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.
Lasting memorial

It was exciting to see local citizens’ responses to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica. And it was especially encouraging to see the number of soldiers, former soldiers and civilians who visited the replica and in various ways reveal their sentiments and patriotism. The outpouring of appreciation reminded me of our need to remember who defended our country and those who continue to serve.

Although the replica has come and gone, our community retains a symbol of its continued appreciation in our Veterans Memorial Park. I offer my thanks to Joseph Paradis for his vision and many months he spent to provide our veterans with the park. With the foundation laid, I also thank the many individuals, organizations and veterans who contributed their time and donated to the cause. A special thanks to the Lewiston Parks Department employees for the superb and extraordinary landscaping.

On July 17, 2001, Mr. Paradis finalized his project with the approval to change the name from Heritage Park to Veterans Memorial Park. That was the perfect closure, and a continued reminder for all.

Claire Guerrette, Lewiston
Good Samaritans

One night, my car blew out a tire near the Martindale Road. I checked the trunk and found the spare, but no jack.

I started walking down the road toward a garage in order to call my wife. A vehicle stopped to ask if I had a problem. After explaining what happened, a cell phone was offered for me to use, while the young man in the vehicle said that he had tools and said for me to climb in. I was greeted by a young lady in a car seat and found out that the mother was a nurse.

Back at my car, the young man dug out his tools and jack and put on the spare tire, but found there was not much air in it, so he said they would follow me to the garage to make sure everything was alright.

When the people saw that I was OK, they said their goodbyes, but would not accept any payment, no matter how I offered.

I didn’t get their names, but I hope they will read this and accept my gratitude.

There are so many stories about bad young people, this one makes up for all of them.

Ronaldo A. Cailler, Poland
Our little pocket

For the past year, the people of downtown Lewiston have asked city officials to replace the Maple Street park that was torn down. The Visible Community collected nearly 400 petition postcards asking to see the park replaced. I am thankful that the city council voted on Sept. 4 to purchase 69 Knox St. for a pocket park for small children.

I also thank others who donated $10,000 for park equipment.

That park is a big step in making the downtown a better place to live and visit for all Lewiston residents.

I pass along a “thank you” from other families who will use the pocket park for their young children who are too small to use Kennedy Park.

Nancy Gallant, Lewiston
‘Henry’ and ‘Max’

On Aug. 18, I was putting away groceries. Two of our beloved dogs, “Henry,” and “Max,” slipped out the open door.

The dogs’ probably thought it was a great adventure to run down the middle of busy Jackson Hill Road. Knowing they could be killed by passing cars, I was running after them.

Thank you to Dick, who stopped his truck and helped me save Henry. Dick was kind enough to let a strange dog and person into his truck and take us safely home.

Thank you to the very nice person who answered the phone at the Auburn Police Department, took the information on Max and promised to call if he was found.

Thank you to the neighbors who drove around looking for Max.

Thank you to the kind person who picked up Max and safely brought him to the Lewiston Vet Hospital.

Thank you to Mike at that hospital for calling with the good news. Max was found and safe.

There are still kind people in the world who take time to help pets and people in need. Thank you.

Sonya and Don Nadeau, Minot
A simple thank you

On Aug. 21, I pulled up to gas pumps at a Wilton station. A guy parked behind me was fueling his car and noticed my veteran plate. He asked me, “Were you in Desert Storm?” I answered, “Yes, actually I was.” He asked if I knew a friend of his, and I did not recognize the name, so I said, “No.”

While this conversation was going on, a lady was fueling her sport-utility vehicle on the other side of the gas pump. She must have overheard the conversation, because she looked at me and said, “Thank you for serving our country.”

The comment totally took me by surprise! I was discharged from the Air Force in 2000, and I think this was the first time since then a stranger had thanked me for serving. Until that moment, I was having a difficult day.

I don’t know who the lady was who thanked me, but I would like to say “Thank you” to her. Thank you for recognizing the sacrifices I made, and thank you for making them all worthwhile.

It is amazing what a simple “thank you” can do.

Blaine Rackliff, East Dixfield
Successful debut

I would like to acknowledge the many individuals and organizations that helped make the debut of the Farm Life Center such a success at the recent Oxford County Fair.

Suzanne Grover, fair president, embraced the idea of the Farm Life Center from its inception, donated materials and fair staff, and acted as sponsor through the Oxford County Agricultural Society. The Maine Community Foundation, Oxford County Group, generously supported the exhibition, as did the Maine Humanities Council.

The Oxford County Ag Group helped guide the vision of the Farm Life Center. Members include Mark Hews of Threshold to Maine RC&D, Barbara Murphy of the Cooperative Extension, Shirley Hamilton of Women, Work and Community, and Ken Morse of Healthy Oxford Hills. Western Mountains Alliance provided funding for John Pino of Mooarhill Farm to speak with fairgoers about small scale organic farming.

The exhibition hall would never have been ready without the expertise of Ed Somers, who provided oversight of the construction, and also demonstrated the art of timber framing during the fair. Space limitations prevent me from naming everyone who contributed to the taste testing, exhibits, music, demonstrations and artwork – know I appreciate your time and efforts.

Ellen S. Gibson, West Paris

coordinator, Farm Life Center