Thumbs up to the Tri-City Community Chorus for organizing a successful scholarship drive, by means of an auto raffle, for college-bound music students. The chorus also deserves congratulations for its well-attended Christmas concert at Saco’s First Parish Congregational Church.
Thumbs up to all the volunteers who took time out of their family festivities to make the Christmas season bright for others. Many people helped, whether dedicating months or just a few hours, with toy drives, meals and gift giveaways, all in the spirit of “goodwill toward men.” The list of those who helped this season is too long to mention, but here are a few: Leo Menard, Carol Lombard and all the other Toys for Tots volunteers, as well as anyone who took the time to send in a donation or drop a toy in the collection boxes; Joyful Harvest gift wrappers and organizers; and Salvation Army bell ringers who stood outside in the cold to gather funds for the needy. As well, the Hadiaris family and their helpers in Saco, the Community Harvest volunteers in Kennebunk, and the employees and supporters of both Bentley’s Saloon and the Blue Moon Diner in Arundel should all be commended for making the season bright for all of those who might otherwise have been alone or without a festive meal to share.
Thumbs up to Mark Lawrence for eight years of dedicated service to York County as district attorney. Lawrence affected many lives by working towards a tougher stance on domestic violence and pursuing grants to make that work possible. Lawrence has been praised by judges and coworkers for his diligence. We wish Kathryn Slattery, the deputy district attorney for 20 years, all the best as she soon takes over as our new D.A.
Thumbs up to Sanford Fire Chief Raymond Parent, who will be retiring this week after 47 years in the fire service. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a straightforward, efficient and competent chief and a valuable community member. His work in Biddeford and Sanford will be long remembered and his efforts to bring the veterans’ cemetery to Sanford will leave a lasting mark on the town for generations to come.
Thumbs up to the Biddeford City Council for its decision to drop the circuit breaker proposal that would have allowed any Biddeford resident of at least a year, who benefits from the state tax relief program, to apply. If all residents eligible for the state program used the city’s program, too, it would amount to $25 in savings ”“ not enough to make an impact for most. That money will be better spent elsewhere in the city budget and those struggling with their taxes will still find meaningful relief at the state level.
Thumbs up to the new course level system recently approved for Biddeford High School. By dropping level-100 courses in favor of a three-tier system ”“ Core Standards, College Preparatory and Honors ”“ more students will be pushed to excel by taking college prep courses instead of settling for easier fare. Students who are challenged instead of being allowed to coast will find themselves surprised by how well they do. This system should not result in dragging down brighter students or overwhelming those who are struggling because there will still be appropriate levels for everyone’s learning needs.
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