Thumbs Up/Down - January 4, 2013

Talk about it

KIDS CAROLING

Thumbs Up: An Alexandria grandmother was shopping at Elden’s Fresh Foods in Alexandria on December 20 when she received an unexpected treat: 20 to 30 kindergarten kids with five or six teachers sang Christmas carols from the bottom of their hearts. “It was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “How wonderful this Christmas cheer was. So thanks to the group of kids and teachers. You made a ton of smiles on everyone’s faces today.”

SANTA’S RADIO SOURCE

Thumbs Up: And speaking of spreading Christmas cheer, an Alexandria resident was impressed with Z99 program director, Tom E. Lee, who had “Santa” on his morning radio show on Christmas Day. “Not only did Santa play Christmas music, but he said hello to my kids and other kids by name,” the resident said. “Tommy had put on Facebook that if we wanted to have Santa say hello to our kids to let him know. Tommy went above and beyond what is expected for Christmas on a radio station. Hats off to him for working on Christmas and bringing a smile to the faces of so many children.”

A MESMERIZING CONCERT

Thumbs Up: Those who attended a December 16 concert at Jefferson High School were treated to the concert of a lifetime, from the first chime to the last, said an impressed Alexandria resident. “I was mesmerized by the songs and the artistic talent of these students and directors of the choir and orchestras and the Lincoln Elementary students,” she said. “Programs like this should be pursued more in schools. Being musically talented is a gift. It fills people with peace and gives students direction and discipline. As I watched these students perform, I could see the love of music pouring out of their instruments and voices. Thanks for such an enjoyable evening.”

GIVING BACK TO OTHERS

Thumbs Up: Here’s a story that holds a lesson for everyone about giving back to others, no matter what your own situation may be. When he was just a baby, Jason Dalum suffered neurological damage that left him with many medical problems, according to his friends who told the newspaper Dalum’s story. He’s had many hospitalizations, surgeries, agonizing pain and ongoing procedures throughout his life. At age 36, the Alexandria graduate, who now lives in Dalton, still has a positive outlook on life. He and his mother have donated toys, sent craft projects to veterans and have helped nursing homes, children with disabilities, ambulances, The Salvation Army and other organizations. His biggest work has been with helping animals. “He told his mother years ago, animals never pick on you and love you unconditionally,” a friend said. Dalum has shared his pets with others to help brighten their days. He also recently donated to the Douglas County Humane Society. “Jason is the spirit of Christmas giving,” the friend added.

CELL PHONE DISRUPTIONS

Thumbs Down: Despite warnings and signs, it still continues to happen: People let their cell phones go off during concerts, presentations, movies and other public events. It is especially annoying at public meetings, such as city council or county board, when those attending are trying to concentrate on the issues being debated. We give a double thumbs down to those who actually answer the phone and try to carry on a conversation in such settings instead of quickly silencing their phone. It’s rude and selfish behavior.

FISHING FUN

Thumbs Up: Members of the Alexandria Lakes Area Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing wrapped up another successful year and deserve a thumbs up for all their efforts. A total of 2,151 seniors, mentally and physically challenged adults and youth were able to enjoy area lakes. Some of the group’s other accomplishments: Serving 268 meals at its fifth annual fish fry at the Elks lodge; helping 103 boys and girls participate in three hours of classroom training prior to having the opportunity to go out on three different fishing trips; taking 1st through 5th grade children on a field trip to Smokey Timbers Camp; organizing a second annual Walk-A-Thon at City Park; giving 17 veterans a boating and fishing trip on Veterans Day, followed by a fish fry; collaborating with the Viking Sportsmen to provide a field trip for local 6th graders by providing pontoons for the children to receive lessons from Department of Natural Resources biologists; and holding a banquet for the program’s 100 awesome volunteers.

Tags: opinion, editorials