Thumbs up to all the individuals, businesses and others who donated to keep the Joyful Harvest summer program for youth up and running through the rest of the summer. This center is one of the few places that Biddeford’s downtown youth can easily access safe, fun activities and support.

Two of the major donors were the city’s Department of Health and Welfare, which gave $2,500 from its private donation fund for those in need; and Casella, owner of Maine Energy, which donated $2,500 as well. The outpouring of community support for this program, which would have shut down for the rest of the summer without the donations, speaks to its importance as a place that gives youth a chance to find enrichment and growth.

Thumbs up to the communities of Sanford and Biddeford for their participation in National Night Out, an effort to help neighborhoods connect with their police departments. The hot dog and ice cream social in Sanford was a hit, giving families a chance to check out police cruisers and a newly converted Humvee while enjoying treats with those who are sworn to “serve and protect” them. The Bacon Street Festival in Biddeford also served as an opportunity for downtown residents to meet their neighbors and police officers while enjoying a variety of activities, from art projects to a petting zoo. These events provide an important opportunity for people to connect, and those who feel they are part of the community and know their neighbors are more likely to be positive, contributing citizens.

Thumbs down to a proposed ban in Biddeford on the use of engine breaks. These compression release braking systems, also known as “Jake brakes,” allow heavy vehicles like fire engines and dump trucks to stop within a shorter distance and with less wear and tear on the brakes. While they’re certainly loud, these brakes are an important safety feature for heavy trucks and banning them at all times would not only pose safety risks, but also cost taxpayers more as it will lead to the public works and fire department trucks requiring additional maintenance. We like Police Chief Roger Beaupre’s idea of banning the use of engine brakes during the late evening and early morning hours. It’s a compromise that will get rid of some of the noise during times when most people would like it quiet but won’t impose undue restrictions on drivers. And in the meantime, drivers should also be encouraged to be considerate and avoid using the engine brake when it’s not necessary.

Thumbs up to the Nature Conservancy’s Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future interns and the Student Conservation Associates who repaired the Saco Heath boardwalk this summer. The LEAF interns, three high-school aged girls from Chicago, found out why Maine is such a popular vacation spot, even as they braved mosquitoes and hot temperatures, and after their tours of local colleges, we hope they consider coming back. On behalf of York County and all its visitors, we’d like to thank all the volunteers who help maintain the Saco Heath boardwalk and our county’s other natural sites so they can remain accessible for everyone to experience.

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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.