Wiscasset’s Bill James said that with his new hearing aids, it will be wonderful to hear his wife of 65 years, Ellen, and have nice comversations with her. At Beltone Hearing Center in Brunswick Friday, March 22, Beltone Hearing Care Foundation gave James, 84, the devices. The donation followed letters the foundation got from three friends of James, who worked as a machine operator at Bath Iron Works. 

Carolyn Soules, Sharon Staples and Paul Puier  wrote the letters seeking the hearing aids. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, donates them to those in need and unable to access them. People and organizations are eligible through nominations. For information, visit www.beltone.com

“This Foundation gives us a new path to achieve this mission by helping deserving individuals and organizations in their communities enrich their quality of life,” stated Beltone New England CEO Michael Andreozzi.

Soules wrote in her letter, “I have known Bill James for many years and in my opinion, he is very deserving of getting help to hear better as his hearing aids are old and probably outdated. He is a great person to confide in when in need. He does this and helps many. It is very important as you get older to be able to hear well ...”

Puier wrote,  “I know Bill from meeting at our church. Often, he has a hard time hearing and understanding what the rest of us are talking about. Bill is a very kind person who will do anything for anyone and often puts in extra hours of maintenance on our church. I would love to see Bill get his hearing fixed and enjoy our company like we do his. There is no one more deserving!”