STAN HOWE'S RETIREMENT

The occasion of Stan Howe's retirement has rightfully prompted many tributes for his remarkable contributions to Bethel and beyond. It is no surprise that Stan's talent, skills, enthusiasm and knowledge as a historian have earned him special recognition locally and nationally. His love and active support of our community has positively affected all of us through the holding of public offices, the Maine Grange and, my goodness! the list goes on.

All that aside, what has meant and continues to mean the most about Stan to me is his genuine sense of and ability to be a good and caring friend. Not lost to our village as a whole but to me over the years.

Being a true friend, always there for me, always kind, non-judgmental, encouraging and with a sense of humor. That characteristic of Stan's has touched all that in everythig he does and who he is.

I treasure his friendship to me. Sunny, of course, agrees too.

I truly mean all of this but a hope lurks I my heart that this public form of acknowledgement to my good friend will help in keeping the gingerbread coming – did I mention that that man can cook?

Lynn Mason Courtney and Sunny

Bethel