This was a very interesting article and articulately written. I never knew that this sort of group in Lewiston-Auburn even existed, let alone Maine. Reading it reminded me of my stay in the orient where I witnessed Buddhists using drums similarly to communicate with their gods.

What a despicable thing to do, especially during Christmas! The camera image is not the best but in my opinion is still clear enough to identify this perpetrator. Somebody in the community (an area encompassing roughly only 70,000 people) must surely know this person. They're just not coming forward to identify him.

I spent three years of celebrating Christmas in Guam, and those of you are geographically literate know that it never snows in Guam. I enjoyed Christmas nonetheless. It won't be a big deal for me if it doesn't snow for Christmas in Maine. I still feel the spirit and celebrate its true meaning: the birth of Christ!

How about an indoor health and physical fitness facility? By the looks of it many people walking the streets of L-A (including myself) sure could use the facility. An indoor track would be nice to walk, bike, or jog in inclement weather. With the size of the building it could even incorporate a bike track. The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that in 2003-2004, 17.1% of US children and adolescents were overweight, with the rates continuing to increase. These children are at an increased risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. Activity levels for many children have declined because of a built environment that is unsafe for walking and bicycling, the low percentage of children who take physical education in school, and the popularity of sedentary leisure-time activities. This would be an excellent way for L-A to actually underline the word "Dirigo" (I lead) by being the first urban area in Maine to have such a facility.

I too was one of Lee Hearn's students. No, not in the public school system. Lee and Bob,(her husband), have both been an inspiration in my life. Through their supervision and "parental" guidance as Superintendents at Opportunity Farm for Boys in New Gloucester, the Hearns helped mold me into what I am today: a successful person. As a young boy living at the "farm" in the 60's, I was taught all the values in life that would become instrumental in shaping my future and contributing to my success in this world. And this could not have happened without the guidance of the Hearns. Thus, I am not surprised to read about Lee's endearing qualities as a teacher at Sherwood Heights that she leaves behind as she embarks (reluctantly) on her life of retirement. Enjoy every minute of it Lee; you have been an inspiration in my life!

It is indeed tragic that this place has been forced to shut down. Having read a plethora of information and stories contributing to the closing of this institution, I am convinced that it was the result of a few spiteful students who "just never grew up". I substituted as a teacher for about six months at Elan. I never saw nor even ever experienced any hands laid upon any students, or any other form of physical harm done to any students. The only "wrongdoing", if you want to refer to it as that, was the constant raising of voices by the staff and the strange style of punishment, I.E. berating by other students. I understood Elan's strange methods of discipline as necessary to changing the lives of these kids. I could not respond to this article unless I too was the product of an institutional upbringing. You see, from the age of 5, I was given over to two childrens homes before I ended up at my last place, a farm setting in Maine, where I eventually graduated from high school and went on, taking those building blocks that I learned at these institutions with me, and becoming very successful in life. So I'm not coming from lack of introspection or knowledge about what goes on behind the scenes at places such as Elan. The regimented lifestyle, the intentional humiliation, the constant pressure put upon you is for a reason. And, as I read this latest Sun-Journal story of many who have come forward to support Elan, I have come to the conclusion that the few who were the major complainers and contributed to the eventual closing of Elan really "never grew up".

Thanks for the wonderful memories. I do remember the vibrancy of Lewiston before the advent of the malls. It was fun to just window shop! There were hundreds of stores on Lisbon and Main Streets offering all sorts of eclectic merchandise. I was particularly fond of DeOrsey's Record Shop where, as a huge music aficionado, I use to pick out my favorite "45" and listen to it in a special booth designed to test drive the record before you bought it. I also frequented Bauer Hardware on Main Street, where I could get top quality ice skates, baseball bats and gloves. Another of my favorites, just up the road from Bauer Hardware, was Turgeon's Variety, where I could get a Root Beer float for only a nickel and rifle through thousands of "45's" that Mr. Turgeon used to buy and resell at the ridiculous low price of only 50 cents! And then, let us not forget the Empire and Strand theaters, where we could watch the most recent movies for only $1.00! What fun it was back then. Thanks for taking me down memory lane! Roger L. Castonguay, Mechanic Falls.

Mr. Blaun states in this article that "there are better ways to raise money for the state". I have heard this response coming from anti-casino activists many times. Now, I ask Mr. Blaun, what sort of better ways are there to raise money for the state? Seems to me that this state has been in economic doldrums, along with the rest of the nation, for years now. Give me solid information as to how we can improve economic conditions in this state and I'll be convinced. Otherwise, I see no problem in creating more jobs and getting Maine out of the massive welfare system that currently permeates our society in Maine.

Court Street, Auburn. On top of Goff Hill?

It's strange that a few of the respondents to this article shifted to another agenda: comments on Sun-Journal and Facebook. Why don't people stick to the question? I see this often, not only on SJ and FB, but other websites. Frankly, I'm puzzled. Regarding the crossword puzzle: why would people complain about clues or answers to puzzles that do not match their generation? Quite literally there has to be a million books, websites, newspaper sections, etc., out there for people who love to do crossword puzzles. If they felt that the puzzles didn't quite fit their style, move on to another book, website, or newspaper section. All newspapers are now on the web and can be accessed freely. Thus I feel this issue is much ado about nothing. What's an nine-letter word for boring? Apathetic.

Very informative article, however one glaring typo: "a multipurose" room should be a multipurpose room.  Please hire me as a spell checker. 

