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Thumbs up to serving the community. Good Samaritan Society-Comforcare’s activity director and chaplain Theresa Turnbull is exactly the type of person that exemplifies the work so many do for our elderly. She’s a kind soul with an affectionate nature who cherishes each day she can help someone in need.

Thumbs up to continuing to fight food insecurity. The announcement this week of the Hometown Food Security Project’s new app that helps coordinate efforts to alleviate food insecurity is yet another big step forward to approaching the issue of hunger in our area. Recently launched, his free app allows community members to connect with food resources and volunteering opportunities and is well worth the download if you are willing to find your place in this effort.

Thumbs up for emergency responders. Being an emergency responder is never easy, but throw in less than unfavorable conditions and it’s always made more challenging. Law enforcement and firefighters coped with chilly, windy temperatures during a number of calls this week and while it certainly couldn’t have been easy, their efforts continue to make us safer make us all feel a lot better.

Thumbs up for area athletes heading to the next level. We had another round of area high school athletes sign their letters of intent this week, opening a door to the next level of their involvement in athletics. We hope the ride waiting for them is fun and rewarding.

Thumbs up for love. In just about a week’s time, the Austin Area Foundation will hold its annual For The Love of Austin, a fundraiser that helps with the organization’s mission of charitable giving. This is an important event as much as it is a fun event and further channels the community’s efforts to help those in Austin and in greater Mower County.