Thumbs up to Saco Patrol officer Ashley Griffin for her achievement in breaking the women’s sit-up record at the Criminal Justice Academy. Her drive to do more than just meet the status quo should serve Saco well as she begins her career there.
Thumbs up to York County for initially setting aside 1 percent of its budget for social service agencies. Representatives of these agencies, which offer aid for a range of issues, from domestic violence to drug abuse and health problems, made it clear to the county commissioners that they depend on this funding in addition to municipal funding. Yes, the county is hurting financially but the community is, too. Taking away help when it’s needed most will only make matters worse, so we urge the county to keep the modest 1 percent of aid in their budget.
Thumbs up to the Historic Preservation Commission in Saco, for urging a review of the area on Elm Street where a CVS Pharmacy is proposed. The construction would require the demolition of properties that date back to the 1800s and it is only appropriate for the community to review the area’s historical significance before those buildings are lost forever. The review should have been done during the regular proposal process, based on the age of the buildings, despite the fact that they are not currently on the Historic Register. Fortunately, the commission has stepped in before it’s too late to reconsider the plans.
Thumbs up to Go Greene and other community movers and shakers who are looking into the possibility of bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Biddeford. While investing in existing facilities and programs may be a better answer, it is heartening to know that people are looking into ways to expand the resources for downtown youth.
Thumbs up to the people of Regional School Unit 21 (Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel) for showing up in droves for a community forum last week. The school board asked for community input on forming a vision plan for the newly formed district ”“ and they got it. In a time when meeting attendance and participation is normally very low, the enthusiasm that was evidenced at this gathering was inspiring.
Thumbs up to author Earlene “Kitty” Ahlquist Chadbourne, who has written a book about her experience recovering from a traumatic brain injury and has spoken several times to share her story. Chadbourne was moved to write the book by her concern for all the U.S. servicemen and women who are returning from their tours of duty with similar injuries. Hopefully, her book will be a ray of hope for others with TBI and their families.
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