Our nation, once again, is grieving needless loss of life and lives changed forever because of hatred. Once again, we’re left asking “why” in questions which can’t be answered.

Any one of the camera angles showing the bombs exploding near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday tells the same story. Immediately after the explosion there is a surge of people running away from the blast; running understandably, for their lives.

We urge the Cuckolds Council not to pipe sewage through pristine, historic Newagen Harbor.

Several years ago I relocated to Maine, having fallen in love with Midcoast Maine, more specifically with our Twin Villages, and eventually purchased a home here in Newcastle.

In the past two weeks, Lincoln Theater has presented three incredibly magnificent ballet productions. The first two were different versions of the ballet “Swan Lake.” In the first we were treated to the marvelous choreographer and dancer Rudolph Nureyev as he partnered the ever-exquisite Margot Fonteyn: a partnership made in heaven! Having seen them perform many times, I was still awestruck.

When my in-laws gave Red Sox tickets to my wife and me at Christmas, we were thankful for and appreciative of their gift. At the time, we did not realize what opportunity the tickets, dated April 20, would represent.

Like many Americans, we were riveted by the events in Boston last week. The bombing, the investigation, the gunfight, the lockdown, the manhunt, the arrest, the celebration; it was white knuckle stuff.

This past weekend, when he was presented with a handmade quilt as a thank you for his service to the country 70-some years ago, Jefferson resident Shirley Sutherburg made the comment that nobody seemingly cared all that much when he returned home.

First, I would like to enthusiastically thank Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett and Bath Police Chief Mike Field for their ongoing, outspoken support and advocacy for children and families. Their awareness and perspective as they speak from their professional and volunteer standpoints do so much to increase awareness of the impact early intervention can have in our communities and our futures.

Damariscotta town residents rise up.

I have been meaning to write a letter to the editor as soon as the first news item about the police chief came out.

First, I do not know Damariscotta’s Town Manager, Mr. Lutkus, nor do I know Administrative Assistant, Ms. Jodi Prior.

I was quite impressed by Craig Elliott’s letter (3/28/13) in response to my letter a week earlier on global warming. He created a masterful list of popular culture fads – none of which have anything to do with climate change – or with any policy issue, for that matter.

As we make our way through the 2013 annual town meeting season, we are reminded of how precious our brand of local democracy is. In other parts of the country, town meetings are unheard of.

I was recently asked to render my professional opinion on the Curley House in Damariscotta Mills that is currently slated for demolition. My conclusions: