Thumbs up to the students in Wells and Kennebunk who recently served Thanksgiving dinner to their grandparents, family members and other elderly people in their communities. The annual dinners at both Wells Junior High School and Middle School of the Kennebunks offer an opportunity for generations to meet and connect, which has become all too rare nowadays. Serving a comforting, hot meal is also a service to the community and likely filling a need for some seniors who are struggling, or who simply crave some conversation and a smile.

Another thumbs up to all those who will be serving or have contributed to the many free Thanksgiving Day meals taking place on Thursdays, particularly those who are giving up part of the holiday to serve and prepare food, transport people to and from meals or make deliveries. It’s heartening to see the many meals community wide, as well as the boxes and baskets prepared by organizations like York County Shelters that will allow those in need to enjoy a turkey with all of the fixings in their own home.

Thumbs down to the Saco City Council’s decision to purchase a rescue boat at an even higher cost than previously estimated. Last week, the council approved purchasing the multi-mission response boat, which is estimated to cost $127,000. Although we understand the city needs some kind of rescue boat, this seems like an excessive cost for the job that needs to be done. The Coast Guard already does search and rescue operations and answers distress calls along the coastline, and while the twin cities certainly need a boat to cover Saco Bay, the proposal here just sounds too costly for the purpose it would serve. Councilors also declined to table the decision to give the City of Biddeford time to sign an interlocal agreement, which would ensure Biddeford shares in the costs related to patrol of the Saco River and Saco Bay. The Saco City Council has approved the measure, but it has yet to go before the Biddeford City Council. We agree with Councilor Arthur Tardif, who voted against the measure along with Councilor Marie Doucette, when he said, “What’s the rush?” It seems the Saco council is making a hasty decision for a significant purchase that does not have widespread public support.

Thumbs up to the memorial dedicated this week in honor of the late Mathew Baker, who died suddenly last year after making his mark through a career in law enforcement. At the time of his death, Baker, 55, was serving the York County Sheriff’s Office as chief deputy. Prior to that, he had served as police chief in Kennebunk. His family ”“ widow Carol “Tigg” Frieh, who is a sergeant with the Wells Police, and his son, Jason Baker ”“ were on hand for the ceremony and placed a wreath at the memorial. We’re pleased to see Baker honored in this way and hope the memorial will be a reminder of his dedication, inspiring other law enforcement officers who follow in his footsteps.

Thumbs down to whomever hit a nun in Biddeford and continued driving. Although the driver just “clipped” 89-year-old Viola Lausier, it’s unlikely they were unaware that anything happened. Lausier ended up lying in the road, and thanks to some considerate drivers, she was carried into the convent. She sustained a lacerated liver, an inflamed lung, a fractured right arm, a fractured nose and a cut above her right eyebrow. Biddeford Police are asking anyone with information to contact the department.

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.