Kid Correspondent as many times as you want and will be able to see the results for a while. Don't be surprised if the vote count is no longer on our website after a couple days of voting so the champ will be a surprise.

On May 31st, Jeff Peterson will announce the Correspondents that received the most votes and their piece will be aired again. There will be a special assembly to celebrate the victory with trophies and a banner. 

Remember - vote online as often as you want. Go to www.wgme.com and click on the Kid Correspondent tab.

Thank you for supporting our school.

The Students and Staff at LCS

Years of Math 1959 - 2010 -‏

Years  of Math 1959 - 2010

Last  week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The  counter girl took my $ 2 and I was digging for my change when  I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood  there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the  screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to  tell her to just give me two quarters , but she hailed the  manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to  her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you  this?  Because of the evolution in teaching math since the  1950s:
 
1.  Teaching Math In 1950s
A  logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of  production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit  ?
 
2.  Teaching Math In 1960s
A  logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of  production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his  profit?
 
3.  Teaching Math In 1970s
A  logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of  production is $80. Did he make a  profit?
 
4.  Teaching Math In 1980s
A  logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of  production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment:  Underline the number 20.
 
5.  Teaching Math In 1990s
A  logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and  inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or  the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make  a profit of $20.. What do you think of this way of making a  living? Topic for class participation after answering the  question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger  cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you  feel like crying, it's ok. )
 
6.  Teaching Math In 2009
Un  hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la  producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha  hecho?

 Year  2010:
Who  cares, just steal the lumber from your rich neighbor's  Property, he won't have a gun to stop you, and they  says its OK anyway cuz its redistributing the  wealth

Necessary Change‏

The Lisbon school teachers, guidance councilors and administers should be sent a "letter of intent" to reapply for their JOBS!! It is time to judge each staff member for their  work performance and their effectiveness . IT IS NOW TIME!!!  What is the job description of the resource officer and this staff member's effectiveness?No more throwing  money at the problem - this is needed for the children. These 1/2 year work time positions should be reviewed  ( 180 days) and teachers workshop be held during the children's vacations and allow the children to attend school full time!

 

                                                                     DEEP THROAT                                                                               

Androscoggin County Patriots Meeting

Time: May 1, 2010 from 8:30am to 10:30am 

Location: Marion T. Morse Center 

Street: 18 School Street 

City/Town: Lisbon Falls 

Phone: 217-9000 

Event Type: meeting, gathering 

Organized By: Ken Quinn & Dale Crafts

www.mainepatriots.com

Lisbon Wellness Fair‏

4^th Annual

Wellness Fair

In association with

LCS Parent Group Family Fitness Walk

Date: Saturday, May 1, 2010

Time:  10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Place:  Lisbon Community School

Participants:    Atlas Family Chiropractic – Spinal Health

Verla Brooks – Beaver Park Programs

Ruth Cyr, Cooperative Extension – Wellness/Family Health

Health Club & Spa – Tai Chi / Yoga Demonstration

Healthy Androscoggin – Information Booth

Kendall Scott Wellness – Holistic Health Coach

Little Ridge Farm – Local Organic Gardening

Lisbon D.A.R.E. Program – Officer Renee Bernard

Lisbon Recreation Department - Summer Programs

Lisbon School Nurses – Blood Pressure Clinic

Lisbon Schools Nutrition Program - Low Fat Cooking Demo

Lisbon Schools Physical Education Dept. – Disc Golf/Rock Wall

Oakhurst Dairy - FREE Smoothies

Sabattus Disc Golf – Amanda Tozier

Serene Healing Arts Center -  Linda Morse, BS, LMT

Workplace Wellness – Yoga/Massage

Healthy snacks donated by North Center!

FREE and OPEN to the community!   Door Prizes!

Reminder Spaghetti Supper Before Town Meeting

Lisbon HS Art Show May 4th‏

“In an increasingly technological world, the arts help all students to develop multiple capabilities for creating, understanding, deciphering, and appreciating an image and symbol – laden world.  The arts are concerned with intellectual, emotional and physical faculties and, in functional and expressive works.  Experiencing and creating art brings lifelong enjoyment to students and an array of expressive, analytical, and developmental tools to use in their daily lives.”

--State of Maine Learning Results

Students and Art Teachers at Lisbon High School are busy planning their annual Art Show to be held at the school on Tuesday, May 4.  The event is free to the public.   

