Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down - Jan. 8

January 07, 2011

Thumbs up to the anonymous donor whose promise to match funds up to $10,000 led to an overwhelming surge in donations for three local organizations in November and December. REACH Caregivers received $72,000 by the Dec. 15 deadline, while Holly Place and the Community Free Clinic of Washington County also surpassed the $10,000 goal.

Thumbs up to U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., who became the longest-serving woman in the history of the U.S. Senate this week. Mikulski's candor and willingness to get straight to the point have made her a highly effective senator. She also helped break down barriers for other women to serve in the Senate.

Thumbs up to the more than 300 people who participated in last weekend's Polar Bear Plunge at River Bottom Park in Williamsport. Those who took the icy dip in the Potomac River did it for a good cause, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Humane Society of Washington County.

Thumbs up to The Salvation Army, which is closing in on its $1.8 million fundraising goal to build a new facility that would include new offices and a gymnasium in Hagerstown's West End. This facility is much needed for The Salvation Army, which has outgrown its current space.

Thumbs up to Dan and Bonnie Elgin, David and Margaret Swacina, Bill and Linda Showalter, and Fred and Norma Craver, four local married couples who get together monthly to work on their relationships. This is a great idea for couples who want to strengthen their marriages in a nonconfrontational setting.

Thumbs up to all those who had a hand in the renovation of the swimming pool and the pool's locker rooms at James Buchanan High School in Mercersburg, Pa. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the renovated pool and locker rooms are something the community can be proud of.

Thumbs down to the Miami Dolphins, who met with Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh about the Dolphins' head coaching job. One problem — the Dolphins currently have a head coach in Tony Sparano. Even though the Dolphins decided to stick with Sparano, it was unfair to leave him hanging while someone else interviewed for his job. This is only the latest situation where a team goes after the next hot coach while the current coach is left twisting in the wind. Is there no shame in professional sports?

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