To the editor:
It is the last weekend of vacation for students at Sun Yat-sen University. Late summer, temperatures in the high 80s, and the chaos of moving to campus provide a lot of entertainment for the veteran students. This is the orientation and testing weekend for first-year students. They are shown their classrooms, the library, the canteens and cafeterias, the bank machines, and the laundry. All important to succeeding at school.
Student food is always an issue. There are students from every part of China. Lots of variations and issues about what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat. As with most schools, much of the food is comfort food. Cheap to produce and a little bit goes a long way are guiding principles in the realm of the kitchens.
Noodles are a major part of students’ food. We have macaroni and cheese, and lasagna at home. If you want to be really fancy, maybe some fettucine, or shell pasta will work. Here the same idea applies though the making of noodles is a bit different.
First, unlike pasta, the noodles served here are made fresh. The noodle chef has been doing this for years. Two basic types of noodles predominate, strings and flats. Both use the same dough and are shaped and formed in front of eager eyes. These treats are cooked fresh.
String noodles are very similar to our spaghetti. The chef shapes and forms a small log of noodle dough. Picking up each end he begins to stretch and fold the dough forming a longer line with each twist and twirl. Folded, twisted and pulled, the dough is stretched into the familiar shape of long thin noodles. Toward the end of the process, the chef draws the noodles through his fingers while pulling the dough. Doubling this he keeps the process going until he finally has a hunk of noodle strings. These are dropped into a pot of boiling water and cooked. Yummy!
Shaved noodles are made with the same dexterity. Cutting a wedge of dough, the chef shapes it around a short stick. This roll of dough is then held in the left hand and a knife is used to shave off noodles in long fat strips. These are dropped into the boiling water and cooked. Also put into the water are various green leafy vegetables and meat.
Usually you want to get your noodles after the chef has cooked a few batches of the treat because the cooking water has become flavored with the previous meat and vegetables. Scooping out the noodles, the chef puts them into a bowl, and then fills the space with a ladle of broth from the pot. Served fresh and steaming, students add their own choice of chopped onions, parsley, cilantro and pepper. Contented sighs as bowls and bowls of noodles are consumed. School starts the day after tomorrow.
Orpheus Allison
Guangzhou, China
orpheusallison@mac.com
We need basic change in Maine
To the editor:
Some voters have a propensity to look at social, political and financial problems and direct our blame to the Federal government in Washington, D.C. This provides a quick and simple temporary outlet for our concerns and allows us to remain as bystanders in the political process. Our disenchantment with Washington then allows us to neglect an assessment of what is occurring right in our own backyard, Augusta.
We have a governor who is leading his party on a path which in both the short and long term will have a negative impact on all the people of Maine. The governor, with a distorted short and long term vision, is leading his party to support changes in health care, environment, and education that will prove to be both unfair and detrimental to the greater majority of our citizens.
The Maine Republican party under the banner of “savings” and “change” is following the governor’s leadership but with this distorted vision which will create much greater problems for the middle class than it will solve.
We need a basic change in Maine and it all starts with our selection of individual candidates that are not willing to blindly follow the leadership of any governor that they feel is not taking our state in the proper direction.
I know Bob Saucier and have discussed these concerns with him. I am thoroughly convinced he has the ability, desire and talent to change the misdirection in Augusta and turn our state government to do what is needed to create jobs and change the direction of our state government toward one that will benefit all and not the privileged few.
Positive changes are needed, and Bob Saucier is one who can be a leader of such change and not a follower of misguided goals.
John Cancelarich
Presque Isle
An endorsement for Willette
To the editor:
Mike Willette is a hard-working legislator who is dedicated to his family and to ensuring that Maine continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
He has committed his public service to creating jobs and strengthening the economy in northern Maine, and knows that tax relief and regulatory reform are vital to this effort. Mike is also a veteran who fights in Augusta for the needs of veterans throughout our state.
