Thumbs up to the Biddeford Police Department for reinstating its Citizens Police Academy course, which will make the public more aware of the behind-the-scenes operations of the police. It may also help with the department’s public relations, which seem strained at times due to strong enforcement of speed limits.

Thumbs up to the marching bands of our area high schools for their efforts so far this season to perform complex shows that include music, marching and visual effects. These students are truly talented and dedicated and should be commended for their efforts. The Journal wishes them all the best of luck at the Halloween finals.

Thumbs up to those who are participating in the Silver Sneakers program, a Medicare health insurance benefit that allows them to exercise and improve their health. Such benefits can continue, even in the absence of expensive subsidies for Medicare Advantage insurance providers.

Thumbs up to the Arundel selectmen, particularly Selectman Velma Jones Hayes, for instating the Pledge of Allegiance at future selectmen’s meetings. Official municipal meetings should start with some recognition of the bigger picture and a sense of pride in our citizenship, just as legislative meetings do.

Thumbs up to the community of Kennebunkport for its gracious effort to recognize former President George H. W. Bush’s residency. The anchor, donated by the U.S. Navy, is a stately tribute to Bush and a good reminder that, yes, we do live in unique circumstances when a former president lives right next door.

Thumbs up to the volunteers and brave students of the Literacy Volunteers of Maine programs and to the Maine College of Art students who photographed and documented the students’ stories for an exhibit at the Saco Museum. Reading truly is the gateway to freedom and learning ”“ and this exhibit will help remind us what it means to have the privilege of the ability to read. Perhaps it will also inspire people to help pass it on by becoming volunteers.

Thumbs down to the situation at the district attorney’s office, where 12 workers are now doing the work of 20. Holding up the judicial process is a huge setback for justice and these dedicated employees will no doubt be hard pressed by their sense of duty to keep the process moving, even while understaffed. District Attorney Mark Lawrence characterized it as the county walking away “from its responsibility to adequately fund prosecution of crimes.” We couldn’t agree more. We are concerned that criminals are in for an era of prosperity in York County. The rest of us, not so much.

— 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.