A4

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

Thumbs down to the seemingly endless acts of mindless violence and mischief in our communities. Within the last week, the Bugle-Observer has reported on a night of retaliatory incidents of damage to property; two consecutive nights of break, enter and theft at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club; three more fires in the Bath area that appear to be possible arsons; and cemetery headstones pushed over. The warm weather and summer vacations tend to bring a rise in these senseless acts, as more and more people find themselves with too much time on their hands. Upper St. John River Valley residents need to help police curb these actions by reporting suspicious activity and by not being afraid to come forward with information.

Enlarge Photo

Devon Judge

Editor

Thumbs up to the hundreds of community volunteers who make life better for their friends and neighbors. I know I've given local volunteers a thumbs up before, but they keep amazing me over and over again. Last weekend alone volunteers in Nackawic and Meductic separately provided terrific summer festivals. In Bath, more than 255 people showed up to participate in the region's first Cystic Fibrosis Walk and helped earn more than $10,000 for their efforts. In Fosterville, the volunteers with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics held another of its extremely successful breakfasts. Volunteers and local business owners combined to create a successful Festival of Taste in Florenceville-Bristol. These are just the high-profile events. Volunteers work behind the scenes daily for the betterment of the communities.

Jim Dumville

Managing Editor

Thumbs up to the recreation departments – including staff members and volunteers – who encompass the Western Valley region. They, as they have for many decades, provided some great opportunities for local middle and high school athletes, and other recreational participants, to make the best of their summer break. The period from mid-June to late August may go slow for some students, but for those who co-ordinate activities from Grand Falls to Nackawic, it can be a quick 12 weeks for the youngsters under their guidance. Kudos also should go to local parents, fans, and sponsors for lending a hand towards these current, and future, stars of the track, the water, and their respective field of dreams.

Jeffrey Bento-Carrier

Sports Editor

Thumbs down to people who continue to let their dogs defecate on sidewalk. This is very disgusting. How do you think people feel when they are walking along the sidewalk and step in doggy doo? The problem is you don't think at all. It is like walking on a mine field through the downtown in the evenings. Next time you take Rover for a walk, be courteous and clean up after him. If you are too lazy to do that, then maybe he should go before he leaves the yard.

Shawn Merrithew

Staff Journalist