The public's interest in Tiger's recent fall from grace has been unceasing and tiresome.  I don't care anymore, as if I really cared about it when it hit happened.  Why this insatiable appetite for the news media and others to dwell on this incident is beyond me!  I'm sick of the subject, as I know millions of other Americans are as well.  Why don't you just leave it alone!  Furthermore, why don't you look in your closet and discover how many skeletons you have?!  Mr. Cal Thomas, you made Biblical reference to repentance in your article.  Well here's one for you:  "before you try to remove the splinter from someone's eye, first remove the beam from your eye".

Great, informative article, particularly the pointers for conducting job searches  I am in between jobs myself and I find that it really is a job to find a job!  There are jobs out there but you've really got to be meticulous and scan numerous and eclectic job listing sites.  I currently have six sites bookmarked and scan them daily.   Thank you for your pointers and references.

The name of his racing craft was "No Patience", the parole board should reply to his request for early release with a vehement "No Deal". 

Agree with Skippy, Lewiston-Auburn continues to lose out on these opportunities of economic growth and visibility.  Case in point, why is it cost-free to travel down  Route 295 to and from Brunswick and  Portland and L-A folks are charged  to take the turnpike to get to Portland? That's just one example, and now we lose out on commuter rail service to L-A?  It's frustrating!

Great story Steve!  My first knowledge of J.D. Salinger was when I was in the ninth grade (1963) and I decided to do a book report on "The Catcher In The Rye".  My English teacher was shocked that I would even entertain the thought and vehemently said "no".  Obviously she felt that I wasn't "adult" enough to read it.  I read the book anyway and had to submit a different book for a report!  Thanks for bringing back the great memories. 

I drive through there twice a day. Motorists just "fly" down that stretch of the road. It's no wonder accidents happen (and will continue to happen) on that part of Minot Ave. The two worst times to be on that stretch of the road is early in the morning, where everyone is rushing off to work, and in the early evening, when everyone is returning from work. It needs to be patrolled more often.

The Angels have a much-improved team over last year's (as do the Yankees). However, I think the Angels' bullpen (especially the relievers) are in much better shape to weather the course of the entire series. Therefore, I take the Angels over the Yankees. The World Series will be the Angels vs Phillies.

You're incredibly patient. You obviously don't like the traffic conditions, public transportation system, high prices, and crime rate (who does?)--however you are able to transcend or tolerate those issues and find that "Los Angeles is now my heart". Having lived in major cities throughout America (and one city outside America: Tokyo), I find it very intolerable to even visit a BIG city, let alone live there. Something tells me you'll be back.

Kudos to Rex Ryan to get his boys all fired up for the game but I like Belichick's response in only three words "talk is cheap". This is not going to be a close one---like the previous game with Buffalo--however I think Pats will do all the talking on the gridiron. Pats: 31, Jets 17.

Well, let's see...there was Michael Jordan, then there was Brett Favre, then John Smoltz, and then Pedro Martinez..and so on and so on of "has been's" trying to resurrect their illustrious careers by making a come-back. Is it for glory, is it for money, or both? Chances are, however, we've seen nothing but lackluster success in athletes who try to make a comeback in the world of sports. It's just not happening; give it up and stay retired. In all fairness, however, Pedro did perform exceptionally well in his first pitching stint with the Phillies, but it remains to be seen if he can continue on a positive note. As for Brett Favre, it remains to be seen if he will shine as in his glory days before retirement. I say, once you retire, stay retired.

Great to see a local legend of the food industry back up and running but why did it take 27 months to re-open? Seems to me I've seen similar incidents before in which establishments were victims of a fire and they were back up and running in less than a year.

I was going to school in Florida, having just enlisted in the Navy, while Woodstock was happening. I had strong regrets of not being able to go to Woodstock back then and the regrets still linger. I never saw the "hippies" as a group of people who were unkempt (although most of them appeared that way). That was not important to me; it's what they stood for that was important. To me they represented a group of people who were disillusioned over U.S. involvement in Vietnam and wanted to rebel peacefully. They held very strong distrust and hatred towards traditional middle class values and authority in the U.S. and wanted to change things in a peaceful manner. I served in the Navy with many sailors who, like me, felt very ambivalent about our service to our country. On the one hand, we felt very patriotic as a service member, but on the other hand, we also subscribed to the idealism of "make peace and love, not war". Responding to veritas: Woodstock was not "a bunch of foolishness". It was an attempt to galvanize the country towards peace and harmony; a way of taking our minds off war, hatred, and violence, qualities that permeated our country during the tumultuous 60's. I see nothing wrong with that.

It would seem to me that if a person could (and was willing to) spread his/her payments out over 72 months for a new vehicle that they could get closer to $300-$400 a month for payments on a new vehicle(?) That certainly would contribute towards less repos. However, in some cases, if you already have a car that's classified as a "clunker" and is still good for a couple of more years on the road, don't get greedy for a new car/truck.

Henssis1: You're confusing this fire, which was in Auburn at the rotary (Minot Ave and Washington St), with the Cowan mill fire, which was in Lewiston. However, while we're on the subject of fires, I wonder if this is the work of the same person(s) who started the fire at the Cowan mill. The timing of both fires sure seems suspicious.

For Lise in Sabattus, to stop chipmunks and squirrels from getting into the bird feeders: get a shepherd's hook, hang the bird feeder on the hook, and grease the shepherd's hook with Vaseline or other slippery substance. Don't put the shepherd's hook near any trees or buildings because chipmunks and squirrels will simply jump from them onto the hook, thus circumventing the slippery hook. They're not stupid critters, but I have yet to see one climb a slippery pole.

Roger
Mechanic Falls.

Here come the vultures!