With Thanksgiving upon us, tomorrow in fact, I would like to pause and thank a higher being for the outcomes of the events that have occurred in my life recently.

As I wrote last week, my son was involved in a  horrific car accident on November 19th. It is a miracle, that both drivers survived and are doing very well, considering the extent of the collision and damage to both vehicles. There is no question in my mind that someone was watching out for  Derek and the driver of the other vehicle once the collision occurred. Living 50 yards from the accident scene and home at the time, were a wife and her husband. The lady is a trained volunteer EMT with the Palermo Rescue. Her and her husband were on the scene within a minute or two of the accident occurring. With the help of a couple of individuals who were passing by, Derek was removed from his burning vehicle and the other driver was stabilized until rescue responded. I sincerely believe these four people saved the lives of two that night. I'd also like to thank the Palermo,China, Montville and Liberty Volunteer Rescue Units for responding to the scene and for aiding in the rescue effort. I'm truly thankful and count my blessings this holiday season. Although I know the names of those involved, I did not obtain permission to use those names, therefore I chose not to.They know who they are and are true heroes in my mind, forever.  

On a brighter note, this past Friday night, the Cony High School Football team, the Rams, won their first Class B State Title since 1932. My hat's off to the coaches, players, managers, trainers, fans, and everyone else whose been involved in this program over the last 10 to 12 years. The fruits of our efforts have paid off in a big way. This years Cony team had 10 all academic seniors, twice as many as any other team in the Eastern Maine play offs. This senior class was a group of smart, hard working, and good athletes who never gave up. Down 16- 0 in the first half, they fought their way back and earned a 30-23 victory over a previously undefeated Kennebunk team that looked as good as their record. Congrats to both teams for a very hard fought battle, that could have gone either way.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of the Dine-ah. Family owned restaurants in rural Maine are a very tough business model. Without the support of our local community and all of you who travel many miles for a great meal, this would not be possible.

Many of you wrote in last week asking to please keep your favorite menu item when we make some changes. Trust me, the dishes that you have grown to love are going no where.

Also, a great big thank you to all of you who sent well wishes to my son and the driver of the other vehicle. They were so much appreciated. 
 
Please, please, please...drive safely this holiday season. The life you may save may very well be your own or someone you love and cherish very much. It happens in a split second, I know.

Here is an excerpt from a Thanksgiving Day greeting I recently received

 

Always wishing you the best,   

Norm

p.s.- Just to make sure that you are aware, I'm letting you know one more time WE ARE CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING DAY so that our staff may enjoy their family and friends in the location of their choice.