Thumbs up to the area high school students and others who participated in the United Way’s “Keeping York County Warm” initiative this past Thursday. The students, from Biddeford, Noble and Kennebunk high schools and The New School in Kennebunk, helped local homeowners with weatherization projects such as installing insulated stripping and door sweeps.

Their efforts came together with the work of Biddeford Regional Center of Technology students, who created plastic panels to cover leaky windows, and donations from area service clubs to make these home improvements happen. It’s an important service to help homeowners who might not be otherwise able to afford or install such improvements themselves. Making these changes will save them money on heating, allowing them to use it toward other needs, or to spend more to boost the local economy.

Thumbs up to the Arundel Board of Selectmen for its decision to put off an expensive study and instead first host a workshop for discussion of withdrawing from Regional School Unit 21. Several in town have expressed interest in getting out of the relationship with RSU 21, which was forced by the state in 2009, but the process is complicated so it will serve the town well to have an information session before a petition is circulated about town to gauge interest. The town would be well-served by a study that will show whether secession from the school district would in fact be cheaper for taxpayers. However, that study will be expensive, and we’re glad to see Selectman Thomas Danylik stand his ground on waiting for official interest from voters ”“ a completed petition ”“ before spending their money.

Thumbs up to all of those who have a good case of holiday spirit this year, from those who have festively decorated their homes to the many volunteers and participants in holiday festivals and craft fairs. Christmas Prelude in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport is ongoing through this weekend, while Biddeford, Sanford and Old Orchard Beach welcomed the Christmas season this past weekend. These gatherings, big and small, are a great way to build community and get into the spirit of “peace on earth, good will toward men.”

Thumbs down to Rep. David Burns of Alfred, who was found to have violated eight Maine election laws by the Maine Ethics Commission last week. Burns is now facing the possibility of criminal prosecution due to his alleged actions, which include falsifying records and misusing Maine Clean Election Act funds. In the meantime, he has embarrassed himself and this county through his actions. We hope the commission’s findings against him do not persuade anyone that the clean elections system does not work appropriately. Indeed, it seems the commission is on top of its duty to monitor such infractions on the use of taxpayer money, and it’s encouraging, at least, to see them doing their job.

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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.