Congratulations to all the fall sports athletes at the local high schools. Even though enrollment is down compared to past numbers, both Boothbay Region and Wiscasset still continue to field competitive teams and post impressive individual performances. Now it's on to the winter sports beginning next week. Good luck to all.

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A belated happy Veterans Day to all our area veterans. We were so wrapped up in Election Day coverage, I forgot to thank our veterans in last week's column. We will never forget our veterans and personally, I think about them throughout the year. More and more World War II veterans are passing each day, and Korean and Vietnam veterans are now in their later years. It is nice that such organizations as the National Football League continue to honor veterans during the time of Veterans Day.

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I'll be writing about another topic next week, so I will wish everyone an early Happy Thanksgiving. Coming from a large family, Thanksgiving has always been a great day where fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and sons and daughters — and even friends and neighbors — gather to enjoy a meal and, hopefully, fun times together.

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As we head into winter, let's take note of those people around your neighborhood who may need help shoveling snow (porches, walks, driveways and roofs) or carrying wood into the house for the wood stove. As we all know, winter can be harsh, so let's help where and when we can.