Thumbs up, thumbs down

May 14, 2010

Thumbs up to Discovery Station in downtown Hagerstown, which marked its fifth anniversary this past week. The museum is a great attraction for young and old alike. Congratulations!

Thumbs up to Jefferson County voters for rejecting County Commissioner Jim Surkamp's bid for the Democratic nomination for another term. Surkamp's peculiar behavior - he currently is facing criminal charges - as an elected official finally caught up to him. The county and the other commissioners will be better served without him.

Thumbs up to Hagerstown teens Abby Harp and Kelli Wright, who asked for money instead of presents for their 16th birthdays. They then donated the money - more than $1,800 - to a worthy cause - Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused (CASA) of Hagerstown. That's a sweet way to give back to their community and teaches a lesson for adults and children.

Thumbs up to the Hagerstown branch of the American Association of University Women for the success of its 48th annual AAUW book sale to provide scholarships to Washington County girls and women to continue their education. Thanks to the hardworking members who devoted many hours during the past year sorting, pricing and boxing more than 50,000 books. That takes great dedication.

- Submitted by a reader

Thumbs down to businesses, private dwellings, educational and professional centers, and government buildings that fly the American flag when it is weather-beaten, dirty, tattered and torn. And to those who display it in the vertical position with the canton (containing the 50 stars) in the upper right corner. This compares to the way our national anthem is distorted and jazzed up by today's popular singers. Where is the respect?

- Submitted by a reader

Thumbs up to the 13 Washington County athletes from 12 high schools and Hagerstown Community College who were honored Tuesday night at the True Grit Awards banquet at Fountain Head Country Club. Even though they might not be the stars of their teams, the honorees' ability to overcome adversity is something that everyone can admire.

Thumbs up to the more than 50 Washington County public-safety employees who were honored last week at the 2010 Public Safety Awards for their outstanding performances. Also recognized at the event were a handful of private citizens who were acknowledged for helping police in the line of duty.

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