Thumbs up to Ryan Fecteau, a recent Biddeford High School graduate who has become active with the EqualityMaine campaign to get the same-sex marriage issue back on the ballot in November 2012. Fecteau, who is a sophomore at Catholic University, is getting involved in politics in an effort to effect a landmark social change that he would like to see. We wish more youth would follow his lead and add their efforts to causes in which they believe.
Thumbs down to the complaints recently bandied about concerning the ban on flotation devices at the Springvale Recreation swimming area off Route 109. For years, this area has served as a swimming hole where children are taught to respect the water and learn how to navigate it under their own power. Learning to swim is an important skill that can save your life when you don’t have the luxury of an inner tube or life jacket. In an instance such as this complaint, parents who are being overprotective are doing a disservice to their children by making them dependent on flotation devices. The swimming area is well-staffed with lifeguards and offers young swimmers a perfect opportunity to safely hone their skills. We hope Marcel Blouin, recreation director in Sanford, stands his ground on this one and has the support of the town council.
Thumbs up to Calvin Dunwoody and others like him whose focus on physical fitness has led to a healthy, active lifestyle in old age. Dunwoody just turned 90 yesterday and regularly spends 45 minutes, four times a week at the Northern York County YMCA in Biddeford, keeping his body in good working order. Dunwoody has an impressive accomplishment under his belt of having hiked the highest mountains in all 50 states, and his lifelong focus on physical fitness is an inspiration to us all. The YMCA was wise to give its younger members an opportunity to meet Dunwoody, as an example of the health they can maintain throughout life by taking care of their bodies.
Thumbs up to all those who coordinated and participated in the Alfred Festival this past weekend. This festival, like Waterboro and Kennebunk’s Old Home Days events, is a wonderful opportunity for the town to come together and for neighbors to celebrate the unique qualities of their surroundings. Organizing the performers, vendors, exhibitions and food booths is no small task and all of those who take it upon themselves to coordinate these events should be applauded, since their efforts lead to many smiles from neighbors and help keep the community identity alive.
Thumbs up to all of the first responders who were called to the scene of the fatal tractor-trailer/Amtrak train collision last Monday, and to the others who helped with clean up and management of the situation. The coordination of the emergency response was smooth and shows how the preparedness efforts of fire and rescue and train personnel really pays off when the real thing happens. Though this was a tragedy in which the truck driver lost his life, it was also a good example of a successful emergency response.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
