One of my Mom’s favorite words of advice was “Good things come to those who help themselves.” I adhere to that advice, and I also want to add to it: “Good things come to those who help others.” Mom was a selfless person and helped many people during her 73 years on this earth.

This week is National Volunteer Week and we wish to salute the many volunteers who are putting in extra effort during this time of self-isolation, social distancing and more during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Maine people are helpers and this region is known for its volunteerism and generosity. People and groups have stepped up big time preparing and delivering meals, checking the welfare of their neighbors and family members, donating items and money to worthy causes, and more.

In this issue, several of those groups have taken out advertising thanking their volunteers and there is an accompanying article featuring the work being done to help others at this time of need. We are all in this together and thankfully there are dozens of people who are willing to help others. It amazes me that despite the population of Lincoln County being one of the oldest in the state, we have a core group of older citizens who volunteer on a regular basis … just read our paper and you will see on a weekly basis how much volunteerism is being done by retirees.

So thank you, volunteers. You are truly appreciated. And may we all escape this “invisible enemy” that has changed the world.