NaturalNews: Health Ranger releases new parody music video, spoof of "Call Me Maybe" - outrageous‏

Dear Lisbon Reporter and NaturalNews readers,

I hope you're ready to laugh, because we've just released my latest satire music video, a parody of the #1 hit song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepson.

As usual, I wrote and performed the lyrics. The music was put together by Sean DeTorres and Bombshelter Studios (http://www.bombshelterstudios.com/).

This spoof video is called "Dumb and Lazy" and it's a comedic look at the rapidly devolving culture of the "jellyfish class" of Americans who are too busy smoking weed and watching TV to take part in building a better society. Positive comments about the video have been rolling in on YouTube over the last several hours...
Here's the official announcement:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036453_Call_Me_Maybe_parody_song_Dumb_and_Lazy.html

And here's a direct link to the music video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVhfoNh20rU

And on TV.NaturalNews.com
http://tv.naturalnews.com/v.asp?v=55A650B7B81F68CEFC4C620D6992B9F5

P.S. Don't take the video too seriously, it's just a comedy spoof for some much-needed comic relief from the intensity of all the news we normally cover.

At Penn State, a massive cover-up has now been confirmed. Top coaches and university officials there willfully and knowingly participated in looking the other way while children were repeatedly molested. Coach Paterno may now go down in history as the coward who stuck his head in the sand instead of speaking up for innocent victims:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036464_Penn_State_cover-up_Paterno.html

A new documentary is now available called Nourishing Our Children. It's a powerful new film that will forever shape your thinking about why processed foods are so terrible for childrens' health:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036462_Nourishing_the_Children_food_documentary.html

Did you know that Centrum vitamins are owned by Pfizer, the drug company?
http://www.naturalnews.com/036459_Centrum_vitamins_Pfizer.html

Massive Penn State cover-up confirmed - Paterno and others hid the truth of victimized children (NaturalNews) Millions of Americans have wondered aloud since news broke that former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky molested young boys in the shower of the football complex how it could have happened over the years without the knowledge...

Fukushima was a man-made disaster, Bloomberg reports (NaturalNews) Most people who know about the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power complex on Japan's east coast believe it was caused by a natural disaster: A huge, earthquake-generated a tsunami that swept over and through the complex in March...

'Nourishing our children' documentary blows away illusions about processed food vs. traditional diets (NaturalNews) A new two-hour video available on Premium NaturalNews TV blows away any remaining illusions about "healthy," processed food. "Nourishing Our Children" advocates traditional diets, and is radical in that it turns the food pyramid upside...

Avoid costly dental bills with natural remedies (NaturalNews) Weary of expensive dental work? Try a few simple home treatments that help strengthen teeth and gums naturally. With the application of specific dietary and herbal recommendations, loose and decaying teeth are fortified and healed. By practicing...

Dirt is not dirty (NaturalNews) At present, our culture is overly obsessive about germs, cleanliness, and hygiene. Parents are constantly washing their children's hands, using antibacterial soap, alcohol tinged wipes or changing them the second they have dirt on their...

Centrum vitamins are owned by Pfizer (NaturalNews) Feeling a little run down? Are you stressed? Someone in the house ill, and you don't want to get it? In situations like these, many reach for vitamins. By definition vitamins are "organic components in food that are needed.... for maintaining...

Simple cancer remedies that can give you a fighting chance (NaturalNews) Though cancer can be seen as a very complex illness, it is important to understand that cancer is simply the "symptom" and the tip of the ice berg. For your body to allow cancer cells to take root and multiply, there had to be a weakened...

Two kinds of fear point the way toward emotional freedom (NaturalNews) As a former mental health counselor and practicing life coach for over 20 years, I've had a peculiar view of people. While so many appear confident and together on the outside, behind-the-scenes most people struggle with fears and conflicts...

Common parasite linked to increased risk of suicide and self-harm (NaturalNews) A common parasite may significantly increase women's risk of self-destructive behaviors, including suicide attempts and self harm, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in...

Gluten - The hidden killer (NaturalNews) In the 1920s, the US government found that animals fed a diet of white flour developed serious neurological diseases and died. Instead of banning this deadly product like they should have, the FDA declared that most white flour products...

Fresh vegetable diet protects against pancreatitis and risk of pancreatic cancer (NaturalNews) Few people give much thought to their pancreas, the small digestive organ that is located behind the stomach and functions to release digestive enzymes to break down food. Acute pancreatitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease...

'Call Me Maybe' parody song takes aim at 'Dumb and Lazy' Americans - outrageous music video goes viral (NaturalNews) The pop song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen has smashed top 40 music records over the last several months, and her music video has racked up 150 million views on YouTube alone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWNaR-rxAic). "Call Me Maybe...

The end of privacy: Government to deploy laser-based 'molecular strip-search' devices across airports and roadside checkpoints (NaturalNews) Within the next two years, a spooky, powerful and invisible new technology will be deployed by the U.S. government that can instantly scan and identify every molecule on your body or person: the cocaine residue on your dollar bills, prescription...

America Today, Hoping For Change: "Call Me Maybe parody "Dumb and Lazy" music video"

http://youtu.be/nVhfoNh20rU

Maine Lawmakers Worried About Drone Use, Hey, Lisbon Has Had Their Own Drone For 30 Plus Years, Police Chief David T. Brooks

 Lisbon's Own Drone

 Police Chief David T. Brooks

You still looking for the Missing Public Funds ($32,500) from the Economic and Community Development Department Or Not?  We Need A Real Police Chief Not Some Defunct Drone.

Maine lawmakers, ACLU worried about police use of drones

By Mal Leary, Capitol News Service

Posted July 12, 2012, at 6:31 p.m.

