Local Letters to the Editor

A deserving tribute

To the Editor:
    Thank you so much for dedicating the 175th special supplement to longtime newspaper printer Clint Weston. It was a most deserving tribute! I know it means a lot to his wife and children and I know he would be very appreciative of the honor if he had lived to know.

    I have had an e-mail from someone who knew him in his later years and she said she was especially interested in my history about Clint. She knew him before he died while he worked as a janitor at the courthouse and she said she never knew he worked at the Observer. He was a very religious man and also did a lot for the food cupboard in Dover-Foxcroft in his later life.
    The stories by others in the supplement were interesting to me and, although none of us knew what the others were writing, everything seemed to fit in nicely in relating the history over the years.
Congratulations to the Observer staff and contributors on a good job, well done!

Marilyn Bennett
Wiscasset

Home-grown
theatrical talent

To the Editor:
    The smiles on the faces of theatergoers leaving Center Theatre last week told the story: a team of talented youngsters had put on a dazzling and highly polished performance of “Little Mermaid, Jr.” Hats off to Mitchell Chasse and his sterling cast and production crew for their artistry and hard work.
    But there is another story here. For several years, and against formidable odds, Center Theatre has been offering quality entertainment. Area residents no longer need to drive to Bangor or Orono in iffy weather to take in a play, concert or first-run film.
    Since Center Theatre’s resurrection, dozens of folks of all ages have seized the opportunity — many for the first time ever — to take part in a play or musical performance. In various ways, every performer has had his or her horizons expanded by the experience. Each has known the excitement, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment of live theater.
    Shakespeare wrote “the play’s the thing;” but it is the theater that makes the play possible. My family and I look forward to every offering. We are pleased to support Center Theatre and urge others to do the same.

David Dean
Sangerville

Happy Birthday,
Social Security

To the Editor:
    On Aug. 14, Americans everywhere can celebrate 78 years of Social Security. When the Social Security Act was signed into law in 1935, almost half of all older Americans lived in poverty. At first, Social Security was just a retirement program. Today, it offers survivors’ benefits, benefits to a retiree’s spouse, and disability benefits.
    Social Security is a foundation of economic security for millions of Americans and their families. In Maine, one third of those 65-plus who are on Social Security rely on their benefit for 100 percent of their income. Without Social Security, over 80,000 older Mainers would fall into poverty.
    As we look at ways to strengthen Social Security now and for the future, let’s remember that Social Security hasn’t contributed one dime to the nation’s budget deficit.
    It is a self-financed program, not a piggy bank for deficit reduction. Washington should leave Social Security out of the deficit debate so we can find responsible, sustainable solutions now and for the future.
    The so-called “Chained CPI” proposal we are hearing about will cut benefits. It will hurt seniors, women, people with disabilities and veterans who’ve sacrificed so much for this country.
    As we celebrate 78 years of Social Security, let’s make sure Washington does not make decisions about its future without hearing from every one of us first. Go to www.earnedasay.org today and make your voice heard.

Meredith Tipton
AARP Maine
Executive Council member
South Portland

Weston family
appreciates tribute

To the Editor:
    I’m writing to let you know how much I enjoyed the special 175 years issue of the Piscataquis Observer. It took a lot of planning and excellent work.
    It was good to see and read the articles people wrote who worked there during the years. I opened the issue and was overjoyed to see my beloved Clint at the linotype and the nice article. It brought back a lot of good memories.
    Clint was a special and thoughtful person and he wore many different hats! We were blessed in many ways. What an honor to dedicate the issue to Clint. It brought tears of joy.
    My children and I were pleased, and I know he would be, too. Many thanks.
    I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I wish you many blessings and continue your good word, as each week, we enjoy reading the Piscataquis Observer.
    God bless.

Ann Weston and children
Jeff, Debbie, Linda and Julie
Dover-Foxcroft