Let’s begin a composting program in Brunswick 
Thanks to reporter Darcie Moore for her article on the new composting program begun in Lisbon published in the Oct. 9  issue of The Times Record. Darcie presented the facts and helpful information about the value of composting as she reported on the program begun in Lisbon and also wrote about the success of a pilot program in Bath. I just read in an email report from Dan Ankeles, Councilman at Large for Brunswick , that Brunswick is considering beginning such a program. I strongly urge the Council to adopt a composting program.

I believe that if the bins to collect food waste were provided in town, citizens would begin to use them. Ideally such a program would lead to curbside pickup like the pick-up for trash and recycling.  We would need more articles and information distributed to the public to raise awareness of the advantages of composting. The facts in Darcie Moore’s article are a good beginning. By collecting food waste for composting the town would save space in the landfill, help the environment because food waste causes toxic gases and sludge as it decomposes, and reap the benefit of having rich compost available for town gardens and private citizens.

We have subscribed to the Garbage to Garden program for several years now and find it well worth the small amount we pay for the service. Since we also recycle, we save on our trash bags as we now generate just a small amount of trash. We benefit from having free compost for our gardens. Also I do not feel so wasteful if I know the food scraps are being turned into something useful and not dumped into the landfill.

I believe that as responsible citizens we need to be supporting every initiative that is a step toward having a more sustainable environment, beginning in our own homes and community. Let’s support a composting program here in Brunswick.

Nancy D. Bliss, 

Brunswick 

The kindness of strangers 

I would like you to know that the indness of strangers at Reid State Park yesterday made my good day extra special. I was enjoying the mild day at the beach. I was so enriched by the sound of the waves. (I lived on the beach at EWA BEACH as a child). I watched a few brave people swimming in the water. I took some pictures as I was walking. A wave came suddenly and I was knocked over. A young lady came to my rescue. I had a difficult time getting up. I was soaked and I was holding my iPhone high in the air. She gave me the needed hand to get up. I continued down the beach.  

I decided to go back on the beach instead of going on the trail along a road. That’s when I met Kona, the frisbee dog. She belonged to the same person who helped me. I threw the frisbee next. Kona got it no matter where I threw it. I wanted to take pictures of him and her owner and friend with her camera. I often regret not having a picture to remember an occasion. I am a photographer and have always resisted having my photo taken. I decided to climb the rocks up to the top where the binoculars were. I was celebrating my 77th birthday. It was so spectacular! It was clear and I could see from one side of the beach to the other. I asked if a lady would like a picture of her with her white poodle. They posed so well. Another person asked to take my photo. I said that I would appreciate it.  After my fall on the beach, I was taking my time going down the rocks. The poodle’s owner rushed down and gave me a hand.  

You may feel you are not doing much to help someone. I can tell you that it can mean so much. 

Virginia E. Smith, 

Brunswick