thumb”¢nail (thum’nail’)
…2. anything quite small or brief,
as a small drawing or short essay
Thumbs up to the news that a new tenant is planning to use the former Flotation Technologies building at the Biddeford Industrial Park. It was bad news when Flotation Technologies closed its doors at the end of last year, and the job losses were certainly felt. That’s why it’s great to hear Curran Company, a produce company, will be taking over the space ”“ and hopefully, adding jobs at the site, too. Curran Company processes and distributes produce to grocery stores, like Hannaford and Shaws, and food service companies, like Sysco, throughout the Northeast. Officials said the company has outgrown its current location in Saco and plans to move to Biddeford to accommodate demand. The company employs 100 people, and acting General Manager Bill Dubay said they expect to increase that number “significantly” as the company continues to grow. This is great news for Biddeford, and people in the area who are looking for work close to home.
Thumbs down to the possible reduction of Sanford Transit bus service hours. Due to the elimination of a state program that helped fund the service, transportation officials at York County Community Action Corporation in Sanford say the hours the buses run will have to be cut to 20 hours a week from the current 35 if funds cannot be found to replace the loss. The nonprofit has asked the City of Sanford to kick in the $18,400 needed to keep the service running on its current schedule of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., five days a week. The service offers stops from locations in Springvale to the Center for Shopping in Sanford. This will be a blow to those who rely on the service to get to work, medical appointments, grocery stores and more, who may not have the ability to drive any longer or cannot afford their own car. It’s unfortunate the state has cut funding for this important service, and we hope funds can be secured to keep it operating on its current schedule.
Thumbs up to Saco Middle School eighth-grader Vincent Falardeau, who will soon be heading to Washington, D.C. to compete in the final round of the National Geographic Bee. Not only did Falardeau beat all the competitors at his school, he was named the top geography whiz in the state on April 4 at the University of Maine in Farmington during the statewide level of the contest. This is an impressive feat, and Falardeau should be proud of this accomplishment. We wish him the best in the national competition, slated for May 19-21 in the nation’s capital.
Thumbs up to Biddeford High School and Saint Joseph’s College for their joint effort to bring more college-credit opportunities to students in high school. Leaders at both schools announced last week that a year-long education course will be offered at BHS starting this fall. The class will be the same introductory education course as the one taught at Saint Joseph’s ”“ but by BHS staff, who will receive training. Students can earn three credits for successfully completing the course. This kind of joint effort is just what Maine schools need to help bring students into the future, preparing them for college and the workforce.
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