I endorse Mike Willette’s reelection to the State Legislature because he has served his district well and deserves to be returned to Augusta.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins
(R-Maine)
Rally to the polls
To the editor:
It’s time to send a cry, a rally cry through our nation. The cry like Paul Revere when the British were coming. But this time the cry should be our nation is falling, we are losing ground to the radical left and their social agenda. We have been silent way too long. The special interest groups and the anti this and that are taking over.
It is time to wake up, stand up and speak up. It is time to stop being a spectator or a wall flower and get active. Did you know that it’s been said that 50 percent of evangelicals are not even registered to vote? (Shame on you.)
We are the church and the body of Christ, the army of the living God. Please let us come together. We should not be fighting with each other over doctrine or denominational differences. Are we not all one by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus? (What ever label we wear!) So when they put down or come against a brother or sister, know matter what label they are wearing, we should be standing with them. We are all blood-bought brothers and sisters.
So I would say to the church and to the people that stand for moral and Christian values that it is time to get active. It is time to wake up and arise. Stop believing the lies that your vote doesn’t count or that it does not make a difference. If we all get involved and register and vote we would see a big change in our nation. It has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Let’s prove it.
Our standards and our way of life are being compromised. We are having to embrace and agree with alternate lifestyles and special interest groups with our ways put down. Don’t let our nation go to the dogs. Come together and be united. Let’s make a stand for Godly principles. You know if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
See you at the polls.
David Cyr
Presque Isle
A passionate advocate
To the editor:
As Presque Isle’s former State Representative for eight years, I am writing to ask that you please join me in supporting Mike Willette for re-election to a third term as State Representative. Mike has very ably served The County for the past four years. I know what qualities are needed to represent your district in Augusta, and Mike has those qualities. I have four reasons that I respectfully ask for your support for Mike: his tireless work for the Star City, his pro-job voting record, the way he fights for our veterans, and his love for the district.
Mike’s first thought when considering issues is, what is best for the Presque Isle? He has been a strong voice for Presque Isle in Augusta and has always made those visiting the Statehouse from Presque Isle feel welcomed and makes sure they are recognized. He thoughtfully researches the issues and speaks for Presque Isle with authority. Each time we talk I am impressed with his depth of knowledge on the topics of the day and how he makes his decisions based on how they might affect Presque Isle and Aroostook County.
Mike knows that politics is not a perfect science and there is no such thing as a perfect politician, and knowing that, he handles his decision making in a very pragmatic manner. Not every vote is easy and painless. I have also witnessed Mike as he has negotiated compromise; he has an ability get support from across the aisle when it is needed, and he does not take rejection personally.
Mike understands that we need an environment that is conducive to job growth. He weighs each piece of legislation with regard to its affect on job creation in Aroostook County and Presque Isle. Without business, we don’t have jobs, and Mike firmly believes that it is not government that creates jobs, it is entrepreneurs and small businesspeople that create jobs. As a father, and a local businessman he understands why creating opportunity in The County is so very important. He has a nearly perfect pro-job and pro-business voting record in Augusta.
Mike serves on the Legal and Veterans Affairs by choice. Mike works tirelessly for our veterans and makes their needs a priority. He recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of our veterans. It is of the utmost importance that we have this focus on our veterans. We have so many of our men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan coming home over the next few years. I know that if re-elected, Mike wants to work hard to help solve the troubling issue of homeless veterans. Of great concern to Mike is how our women veterans are treated once they are done their service to their country. He also mentioned working on bettering the employment possibilities for our service men and women. Having Mike continue his service to and focus on our Veterans is so important to help Maine prepare to welcome home our heroes and treat them with the respect they deserve. And Mike values all service members, regardless if they are regular service members or guard members.
I have known Mike for nearly 20 years. He has never worried about political labels. He concentrates on the ideas and results. He is the type of person that doesn’t get hung up on blaming people for problems; he instead wants to work for solutions. He has always been an outspoken and passionate advocate for The County. I urge you to re-elect Mike Willette as your state representative!