   

Troy R. Bennett | BDN

Sen. Olympia Snowe Buy Photo

Troy R. Bennett | BDN

Rep. Mike Michaud Buy Photo

Shenna Bellows, executive director of the ACLU of Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — Unmanned, remotely controlled aircraft have become a daily tool of the military in Afghanistan, where they have proven invaluable in providing real-time information. But there is growing concern in Congress and among civil libertarians that law enforcement will want to use that technology more broadly at home.

“This is an issue of concern to a lot of members,“ Sen. Olympia Snowe said last week. “I supported an amendment to the farm bill that would have prohibited the Environmental Protection Agency from conducting aerial surveillance of farm operations. Unfortunately that failed to get the 60 votes necessary.”

The Republican senator said Congress has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to develop regulations for the use of drone aircraft for policing purposes, but Snowe says that use should be limited. She supports the use of drones for patrolling along border areas, something that has been underway for several years.

“I don’t support the broad use of these by government,” said Snowe, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Snowe said it is important that Congress consider legislation that would clearly spell out when and where law enforcement could use drones and not rely on rules from the FAA or other federal agencies.

 Oh yeah, read more.

Our U.S. Government Has Gone Nuts: NaturalNews: "The end of privacy: Government to deploy laser-based molecular scanners everywhere"‏

Dear Lisbon Reporter and NaturalNews readers,

This isn't sci-fi, it's a terrifying reality: Within the next two years, the U.S. government plans to roll out molecular laser scanners that can scan your entire body covertly, silently and at a distance of up to 50 meters.

This new scanner can read hormone levels in your body, traces of cocaine on your cash, pharmaceuticals in your bloodstream and even determine what you ate for breakfast.

This is real and it's about to be rolled out across U.S. airports, roadside checkpoints and stadiums. It means the end of privacy and a total Big Brother surveillance state:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036452_laser_scanner_molecular.html

Victory! Monsanto is reportedly forced to pay a $7.5 billion settlement to soy farmers in Brazil:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036451_Monsanto_Brazil_soy_farmers.html

92% of Americans want GMO labels on their foods. Sign this petition if you're one of them:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036450_GMO_food_labels_petition.html

Big business has hijacked organics and allowed the definition to become watered down with chemicals and non-organic ingredients:
http://www.naturalnews.com/036447_organic_standards_big_business_profits.html

The end of privacy: Government to deploy laser-based 'molecular strip-search' devices across airports and roadside checkpoints (NaturalNews) Within the next two years, a spooky, powerful and invisible new technology will be deployed by the U.S. government that can instantly scan and identify every molecule on your body or person: the cocaine residue on your dollar bills, prescription...

Monsanto to pay $7.5 billion settlement to millions of Brazilian soy farmers (NaturalNews) For at least a decade, Monsanto, the world's most evil corporation, has been illegally charging Brazilian farmers growing the company's genetically-modified (GM) crops a two percent tax on production, and a three percent tax for cross-contamination...

92 percent of Americans want the FDA to label GMO foods - Sign this labeling petition if you're one of them (NaturalNews) An overwhelming majority of Americans believe the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a legal responsibility to require proper labeling of foods containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). But to this day, the FDA refuses...

Southern California seaweed tests over 500 percent higher for radioactive iodine-131 than anywhere else in US (NaturalNews) High levels of radiation from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster reached Pacific shores just days after the catastrophe occurred, according to a recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Tests conducted...

Vitamin B6 deficit promotes inflammation, heart disease and cognitive decline (NaturalNews) As cardiovascular disease continues to take the lives of millions of unsuspecting individuals worldwide, a continual stream of scientific evidence is emerging to show that many who suffer from this illness could be spared by relatively simple...

Has big business overused "organic" to turn a profit? (NaturalNews) Over 40 years ago, Michael J. Potter founded a small "whole earth" grocery store that eventually turned into a large organic foods producer and wholesaler, Eden Foods. However, last May he set out to challenge what organic food has become...

The best way to live longer (opinion) (NaturalNews) Contrary to popular belief - you can be financial successful, vibrantly healthy and completely happy - every day. There's just one catch - you'll have to turn off the T.V. (except some programs on public television); stop using conventional...

EPA spying on farms and ranches from the air, snapping photos to issue fines (NaturalNews) The expanding Leviathan state appears to be on auto-drive these days; the latest example of Big Brother's overreach coming from the always-intrusive Environmental Protection Agency. Farmers around the country are complaining about...

Is white sugar the gateway drug to alcoholism and obesity? (NaturalNews) As a species, we consume almost 2,204 pounds of white sugar each year, this equates to an average of approximately 81.4 pounds per person. Many health professionals have noted the negative health effects of sugar, from excessive weight gain...

Common childbirth procedures are NOT supported by scientific evidence (NaturalNews) Many commonplace procedures that are practiced during routine, low risk, deliveries have no scientific evidence to back them up. These unnecessary medical processes can actually increase many risks in the mother and child. Many women are...

Take control of your stress with HeartMath (NaturalNews) On the latest episode of Mental Health Exposed, I speak with a world leader on stress reduction and personal biofeedback. Three of four American...

How to raise an earth-conscious child (NaturalNews) Children these days have many technological distractions that keep them busy and less connected with the environment. Whether it's a video game, television program or computer screen, children are forgetting how to connect with their natural...

Discovery of magnetic sensors in fish and rats may explain why some people can 'feel' wi-fi, smart meters, power lines and electropollution (NaturalNews) It is well known that many people are sensitive to electromagnetic pollution. Wi-fi gives them headaches. Being near high-voltage power lines can bring on migraines. Using a cell phone unleashes similar symptoms. Until recently, there was...