Lisbon - Lisbon High School is proud to announce their 22nd Annual Student Art Show to be held on Tuesday, May 4^th.  Over two hundred art students will exhibit work in a wide range of media including clay, photography, collage, pen & ink, watercolor, pastel and pencil.  Senior artists will be highlighted as well as art work created by Krystal Vye and Enrique Mainit whose works were selected for the Youth Art Month exhibit at the Portland Museum in March.   

The art show will be held in the Lisbon High School library from 2:15 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Refreshments will be provided by SAAFE (Students Achieving A Functional Education), LHS Cafeteria Staff, Foods Class, and Art students. The art students really look forward to this opportunity to show the results of their creative efforts.  The art show is FREE and open to the public.  

Over 300 people attended the opening last year and we’re excited as we prepare for this year’s show.  FMI contact Art Teachers Pamela Ouellette at pouellette@lisbonschoolsme.org or Jennifer Fox at jfox@lisbonschoolsme.org or call 353-3030.

State flowers - Enjoy !‏

Wait till you see the end when all the state flowers come together in a bouquet.   WOW!!! Click  link below State Flowers

Don't Be Confused By What You Read

Public Hearing Town/School Budget - April 27th -
Lisbon Community School - 7 pm  (as taken from Lisbon Schools)



AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010              (as taken from town website under 'current agenda')
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.   

http://lisbonme.org/vertical/Sites/%7B23BCC392-4131-4737-99E0-6C6FCE7FB2A2%7D/uploads/%7BBC2C1956-B241-4F71-9C72-6A68104A8DB1%7D.PDF


There will be 2 public hearings this year. The one this Tuesday was
NOT advertised although it was discussed in budget and Town Council meetings at least 2 weeks ago. TM and TC seemed reluctant to have the one this week. 

Click here to see the schedule
 
The one for May 12 was published in today's Sun Journal. 

People do not be confused and think the one for this week is in error.
 
Talk about trying to put one over on the public, 
  The public needs to know!  

And if people don't come out to find out what is really going on for themselves, then they can just be ready to pay more taxes that are already quit high considering what there is to offer for services.  

Why Can't the Town's  budget be trimmed down, instead of looking for more sources of revenue ie. Aggressive personal property tax issue?

What misconception will Mike Bowie and Steve Eldridge use to 'Wow' the Crowd?

Former Leader Of Maine's Economic Development Office Exhibits Fraud

 Trickle down effect to Lisbon.  Who said it isn't so?  Makes you wonder why nothing has been done with Lisbon's own Fraud in Economic Development, ie. Atlantic Commercial Cleaners etc.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Staff of the Maine Ethics Commission denied Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Richardson’s request for public financing because of potential fraud committed by campaign workers, according to documents obtained Sunday.

In a major blow to Richardson’s bid for his party’s nomination, commission staff notified the former speaker of the House and economic development commissioner late last week that he had failed to qualify for funding through the Maine Clean Election Act because several $5 contributions were falsified as well as other serious violations.

“Staff has found that certain campaign workers falsely stated that they collected qualifying contributions,” Commission Executive Director Jonathan Wayne wrote to Richardson last Thursday. “The Commission staff also declines to grant MCEA certification because of the submission of documents containing material false statements and other substantial violations of the MCEA.”  Read more

Mr. Richardson is expected to announce later today that his bid for being Maine Governor will end.

Lisbon Town Council: Do As We Say, Not As We Do

Lisbon Town councilors do not follow the town charter on their own actions.  They block anything that is for interest to the voting public. They can't even decide to put a street light up in a dangerous intersection without exuberant b/s.  

Police themselves?   You decide public, it is your money being wasted.

Sec. 6.04.  Council Action on Budget.

(a)   Notice and Hearing.  The Town Council shall publish in one or more newspapers having general circulation in the Town a general summary of the budgets and a notice stating: 

1.   The times and places where copies of the budget messages and the budgets will be available to the public, and

2.   The time and place (not less than two weeks after the first such publication) of a public hearing on the proposed budgets.

(b)   Budget Deliberations.  The Town Council shall review the proposed budgets at budget sessions which may be informal but which shall be open to the public. The Council shall complete its review of the budgets no later than the last Tuesday in June. 

(c)   Amendments Before Adoption.  After the public hearing, the Town Council may adopt the Manager's budget with or without amendment. It may by amendment add or increase programs or amounts and delete or decrease programs or amounts except expenditures for debt service or otherwise required by law. The Council may adopt the School budget as proposed and may amend it, but such amendments shall be limited to adding to or decreasing the total amount of the budget. 

(d)   Adoption.   

