Editor’s note: Every day there are rays of light that shine into the lives of people through their neighbors, their co-workers, their families and even through complete strangers. This column is devoted to exposing these sunbeams to the light and offering readers an opportunity to share good news. We plan to occasionally offer up our own sunbeams, too.
Helping hands

On July 3, I had a bad experience for my old age. I slipped and fell into the water on the rocky shore of Lake Auburn. I was unable to get up and my wife couldn’t help me.

She was able to get help from two gentlemen, and they really helped me out.

I thanked them at the time, but I wanted them to know how much we appreciated their help.

Walter Sylvester, Hanover

Making a difference

On June 25, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD Program hosted its seventh annual Senior Appreciation Day picnic with an attendance of some 300 senior citizens from across Oxford County. The Maine Veterans Home, Market Square and the Hicks Assisted Living Center also were present. The seniors were treated to fresh popcorn courtesy of a Rumford organization and coffee and doughnuts sponsored by a local pharmacy. There were many informational booths and even musical entertainment. Mike Webber, a detective with the attorney general’s office, spoke about identity theft, a growing concern for most senior citizens.

As TRIAD Program coordinator, I want to thank the many organizations and people involved in making the day such a success. It is my hope that the seniors of Oxford County know that they are appreciated and that we are making a difference.

Linda Hooker, coordinator, TRIAD Program, South Paris

Moontide thanks

With a loud boom and very colorful display, the fireworks began shortly after 9 p.m. on July 4 over the reflection pool in Rumford.

The present Moontide Water Festival Committee was successful in achieving its goal of ensuring that the tradition of fireworks on Independence Day continued. We could not have achieved this without help. It truly was an effort that came from many different facets of the River Valley area.

To all the sponsors and volunteers, we say a “thank you.” Providing we have a current address available, each donor, sponsor or volunteer will receive a personal letter of thanks for making this year’s festival a success.

The initial figures show that we have a deficit of approximately $5,600 in meeting all our obligations for this year. We need help in meeting this deficit. The Moontide account at the Mexico Branch of the Oxford Federal Credit Union is still open for donations.

Concerning the future, the present committee is committed to doing all it can to see that there will be a festival and fireworks next year. We invite the entire area to become involved in helping us make next year a success as well.

Dr. Joseph F. Roberts, Rumford

The Sun Journal encourages its readers to offer their own sunbeams in writing. Please limit letters to 200 words. Letters must be signed and must include the author’s full name, address and telephone number, for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters may be edited.

Address letters to: Letters to the Editor, Sunbeams, Sun Journal, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Fax: 207-777-3436. E-mail: letters@sunjournal.com, and note that the letter is for Sunbeams. For more information, call David Farmer, editorial page editor, at 800-482-0759, ext. 2340.

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