thumb• nail (thum’nail’) … 2. anything quite small or brief, as a sm all dra wi ng or sh ort ess ay

Thumbs down to Gov. Paul LePage, who penned a letter to President Obama and Maine’s Congressional representatives opposing federal protections for Cashes Ledge and a proposed national forest in the Millinocket area. Cashes Ledge, located about 80 miles off the coast of Wells, is already off-limits to fishing (though offshore lobster fishing is permitted) because of New England Fisheries Management Council rules dating back to 2003 that were recently reaffirmed in April. Protection in perpetuity for this area, described as the “Yellowstone of the North Atlantic” by Dr. Sylvia Earle of National Geographic will solidify one of the most hopeful marine habitats in the Gulf of Maine.

Thumbs up to all the 18 men and women who flexed their muscles and took part in the Sanford Springvale YMCA Strongman, Strongwoman Competition last weekend. And thanks to those who organized the event, providing a venue for those who train to keep fit and in shape to test their mettle.

Thumbs up to continued funding by a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant program to replace outdated and failing safety equipment. Earlier this week, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced that the Buxton Fire Department will receive $238,435 to replace sets of breathing apparatus that are approaching 40 years old. Seems like its time.

Thumbs up to students, their parents, teachers, bus drivers, crossing guards and everyone else involved with our area’s many school departments as classes commenced for most this week. And thanks to the Stuff the Bus and Tools for School program that helps out students and teachers with school supplies. Have a great year, everyone.

Thumbnails is a Friday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you want to respond, feel free to write to the Readers’ Forum via e-mail (jtcommunity@journaltribune.com) or by dropping your letter off at our office.

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