Dear Editor:

Every day, the bells are ringing at noon in the heart of Wiscasset village to cheer us on and keep us together while apart. It is no small thing. And there are real people pulling the bell ropes. Simple and profound thanks to each of those who take up their post below the steeple bell at noon every day to do that.

At First Congregational, Ron Sanchez and Tom Cramer, Jan and Steve Whitfield, Sarah Whitfield, Linda and Brian Adams, Steve Hatt, Brad Adler, and the Rev. Josh Fitterling are taking weekly turns ringing the bell. At St Philips, the ringers rotating during the week are Suzanne and Tom Rankin, Gretchen Johnson, Nat Bryant, and Deborah Morgan. And thanks also to neighbor Steve Graffam, ringing the bell in his tiny chapel on the hill behind me.

These are the unseen heroes who are sounding out hope, care, and love to this community. And many of us are going outside to the curb up and down Federal Street at noon to wave to our neighbors and ring our bells or bang broom handles on dustpans — as if sounding off in reply “we are here, we are here” … perhaps not unlike the tiny Who yelling up at Horton, who holds their world on a dandelion.

I hope more villagers and the community beyond catch a moment to ring back as the sun comes out in the next few days. But, especially, I am grateful for the faithfulness of those on the bell ropes every day at noon. Their gift to all of us touches the heart … reminding us that love prevails in the time of coronavirus.

Terry Hobbs Heller

Wiscasset