The American Trojan Horse: "A Black Man, The Progressive's Perfect Trojan Horse"

A Black man's point of view. 
A BLACK MAN, THE PROGRESSIVE'S PERFECT TROJAN HORSE 

By Lloyd Marcus  (written March 25, 2010)

As millions of my fellow Americans, I am outraged, devastated and extremely angry by the democrat's unbelievable arrogance and disdain for We The People. Despite our screaming "no" from the rooftops, they forced Obamacare down our throats.  Please forgive me for using the following crude saying, but it is very appropriate to describe what has happened. "Don't urinate on me and tell me it's raining."  Democrats say their mission is to give all Americans health care.  The democrats are lying.  Signing Obamacare into law against our will and the Constitution is tyranny and step one of their hideous goal of having as many Americans as possible dependent on government, thus controlling our lives and fulfilling Obama's promise to fundamentally transform America. 
I keep asking myself.  How did our government move so far from the normal procedures of getting things done?  Could a white president have so successfully pulled off shredding the Constitution to further his agenda?  I think not.

Ironically, proving America is completely the opposite of the evil racist country they relentlessly accuse her of being, progressives used America's goodness, guilt and sense of fair play against her.  In their quest to destroy America as we know it, progressives borrowed a brilliant scheme from Greek mythology.  They offered America a modern day Trojan Horse, a beautifully crafted golden shiny new black man as a presidential candidate.  Democrat Joe Biden lauded Obama as the first clean and articulate African American candidate. Democrat Harry Reid said Obama only uses a black dialect when he wants.

White America relished the opportunity to vote for a black man naively believing they would never suffer the pain of being called racist again.  Black Americans viewed casting their vote for Obama as the ultimate Affirmative Action for America's sins of the past.

Then there were the entitlement loser voters who said, "I'm votin' for the black dude who promises to take from those rich SOBs and give to me."

Just as the deceived Trojans dragged the beautifully crafted Trojan Horse into Troy as a symbol of their victory, deceived Americans embraced the progressive's young, handsome, articulate and so called moderate black presidential candidate as a symbol of their liberation from accusation of being a racist nation.  Also like the Trojan Horse, Obama was filled with the enemy hiding inside.

Sunday, March 21, 2010, a secret door opened in Obama, the shiny golden black man.  A raging army of democrats charged out.  Without mercy, they began their vicious bloody slaughter of every value, freedom and institution we Americans hold dear, launching the end of America as we know it.

Wielding swords of votes reeking with the putrid odor of back door deals, the democrats landed a severe death blow to America and individual rights by passing Obamacare.

The mainstream liberal media has been relentlessly badgering the Tea Party movement with accusations of racism.  Because I am a black tea party patriot, I am bombarded with interviewers asking me the same veiled question.  "Why are you siding with these white racists against America's first African American president?" I defend my fellow patriots who are white, stating, "These patriots do not give a hoot about Obama's skin color.  They simply love their country and oppose his radical agenda.  Obama's race is not an issue."

Recently, I have come to believe that perhaps I am wrong about Obama's race not being an issue.  In reality, Obama's presidency has everything to do with racism, but not from the Tea Party movement.  Progressives and Obama have exploited his race from the rookie senator's virtually unchallenged presidential campaign to his unprecedented bullying of America into Obamacare.  Obama's race trumped all normal media scrutiny of him as a presidential candidate, and most recently even the Constitution of the United States. Obamacare forces all Americans to purchase health care, which is clearly unconstitutional.

No white president could get away with boldly and arrogantly thwarting the will of the American people and ignoring laws. President Clinton tried universal health care.  Bush tried social security reform.  The American people said "no" to both presidents' proposals, and it was the end of it.  So how can Obama get away with giving the American people the finger?  The answer:  He is black.

The mainstream liberal media continues to portray all who oppose Obama in any way as racist.  Despite a list of failed policies, overreaches into the private sector, violations of the Constitution and planned destructive legislation too numerous to mention in this article, many Americans are still fearful of criticizing our first black president.  Incredible.

My fellow Americans, you must not continue to allow yourselves to be "played" and intimidated by Obama's race or the historical context of his presidency.  If we are to save America, the greatest nation on the planet, Obama's progressive agenda must be stopped. 
Lloyd Marcus, (black)

Unhyphenated American, Singer/Songwriter, Entertainer, Author, Artist & Tea Party Patriot

SHARE THIS WITH AMERICA ! ! ! !

 http://www.lloydmarcus.com/?p=1114

Re: Lisbon Fireworks Article

I just read your article on the fire works legislation. I represent a small portion of Lisbon in the Maine legislature. I wanted you to know that I did not vote for the fireworks bill. I did not think it was the best thing for Maine. That being said, Sen Mason and Rep. Crafts do an excellent job representing their districts and I would hope people will look closely at their entire voting record and not decide against them based on one vote. 
Thank you,  
Rep. Ellie Espling  
(District 105 New Gloucester, Durham and part of Lisbon)

Re. Lisbon Reporter Fireworks Article

In reply to Larry Filmore's letter regarding Fireworks.. he stated this"and sparklers can only be purchased through an authorized fireworks store." THIS IS INCORRECT YOU COULD GO TO WAL-MART & PURCHASE THEM.

"Gordie"

Lawmakers Misfire On Fireworks Bill In Maine

FIREWORKS

The new state statute on the sale, possession and use of fireworks in the state of Maine has caused a great deal of confusion throughout the state. Our lawmakers created a nightmare for everyone involved with fireworks. This was definitely not their finest hour. Lawmakers did not take a very close look at the ramifications of what was contained within this statute. Both of Lisbon’s representatives Garrett Mason and Dale Crafts voted in favor of this new statute.


