Congratulations Mr. Balon, you prompted me to write

To the editor:
As an avid reader of the newspaper, I read with interest the opinion letters people send in. Some are heartwarming and inspiring, others are just back and forth banter from people whose opinions are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Congratulations Mr. Balon, you are the first to inspire me to write my own take on a matter. Though I don't know you personally, you have publicly displayed your personality since running for a selectman's position. You never expressed any positive attributes you may have that would qualify you for the position you were running for. You did nothing but criticize the people already holding the position. In fact, you bashed the very form of government you were trying to get elected to!
You did not make a very good impression on the townspeople. The six votes you received might give you a clue. Then you had to publicly throw in your opinion on the theatre renovations. Again, nothing but negativity. Most recently, there was the matter of the town van in which you expressed a dire worry over the town facing an unneeded lawsuit. In fact, Mr. Balon, you were suing the town and its police chief yourself! PJ Cyr wrote a public letter to you in an effort to explain how a community works together. Basically, your contributions can be an asset, or a liability.
You Mr. Balon, seem to have nothing positive to give. My apologies for not having the compassion for you that Mr. Cyr has shown.

Richard Landry

Gorham

To all the “caring” people who contributed to Teacher Appreciation Week

To the editor:
The staff at the Edward Fenn Elementary School would like to thank the CARE Committee and parents for treating us like royalty during Teacher Appreciation Week.
The entire week, the staff at Edward Fenn Elementary School was treated to gifts, food, and general good will in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. The week began with a tin of gifts from CARE; stickers, notepads, hand sanitizers, candy – all kinds of goodies. Mrs. Cloutier treated us to a lunch in a lunch bag that exclaimed “OUR STAFF ROCKS!” and the CARE Committee rounded out the week with a breakfast and a lunch for the entire staff. Individual parents recognized teachers. The SAU office made the week even sweeter by sending over a basket filled with our favorite candies.
We appreciate all of this kindness and wish to thank everyone that contributed in any way to the celebration of that week. It is a pleasure to work in such a caring school and community. It does take a village to raise a child and last week has shown what a warm and loving village we live in.

Edward Fenn Elementary School staff