Congratulations to those of us who survived this most recent Storm of the Century; Stormageddon, the Snowpocalypse, the latest, biggest, baddest threat to life as we know it … or something like that.

Like so many others, my wife and I moved from Boston to Maine in 2013 for the improved quality of life. We didn’t want to raise our newborn daughter in a crowded and expensive city, but rather a beautiful, peaceful place surrounded by a community of caring people. We moved to a quiet town in the Midcoast and haven’t looked back.

During his State of the Union Address, President Obama mentioned several times the goal of deficit reduction, and the progress that’s been made toward that goal since the Great Recession.

I am just a bit disturbed by the front page story of the Jan. 21 issue. (“Damariscotta woman injured after being knocked down by spooked deer,” Page 1)

We can’t think of a more difficult job in Maine public service right now than that of overseeing county corrections.

As we gather to celebrate the Christmas holiday this week, each according to our own customs, we take a minute to savor the Christmas spirit.

I feel a need to respond to letter writer Craig Elliott’s rant in the Dec.18 edition where he ironically accuses Susan van Alsenoy of racism for her altogether proper denunciation of the virulent racism that is rampant in many urban police departments. (“Disgusting and racist” Page 4)

As we celebrate Christmas, and later New Year’s Eve, I would hope all would take a moment to also celebrate and remember our young men and women serving all over the world.

As we approach New Year’s Day, we find ourselves thinking about resolutions.

The most common resolutions seem to focus on our bodies. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Exercise more. Admirable goals all.

Before we descend headlong into the Christmas season, we would be remiss if we did not take a moment to mark the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, coming up this Sunday, Dec. 7.

Once again it is my great privilege to thank and recognize the members of the Miles League and the St. Andrews Auxiliary for their dedication and hard work in support of our organizations.

This has been one of the best Thanksgivings of my life and it was not because the turkey came out moist or the family got along.

It’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those about our health. Although gun violence remains the leading cause of death among young people, our most dangerous weapon is still our fork. Forty-five times as many die of chronic diseases linked to a diet containing animal products, sugar, and salt.

There is a large generation who know Pearl Harbor Day only as a holiday, a day off from school, sales with discounts, and banks are closed.