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.
Miracle in the snow

I was driving on a snowy Monday. The air was crisp and the tree branches were outlined with the fallen snow. All was well.

And then, it wasn’t.

My car became engulfed with smoke. Smoke poured out from everywhere. I pulled my car over and reached for my cell phone. No signal. Then a truck pulled up in front of me. A young man jumped out of his vehicle, told me to unroll my windows, pop the hood and shut off the engine. He said he knew exactly what was wrong and could fix it.

Out of the blue – literally – a problem and a living angel arrived at the same time, right there on Route 140 in Jay.

As if that were not enough, two other young men in another car stopped and donated a gallon of antifreeze to the cause – willingly, happily, without hesitation. Generosity in abundance.

The first young man stayed on the job for more than two hours in the storm. Twice he went home for parts. He had just gotten off work, but you would never know it. He was full of energy and enthusiasm to tend to the messy, greasy task.

In all, a dozen vehicles stopped to offer help. It was overwhelming to witness this abundance of kindness from strangers.

Miracles do happen, right in Jay.

Kathleen Madore, Livermore Falls
Holiday in the Square

As a member of the newly formed Wilton Alliance for Business and Community and its steering committee, I want to publicly express appreciation on behalf of the WABC to all those who helped to make our first event a success. “Holiday in the Square,” held Dec. 4, included caroling, hayrides, Santa arriving on a fire engine, hot chocolate and goodies (hosted by the Wilton Historical Society) and the Mount Blue Syncopations.

After a few phone calls and with only a week to organize the event, I was astounded at the response of the Wilton community, residents and businesses alike. So many want to see efforts to revitalize Wilton succeed – not only Wilton residents and business owners, but many others in surrounding areas as well – and they proved it at this event.

On behalf of WABC and its steering committee, I thank all who assisted with the project. We look forward to working with everyone again at future events as our efforts to revitalize Wilton continue to move forward.

Sarah Tanguay, Waterfront Bakery and Cafe, Wilton
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.

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