Hon. Jim Donnelly
Brewer
The best one for the job
To the editor:
On Nov. 6th, Presque Isle voters will decide a number of important elections, but no decision will be more important than picking the Star City’s next representative to the Maine House of Representatives.
The president represents the entire country. Our U.S. senators represent the entire state, and our member of Congress represents a sprawling district that encompasses nearly 80 percent of Maine. Even our state senator represents most of the communities in central and southern Aroostook County.
Only our representative to the Maine House speaks exclusively for Presque Isle. I know the demands of this important office, and I can say unequivocally that Bob Saucier is the best candidate for the job.
I’ve known Bob and his family nearly my entire life. When I attended Zippel Elementary School, they lived just across Lombard Street from the upper playground, and many of my friends attended an after-school program run by Bob’s wife, Anna. In high school, I played soccer with two of his sons, and in the Legislature, I worked with another who served as a health care adviser to Gov. John Baldacci.
I remember Bob best, however, as a soccer dad who tried to make it to every single game, despite a busy work schedule. And he was never working just one job, either. While a full-time civil servant at Loring Air Force Base and later at the Social Security Administration, Bob served for nearly 30 years with distinction in the Maine Army National Guard. He also worked countless additional jobs to support his family and put his sons through college. In the summer, he ran a food service business. In the winter he sold Christmas trees. All year long, he sold real estate.
It’s often said that you can judge people’s success by looking at their children, and by that measure, Bob and Anna Saucier are infinitely successful. Because of their hard work and support, one son graduated from law school and another from business school. Another son owns a successful real estate management business, and the youngest works as a medical biologist for one of Maine’s most innovative companies, Idexx Labs.
Bob’s work and family experience is why he’ll do a great job in the Legislature. He understands how the public sector functions, but he also appreciates the challenges of running a private sector business. Most importantly, he understands the challenges that many Presque Isle families face to make ends meet — he’s lived it (or, perhaps more appropriately, worked it).
I know the demands of representing Presque Isle in the Legislature, and I know Bob Saucier. He’ll represent Presque Isle well in Augusta, so I hope you’ll vote for him on Nov. 6th.
Hon. Jeremy R. Fischer
Portland
Pets are my family, too
To the editor:
After losing a close family member this week I did not think that grieving would continue, but it did. Wednesday night we were greeted at the front door by Officer Lynn Hartley of the PIPD. Upon being questioned about being the owners of a big grey and white kitty, our suspicions went from a mischievous kitty to something more tragic. As it turned out our fears were realized when I walked down the street with Officer Hartley to identify our cat Tony who was laying beside the road.
Heartbreaking was me seeing him as he was. Devastating was walking back to our house with our cat’s body in a bag to hear my girlfriend in hysterics. But what was unimaginable was news that the driver who hit Tony did not stop. They did not stop to see what they had hit, or if the animal was OK. No attempt by the driver to check if the animal belonged to anyone locally in the nearby houses. I understand accidents happen and are forgivable. But how could someone hit our beloved Tony and drive onward — even speeding up according to what I was told.
To some people animals mean nothing. To some, pets are companions. To others, pets are a part of the family. I may not have any children of my own, but I treat my pets as if they were. To anyone who knows me they know how much of an animal person I am. A longtime pet owner. An 8-plus year volunteer at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. An advocate and supporter of animal adoption from shelters. Ask me what my car license plate means and I’ll tell you they are initials of cats past and present.
To the caller who took the time to call PIPD, I thank you as this incident could have gone unreported. To Officer Hartley of the PIPD, I thank you for not only taking the call but taking the time to go house to house on my street looking for the owners. Otherwise we would not have been able to bring Tony back home.
To the driver of the white car that sped down Winter Street, struck and killed our cat and then sped off not bothering to stop, had you stopped and apologized for what was an accident I could have forgiven you. But your selfish and careless action, as well as disregard for a living thing will need forgiveness from a higher power than myself. I suggest you drive more cautiously in the future as well as gain a sense of respect for others.