1.   Town Budget. The final vote on the Town Budget shall be taken on or before the last Tuesday of June. If Council fails to adopt a Budget for the Town by the last Tuesday in June, the Budget as presented by the Town Manager shall become the Budget to be implemented on a month to month basis until such time as a final Budget is approved.

2.   School Budget. Until such time as the Town of Lisbon becomes certified as a member of a Regional School Unit by the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, the Town Council shall act as the Board of the Regional School Unit, approving the Budget with or without amendment, and providing for Referendum vote on the Budget in accordance with the procedures and time frames provided in LD499 as amended.

(e)   Post Adoption Amendments in School Budget.  Within 30 days after the budget for the School Department becomes final, the School Committee shall adopt such amendments in the school budget as may be necessary to absorb any decrease or expend any increase in the total amount of the budget which was approved by the Council. The Superintendent of Schools shall forward to the Town Council a copy of the final revised budget. Thereafter the School Department budget shall not be amended except in accordance with the provisions of this Charter. (C.O. of 9-16-2008, § 2008-152F, Ref. of 11-4-2008)

Found this interesting:

Sec. 2.09.  Investigations and Subpoena Power.

The Council may make investigations into the affairs of the Town and the conduct of any Town department, office or agency and for this purpose may establish by ordinance a hearing procedure that includes the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence, the administering of oaths, the taking of testimony, and other procedures.

Sec. 2.10.  Prohibitions.

(a)   Holding Other Office.  Except pursuant to an agreement under the Interlocal Cooperation Act, no Councilor shall hold any other Town of Lisbon office or employment by the Town of Lisbon while holding the office of Councilor, and no former Councilor shall hold any compensated appointive Town office or Town employment until one year after leaving office of Councilor. 

(b)   Appointments and Removals.  Except as provided herein, neither the Council nor any of its members shall in any manner dictate the appointment or removal of any Town administrative officers or employees within the jurisdiction of the Town Manager or his or her subordinates, but the Council may express its views and fully and freely discuss with the Manager anything pertaining to appointment and removal of such officers and employees. 

(c)   Interference with Administration.  Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations under Section 2.09, the Council or its members shall deal with the Town officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the Manager solely through the Manager, and neither the Council nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately. 

(T.M. of 9-19-2006, § 2006-43, Ref. of 11-7-2006)

What are they hiding?

They are pushing for this 'Eldridge~sized' Budget to be enacted before allowing review to eliminate wasted spending.   Unlike the 'openness' exhibited this year by, Mr. Green and the Lisbon School Committee.

Public Meeting Tuesday at LCS @ 7:00pm

Like last year, this is the only Public Review schedule.

Remember, they said there would be two last year, but there never was.

Bee Informed

---

---

THE UNEXPLAINED ...

Buzz kill! Is this 'bee Armageddon'?

Nature's most valuable workers mysteriously vanishing out of thin air

By Chelsea Schilling

Honeybee (photo: USDA, Rob Flynn)

What is devastating the world's honeybees?

In what appears to be a honeybee mystery of Armageddon proportions that has baffled scientists and beekeepers, more than one-third of the nation's bee population is mysteriously disappearing – and researchers warn the unexplained phenomenon threatens one-third of the American diet.

Entire colonies of honeybees are abandoning hives and food stores, including honey and pollen. In collapsed colonies, adult bees mysteriously disappear, and there is no accumulation of dead bees. Even hive pests such as wax moths and hive beetles are nowhere to be found around affected colonies. Likewise, other honeybees are reluctant or unwilling to rob the abandoned hives of honey.

Only days before a honeybee colony collapses, according to Bee Culture Magazine, the colony appears to be strong and fully functional. Read more.

January 2013

January 2013

 

One sunny day in January, 2013 an old man approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue , where he'd been sitting on a park bench.  He spoke to the U.S. Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."

 

The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The old man said, "Okay", and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."

 

The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Obama is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.

The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same U.S. Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Obama."

 

The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Obama.  I've told you already that Mr. Obama is no longer the president and no longer resides here.  Don't you understand?"

 

The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand.  I just love hearing it."

 

The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow, Sir."

Oh, What the heck -‏

Can you tolerate one more letter in response to Kathi Yergin's letter?

If Mrs. Yergin had attended the April 20, 2010 Town Council meeting, or 
watched it on TV she would have known the Town Council praised the School 
Committee and Superintendent Green, even though
resulting in a slight tax increase, presenting a bare bones budget. Cutting 
30 teaching positions is pretty drastic to say the least. The TC is asking 
Town Manager Steve Eldridge to come in with a no-tax-increase budget on the 
town side. Something Mr. Eldridge appears reluctant to do. I admit, I rarely 
attend the School Committee meetings. This is a compliment to the SC as I 
feel fairly comfortable with their decisions.

