One candle reflects a dim light, but the light that illuminates from many candles at once shines bright and warm. I'm happy to get to relight the candles of some of our own friends and neighbors in Londonderry and to pass them on to you.

Because even if you think you are up to date on recent events, you may not have heard about how Kevin Ryan recently saved a life when last month, he spent seven hours at Mass General Hospital donating bone marrow for a stranger with leukemia. Remember a few years ago when the town rallied and held a bone marrow drive for Allison Corf, the daughter of Mike and Pat Corf who work at Matthew Thornton School? Well, Kevin and his wife Courtney were among the many individuals who registered and today, the recipient of his bone marrow is recovering well.

While Kevin's family, including his four children, Lindsey, Patrick, Molly, and Shelby, are extremely proud of their dad, I'm sure Allison would be honored to know that her candle continues to always burn.

nnn

Speaking of saving lives, did you hear about the pilot who was rescued last month in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska after his plane crashed? He hiked more than 20 miles before he was rescued by two campers. Well, one of those two campers, 19-year-old Nick Rodrick, is the cousin of Camdyn and Cooper Gerardi. This probably qualifies as a "Three Degrees of Separation" experiment because surely you or somebody you know knows the Gerardis. If not, then maybe Joyce drives your child to and from school each day.

nnn

Saving a life always warrants a celebration, and not just the lives of people. Just the other day, Cate Sprague came across a kitten that had been hit on Stonehenge Road. But she wasn't the only one who stopped to try and help. Two other women stopped and it is so nice to know there are people who care and take the time to show it, even for our furry friends.

nnn

Surely, that poor little kitten wasn't abandoned, but a local favorite spot of our younger residents in town almost was. Corrie Binette saw that The Learning Stop was for sale on Craigslist, and realizing her dream of owning her own business was so close, she made it her own. The Learning Stop offers a variety of classes for the young at heart and a plus for parents and caregivers - even offers drop off care! When your immediate future plans include holiday shopping, think about giving your child the opportunity to enjoy some time playing and making new friends while you shop! You only need to bring an updated medical form for your child that will be kept on file and then you can shop 'til you drop! Well, don't drop, but just think of how much easier your shopping experience will be without a shortling in tow? To find out more, just go to the Web site: TheLearningStop.net.

nnn

Many of you probably know Carole Connolly. Carole is very active in a number of groups and committees in town, including, but not limited to, The Senior Center, Warm Homes, and St. Jude Parish to name a few. Carole has recently undergone surgery, but has been recovering at home, which is why she hasn't been seen around as usual. She is heeding her doctor's orders to take it easy and rest at home and in due time, will be back in action, organizing and running events that bring people together and always make them smile.

nnn

Let's talk about our great earth for a moment and the now-familiar saying, "going green". Have you noticed how much more Londonderry residents are recycling since the inception with the new trash barrels? Be proud! While change isn't always easy, and for some, this hasn't been an easy transition, but we are making a difference, you and me. So keep it up, Londonderry.

nnn

I'd like to think I have my thumb on the pulse of this town, but the wind doesn't blow every story in my direction. So if you have something you'd like to share, please email me at londonderrytattletales@comcast.net. Relight your candle and share the joy with your neighbors. Look for the next Londonderry Living article in December.

ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ

Kerri L. Stanley is a longtime resident of Londonderry and is active in several local organizations. Londonderry Living will appear monthly in the Derry News.