Thumbs up to Shapleigh resident Valarie Hale, who has Alpha-1 antitrypsin, a condition that can cause lung-related and liver-related problems, for trying to spread awareness about her disease and raise funds for the Alpha-1 Foundation. Hale’s fiancé, Kevin Kennedy, is also helping the cause as captain of the Alpha-1 team for the 180-mile bicycle Trek Across Maine. Hale is coordinating the team and fundraising to goes along with it ”“ including raffles at the upcoming antique car shows on April 18 and May 30 at Shapleigh Corner Store. We wish Hale and Kennedy the best of luck with the fundraising and spreading awareness about Alpha-1.
Thumbs up to organizers, participants and visitors of the Winter Farmer’s Market in Biddeford. Holding the market throughout the winter allows people to buy local goods and gives farmers and other local artisans and business owners an opportunity to connect with area residents and sell their goods year-round. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, winter markets are a growing trend, and hopefully it will continue to spread throughout York County.
Thumbs up to the University of New England Marine Animal Recovery Center for nursing a baby harp seal back to health. The seal pup was 14 hours old when it was discovered, and has been slowly rehabilitated by MARC staff. Rescues like this provide medical care to injured and at-risk sea life, while providing educational opportunities to students and staff. Volunteer Shannon Prendiville was able to devise a special high-fat formula to add a needed layer of fat to the seal pup’s body, which could help other animals in similar situations.
Thumbs down to the Biddeford City Council for considering a service fee to some non-profits. Although some councilors objected to the fee, it should not be considered at all. Non-profits like food pantries, Goodwill and career assistance organizations are struggling in the difficult economy as they face cuts from municipalities and a drop in in-kind donations, all while the demand for services they offer is increasing. This is not the time to increase the burden on non-profits, which could lead to closure for some organizations and more empty buildings in the city.
Thumbs up to all of the non-traditional college students in the county like Diane Raychard, a 52-year-old from Lyman. She completed a College Transitions program at the Saco Learning Center and is now a business student at York County Community College. Raychard worked at WestPoint Home factory in Biddeford for 32 years, until it closed in 2009. Now, Raychard, and many others who have had to make career changes, is learning new skills for her future career thanks to programs like College Transitions and YCCC. These programs allow people like Raychard to become more competitive in the job market while strengthening Maine’s workforce.
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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