Thumbs Up/Down - January 18, 2013

Talk about it

SIGN STEALER

Thumbs Down: Someone stole the Alexandria Sertoma Club’s Ice Fishing Challenge sign from Legion Park near Subway over the weekend. The incident has been reported to police and anyone with information should call authorities at (320) 763-6631. This was a big 40-foot sign that didn’t just blow away or was taken easily. The zip ties holding the sign to a fence were cut. It was a selfish theft, one that will cost the non-profit service club more than $300 to replace. With the sign gone, some awareness about the February 9 event will also be lost. The club is hoping that whoever did it will do the right thing and put the sign back up.

JOYOUS HOLIDAY GIVING

Thumbs Up: Local United Way leaders give a big thumbs up to the many individuals, families, businesses and community groups who rallied together to provide a bright and joyous Christmas to many families in the area. Santa for Seniors, a program that provides a food basket to local seniors, gifted 159 baskets, including a special delivery from local hockey youth. The Adopt a Family program was able to pair 85 families with generous donors, providing 234 children with gifts under the tree. Local Toys for Tots drives provided gifts to 560 local children, totaling more than 1,600 gifts distributed within Douglas and Pope counties. “The generosity of our communities enable the resounding success of these programs, allowing nearly 1,000 children and seniors to be served this recent holiday season,” noted the United Way.

GUIDING OTHERS

Thumbs Up: In connection with National Mentor Month in January, Lynn Ransom of Alexandria gives a thumbs up to the 55 Jefferson High School students in the Student Match and Cross-Age Tutor programs who are making a difference in a young person’s life. “These high school students give hours of their own time after school to mentor a younger student, providing friendship, guidance, encouragement and academic support,” she said. “We salute them!”

CROSSWALK DANGERS

Thumbs Down: A dark crosswalk on McKay Avenue poses a danger, according to Cindy Frederick, who e-mailed us a thumbs down on the topic. She’s seen a number of close calls there. “What will it take to get this crossing lighted?” she asked. “Even a street light on the corner would be beneficial. Many kids cross here, and something should be done before something tragic happens to one of them. Many of these same children walk McKay Avenue, which provides no sidewalks, and in the winter months with snow-covered roads, they’re required to walk within two feet of oncoming traffic. Let’s do something about this. The traffic will continue to increase, and the children will still continue to walk. Let’s make it safe for our kids to get to school.”

MUSIC TO NEW MOMS’ EARS

Thumbs Up: Douglas County Hospital recently came up with a neat idea to celebrate births. Now, whenever there is a new arrival at The Birth Place, a short lullaby is played over the public address system. Now everyone in listening range can share in the joy. The lullaby will be playing quite often at the hospital. It has about 650 births per year.

Tags: opinion, editorials