I do not have all the figures , but at the April 20, 2010 budget meeting Mr. 
Eldridge is proposing  not funding $58,000 for the 2nd phase of the 
revaluation and cutting $2,500 from the Recreation Department. I disagree 
with the latter as THE RECREATION DEPARTMENT IS THE ONLY SELF-SUPPORTING 
DEPARTMENT IN TOWN! Hooray and congratulations to Mark Stevens and his 
staff! 

While the Economic Development Department is requesting $1,400 for 
her cell phone and $750 for mileage, plus $1,500 for Professional 
Development, plus $250.00 meals and lodging, when The Maine Municipal 
Association (See a previous Letter to the Editor) offers Professional 
Development training at $50 - $100 a pop. This on top of a $60,000 salary, 
$20,000 more that her predecessor, and has done not much more than writing 
for grants for a Lisbon Falls Downtown Revitalization when Lisbon Village is 
in dire need of Revitalization, and forming committees.

All department heads guard their budgets closely, and none more than Police 
Chief David Brooks. His budget includes $800 for uniform cleaning, when at a 
previous budget meeting he admitted the uniforms are wash and wear. And what 
are the 2 vehicles parked in the Police Department parking area? What did 
they cost? From what budget and why were they purchased? Do we need them?

 
Does Chief Brooks have a slush fund we, taxpayers, know nothing about?

In closing, I again urge all taxpayers to attend the PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING 
ON TUESDAY APRIL 27, 2010. WHERE: THE LISBON COMMUNITY SCHOOL. TIME: 7 P.M.

 
Dot Fitzgerald
A Taxpayer
And A Concerned Citizen
 
 
 

Go Greyhounds!

Go Greyhounds!

By Kevin Scott 

 

Lisbon, Maine has been a great place to meet and talk with voters.  The story is the same from Aroostook county to Androscoggin county, people want accountability.  There is some great energy moving in the direction of innovative ideas and I am committed to voicing those ideas for all Maine voters.

495 signatures yesterday thanks to Mom, Dad, Pat, Susan and 495 Maine voters!

 

Take a moment, visit his website:  mainesbestchoice.com  and learn more about this candidate.  Be the better informed voter.

"Why is an Independent

voice important?

The majority of registered voters in Maine do not have a party affiliation. Mainers do not want the interests of the national parties to outweigh the interests of Maine People. 

We all want solutions that improve living and working here in Maine.
Having a voice on the ballot and in the televised debates that is not a career politician or representing big business is critical in ensuring the issues are addressed from a vantage point of someone like you – I work my own woodlot, buy my own groceries, and answer my own phone."

Former Lisbon Assessor Writes To Residents

I would like to address the controversy surrounding the new personal property tax model that Lisbon is attempting to implement.

The personal property tax laws have been controversial from their inception ~ and, in fact, some municipalities have in the past chosen not to tax personal property ... which I certainly do not agree with.


Historically in Lisbon ~ during my 22 years as tax assessor, as well as the years prior to my being employed there ~ it was the opinion of the various boards of selectmen that the personal property tax should follow a middle-of-the-road model of implementation.  That is: We were not going to tax every knife and fork in a restaurant, for example, nor would we tax grandmother's stove if she tried selling a few cookies.


Legally, under the current laws, you could literally tax almost any inanimate object if you chose to do so.  The majority of municipalities choose not to tax every item that can legally be taxed.  A good example of this would be that a police officer can summons someone for going one mile over the speed limit but, as a rule, he would not do that.


I would not be writing this letter regarding the new direction the present administration is taking if I had not been drawn into the argument by the action of two town officials.  I have received numerous calls from Lisbon taxpayers informing me that I am being openly criticized for following a more conservative taxing model for personal property while in Lisbon.


I, therefore, felt the need to respond.  I do not have an issue with the new aggressive model of taxation the town has chosen to implement; it is legally correct. I do take issue with being personally criticized for following a more moderate course, a course supported by all the past administrations.


I will sum this up by stating that the present administration is residing in a glass house and I am sitting on a large pile of rocks.


To the Lisbon taxpayers I would say, hold on! You're in for quite a ride!


Gerald Samson
Buckfield
 

HOLY COW‏

Did anyone see the town report??!! The salaries are unreal, some teachers and a guidance councilor making over $70+ for 6 months WORK. The economic development person, Rosie, makes $62+ ayear for WHAT? Read her annual report-it is smoke, IT SAYS NOTHING--Where is the beef? NO SUBSTANCE, just verbose BS. Why are we talking about more taxes? These salaries are OBSCENE!! If people think they will be underpaid -no problem unemployment over 17%--many hungry to work. Do the unions run the town? Are these workers  entitled to get these salaries-- does the private sectors have the same attitude? 

