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.

I would like to agree with “What a shame” by Frank D. Slason in the Dec. 18 edition of The Lincoln County News. I would like to invite Mr. Slason and everyone else to join me in the coming year by saying nice things to others. Beginning with this year, let us make a point to say “Happy new year” to more people every day.

What would happen next year if everyone started wishing people merry Christmas earlier; perhaps beginning the day after Thanksgiving?

If the ignorance of legalizing the personal use of marijuana in Maine becomes a fact, does this mean the employer who tests job applicants for drugs cannot refuse to hire someone who tests positive?

Thank you to all the businesses (way too many to list) for your generous donations to the Ginny Ellison-Herald benefit supper and silent auction Dec. 13. It was an incredible turnout of family and friends to help support and honor the memory of Ginny.

The hysteria sweeping the country about Ebola is completely unwarranted. It’s just bald, unknowing fear. Ebola is almost as difficult to contract as AIDS, and for the same reason.

We’re off to a great start with thousands of homes without power due to our first winter storm of the year. Hats off to Central Maine Power crews for doing the very best job they could restoring power.