Thumbs up to all those who made it to the 17th annual Greek Festival at Saint Demetrios Church and to all those who made the event possible. In addition to all the great food, church members host cultural events like dancing and singing as well as an outdoor market featuring Greek goods. Visitors can also learn about the church and view its beautiful, hand-painted icons adorning the walls and ceilings. This annual event is a treat for the community and an opportunity for families to experience another culture. We look forward to getting our fill of baklava and moussaka once again next year.

Thumbs up to Southern Maine Medical Center’s new in-room dining service. According to hospital officials, workers and patients, the program is a success. Administrators say patients are more likely to eat what they order, as opposed to what they are given, and the food service staff said this is also reducing waste. The hospital’s nutrition staff can also educate patients about healthy choices when they call to order food, which will help them even after they leave the hospital.

Thumbs up to volunteers from Biddeford Church of Christ and the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas who worked last week on multiple projects in the area, including renovating a patio at the Evergreen Manor nursing home in Saco. The two churches have had a relationship for several years, and the Texans have visited Saco before to help out with different volunteer projects. Although the relationship will be coming to an end, the southern hospitality is much appreciated here in Maine, and the members of the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ are thanked for their efforts here and around the world.

Thumbs down to Gov. Paul LePage for his now infamous “Gestapo” comment. Although the governor finally apologized Friday, what he said was offensive and minimized the Holocaust. He, again, used the same, tired excuse, saying he didn’t intend to be offensive to the Jewish community or minimize the Holocaust. And his apology came a week after standing his ground on the comments, and likely only at the urging of his top aides. The governor needs to learn how to speak appropriately in public, and when he slips up, make a timely, heart-felt apology rather than defending his words.

C Thumbs up to the Town of Arundel for continuing to pursue more options for parking near the Eastern Trail entrances and solutions to speeding on the road where it’s accessed. The trail has proved popular with area residents as it offers a nice, clear space to walk and bike. And although some areas, like the Biddeford entrance, have ample parking, others are in need of additional access. Due to the narrow, curvy nature of Limerick Road, keeping motorists under the speed limit will be important for the safety of those entering and exiting the trail. We hope the town is able to work out some additional parking spaces close to where the trail opening is and keep a handle on speeding so more residents can safely enjoy it.

Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ

Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you want to respond, feel free to write to the Readers’ Forum via email at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford office.