 

                                                                                                                                    DEEP THROAT

Need to get Facts!‏

I appreciate Joe F's. comment about 20 y/o paper backs and his words. I just feel you should not be the school committee's worse nightmare later, tell us now, the future kids need your criticism also.  As far as the other concerned citizen that takes pride in watching my home, that concerned citizen should get facts straight before writing wrong facts.  Here is a short follow up, we had a for sale sign on our motorhome for over a year, if you drive by you may notice it has been gone because it was sold a few months ago.  We sold our boat two years ago when my business in Lisbon was falling slowly, and had to shut my doors a year ago. We have a friend who stores a boat at our house.  We have a truck in our backyard that cannot get anywork and we are barely holding on to our home as well as everyone else going through these times.  We have sold alot of TOYS as you put it. Glad I could share my personnal life.  But I would rather have the facts the truth than the lies that are printed.  The concerned citizen/tax payer should be able to sign their name to what they publish.  We due pay taxes on our home, car, the motorhome we had, the boat we had.  We contribute to our town and all I want is for the town to flourish.  I want as many employees of the Town of Lisbon not to loose their jobs, I feel that is not a bad thought.  Do I believe some things could change, of course, but that is why we have council members to work together.  Once again, my first letter to the council should of been sent to them without it being published.  Just plain bad taste, and then the follow up about my life, situation and having my young children read comments.  Someone should just have asked instead of assuming.  An apology from this concerned citizen would be nice since alot of facts were of bad taste and hurt after I have already lost so much.

 

Kathi Yergin (Mrs Yergin)

Taxpayers, you should know

To The Taxpayers of The Town of Lisbon:

I feel that you as taxpayers should know how some of your tax dollars are being spent.

I am on the Budget Advisory Committee, and have gone through the budget for
every Town of Lisbon Department. 

Following are some of my findings:

FYI, this is all public information.


There is well over $32,000.00 in the proposed budget for Professional Development!

I may be wrong but I feel that town of Lisbon taxpayers should not be paying for Town employees continuing education; for licensing, re-licensing and/or accreditation. 

Town Manager Steve Eldridge's salary is over $85,000 per year. He also receives, per his contract approved by Town council, an additional $4,000 traveling expenses to and from his home in Monmouth, and work in Lisbon. I do not feel that taxpayers should also be paying $4,500 for his Professional Development, plus $1,000 meals and lodging. Especially  when many Town of Lisbon taxpayers are making $20,000 a year or less.

At a time when we are losing businesses and when they are just trying to stay afloat our new assessor, Mr. Pat Dow, is attempting to tax small business owners for personal property for more income to the town. We need to find savings anywhere we can. And I strongly feel that this is a way that Town Council,  Mr. Eldridge, and the Budget/Advisory Committee can reduce the budget by over $30,000 and keep some from losing their job.


The Maine Municipal Association (MMA) offers all the training and continuing education necessary for ALL State of Maine town and City employees, for licensing, re-licensing and accreditation!  At a cost of $50.00 to a few hundred dollars.

I give Mr. Green, Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee credit
for presenting to the town a bare bones budget. It includes a slight tax increase, but many difficult cuts had to be made to arrive at that amount.

I can see where many other cuts can be made in the town budget, unpopular
with town employees, but that's for another time.

I strongly urge all Town of Lisbon Citizens and especially Taxpayers to
attend the public presentation for both the Town and School Budgets on Tuesday April 27, 2010, at the new Lisbon Elementary School, (LCS) in Lisbon Center. The meeting begins at 7 P.M. 

This is YOUR opportunity to listen and learn.
This is YOUR opportunity to voice your opinion, either for or against.
This is as close to the old Town Meeting form of government as possible today.

In closing I have only these few words to say:

SHOW UP OR SHUT UP - WHEN YOU GET YOUR TAX BILL!

Dot Fitzgerald
Member Budget/Advisory Committee
And A Very Concerned Citizen


( I did find out today that the former Town Manager's, Development budget was $1,000. He attended things put on by the MMA. That is all that is necessary. Eldridge attends to get more letters after his name to make him look good for his next job.)

Disclaimer:
The thoughts expressed in this letter are mine and mine alone.
They are not sanctioned by the Lisbon Town Council or the Advisory/Budget 
Committee. Dot Fitzgerald