The Reed Family Insurance Advisors of Damariscotta is not affiliated in any way with the Harry E. Reed Insurance Agency in Millinocket.

I wish to commend the Great Salt Bay eighth grade students on their column “Investigate,” published in the Dec. 30 edition of The Lincoln County News.

This summer, children and teens can eat free at various sites throughout Lincoln County. Like in past years, Healthy Lincoln County is the local sponsor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded Summer Food Service Program. As a result, any child, 18 or under, can receive a free meal at any of our sites with no questions asked. In addition, no registration or paperwork is required. The summer meals van has also returned this year to specific neighborhoods in Waldoboro, Wiscasset, Edgecomb, and Damariscotta.

There’s much information in the media and online regarding the COVID-19 vaccination process. Details are changing rapidly, causing confusion and anxiety for some of our patients and the community while creating the need for additional clarification.

I wanted you to hear my take on the COVID-19 vaccine from both a physician and an emergency medical services perspective.

As COVID-19 has changed so many routines and traditions this year, one that went by the wayside last spring was the Elmer Tarr Bristol Roadside Cleanup. This fall, the increase in trash along the sides of the road is noticeable.

Father Abbot Douglas Wright, of Holy Apostles Monastery in Whitefield, passed away last week in Augusta.

For the first time since we started in 2015, there will not be a formal diaper drive this year. We are still distributing diapers and appreciate continuing support for this effort. We still welcome donations, mailed to the Ecumenical Diaper Bank, c/o Midcoast Friends Meeting, P.O. Box 714, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Checks should be made out to Damariscotta Baptist Church with “diapers” on the memo line.

I guess it takes a pandemic to realize how much I look forward to the weekly LCN. Its arrival is a little slower but worth the wait. Always.

We have been hearing many members of the public asking for an antibody test, only to be disappointed when learning that such a test is not available yet at LincolnHealth.

We are grateful for the presence and ongoing work of The Lincoln County News, especially during this pandemic. Your news keeps us all connected to our community in a meaningful way when social distancing is required.

We, the visionary progressives of America, do not feel defeat. Unlike many of my colleagues, friends, and family members, I have not felt an ounce of despair in facing the reality of Bernie Sanders’ suspended campaign.