Strong character

I want to give the Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Ron Gagnon credit for the character of men that they hire.

This young man goes to his grandparents every day to help his grandfather, who he is devoted to, his grandmother told me.

If it wasn’t for his caring character, I would have been in big trouble. I fell outside a while ago and could not get up because I was in a lot of pain and didn’t know if I had broken my leg. There was no one around except this young man across the street, and he did not know me. But when I called to him for help, he did not hesitate. He came right over to help.

He picked me up so I could tell if anything was broken, thank heavens nothing was, he got my cane and stayed with me to make sure I was all right and could manage on my own.

This man was Deputy Jeff Belanger. God bless you!

Elaine Kesaris, Lewiston

Majestic music

Majestic, soaring, powerful, riveting. This was Colin Britt’s “Carmina Burana” as performed Aug. 21 at the Bates College Chapel before a packed audience. This 18-year-old musical director had assembled a group of talented vocalists from local high schools, area colleges and orchestral musicians from all over the state for one dramatic performance.

Britt’s version of “Carmina Burana” was taken from the composition of the late German composer Carl Orff, who discovered the medieval manuscript written in old German and early church Latin. He brought it to life. This intense choral and orchestral work brought the audience as one to a resounding, prolonged, standing ovation at the conclusion of the concert.

Much credit is given to the volunteer performers who rehearsed throughout the summer for the sheer joy of producing such a masterpiece.

Young Britt will be one to watch for in the future. He has made a name for himself as director, actor and composer in the theater world of Androscoggin County. He leaves at the end of August to attend the University of Hartford’s Harrt School of Performing Arts where he’ll study voice and composition.

Rachel Morin, Auburn

Great show

After attending Thursday’s night performance of “Carmina Burana,” the community owes a very special thanks to the dedicated work of Colin Britt, the soloists and chorus of the All Student Theater Project for bringing to Lewiston and Auburn such an outstanding and delightful concert.

The community orchestra and all the others who worked behind the scenes to support the chorus should also be congratulated for their dedicated time and energy to bring about this wonderful production. In these days of a sometimes sad and troubled world an uplifting performance is most welcome.

Elaine McCarty, Auburn

Balloon fan

The third weekend in August brings magic to Lewiston and Auburn. The balloons are here. Thank you all for bringing joy and color and friendliness for a little while, everything is beautiful. Can’t wait for next year. A real fan.

Inger K. Mikkelsen, Auburn

Thanks for school

During the week of Aug. 11-15, the Buckfield Community Church members hosted a vacation Bible school for the children of the community.

I was able to participate and bring my children. The hours were from 6-8 p.m. They were expecting 15 children and were able to accommodate 40.

They filled the evening with a play that they could perform for their parents on Friday, crafts, a lesson, snacks, games and a smile. A place to go and forget about the world news and have some fun. It was great.

I want to say a special thank you to all the volunteers who took time out of their day to spend with these children. I look forward to next year’s vacation Bible school.

Stephanie Bedard, Hartford, Conn.

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