The psychologist Abraham Maslow spoke of our basic needs: food, clothing and shelter. Add gainful employment, decent health coverage, a loving family and friends to the equation and you are truly blessed; ahead of the game during the recession, unemployment and Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed cuts to health care looming in the near future.

The true meaning of the holiday season lies in those who selflessly help their neighbors in need with toys, clothing, gift baskets and other acts of generosity. Keep up the good work year-round.

There is commendable help available for the 100 homeless in the community, yet we know more help is needed.

The Bates Mill proposals of a shopping center, sports facility, farmers market, etc., as economic stimulators are all fine and dandy, but a facility with the help and resources for those who are homeless, downtrodden, disabled veterans and those with PTSD, unemployed, mentally ill or out of jail with no prospects would be a finer and dandier Bates Mill proposal.

Here I go again with my grandiose pipe dreams.

Barbara Kern, Auburn