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.
Thanks to a trooper

Sometimes the roads of Maine go on forever, and when we are late and quickly getting lost – say, in getting our kids to hockey games at a far-off rink – we truly appreciate the familiar blue of a Maine State Trooper.

Such was the case one Sunday when we were heading to Hebron, and with the minutes ticking too fast, we just couldn’t find our way around and out of Auburn. We pulled up beside a trooper and with barely a nod of his head and few words, he took the time to set us on the right path – no questions asked, but with complete professionalism and the manners of a kind gentleman.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the trooper’s name, but can only guess he is from Troop A or C. We’d like to pass along our thanks to him.

Thanks again, for keeping us safe and on the right roads!

Lynda Clancy, Rockport
A study in politeness

The Sunday Festival of Trees and brunch buffet at Goodwill-Hinckley was an amazing treat. There were the most beautifully decorated trees, soft warming music and some of the most delicious food I have eaten in weeks. If you didn’t treat yourself to this once-a-year outing, too bad.

The staff at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York might learn a lot about courtesy and politeness from the school residents who served our tables. Two family members and I all agreed every young person in Maine would benefit from a week or two working with the staff at this too often overlooked facility along the Kennebec River in Hinckley.

If yours is a balanced, loving family; a genuine way of showing your thankfulness is to be supportive of the dedicated, sensible service the staff at this notable facility that is providing for children who might not otherwise be seen.

As well as a memorable visit, my eyes were opened to the unimaginable quality of life that is being provided by Goodwill-Hinckley homes and schools.

Katy Perry, Hallowell
Christmas sharing

The Women’s Club of Greene wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all the individuals, families, civic groups, churches and businesses that supported our 2005 “Share So Others Will Know You Care” Christmas program.

Their generous donations of cash, new toys and clothing, food baskets and gift certificates helped to ensure that our friends and neighbors who needed a helping hand for the holidays did enjoy a merry Christmas.

All of our club members want to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year on behalf of themselves and the families and seniors that your sharing has touched.

Brenda Theriault, Greene



The Sun Journal encourages its readers to offer their own sunbeams in writing.

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