I was born and raised in Maine and except for my military time I have lived my entire life in Maine. I use to do chores to earn money for “Snappers”. These are small balls that explode when they hit the ground. These were classified as kid toys the same as “caps” for cap pistols. Every 4th of July my parents would purchase “Sparklers” and light them for us. But with this new law these are now either illegal or considered “consumer fireworks”. Snappers are totally illegal in the state and sparklers can only be purchased through an authorized fireworks store. Kids can no longer utilize sparklers or snappers. The only personnel authorized to use fireworks must be 21 years of age.

My grandson loves snappers and when he went to purchase them at a local store there was a sign stating individuals who purchase and use snappers had to be 21 years old. My grandson is devastated and I can totally agree with him. I have never heard of anyone being hurt, injured or killed from snappers. I have been emailing Chief Brooks and he provided the information in this article and I want to thank him for educating me about this new statue.


Now to add to the confusion even more the State of Maine Attorney General has authorized smaller retailers to sell sparklers because it was an unintentional restriction set by the legislature and that is supposed to be corrected when the next legislature convenes. This includes “Morning Glories”. However, snappers are still illegal and the State Fire Marshall is tracking down all the distributors to get them to stop providing snappers.


The town council is going to be considering a Fireworks Ordinance for the town. I believe this to be a total waste of time and money at this time. In my opinion, and I love fireworks and believe with proper supervision they are a good thing, the town council should ban the sale, possession and use of fireworks in Lisbon at this time. The reason for this is two-fold (1) the most important reason is because the state has NOT provided a clean law and (2) and just as important is there is absolutely no way to enforce any ordinance. By a clean law, I mean there are numerous bugs such as snappers, sparklers and Morning Glories that need to be clarified prior to making any ordinance. I find it outrageous for lawmakers to enact a law which has so many situations left unanswered and unenforceable.


It is apparent both Garrett Mason and Dale Crafts were not looking out for the people of Maine. We do not need these two individuals in Augusta making these kinds of decisions for us.


VOTE THEM OUT IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

BrasscheckTV: "The attack on 'citizen journalism'"

Lisbon,
 
When we realize that the establishment media refuses to tell the
truth.
 
When we realize that an informed populace is empowered.
 
We turn more and more to citizen journalists armed with cameras and
tough questions to bring us the information that the main stream
'presstitute' media won't.
 
Often, they do this at great peril...
 
Video:
 
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/11343.html
 
Goodman Green
- Brasscheck

 Police single out citizen journalists

 "As the consolidated corporate media machine fails in its function as the fourth estate, citizen journalists and independent press outlets are there to pick up the slack. But this important task is becoming increasingly threatened by the harsh treatment at the hands of the police force. Citizen based media is often targeted by police for reporting unfiltered truths, or they are lumped together with activists/protesters and beaten or arrested. As more and more Americans choose alternative news sources to find out what is really happening in their country, harassing those providing first hand reports muzzles the free flow of information and poses a threat to democracy. Abby Martin explores the subject for RT."

The Establishment vs. Citizen Journalism

Christian Sorensen
Media Roots

Citizenship unites all of us around share rights and responsibilities, which guide our daily conduct.  We have the right to express ourselves and the responsibility to respect others, participate in the democratic process, and pursue happiness.  However, the increased militarization of state and local police forces has helped propagate a climate in which citizen journalists are victimized for taking on the role of the fourth estate.  To prosecute citizen journalists for undertaking their responsibilities is tragically inconsistent with our fundamental rights as U.S. citizens.

The plight of citizen journalists is one of many issues that the U.S. corporate media regularly ignores. Instead, it holds citizen reporting in contempt while it caters to the inane and vacuous in order to attract the advertising revenue associated with this lowest common denominator.  Consequently, the corporate media's hollow reporting ostracizes critical thinkers and citizen journalists instead of confronting the difficult issues of our day.  The results are grim: U.S. corporate media actively represses political expression and social activism, while permitting militant police forces to grow relatively unhindered.

Continue reading here


For more Law enforcement corruption & abuse: videos, click here

LISBON MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDED DRIVE FOR EDUCATION GRANT

For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 07, 2012
FMI Contact
Monica Millhime
Community Resources
Lisbon School Department
754.0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org

Members of the Philip W. Sugg Middle School (PWS) anti-bullying group attended an award’s ceremony on Tuesday, May 15 at Berlin City Honda in South Portland. Students accepted a check for $3,500 awarded as a grant by the Berlin City Auto Group’s Drive for Education award project. Pictured (l-r) back row: Emily Cleavland, Cierra Miller, Alyssa Hall, Andrew Balser, Jeremy Pelliegrini, Bryant Hall, Hunter Pesce and Jacob Fusaro. Middle row: Silas Crosby, Devin Libby, Mike Schlotterbeck, Tanton Mattson, Tyler Halls, Ryley Austin, DJ James, and Alex Couillard. Front row: Olivia Botting, Chris Norman, Jasmin Le, Alesha Bard, and Selena Cordner. Jacob Fusaro spoke on behalf of the committee thanking Berlin City Auto Group for recognizing their passion for making a difference in their school. PWS Assistant Principal Tom Landberg and Anti-Bullying group advisor, Joanne Campbell, accompanied students to the awards event.

Lisbon – The combined efforts of students working together at Philip W. Sugg Middle School to make their school a safe environment was a successful project for members of the Anti-Bullying group. A group of seventh grade students worked throughout the school year to create an awareness of bullying at school. The group met each morning, brainstorming and discussing issues at hand that directly affect the school and its surroundings. Students recognized the problem, developed and administered a school-wide survey addressing bullying. Results of the survey were shared with the student body and the Lisbon School Department School Committee.

