Thumbs up to Saco’s Deputy Assessor Kendi Norton, who organized the “Operation: First Responder Gratitude” in late July, and to all of the other city employees who joined her in participating. Norton sent out an email on Tuesday, July 29 to ask for employees to donate a dish on Aug. 1 as a way of thanking the city’s first responders after they had a difficult week of emergency calls. The response was strong, with a mix of healthy and comfort foods for both the police and fire departments, and both reported that the effort was deeply appreciated by emergency personnel. The work of first responders is often emotionally difficult, but over the course of one week in late July, the city saw a murder-suicide, a fatal car accident and another serious car accident, which made for a particularly tough time. This heart-warming effort by other city employees to show their support is a great example of how it takes just one person to get such an effort rolling ”“ and really make a difference in building community.
Thumbs up to the re-dedication of the Old Orchard Beach dog park, which is now known as the K9 Veterans Memorial Dog Park, recognizing the work of military and police service dogs. Dogs have been trained to serve alongside humans for centuries in all sorts of capacities, and it’s appropriate to recognize our relationship with these animals in the line of duty. OOB’s Veterans Memorial Park is the perfect place to do that ”“ an opportunity that was recognized by Conservation Commission member Pat Holland, who got the ball rolling on the project. Now the park sports a sign that recognizes working dogs for their role in defending our country, patrolling our streets and aiding us after disasters strike.
Thumbs up to the Saco Bay Rotary members who volunteered their time to improve the trails at Cascade Falls park. The Rotary members joined Saco Bay Trails volunteers and the city’s parks and recreation department in developing a plan for the waterfall park and this past June, they put their words to work by renovating an old footpath that led down to the foot of the falls. Installation of boards and stones is no small task, and we’d like to applaud these volunteers for putting in the work to see this hidden jewel improved. With safer and more easily accessible trails, this beautiful park and its waterfall should see more visitors.
Thumbs up to the residents of Kennebunk Lower Village and others who showed up at a recent planning board meeting to voice their disapproval of a proposed hotel near Federal Jack’s restaurant. The public outcry over this proposal apparently led the developers to withdraw their plans, which shows that the average citizen still has a lot of pull when it comes to shaping their community. Many residents felt that the project, which would be 17,000 square feet and boast 80 rooms, was not a good fit for the community and would cause traffic problems as well as encroach on protected shoreline areas. They did what they’re supposed to do in a democracy ”“ speak up ”“ and it made a difference.
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