True angels

Do you remember the story of Diogenes using his lamp looking for an honest man? And the parable of the good Samaritan? Or the biblical epistle that states we should help widows and orphaned children?

Well, these time tested principles are still alive and in use today in 2003.

A lady friend of my wife lost her husband this past winter and, with some personal effects, he left her his 1996 Chrysler.

The Chrysler had a serious radiator problem and the garage told her she needed a new one. She couldn’t afford it, so she wrote a letter to God to ask for help.

After two days, she called Morris Auto Salvage/Towing and they towed away the last physical item of her deceased husband. She cried for some time and, when the Chrysler was towed away, she told her little story to Jamey Vachon, the tow truck operator.

She attempted to cancel her auto insurance, but the next day Jamey called her to say that they replaced her radiator, put on her auto license plates and not to cancel her insurance. The Chrysler was delivered to her at no charge!

It’s refreshing to hear about good deeds performed by thoughtful people. Jesus was born in a humble manger. We think that auto junk yards are humble spots also.

We applaud Don St. Germaine and Jamey Vachon for their unselfish act. They are truly angels in a humble junk yard!

Laurette and Bill Larkin,

Sabattus
Healthy event

On behalf of Auburn-Lewiston YMCA and L/A Trails I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the inaugural L/A Wellness Weekend.

Over 500 children and adults took part in the events, which included 2 bike races, a fun walk, a 5K run and a kid’s bike race. Over 1,500 spectators turned out to watch events throughout the 2 days. Participants came from as far away as San Francisco, Wyoming, Colorado and Pennsylvania.

The idea of promoting a festival for fitness and well-being is a novel idea. We feel we succeeded in our goal to promote healthy, family-oriented activities to the community. In addition to the events, several organizations offered free health screenings and set up wellness displays for spectators and participants.

Our local health organizations and businesses gave us the financial support to get the events off the ground. Police, fire and highway departments helped us with the logistical parts and over 100 individuals gave us their time to ensure our success.

With such a promising start, the L/A Wellness Weekend will certainly be back next year bigger and better.

John R. Grenier,

Doug McFarland,

event directors

L/A Wellness Weekend, Auburn
Thank you

On May 30 we held a spaghetti dinner benefit for my brother, Joe Derouche. On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express our heartfelt thank you to the entire River Valley community.

Both sittings were full and the dinner was a huge success.

Unfortunately, Gov. Baldacci could not make the event but did send his best to Joe.

Sentiments from the governor were passed on to Joe, his wife and kids in a speech read by Rep. Randy Hotham.

Other speakers were Congressman Mike Michaud, Sen. Bruce Bryant and Rep. John Patrick.

A “Quilt of Love” was presented to Joe by our Aunt Georgette and Uncle Beau. And, at the final sitting, as Joe said a few words, there was not a dry eye in the house.

This community has gone above and beyond the call and our family is in awe. The River Valley is a great place to live. I can not even begin to put into words how overwhelmed we all felt the night of the dinner.

We have worried that Joe is working too hard, but now we know why he has such a drive and commitment to these towns that surround us. It’s the people who live here and the kindness and generosity that they show day after day.

So, from the entire Derouche family, Joe’s brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Mike and Janet Brennick, Mexico
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