Healthy babies

Every day in the United States, 1,280 babies are born prematurely, some so small doctors can’t save them.

Prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death, but residents of the Mountain Valley area are doing their part.

Recently, over 100 Mountain Valley area residents participated in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica, which raises funds to support research and programs to find causes of premature birth. Thanks to the efforts of these caring men, women and children, the March of Dimes can seek more knowledge before losing more babies.

The Mountain Valley Walk raised nearly $15,000 this year, which is crucial to March of Dimes’ efforts to find out why babies are born too soon. In its 33-year history, this event has raised more than $1 billion to support the March of Dimes’ lifesaving mission.

The March of Dimes appreciates the support of its WalkAmerica local sponsors and teams, the walk committee, the many local merchants that donated door prizes and all the dedicated residents of the area whose work is helping babies be born healthy here and across America.

Thank you for joining us in the urgent fight to save babies.

Darla Sanford, chairwoman

March of Dimes

WalkAmerica, Dixfield

Kind strangers

I want to thank the three young men who recently fixed a flat tire for me on Lawes Street in Sumner.

I was on the way to the grocery store when I got a flat tire. I turned around to go home and call AAA. Three young men pulled alongside my car – I’m guessing they were Leavitt students – and told me to pull over before I ruined the rim of the tire. They would change it.

In less than 5 minutes they had completed the job. When I tried to compensate them they said, “Don’t even think about it. We were glad to do it. You have a nice evening now.” Then with a wave they were gone.

I didn’t get their names but I want them to know how grateful I am for their help. My prayer was answered by three of the most willing, able and kind young men that a person could ask for.

I appreciate their readiness to assist someone in trouble and I want their generosity of spirit to be acknowledged.

Alice Fleming, Turner

Clean fun

I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped at the Lake Pennesseewassee Park Community Clean Up Day held May 3.

The project was a great success with 57 people from the Norway Recreation Commission and local social service and civic clubs and other individuals working for over 150 hours!

Participants helped pick up litter, rake leaves and pile up brush to be picked up by the Norway Highway Department.

Thank you.

Debra Partridge,

recreation director

Norway

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