On Wednesday, when news of the death of actress Mary Tyler Moore was released, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, issued a statement, including a photo of herself and Moore.

The two became friends when they worked to help people, especially children, with type 1 diabetes.

Collins said she watched Moore on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

Later, she met the actress and regarded her as a friend, “as someone who dedicated her life to helping others, especially those living with type 1 diabetes.”

Moore was international chairwoman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and testified at many of the children’s congresses Collins held in the Senate.

“Mary endured the ups and downs of type 1 diabetes for so many years, but she never focused solely on her personal struggles with the disease,” Collins said. 

Collins will honor Moore by continuing her work, said Collins, founder and chairwoman of the Senate Diabetes Caucus.  

— Bonnie Washuk

Jim Rier is back

While working on a story about Gov. Paul LePage’s proposal to allow more than 10 charter schools in Maine, a familiar name popped up.

Jim Rier, former commissioner of the Maine Department of Education, is nominated to serve on the Maine State Charter School Commission.

Rier was the commissioner in 2014 and stepped down after suffering a stroke. Before that, he was a deputy commissioner and finance director in the department. Just about everyone considers him a guru of the complex Maine school funding formula — and a nice guy.

Reached at his Topsham home Thursday, Rier said he’s doing well. He’s busy with physical therapy and isn’t looking for full-time work. Serving on the charter commission would allow him some “mental therapy,” he said.

It will also put his knowledge and skills of education finance to work.

Rier said he’s not degrading public schools, but Maine could use some more charter schools. However, the state should be careful and cautious about which ones and how many are approved.

“I’ve learned they have some value for students,” Rier said. 

Rier’s nomination and the reappointment of J. Michael Wilhelm were approved Wednesday by the Legislature’s Education Committee. Rier’s nomination must be approved by the Maine Board of Education. If that happens, he expects to begin serving in February.

— Bonnie Washuk

Remembering Bill

Bill Gillis, who developed Auburn’s Clover Manor elderly care, died Jan. 23. This was a big week for losses.

His funeral notice prompts a smile, a sad smile. It lists when and where there will be a luncheon to celebrate his life. Then it reads, “In lieu of flowers, visit the elderly or sick, lend a hand, bring a smile or tickle someone’s funny bone.”

Well played Bill. — Bonnie Washuk