It seems so sad that the small community that we live in is suffering so much right now —we need to get those cards out to those who are ill or shut-in.

I spoke with Linda Norton and Hubie who was injured in a fall in Carrabassett Valley Aug. 27, was hospitalized for 25 days, is still having medical procedures in Lewiston and will be laid up most of the winter.

Oscar Robinson is home from the hospital after falling off a ladder Halloween, receiving injuries to his liver, ribs and fingers. Oscar, who works at Jordan Lumber Company, said it would probably be up to six weeks before he can go back to work.

Fred Niidas is at home after being hospitalized and will continue his cancer treatments at the Harold Alfond Center in Augusta. Howard is also going to the Alfond Center and has 13 more treatments left it is a wonderful place to go if you "have to."

I spoke with Diane Christen, whose husband Bob, is at Sandy River Nursing Home in Farmington after being at the Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor and hopes to come home soon. Of course, like Diane, we were all upset to learn of Warren Hinkley's accident Friday; he's the Christen's plumber. Warren had multiple injuries and was taken to a Lewiston hospital.

Prayers also go out to Rod Dunham who has been hospitalized but came home for the weekend and will have further medical attention on Monday in Portland. Good luck to Pat Niidas who was to see her doctor about her shoulder in Portland Monday. George Lane has also been hospitalized after a fall.

I got a nice e-mail from Trans Canada Kibby Wind Power Project with a construction up date. Anyone who would like to learn more about the project can reach them at kibbywind@transcanada.com or by calling 1- 877-943-3367 with questions relating to the construction activities.

In New Portland, the Wire Bridge project is completed and the road is once again open. New Portland Selectmen have stated that starting Nov. 15 when you get your driver's license or get it renewed, you will need either a passport or a certified birth certificate, which is due to the new Maine identification law.

The New Portland Water District held a public hearing on Thursday to hear comments on a proposed water rate increase. It was noted that the total percentage increase across the board for residential commercial and governmental customers would be 26.25 percent or $5,278. Increases were due in part, according to trustees, to the district needing to hire a water operator. Copies of the proposed increase are available at the town office.

On Nov. 13 members of the Friends of the Library will meet at the New Portland Community Library at 6:30 p.m. to read the selection Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.

The oldest living graduate of Central High School is Winston Edwards who was 100 years old on Nov. 2. Please send a card to Winston for the special occasion to Winston Edwards, Heritage Rehabilitation and Living Center, 457 Old Lewiston Road, Winthrop, Maine 04364.

On Nov. 12 the members of the Central Girls will meet at my house to travel to Avon to the Country Bumpkin for lunch at noon. That night, members of the Red Hat group will meet at the Herbert Grand Hotel at 5 p.m. to travel to Gepetto's for supper.

Congratulations to William Niemi in his retirement after giving so many hours day and night to the residents of Kingfield —he deserves a rest.