Students were invited to participate in a grant request for the Berlin City Auto Group Drive for Education award project. “It was clear to me, after meeting with PWS Principal Kate Race and the group’s advisor, Joanne Campbell, students needed to tell their story about their concerns for making their school a bully-free zone,” shares Monica Millhime, Lisbon School District’s grant writer. “The grant provides additional resources in the school and various places surrounding the building with cameras for additional surveillance to address bullying as it happens, and to discourage acts of aggression toward fellow students.” “Students produced a DVD, with assistance from their advisor Joanne Campbell, re-enacting the hot spots for bullying in the classroom, hallways, on the bus and outside the building,” commented Millhime.

Members of the Anti-Bullying group were Alyssa Hall, Jeremy Pelligrini, Olivia Botting, Hunter Pesce, Ryley Austin, Emily Cleavland, Tanton Mattson, Chris Normand, Silas Crosby, Mikey Yoke, Mikey Schlotterbeck, Jacob Fusaro, Jasmin Le, Selena Cordner, Devin Libby, Andrew Balser, Kyle Welsh, Alex Couillard, Cierra Miller, Bryant Hall, Alesha Bard, Tyler Halls and DJ James. “There are no words to express the time, commitment and the positive attitudes that went into the project this year,” shares Campbell. “We are all very proud of them for their hard work and commitment to this project.”

“The Drive for Education foundation was created by the grass roots efforts by employees of the Berlin City Auto Group,” shares Michael McPherson. “In 2011 Berlin City Auto Group distributed checks totaling just over $100,000 to schools in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Berlin City is dedicated to the enrichment, education and growth opportunities for the children in our communities. Serving the community for more than 30 years, Berlin City has made a monetary commitment to support educators, schools and young people.”

FMI information on programs in the Lisbon School Department call 754-0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org. Find us on Facebook at Community Resource News in Lisbon Schools.

The Maine Wire Op-ed: The Not-So-Secret Libretto Tricks of School Budget Intimidation

by Pem Schaeffer

I’ve been watching Brunswick school budget theatrics for a dozen years or more. After thinking about it, I concluded they remind me of “The Phantom of the Opera,” which we’ve seen three times on the stage and perhaps five times or more in the film version.

Why? Because as well as you think you know the script and music of a favorite show, each time you see it, you see and hear things you hadn’t picked up on before. And so it is with the annual school budget pageant, a tragedy used to intimidate local taxpayers until they fall under the spell of something akin to the “Music of the Night.”

New staging and new expressions of the original script keep the production fresh, and eager fans pay dearly to see it over and over. And always, when the mask comes off, illusions end and harsh reality sets in.

I’ve decided to catalog the standard “tricks of the stage” I’ve detected in the local production. I hope they’ll help you better understand the show when it comes to your town and make reading between the lines of the carefully adapted script a bit easier.

For the rest of the story...

More Deceit

During the last town council meeting, there was an agenda item called Revolving Loan Fund Application. However, there was no application attached as agenda document and rightfully so because an application requires the individual to divulge a lot of sensitive information that no one really has a need to know. But along the same line, the town has an obligation to the citizens of Lisbon to inform the public how the town council is spending town monies. Without providing the citizens any “service information” pertaining to the loan applicant, there should have been some information pertaining to the loan because the public was entitled to know in order to ask questions or provide comments during Audience Participation.

But instead there was no information available to the Public and the loan was discussed in “Executive Session” and then the Public was provided the following information. The town council approved a $100,000.00 loan to Harvey Metal for five (5) years at 5%. If the town was able to provide this information after approving the loan in “Executive Session” then the Public should have been informed of what was going on in order to provide input. Again, how can the citizens partner with the Town Council in the decision making process which is part of Lisbon’s Mission Statement.

By not informing the citizens of what is specifically being discussed in “Executive Session” is an abuse of the executive privilege.

The truth of the matter is this town council has absolutely no intentions of involving the people as partners in the decision making process. Look at their track record, the people stated very clear and emphatically there should be no pay raises in this year’s budget and yet Bowie and the puppets left it in the budget and voted to approve the wage increases.

In order to correct this situation and try and get Lisbon back on track, the people need to vote Bowie, Pomelow and Lunt out of office in November.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned citizen

Health Tip for the Day

Androscoggin County Volunteers Honored

Recipients of the 2012 Spirit of America Foundation Tribute (for outstanding community service) throughout Androscoggin County were honored at a June 20 ceremony in Auburn at the county building.

Androscoggin County Commissioners Beth Bell and Randall Greenwood, Sheriff Guy Desjardins, and Administrator Patricia Fournier; Maine State Senators Margaret Craven, Garrett Mason and Lois Snowe-Mello; Maine State Representatives Eleanor Espling, James Hamper, Gary Knight, Michel Lajoie and Margaret Rotundo; and Spirit of America Foundation officers Robert Drisko and Richard Grotton all praised the efforts of volunteers during the event.

Tribute recipients (by town):

Auburn
Good Shepherd Food Bank has collected and distributed food throughout Maine for 15+ years.

Durham
Kaitlin Johnson, a dedicated girl scout, spearheaded a community effort to clean up property.

Greene
The Araxine Wilkins Sawyer Foundation Trustees oversee a group inspiring travel and music.

Leeds
Rural Community Action Ministry has operated 40+ yrs, supports & maintains 13 food banks.

Lewiston
The Jesus Party is an inner city youth outreach program serving its community for 15+ years.

Lisbon
Joanne Campbell has dedicated a great deal of time and effort to helping kids at risk programs.

Livermore
Donald Castonguay has given years of dedicated service as chief of Livermore Fire Department.

Livermore Falls
Dennis Stires created History Night & has helped Maine Paper and Heritage Museum for years.

Mechanic Falls
Pink Feather Foundation is a new group helping the less fortunate with food baskets plus more.

Poland
Poland Spring Preservation Society protects, preserves Maine State Bldg & All Souls Chapel.

Sabattus
Russ Stewart, a devoted pastor, has significantly helped the food pantry at his Baptist Church.

