Thumbs up to all of those who took the time to attend the Maine Energy Recovery Company buyout proposal public hearing on Tuesday, July 3, to make sure the Biddeford City Council heard their concerns, kudos and comments. Whether it passes or fails, goes to a public vote or is decided by the council as planned, this is a huge decision for the city. Many people have been waiting nearly 30 years for the waste incinerator to be demolished or move away, while others are dreading the thought of losing the well-paying jobs and tax money it provides.

The council is set to vote on July 31, so residents still have time to see the full buyout proposal on the city’s website, and tell their councilor what their thoughts are on the matter before it’s too late to affect the decision.

Thumbs up to the Kennebunk selectmens’ insistence that businesses in town identify themselves as being located in Kennebunk, not Kennebunkport. While the Port is certainly more well-known nationally because of the Bush family residence on Walker’s Point, it’s not the only tourist hub in this area. Kennebunk has done a lot lately to promote itself as a tourist destination, and there’s no denying that it is. In fact, many visitors who are drawn to the Kennebunkport name will undoubtedly find themselves in its neighboring town, visiting shops and eating at restaurants. The more businesses that identify with the Port instead, the longer it will take for tourists to become familiar with the identity of Kennebunk ”“ and come to Maine for its attractions.

Thumbs up to American Legion Post No. 96 for setting up a bin to collect worn American flags recently in Saco. This bin, in the small green space at the corner of Storer and Main streets, allows people an easy drop-off spot for old flags that have become ripped, weathered and faded. The only proper way to dispose of a worn-out American flag, according to flag code, is to ceremonially burn it, but most people do not have the capacity to do that on their own. The Legion’s effort makes it more convenient, and therefore more likely, that all those particularly old Ol’ Glories will be retired with the proper respect. The bin will be in place until about mid-July, after which time people should call their local legion to inquire about flag disposal opportunities.

Thumbs up to the firefighters who raised money and had their heads shaved for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which works to find a cure for childhood cancers. Firefighters from Berwick, Eliot, Lebanon and Somersworth, N.H. all got the extreme haircuts to show solidarity with children who are undergoing chemotherapy, and hoped to raise upwards of $4,000 through their efforts. Especially for the women who took part, this brave hair razing will be a conversation starter that will hopefully educate others about the plight of children with cancer and help the organization fund the research that will lead to better treatments ”“ and maybe even a cure.

Thumbs up to all of those who helped to organize the month-long celebration of Saco’s 250th anniversary, which wrapped up with a multitude of events this past weekend, including a square dance, street fair and strawberry shortcake social. Such a momentous occasion doesn’t happen more than once in a lifetime, and Saco really did it up, with a variety of historical, festive and educational offerings. Congratulations on a historic birthday bash.

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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 email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.