It’s tough times we are living in. Pick a subject, any subject it seems and we can find a problem to concern us.

However, this coming year there will be time and energy enough to spend on the issues before us and, while they are significant, they are not bigger than we are.

‘Tis the season of Christmas angels and snow angels and the YMCA has their very own – fitness instructor Mary Snow. Mary’s joie de vivre is infectious and spreads to all who are fortunate enough to be her student. She cares about fitness (in a very broad sense) and the fitness of others. To that end she has raised money to purchase stationary cycles so that more people can participate. On Christmas Eve morning as a gift to her students she offered a longer than usual spinning class followed by a relaxing yoga session. She exemplifies what we love about this community. Thank you Mary. Thank you YMCA.

Looking over the last year in LCN pages, the story that kept drawing us back was our tribute to the late R.H. “Bob” Reny, who left us in July.

I have lived in Waldoboro since 2004. I can often hear the whistle of a train as it glides along the journey of life. I like to say my prayers in the morning, Please God, watch over the planes, trains and all those going our way today. A week or so ago I am just hanging around home, when I hear a voice say, “A boy wants a train for Christmas, not a little boy, an older boy.” I am certain of this.

To all the people who helped with the Kids Helping Kids Shopping Day on Dec. 6, 2009:

The Bremen Union Church and I would wish to thank you for donating, helping set up, serving food, and helping out in the wrapping room and at the sale. We thank the donators for the toys and other things that they gave or else this would have never been possible.

This is to salute Liz Matta, the Director of Band at Lincoln Academy, and thank her for her recent spirit of cooperation and understanding. On Sun., Dec. 6, Midcoast Dance had scheduled its Holiday Show for 2 p.m. As it turned out, Ms. Matta had also planned a band concert on that same afternoon at 3 p.m.

When Ron Pendleton joined the Bristol Fire Dept., Dwight Eisenhower was president, Rocky Marciano was the heavyweight champion of the world, and Elvis Presley was still an unknown wannabe with a funny name.

On behalf of the residents of Hodgdon Green, a senior assisted living facility in Damariscotta, I would like to thank the many people who have already purchased a 2009-10 “Warm Hearts” coupon book.

We of the Waldoboro Lions’ Club and the Waldoboro Food Pantry want to thank everyone who provided both money and food donations to us in the recent month or so in response to our plea in these trying economic times.

Newcastle resident Morrison Bonpasse is well known around Maine for his determined support of convicted murder Dennis Dechaine, but he could also be known as a man who is single handedly trying to save the world’s economic system by encouraging the global adoption of a single monetary unit.

In a story reported by John Maguire on the front page of the LCN (Dec. 3) reports that the Sheepscott Spa and Resort owned by Edgecomb Development LLC (Roger Bintliff) has been assigned to Priority Group LLC to” recuperate money for the Wiscasset Savings Bank.”

I suppose living in Nobleboro might not qualify my right to comment; but it seems to me, as a user of US 1, my rights are just as important as the next driver’s.

On principle we oppose papering over problems feigning a metaphorical joining of hands and a forced singing of “Kumbaya,” but if there is ever a time to embrace a “Kumbaya” moment, this is the annual time of year to do it.

On November 20, 2009, Great Salt Bay Community School had its first H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination clinic for children in our school, whose parents had pre-registered. We had approximately 160 students receive the vaccination in two hours. This type of event does not go smoothly without the support of many parents and community members, who gave of their time to our students.