Looking back at local news a year ago this week, we reported on the wonderful tribute organized by Sue Burge and others presented to the Hannaford staff for maintaining vigilance and being on the front lines during the first few months of the pandemic. It was a moving scene as managers ushered the employees out into the store parking lot where they were greeted with car horns, Thank You signs and more. I am sure they won't forget it. We also reported on the National Nurses Day display at St. Andrews Village – another front line group that needs to be recognized regularly.

Here we are, one year later, and sure, we still have to wear masks, avoid crowds and keep our hands clean, but we are moving forward through this pandemic. Vaccines have been given over the past four months and over 50% of Maine residents have received both doses of the vaccines. That's great news.

There are many people to thank, too many to include here, including those who have done their best not to contract and spread the virus by adhering to the CDC guidelines.

As we move closer to summer, the pandemic is still with us but cases and deaths have slowed. The virus is still here but activities have increased this spring and we hope the summer brings even better news.

Thank you all for being persistent and doing your best. Let's keep it up so we can all soon sing at least the first verse of Jack Yellen's 1929 song: "Happy days are here again, The skies above are clear again, Let us sing a song of cheer again, Happy days are here again."