Turner
Turner Sons of the American Legion Post 111 raised funds for a memorial dedicated to vets.

Ladies Auxiliary organized dances & other fundraisers to assist Post 111 in its memorial efforts.

In attached photo: Spirit of America Foundation Tribute recipients and officials.

For more info, contact
Bruce Flaherty, 622-7311 (H)
24 Parkwood Drive, Augusta

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 19TH

On Tuesday night at the Town Council meeting, the agenda was the same as usual. It appears the town council believes in concealing information from the Public in order to either keep the Public in the dark or just plain incompetence by the Town Manager. In any case, the Agenda Documentation was missing documents on the following agenda items: GA Ordinance Amendment – Attachments 1 & 2 (Appendix A); Revolving Loan Fund Application; School Capital Reserve Request (which was withdrawn from the agenda); Davis Cemetery; Upper Dam and the Town Manager’s report. By not providing these documents, the Public could not address any of these items during the Audience Participation. This is a simple method to silence the Public which is against the town’s own Mission Statement. The Mission Statement has a portion which reads “We are committed to sharing information with our citizens and including them as partners in the decision making process.” This is pretty hard to do without knowing what is going on.

During the Audience Participation, a lady informed the council of a situation she was involved in where neighbors were shooting off fireworks all during the day and night. She explained to the council the Maine statute on “Noise” and the restrictions. She had called the police, who came and spoke with the offender, and as soon as the police left the offender started shooting off fireworks again. She was wondering why the state statutes was not being enforced. The council had no answer for this lady because the town’s Firework Ordinance was passed to the Community Policing Advisory Group back on February 21, 2012 for review. Since there is no timely administrative follow-up by our town manager, there has been no action taken and from what the council said this group was not going to address this issue until September. The council stated they would move the priority on Firework Ordinance up to a workshop on July 31, 2012. It is a known fact, the police are not going to enforce any Maine laws or town ordinances because Chief Brooks runs a Protection Agency for his friends and not a police department dedicated to serving and protecting all the citizens of Lisbon equally.

The remaining agenda items were business as usual; Bowie makes a motion and the puppets votes. All votes were 6-0 because Councilor Mason was not present. The issue on the GA Ordinance Amendment as passed. The town authorized a loan of $100,000 dollars at 5% for 5 years. The town accepted a bid from Harry C Crooker & Sons for $278,070.10 to repair the Douglas Bridge on Fisher Road. The town approved a bid from Mid-Maine Waste Action Corporation for $63.77 per ton for the next 5 years.

During Other Business there were discussions on the Davis Cemetery, Upper Dam and the Town Manager’s Report. Mr. Packer, who has been taking care of the Davis Cemetery, asked the town to take over the responsibility because he was unable to do so. The council asked for a workshop to further discussion this situation. Ryan Leighton asked the town for a short and long term solution to the damage caused by recent rains on the Upper Dam on Webster Road. The council stated they needed more information before making a decision. The town manager spoke on the progress of Chief Brooks in providing Dispatch for other towns. He also commented on the outstanding job the Library staff had done on presenting the “Bug Show”. I took two of my grandkids to the show and they loved it. The staff did an outstanding job during the two shows which contained approximately 30 young people at each.

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

2010-2011 Annual Town Report

Today was a historic day for Lisbon. Today, the Town of Lisbon released the 2010-2011 Town of Lisbon Annual Report. This report covers 1 July 2010 through June 30, 2011. Do you realize it took the town 349 days to complete this report? In 16 days, the town will begin 2012-2013. The reaction time for reporting demonstrates total gross negligence on the part of the town manager (Chief Administrative Officer). The information in this annual report is totally outdated. The town paid $1,120.00 of our tax dollars to publish 350 copies.

On June 8th, 2012, I received via email the March and April 2012 Managerial Reports. These reports took approximately 100 days to publish the March report and 69 days for April’s report. Taxpayers deserve to have information in a timely manner. Residents of Lisbon are paying a fortune in taxes for services which are not being provided in a timely manner. This information is truly outdated and impossible to address to the Town Council for action. Again, it is the Chief Administrative Officer’s responsibility to provide these reports in a timely manner; especially since he is being paid in excess of $85,000.00 of our tax dollars.

I asked why it took so long to publish the annual report and was told it was because the salary report ends December 31st of the year. This is strange since the budget and wages are approved for July 1st through June 30th of the next year. The Annual Report is from 2010-2011 and includes the entire FISCAL year and not calendar year; so why is there so mush delay in getting the report published? These reports should be published in a timely manner: (1) Annual Reports should be published and available 45 days from the end of the fiscal year, (2) Managerial Reports should be available 15 days after the end of the month. The citizens of Lisbon deserve to have this information in a timely manner since we are paying dearly in taxes.

I will have to say the town has a huge sense of humor. On the cover of the Annual Report is the “Mission Statement”. Part of the mission statement is “We are committed to serving the public, being accountable with integrity, honesty and responsibility.” and “We are committed to sharing information with our citizens and including them as partners in the decision making process.” These two statements are false if you review their track record.

First, the Town Council restricted the Public from speaking on agenda items after having the sponsor explain the proposal, and having the councilors discuss the item. Instead, the Public is forced to speak on agenda items without the benefit of knowing why the sponsor is raising the issue. On May 8th at the Public Hearing on the town’s budget, numerous residents’ spoke out against any wage increase and they were totally ignored. Also, the Advisory Board recommended unanimously NOT accepting the proposed municipal budget and the town council totally ignored them too. So where is the “including them as partners in the decision making process?

I had to sue the town twice to get information I was entitled to. I also had to call the state to have them step in to obtain information I was entitled to by law. Does this sound like being committed to sharing information or including the public in the decision making process? This just goes to show there is NO integrity, honesty or responsibility by the town manager and the town council.

At what point are the taxpayers going to receive what they are paying for?

Larry Fillmore
Concerned Citizen

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Lisbon Town Council Meeting June 05, 2012

Dumb ~N~ Dumber: Lisbon's Lack Of Leadership

LISBON’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP

The State of Maine has established a vehicle for the taxpayers to utilize to obtain information and documentations pertaining to the operation of the government whether it is local or state. This vehicle is called the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) and is utilized to obtain documents which are Public Records. These FOAA’s can be used to investigate how your tax dollars are being spent. I have used these FOAA’s to obtain critical information to determine the management or mismanagement of the town of Lisbon.

I have submitted numerous of these requests to the town of Lisbon and for the most part the town has provided me the information requested. However, there has been three occasions now where the town has denied the information and I have had to seek assistance in obtaining this information. I submitted two FOAA’s, which were denied, and I had to file a law suit against the town to obtain this information. In going this route, I had to pay an attorney to represent me in court and the town of Lisbon had to pay the Town Attorney, Roger Therriault his legal fees. This was expensive for me ($3,000.00) and for the town (approximately $10,000.00). In the end, the judge ruled I was entitled to this information and the town provided the information to me.

 Roger Therriault

The money I was forced to spend, for information I was entitled to, was well spent. I received an education into how Attorney Roger Therriault legally steals hard earned tax dollars from the towns he represents. Therriault provides bad information to the towns stating the individual is NOT entitled to the information hoping the individual will take the town to court. Once this is filed in court, Therriault delays all proceedings as long as he can. In my two cases, he delayed the proceedings three times which means he collected his legal fees which are approximately $150.00 per hour for driving from Bath to Auburn, spending five minutes in the judge’s chambers and driving back to Bath. This is all legal but totally unnecessary because Therriault had knowledge I was entitled to the information all the time. This is a legal method to steal money from taxpayers.

This is the strategy utilized by the Town Manager to allow him time to look into the information I was seeking and try and cover up the mismanagement. In one case, the town retired three individuals and rehired the same three at the same salary without the positions being advertised and any other candidates being considered. In the second case, two of the town’s outstanding loans were to have been paid off in 2008 and in 2011 these two loans were still outstanding. This clearly reflects mismanagement on the part of the town and the Chief Administrative Officer, Eldridge. They can easily spend our tax dollars but have no interest in ensuring, in these cases, our money is returned. 

 Stephen G. Eldridge

In both cases, the judge ordered the town of Lisbon to provide me information I was entitled to receive.  During the town council workshop of May 15^th, 2012, Councilor Vice-Chair Lori Pomelow stated, and I am quoting from the approved minutes of the workshop, “Councilor Vice-Chair Pomelow said regarding legal overages, that the people who run up the bill, we should seek reimbursement from.”… In other words, because I had to take the town to court in order to receive information I was always entitled to; I need to reimburse the town for legal overages. The reason we were in court is because the town Attorney and the Town Manager do not know what they are doing; so why should I be compelled to reimburse the town? I believe this clearly reflects the location of Councilors Pomelow’s head and it is not on her shoulders. How does the old saying go; “Have your head up your butt?”.

 Vice-Chair Lori Pomelow

Now to get to the latest incident, I submitted a FOAA requesting information and was denied. This time, I tried another avenue by asking the State of Maine, Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) to assist me. The DECD contacted and met with the town and it was determined I was entitled to the information requested. The town provided the information to me at no additional legal fees or cost to the town and myself. Again, Therriault providing bad information and the town manager did not want to provide information taxpayers are entitled too. As it turns out, the town is currently missing required documents. This is yet another example of mismanagement by our Chief Administrative Officer. Is not the job of taxpayers to bring this information to light.

How long are we going to continue to put up with this behavior at $85,000.00 (Town Manager’s salary) of our taxpayer dollars? Don’t we deserve better? Why does any taxpayer have to go to these lengths to obtain information they are entitled to by the law?

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

Now Here's An Idea For Speed Control In Lisbon

Instead of having to lodge numerous calls to the Lisbon Police Department to get them to investigate "speeding complaints" we feel this might be a more effective measure versus the "Electric Indian" that they wheel around with a radar readout.

Just because Brooks sucks up all the grant money he can, doesn't mean that it is free. Often times there is a matching municipal function that is kept hidden from the public.

Submitted by: Todd Comber, (Uh Oh!!!)

Allegiance To The Boogieman: Where is Lisbon Council's Allegiance‏

Last night (6/5/12) it became abundantly clear that The Lisbon Town Council works for someone other than the good people of Lisbon.

In the beginning of the Council meeting the Lisbon Budget Advisory Board Chairman gave the Council this years budget recommendations.  Their (Advisory Board) conclusion,  after many workshops and months of exhausting study, was to reject the proposed budget increase and in its place institute a 10% across the board budget cut.

Shorty after hearing the Budget Board’s recommendation  the Town Council voted to  pass the proposed bloated budget. This action was a blatant slap in the face to the dedicated members of the advisory board. Why have an Advisory Board if you have no intention of listening to their conclusions.

 This budget will increase our mil. rate to approx.  $18.84, when adjusted for 100% valuation. This is over a $200 dollar increase  for the average homeowner and one of the highest tax rates in the State.

At last months special budget meeting  there was  unanimous agreement not to increase salaries or the budget. The Councils own Advisory Board echoed the same sentiments by recommending a 10% across the board budget cut.   So why did our Council saddled us with this large tax increase?

To answer that question we need to ask ourselves who benefits from this increase?

I submit that there are at least two major winners in this budget battle. 

•     The Police Department gets to keeps their Duplicate Dispatch Center even though it reduces dispatch times that potentially places Lisbon residents at risk.
  
