Thumbs up to all the local graduating seniors ”“ many of whom closed the chapter on their high school careers over this past weekend. A high school diploma is essential today, and doing the work to earn one is an impressive achievement. Reading through the accomplishments of the top 10 and top 10 percent of the Class of 2013 at our area high schools shows that many of these students earn high grades while juggling sports, jobs and many extra-curricular activities and clubs.
As these students head off to college or other locations for jobs or military service, we wish them luck and hope they return to southern Maine some day to start their families and careers. Thumbs up as well to all of those who supported the graduates in their schooling and those who raised funds for the various scholarships that will help them in the next phase of their education.
Thumbs up to the local Hannaford store in Biddeford and its manager Barrett Johnson for answering the call from the Friends of Community Action Food Pantry for a van. After hearing that the nonprofit’s 30-year-old van would likely not be usable for much longer, due to the fact it would not be able to pass inspection, Johnson contacted the company’s regional corporate headquarters to see if the grocer could help. Hannaford committed to a $10,000 donation toward the purchase of a van, and thanks to a reduced price from Weirs Motor Sales in Arundel, the food pantry only had to spend $7,000 to get the vehicle. Food pantry manager Don Bisson said the leftover funds can go toward future food purchases. Seeing businesses come together like this to support local food pantries is heartening, and we’re pleased to see Hannaford contributing to such a worthy cause.
Thumbs down to the ongoing tension between York County commissioners and the county’s budget committee. It seemed like the groups were getting on the right track last year when they spoke about joint meetings and working through their differences, but the animosity continues. Commissioners are displeased with budget committee members for refusing to sign the county’s new ethics policy, but budget committee members say they already follow the ethics laws outlined in state statutes. Budget committee member David James of Kennebunkport said recently that he doesn’t consider himself to be appointed by county officials, because the committee is elected through a caucus process, which means the members shouldn’t be required to follow the county’s policy. Now the commissioners have scheduled a hearing to consider censuring the budget committee members, which is effectively a public slap on the wrist, and will likely only further tensions between the two groups. It unfortunate this has transpired since it seemed like the groups were making progress.
Thumbs up to the many volunteers who participated in the United Way of York County’s Day of Caring last week. According to the organization, volunteers were involved in 88 projects countywide ”“ with a total of 995 community volunteers from 41 businesses and 13 schools taking part. There were also materials and funds donated to help with projects at the sites receiving assistance like lumber, paint and plants. This important work helped many organizations that cannot afford to hire professionals to do the work they need, while giving local companies an opportunity to give back and their employees a day of which they can be proud.
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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 email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford office.
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