Tony was not just a cat. He was a part of our family.
Jason Giggie
Presque Isle
College student for Willette
To the editor:
As a college student, I know that many people my age do not take a great interest in politics, especially local elections. I have reason to look forward to voting on Nov. 6, however, because of the great candidate running for re-election to the Maine House in my hometown. State Rep. Alex Willette just finished his first term as Maine’s youngest legislator, and he has given me hope for my generation with all of the things he has accomplished in just two years.
Alex has emerged as a leader in the House, someone who stands out and gets things done. It is thanks to him that we can all get home a little quicker after he increased the speed limit on I-95 from Old Town to Houlton. As a member of the Transportation Committee, he was instrumental in ending the automatic annual gas tax increases that would have been driving gas prices even higher than they are now. Alex has even helped tackle the growing drug abuse problem by cracking down on methamphetamine.
These are real accomplishments that help real people, regardless of how old you are or how much money you have. They are the results of true leadership, and that is why we need Alex Willette in Augusta for another term. I encourage everyone in Mapleton area to vote for Alex Willette for the Statehouse.
Jason Johnson
Mapleton and Portland
Brother is the best choice
To the editor:
I am writing this letter in support of my brother, Bob Saucier, who is running for the House of Representatives for the city of Presque Isle. We come from a large family that has had their share of health problems with a father, mother, sister and brother dying of cancer, and two other siblings that also had cancer. In addition, I have been disabled from a car accident since 1996 and had a triple heart bypass and I understand the importance of Medicare for our seniors.
With Bob working at Social Security in Presque Isle for a number of years, he has seen first-hand the special needs of seniors. And because of his family history he realizes the importance of running for State Representative for Presque Isle because of the cutbacks Governor LePage is trying to do to Maine Care, food stamps and other important programs. He decided to run to work on these problems and thank God he has because we need good representation in Augusta.
I have had the opportunity to ride with him not willing to pass one house on any street in Presque Isle no matter if they are Democrat, Republican or Independent. It doesn’t matter whether there is a woman or man, single or married living there. He gets upset with the issues that they talk about at the door that have affected their lives since the laws and policies that have passed over the last two years. This makes him want to win even more so he can help the people from a town he has called home for 35 years.
I am very proud of Bob as a brother, husband, father, grandfather and veteran.
David A. Saucier
Fort Fairfield
A veteran supporting vets
To the editor:
I am writing his letter to let the voters in Presque Isle that I support Mike Willette in his re-election for a third term as the District 5 representative for Presque Isle in Augusta.
If there is anyone who knows the wants, needs and desires of this district, it is Mike. Being born and raised here, he knows the district better than most; he holds dear our county values that make us a rare breed in our State. The one thing that I like most about Mike is his willingness to listen and talk to anyone, and he does more listening than talking, a rare trait in a politician. Mike has also demonstrated an ability to work hard and seek out solutions with his fellow legislators.
Now, the main reason why I am throwing my support behind Mike for a third time is that he is a veteran of a foreign war where he was a combat medic during Desert Storm ‘91, and he stepped up and was the first medic on his post to volunteer to get sent to Iraq. We have talked and swapped stories of our military service, and Mike, like no other, has such a deep respect and love for our military. He knows what it is like to handle the hardships for the veterans and their families. I know that as legislation comes down the pike that deals with vets, Mike will be there and fight for his brothers and sisters in arms.
Mike is also an all-around great person and those of you that know him know this already. He is generous with his time and I don’t think I have ever seen him mad; the guy is always smiling and happy. Mike also holds dear the sanctity of the marriage he shares with his wife Pam and says his proudest accomplishment in life is his family. You have to respect a man that displays honesty and integrity and is faithful to his wife and family. So in closing, Mike will definitely get this vet’s vote and I stand with my glass at the ready, I salute you!
Gerald E. Marsland Jr.
Presque Isle