  If you sit down with the numbers and do a little simple addition you will find that our PD. costs us over one third of our non school budget, or more than  2 million dollars a year.

•     Municipal Department Heads get raises and perks (The School Department didn’t take raises this year)

After last nights vote I truly believe our Council is representing someone other that the Lisbon Taxpayers. The Council's actions speak volumes about their allegiance. 

Call or e-mail your Councilors and tell them you want them to represent you. Tell them you can't afford this large tax increase. 

 Don’t take their excuses as fact, ask for proof.
 

And above all remember this vote in November.

Respectfully
LisbonMaine.Net
Joe Hill

PS:
I would like to commend Councilor Mason for  voting NO on most of the budget votes.  Thank You for representing Lisbon taxpayers wishes.

Lisbon, Your Taxes Are Going Up, Again: RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 5TH 2012

RECAP TOWN COUNCIL MEETING – JUNE 5^TH

At last night’s Town Council meeting it was business as usual. Vice-Chair Lori Pomelow filled in for Chairman LaRochelle. This was an important meeting because on the agenda was the 2012-2013 municipal budget. Since the people of Lisbon do not have the opportunity to vote on the municipal budget, this was the last opportunity for the citizens to voice their concerns on the budget. As usual, no one other than the regular individuals showed up to speak.

During Audience Participation, the town manager stated the wage increase was still in the budget. According to Eldridge, the wage increase is in the appropriate line items but according to the minutes of the last workshop the wage increase was placed under the Insurance Line. The Planner was still in the budget as well and five department heads receiving a $10,000 dollars wage increase left over from last year.

The Advisory Board recommended unanimously not approving the budget. Councilor Bowie tried to put the Advisory Board on the spot and asked what they would recommend and the only thing they could come up with was a reduction of 10% across the board. It is no wonder the Advisory Board could not come up with any more recommendations because there is so much money hidden in the budget and the council moved monies around so much and so fast no one could keep up with it. It was and always will be the old slide of hand trick.

The Council minus Council Mason voted in favor of the municipal budget which generates a 1.41 mil increase in your taxes. This equates to roughly $150.00 – 200.00 dollars per $100,000 valuations. IN OTHER WORDS YOUR TAXES ARE GOING TO GO UP AGAIN. I want to commend Councilor Mason for having the courage to vote what is right for the town and people of Lisbon. This was the first time I have witnessed Councilor Mason do what I believe is best for the community. The rest of the council were good little puppets and did what they were told. So when you receive your tax bill this year, do not come running to the town office to complain because it is now too late.

It is totally disgraceful to receive $65,000 dollars more from the state in revenue this year than last year and end up paying higher taxes because of a council whose spending is out of hand. The town included approximately $50,000 tax dollar for Professional Development. If employees do not know how to perform their duties then why are they still employed? The town employees are very well trained, as attributed by the recognitions they have received, so why are we spending additional tax dollars in this area? The same thing applies to Professional Services. There are a few incidents where this is required by a few individuals in the Fire Department, Police Department, Code Enforcement, Public Works and a few other positions but not the entire work force. This council has demonstrated nothing but irresponsible spending with this budget. Approving wage increases for Department Heads whose salaries is already over $166,000 dollars more than their counterparts in Skowhegan, is nothing more than misappropriations of your tax dollars.

Scott Benson presented a Community Development Block Grant request for 4 computers and a consultant to be utilized by the Library for the purpose of assisting residents in jobs/career enhancement. If approved by the state, residents can go to the Library and receive assistance filling out job application, resume and cover letter writing and search for jobs. The town would be responsible for maintaining the four computers and the consultant would educate the current Library staff during this year and then the Library staff would take over the responsibility of assisting residents. The Council voted unanimously to submit this grant request to the state.

Cindy Patterson provided a briefing on the Safe Voices Rural Outreach Advocates program. She also provided the town with brochures and pamphlets outlining the programs and how to get assistance.

Larry Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

Vintage Moxie Car Show proceeds to help seniors‏

Vintage Moxie Car Show proceeds to help seniors

The Lisbon Recreation Department and the Moxie Festival Committee are pleased to announce that Moxie Car Show has returned after a more than 10-year hiatus to the Moxie Festival weekend.  Proceeds will benefit the Sunshine Hill Neighbor’s Senior Citizen Program.

Applications for the 2012 Moxie Car Show on Sunday, July 15 from 8 am until 1 pm are now available.  The Moxie Car Show takes place in the fields behind Lisbon High School. 

Spectator admission is $5, $3 for children 12-17, and children under 12 are free.  There is an entry fee of $10 for the driver and passenger.  

The car classes include  Antiques, Special Interest, Street Rods, Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs, Mopars, Motorcycles, Tuner Cars, Pic-up Trucks 2 Wheel, Pic-up Trucks 4 Wheel, Best of the 50’s, Best of the 60’s, Best of the 70’s, Best of the 80’s, Best of the 90’s, Kids Pick, and Senior’s Pick.

All entries will receive a souvenir dash plate and the trophies will definitely have “Moxie.”

Other Moxie Car Show attractions include a Swap Meet, Car Corral, Entertainment from WQRY, Concessions, Moxie Style Trophies.

According to Lisbon Public Safety Officials, an estimated 50,000 people attend the three-day Moxie Festival.  The Town of Lisbon has approximately 9,300 residents.

Since 1982, 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 fireworks; a Saturday 5K Race, parade, Street Fair, Concert in the Park, and on Sunday, the Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race and the Moxie Car Show.  Moxie was designated Maine’s official soft drink on May 20, 2005.

To get a Moxie Car Show pre-registration form, visit the Moxie Festival website: www.moxiefestival.com  or call the Lisbon Recreation Department at 207-353-2289.