Ellen Field of New Gloucester wants to see more stories about typical Lewiston residents, single mothers trying to escape poverty, immigrants facing racism, a homeless family, etc. (June 28). These are typical Lewiston residents?

Most typical Lewiston residents I grew up knowing were hard-working people who had no expectations of receiving government help to make ends meet, or to attempt to achieve the “American Dream” of becoming successful in this great country.

I grew up on Pierce Street and my mother and father started off with nothing. They worked hard their entire lives, raising five children, sending them all to Catholic school through high school. They wanted the best for us and were willing to sacrifice for us to achieve that.

My father became a very successful businessman because of his strong work ethic and his faith in God. My brothers and sisters are the legacy my parents left behind and we have all worked hard to continue that legacy with our own children and grandchildren. We are only one of many French, Irish, Polish and other ethnic families in Lewiston who have similar stories of starting with nothing and becoming successful contributing members of our communities.

I want to see more stories of people like Paul Coulombe, who worked hard and risked everything to become successful. I am inspired by people like him who put it all on the line to achieve their dreams.

My son worked for Paul at White Rock Distilleries. My son said he was a demanding boss, but also a very generous man. He treated his employees extremely well, regardless if they were in management or as laborers in the production plant.

I want to see more stories of people like Paul and I hope Paul enjoys the fruit of his labor for years to come.

Roger A. Theriault, Greene