When my wife, Jan, and I moved from Dover-Foxcroft to Camden back in 1998, my primary focus was my new professional role as the executive director of the then Camden Area YMCA, now Penobscot Bay YMCA. As many will remember, the challenges were numerous for the Y and certainly within our Midcoast communities at that time. Many times that first year many of my own challenges would require me to call upon my faith in God and to rely upon my inner desire to succeed with the many tasks at hand.

One evening after celebrating my first Thanksgiving in the town of Camden I witnessed my first sense of community within the Midcoast — the giant star on top of Mount Battie. What a wonderful and inspirational sight that beautiful star provided on a dark and lonely evening. The challenges I was facing, along with many other people in the community, for the need to have a YMCA that would serve thousands of others throughout a much larger region and without the necessary financial resources was a tremendous burden.

I, for one, will be ever so grateful for the work of the Camden Lions Club membership, especially individuals like Bob Oxton, who maintain the daily vigilance of keeping the light burning every night and during all types of weather and adversity. This star brings my faith in God into something that at times I cannot explain. Each of us who benefits from this beacon during the holiday season probably see the star in a different and special way. One thing I can say is that when the star appears for my first sighting of the season I feel at home and connected with my community.

This year, when I come upon this spectacular lighted star atop of Mount Battie for the first time, and throughout the holidays, I will be reminded of three heroes of our community who have served each of us in many different ways over the years. These individuals, whom I would call shining stars, shared the love of community and the people living within the Midcoast by sacrificing their time, talents and sometimes treasure, while making a difference that will be felt for generations to come.

These individuals have passed on during 2012 and now have become part of my memory. A memory that will now be sparked by the light of a single star on top of Mount Battie and made possible due to the efforts of dedicated community volunteers each night. I pray that others will join me this year, when seeing this star, and give thanks for the work of these three remarkable community leaders: Don Gross, Ken Bailey and Jeff Kuller.

George Mueller lives in Warren.