Editor:
In this day, many of us are discouraged by the state of affairs – both nationally and locally – and we sometimes miss the jewels that are sitting in our backyard. I am writing to mention two of these “gems.”
 One is Officer Patty Maynard of the South Portland Police Department. Officer Maynard also serves as the patrol officer who covers SMCC. Late this past spring, one of my students in the English Language Learning Program was stopped by Officer Maynard along Broadway because his inspection sticker had expired.
Since this was right after class, I noticed him pulled over on my way past so I stopped to see if he was OK. Officer Maynard was cordial and allowed me to help explain the process to this young man. Coming from another continent and unfamiliar with much of the complications of both cars and our system, he was frightened and bewildered.
In a quiet and calming voice, Officer Maynard explained what was happening and gathered information from him. Following that, she arranged to see him at the station, once he had the inspection sticker affixed to his car, to avoid any fine. He left my class the following week, with my cell phone in hand in case he needed me, to meet her, inspection sticker in place.
At the station, she had him call to assure me that all had been resolved. When he returned to class, the first thing he said was, “She was very nice to me.”
What a gift! I was grateful he had had a helpful experience with a police officer, rather than feel terrified and overwhelmed by the rules, the language, and the uniform. I thank Officer Maynard for providing such a supportive experience while still doing her job. Bravo to the South Portland Police Force for hiring such a prize.
 The second treasure is Bill Arnold. Bill  is a rather new member of our community but one who has invested himself in our city in many ways. Quietly, he is a strong supporter of immigrant students and our local community college. To that end, Bill  has set up a scholarship fund, in memory of his father, to assist those students in their quest of further education.
While the fund builds to be self-sustaining (others who are interested can contribute to the same scholarship), Bill has made his own donations to help students in the interim.
The goal is to target the most academically promising, yet most financially needy students; this past semester – through his generosity – two of my students were able to avoid a break in their schooling. Because of their immigrant status, they did not otherwise qualify for financial aid and would have had to continue working to save more money before going back to SMCC, but Bill Arnold’s generous act allowed these two young adults to take a full semester of courses.
Their surprise at this charitable act was overwhelming – “Who was this man who helped us in this way, without even knowing us?” they asked.
Both coming from war-torn countries with families left behind, the experience was incredibly uplifting. It restored their faith and confidence in believing that they would be able to help their families back home by continuing to better themselves in this country.
What a gift to these students who are struggling here alone to experience this kindness!
 I am grateful to be living in a community with individuals such as Officer Patty Maynard and Bill Arnold in our midst. It restores my faith in believing that South Portland is a great place to live. My sincerest thanks to both of you for enriching this city.
Sincerely,
Rosemarie De Angelis
South Portland