Thumbs up to the Sanford-Springvale YMCA and its community of supporters who have made possible an expansion project that will better serve the organization’s clients, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens.
The 22,000-square-foot expansion ”“ set to include a community center, fitness center, locker rooms, a group exercise facility, renovations and a new entrance and foyer ”“ will enrich the area and bring the community together.
Thumbs up to John Cook of Alfred, who has documented the cemeteries of his town ”“ particularly Parish Cemetery ”“ and to others like him who put in countless hours to preserve and maintain their area’s historical records. The dedication of these historians is integral to maintaining the identity of our communities and helping new generations connect with their past.
Thumbs down to the state of governance in the Town of Arundel. Interaction between town officials and selectmen is at a very low point; a recall effort (now dropped) has cast doubt on selectmen’s behavior; and one selectmen has felony charges pending against him. Additionally, the board is now considering flip-flopping on a vote pertaining to a special town meeting for land use ordinance changes that would impact Bentley’s Saloon, following a judge’s ruling in the town’s favor, citing misinformation. For those residents who aren’t paying attention to town government, now might be the time to tune in.
Thumbs up to the Jordan family descendants who visited Biddeford Thursday to view the old stomping grounds of their earliest ancestors. The extended family’s well-organized effort to share its history and connect with each other is a model for others and inspiring to anyone who is looking into their genealogy.
Thumbs down to continued instances of driver inattention and hurry that has led, once again, to deaths on our roadways. Anyone who is too tired, agitated, inebriated, distracted or debilitated to drive must know themselves well enough to stay out of the driver’s seat. Too many lives are being lost, particularly on Route 111, because drivers simply can’t stay within the lines.
Thumbs up to strong police work from the Maine State Police and Computer Crimes Unit and Biddeford Police Dept., for their recent arrests. Robberies at the CVS in Biddeford July 1 and June 25 have kept people on edge, but Biddeford police quickly apprehended those who they believe perpetrated each robbery. The computer crimes detectives spent nine months gathering enough evidence against an alleged stalker in Biddeford, reportedly ending a nightmare scenario for the man’s ex-girlfriend.
— Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.
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