Thumbs up to libraries throughout Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties that will be kicking off their summer reading programs.
Valle Blair, children's librarian at Prendergast Library in Jamestown, notes the theme across the state for summer reading is: Dream Big - Read.
At Prendergast, the Summer Reading Club is for children who want to discover new books and take part in interesting activities - and certainly we should add this is for children whose parents want them to experience for the first time the joy of discovering new books.
Children can sign up for the club starting Monday. Parents in other communities should check with their local libraries.
Thumbs up to the Jamestown Audubon Society and math teacher Patty Lefford for showing fifth- and sixth-grade students at Washington Middle School about using a compass and map to find their way. The special end-of-year orienteering activity was designed to enable students to use real-life math skills - in this instance, in a unique and fun way.
And we simply must add congratulations for showing students an alternative to relying on digital technology to find their way.
We have wondered whether GPS navigation technology will result in a nation of citizens who do not know how to read maps to get from here to there. How will they know where they are in relation to where they have been and where they want to go? How will they know they are not there already?
This is Father's Day weekend and so that mean the fabulous Yassou Festival on the grounds of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Jamestown is under way. Greek music, dancing, food, pastries and warm hospitality await you. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today at Mount Vernon Place and Francis Street.
Thumbs up to the family that finds it in their heart to give "Spartacus" a forever home. He's a 5-year-old handsome short haired black cat that the Humane Society attests has the heart of a gladiator.
''Proof of that is how he has pulled through a rough early life. He has an old injury to one of his paws that has healed, but has left it a little less than perfect. But he has not let that bring him down. He is very loving and a real sweet boy,'' the Chautauqua County Humane Society wrote in a description of this pet-to-be who has been waiting for a new family for a year.
Spartacus qualifies for the Senior for Senior program and can be seen at the Humane Society's center on Strunk Road, just off of Fluvanna Avenue.