Thumbs up to all of our military veterans, retired and active, and to those who helped plan Wednesday’s parades and ceremonies honoring their service. It is important each year to take time out to remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women (and their families), who have kept us safe from threats of all sorts over the years.

Thumbs up to the efforts of the FBI and the Sanford and Milton, N.H. police, as well as hunter Mike Grant for their efforts to locate and retrieve 2-year-old Hailey Traynham after she was taken by her father following his alleged assault on the mother. Hailey’s prompt rescue alleviated the fears of her family and possibly prevented any further desperate acts on her father’s behalf.

Thumbs up to the staff and volunteers at Equest therapeutic riding program and to all the community members who have donated to its Veterans Program. The horseback riding allows veterans a unique opportunity to transition back into daily life and reconnect with their families.

Thumbs up to the downtown revitalization efforts in both Sanford and Biddeford. With the recent sale of Sanford’s Stenton Trust mill and the pending historic district designation for Biddeford, more life is poised to be breathed back into the downtowns, whether it’s living space, business space or both.

Thumbs up to the citizens of Arundel who are participating in the Motorcycle Noise Abatement Committee, looking for a fairminded approach to the problem. While the Legislature moves to address concerns about excessive motorcycle noise, communities such as Arundel, which has two major highways running through it, are wise to make an effort to address the controversial problem locally in the meantime.

Thumbs up to the City of Saco for making a concerted effort to increase the availability of affordable housing in town, particularly for senior citizens. A lot of talk has been going around about the problem, but the city is actually taking steps to make sure that people have an affordable option to call home in the future.

Thumbs up to the Sodexo food service group at the University of New England and all of those who contributed to their massive food drive, which culminated with food pickups at the campus last Thursday. Though the holiday season is upon us, putting the need for food at the forefront of everyone’s minds, the need is present all year long and pantries need all the support they can get to  help feed those in need. The recession has hit Maine families, with many people having lost their jobs, and pantries are experiencing an increase in demand for foodstuffs.