Thumbs up to all of those who supported Waban Projects, Inc. of Sanford in their annual telethon drive to raise funds for programs they provide for children with developmental disabilities. The telethon raised $84,472 in all, which helps support developmental therapy, assessment services, therapeutic recreation, and other educational and habilitation-based services for children at the child development center and others who are served by the case management program. In these difficult economic times, it’s encouraging to see York County residents reach out to help their neighbors in need.
Thumbs up to all the schools and students who participated in Kick Butts Day last week. At Thornton Academy, students spent the day learning about the dangers of smoking. Some students, like freshman Hattie Simon, even made presentations of their research to other students. Simon attended a Maine Youth Action Network anti-tobacco summit in 2009, and after being awarded a mini-grant, she and three other girls began working on a project to prevent smoking at Old Orchard Beach. It is nice to see students and schools taking a stand against dangerous behavior and informing young people about the serious risks involved with smoking.
Thumbs down to the plea arrangement made for Heidi and John Frasca, which is expected to result in the 25 counts of animal cruelty charges against each of them being dropped. The couple has already pleaded guilty to five of the charges, admitting that the state had enough evidence against them, but now, if they perform 60 hours of community service and refrain from committing new crimes, they could avoid jail time. Perhaps most insulting to animal lovers ”“ and especially to the animal rescue workers and others who worked on the case ”“ the Frascas will be allowed to own up to four animals. This is after more than 250 dogs in their care at J’Aime Kennels in Buxton were allegedly found to be deprived of necessary sustenance, medical attention, proper shelter, protection from weather, and humane, clean conditions in 2007. Kennebunk’s Animal Welfare Society Executive Director Steven Jacobsen said it best when he noted that while the outcome was disheartening, at least the animals were rescued.
Thumbs up to the Saco City Council for putting off the decision of whether to put the Central Fire Station up for sale until a public hearing could be held. Although it is not required, residents and abutters appreciate the opportunity to share their ideas or concerns with city officials. Even if no one comments, it is important for the public to have the opportunity to weigh in if they so choose.
Thumbs up and congratulations to Gilles and Claire Auger on their recent induction into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame and their tireless efforts to keep French culture alive and well in Southern Maine. The Augers have graced the pages of the Journal Tribune many times for their work in the community, like in 2007 when Claire Auger created the Rusty French Club, which allows people to get together and brush up on their French. And Gilles Auger has been creating a database of Franco-Americans who came to Sanford from Quebec to work in the mills, which has grown to 80,000 names. Again, congratulations to the Augers, and keep up the good work.
Thumbs up to Sen. Ron Collins, R-Wells, and Rep. Kathy Chase, R-Wells, who recently announced road maintenance projects are scheduled to begin this summer for sections of both Route 1 and Route 9 in Wells. The town will also have major work completed on Route 109 this summer and next year. Due to the heavy summer traffic, these roads are in need of the attention, and we’re happy to see the state taking on the projects to improve travel and safety for visitors and residents alike. Collins and Chase did a good job of keeping the town’s needs in the forefront in Augusta.
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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 e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.
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