Thumbs up to the Dorcas Society of Buxton/Hollis for their determination to continue the tradition of performing “The Old Peabody Pew” every holiday season. Having a live performance of the work of famed author Kate Douglas Wiggin gives residents a true connection to the past and helps them feel a sense of community that would be lost if not for these women’s efforts.

Thumbs down to the accusatory, angry tone that parents and others have directed at Biddeford Superintendent of Schools Sarah-Jane Poli regarding air quality problems at the high school. These problems ”“ some of which are caused by the ongoing renovation project ”“ are being addressed by increased cleaning and a negative air pressure ventilator that will remove dust from the interior of the building. The severe allergic reactions that students have had certainly need to be seriously considered, and every precaution taken to make sure that those who are most sensitive are properly accommodated. However, yelling at meetings and calling the superintendent a “liar” are not appropriate ways to address the problems.

Thumbs up to John Andrews and all the Eastern Trail Alliance volunteers, as well as the town and state officials with whom they have worked, for their continued perseverance in creating the trail. The section connecting Biddeford and Kennebunk is now complete, offering locals and tourists alike a nature hike get-away with easy access from the city. Southern Maine Medical Center should also be applauded for providing parking for trail users, which has been an issue at other locations. Hopefully the trail will be well-used and respected, and the alliance will see its dream of connecting the trail from South Portland to Kittery realized.

Thumbs up to the selectmen of Lyman and Dayton for finally coming to a verbal consensus on the interlocal agreement to manage the Goodwins Mills Fire Department. Plans to transfer the department, which is currently a corporation, to the towns have been in the works since 2007. Voters gave it the go-ahead in June, but hard feelings have been building since then, as the Fire Commission has awaited authority to move forward. The towns’ refusal to consult with the commission members and fire chief during the process seem to have created an us-vs.-them mentality that will not serve them well going forward. We hope the towns sign the agreement, as promised, later this month so that more animosity does not build. With the agreement signed, a chief can be hired and co-ownership of the department can begin.

Thumbs up to the completion of the harbor dredge application in Wells, after three years of work. Multiple issues, from beach nourishment disagreements to allowances for the endangered piping plover, have delayed the application. Now that it is finished, hopefully the state will move forward swiftly in approving the dredge, as local boat owners have struggled with sand buildup that has eliminated some moorings and limits access to others.

Thumbs up for the $8.8 million worth of improvements now complete at Sanford Regional Airport, which will not only improve the facility for pilots but is also designed to draw related businesses to the site. Forward-thinking and investing in such an important piece of infrastructure is key to maintaining the town’s ability to draw visitors and businesses to Sanford.

— 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.