Opinion
Update From Augusta
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amLast week, I spent four days in Augusta learning about Governor LePage’s proposed plan to close an estimated $120 million shortfall in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget.
During that time, I listened to Commissioner Mary Mayhew, several of her DHHS staff, and hundreds of Maine citizens testify on the impact that these proposed cuts would have on their lives. I drove back home to Rumford from Augusta each night humbled by what I had heard during those intense days of testimony and presentation.
Service Not Self
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amI hope this finds all of you in good health as we approach Christmas and the coming New Year. The Auxiliary has been busy as usual finding fun ways to raise funds to support our Legion and Auxiliary programs.
We held our annual member’s Christmas party on December 10. It was such a fun evening! We had a fabulous meal. Kelly D. cooked a wonderful prime rib along with support of the rest of the ladies to round off a perfect meal. The hall was elegantly decorated by Pam and Donna along with all their helpers.
Chamber Chatter
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amThe Rumford and Mexico branches of Franklin Bank are accepting Coats for Kids now through December 31st. They will accept new or gently used coats that will be distributed to the needy kids of the area. Our weather has been mild so far but we all know what is in store so please help if you can.
Good luck to Dave, Patti and their partners with the brand new Amato’s Restaurant. I have been watching the progress of the building and I am glad that it is to the point of the Grand Opening. A ribbon cutting ceremony will hopefully happen soon.
Thank you so very much!
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
The Rumford Performing Arts Committee held their third annual Festival of Trees celebration on Dec. 10 and it was a huge success.
We want to thank RAAPA for their beautiful voices and performance. Why they are not on PBS as part of their “Great Performances” is amazing. Fawn Maness has a voice that is as smooth and soft as a Charmin tissue and blessed us with it. Kurt Cihak was courageous choosing to
The Basket Lady
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amFriends, as the holiday’s draws near, I’d like to share this poem that I received in the mail from a beloved friend of 22 years. Barbara is 82 years old now, and resides in a nursing home in Florida. The words are powerful and its message clear. Enjoy everyone. Blessings all! (P.S. please substitute Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or Buddha as needed).
Christmas
by Barbara O’ Connor Whitehill
There is a list of folks I know
All written in a book,
And every year at Christmas time
I go and take a look.
Cooking
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amLast minute cookie gifts
With just a few more days until Christmas and some of us may still have a couple of gifts to get for the special people in our lives. For me, and for many others, I have found that a homemade gift means more than something we may buy just because we think we have to.
And what says Christmas more than Christmas cookies! All of my nephews, siblings, some of my friends, my niece and many others expect cookies every year from me, so I always save a day or two to go on a cookie baking spree.
Governor’s cuts hurt cancer patients
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amTo the Editor:
Last week, Governor LePage released a budget proposal that includes drastic cuts to Medicaid. Not only would 65,000 Mainers lose coverage under his plan, but thousands of people with cancer would see their coverage completely eliminated. This makes me sick!
TURKEYS DONATED
Dec 23, 2011 12:00 amTURKEYS DONATED -- The Rumford mill recently distributed turkeys to their employees. Over 70 turkeys were donated back by employees for local food pantries, including Mexico, Dixfield and Andover. Here, Janet Hall (left) and Sue Mills are seen delivering turkeys donated by employees to Sue Byam (center) of the Greater Rumford Area Ministers and Priests Association (GRAMPA) food pantry.
Post 24 Commander's Corner
Dec 16, 2011 12:00 amAfter a wonderful meal provided by the Ladies Auxiliary, we were joined by guest from the Department of Maine to present a Blue Star Banner to Darla Sanford for her son Austin Sanford, currently serving in Afghanistan. The guests were National Executive Committeeman Alternate (NECA) Paul L’Heureux and his wife, Audrey, who works with Darla in Auburn. They were joined by Past National Vice Commander (PNVC) William "Chick" Ciciotte. It was a great ceremony and one very much deserving. Darla and her son are our newest members of the American Legion family at Post 24.
Post 100 Commander's Corner
Dec 16, 2011 12:00 amDixfield American Legion Post #100 has been known for its Saturday night Bingos. Due to the economy and some internal restructuring, things have been changing. Dixfield American Legion has always been referred to as a family oriented post, this has not and will not change.
Every American Legion Post is here to help all veterans. We have a significant number of them returning from the Iraqi, and Afghanistan Wars.
