As the mother of three teachers, I thought it might be a good time to get this letter out of my head and into print.

We sympathize with the Sherman Marsh property owners who are resisting the Maine Department of Transportation’s efforts to purchase – by eminent domain if necessary – and place conservation easements on parts of their land.

After reading Galen Rose’s letter “The intelligently designed mosquito?” in the Aug. 18 edition, I felt compelled to respond. It is more than apparent that Galen’s issue is not that of intelligent design, but that of the concept of an intelligent designer.

The members of the North Nobleboro Community Association wish to thank every merchant who generously gave merchandise or gift certificates in support of the 44th annual North Nobleboro Day auctions. With their support and the enthusiastic attendance of community members, we had another successful and fun-filled day! The rain held off, the weather was fine, and the auctions were well-attended. In addition, many local businesses sponsored Debbie Myers and her band Redneck Rodeo, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of fans and followers.

The need for donations is great with large-scale disasters like the Louisiana flooding, California fires, etc. I’m enclosing the address for one of my charities if someone can’t find theirs or it’s “back home.” I know this organization is there when needed. They provide needed things and comfort – and that’s important to me: Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 3647, Portland, ME 04104-3647.

Nobody has much good to say about the candidates for president this year.

I found Lynnie Sedgwick’s letter on “intelligent design” in the Aug. 11 Lincoln County News intriguing, but not very informative. However, since the creationists and “intelligent designers” never give up, those of us who truly value the scientific method can’t give up either.

In 1968, Sly and the Family Stone released a song titled “Everyday People.” This happened at the end of President Lyndon Johnson’s term and at the time of President Richard Nixon’s election. My son was born that year and music was upbeat and full of life.

History refresher: leading up to World War II, a lot was going on in Europe, as thousands of people were being persecuted because of their ethnicity and religion, so it is disturbing to hear so many politically negative remarks being leveled against immigrants in our country and threats of deportation in the evening news. In that WWII scenario, millions of innocent people paid the ultimate price, but America is a different place and a different time.

Summer goes by fast here.

The Summerfest Committee of the First Congregational Church, Wiscasset, UCC, would like to extend its thanks to local businesses and individuals who donated items, volunteered their time and talents, and publicized our fair this year. Because of everyone’s efforts, we took in close to $7,000! All of that money will be disbursed to community organizations (usually about 20) to benefit those in need.

Occasionally, a letter written by a clergyman or clergywoman is published. A Christmas sermon is always published. LCN might consider an “un-reverend” sermon. Subject: “What does ‘Christian’ mean in our public discourse?” While it may seem obvious to many, it isn’t well-defined.

I had the honor of being the guest speaker at a meeting of the Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

In February 1933, Franklin Roosevelt and Frances Perkins met in Roosevelt’s New York City home. The president-elect wanted his colleague in the New York state government to become the nation’s secretary of labor. Perkins would not accept this position unless she could pursue the goals important to her. These goals were breathtaking. The list included a minimum wage, maximum-hour laws, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, a public employment service, public works, a child labor ban, health insurance, and old age pensions.