“Thumbs up to Mr. Shawn McDonough — a wonderful teacher at CHS!  He was just awarded the NH School Advisor of the Year!  Well deserved!  Congratulations!”

“Thumbs down to LFD Fire Log.  What’s with listing the streets in Litchfield?  That’s not a fire log.  A little more detail would make more sense!”

“Thumbs down to the Hudson Police for not responding to Clark’s Car Care before the altercation last week, even though two frantic phone calls were made before!  I am a huge supporter of the HPD, but you guys totally dropped the ball this time.  It should not have to come down to the owner unfortunately having to take matters into his own hands and defend himself, his family, and his customers against an (assumed) mentally unstable man!  Fortunately for everyone, no one was hurt (or killed) during the incident.  The owners of Clark’s are wonderful people and deserved to be treated much better than they were.  Hope a lesson was learned not to ignore a call because you think nothing will come of it.”

“Thumbs down, why was Pinard picking up our recycled items via a regular trash truck this week?  Will those items be recycled or dumped with the other trash?  Makes me wonder why I went out in the rain with those separated bins when I could have just dumped it in with the regular garbage.”

“Thumbs up to LMS track team for a great job so far.”

“Thumbs up to Sam for an incredible job on the 200.”

“Thumbs up to Al.  Happy 60th birthday.  Hope you have 60 more.”  Len

“Thumbs down to the Hudson Police Department for releasing false information regarding Tom Clark and Clark’s Car Care.  Clark’s Car Care is a very reputable business in the town of Hudson and Tom Clark, owner and operator, is a very honest and well-respected person in the town of Hudson.  We are behind you 100% Tom.”

“Thumbs up to the woman who stopped on Lawrence Road.  She accidentally hit my kitten and came looking for me which I thought was tremendously awesome for her to do, because two weeks before my other Siamese cat was hit on Lawrence Road and somebody just drove away.  I want to thank her and wish her well with her cats.”

“Thumbs up to Amanda, Amber, Jilian, Kathryn, Nicolette, Meghan, Caroline, Jonathon, Jeremy, Adam, and Ryan — my fourth grade CCD class.  You guys were a lot of fun this year and made me laugh.  Have a great summer!”  Mrs. Quinlan

“Thumbs up to my husband Stephen!  Logan is so lucky to have a daddy like you.  Every day we anxiously wait for you to come home from work.  You make us smile!  We love you!”

“Thumbs down to the trash pickup company in Hudson.  Your trucks drive all over town with trash blowing out of them.  Thanks to you, every street in Hudson is littered with trash.”

“Thumbs up to the Town of Hudson school department.  Thank you!”  One happy town resident

“Thumbs up to the highway department for patching some of our holes.  Thanks a lot!  You did a nice job.”

“Thumbs up to the Hudson Police.  An officer helped my daughter with a flat tire on the intersection of Melendy and Belknap several weeks ago.  It’s nice to know when you can’t get to your child the Hudson Police are there to help.  Thank you.”

“Thumbs up /down? to the owner/manager of Bell Tower Plaza.  My friends and I patronize this plaza several times a month (some almost daily!) and we’re terribly disappointed with the condition of the building.  The siding is filthy and the trim needs painting badly!  You have some wonderful businesses located there, so show some pride and respect for your tenants and their customers by cleaning things up.”  Thank you.  Signed, concerned patrons

“Thumbs up to Miss Amanda and Miss Lynn and the whole staff at Creative Little Angels for taking such good care of me while my mommy and daddy work.  You make me happy, learn me things, kiss my boo-boo’s, and give me so much love that I love coming to school!  And my mommy says she’s so happy to know that I’m learning so much because you take the time to teach the toddlers, and that I’m safe all day.  Me and mommy and daddy thank you so much for all the care you give me.”  Your friend, Calleigh

“Thumbs up, a round of enthusiastic applause, high-fives, and a big heartfelt hug to ‘Gooj’ for breaking that old track record!  You go, girl!  (Just make sure you come back…)”

“Thumbs up to the zealous over-achiever who has been functioning as the president of the junior class.  The extreme effort and dedication that you have displayed this year should help to make you a very successful figurehead in the future!”

“Thumbs down to the speeders on Hurley Street in Hudson.  There are 14 kids in this neighborhood — slow down!  The speed limit is 25 — not 40, not 60.  When you drive by and you are a blur, you are going too fast.  God forbid you hit one of our kids.  A word to the wise — you’ll have the whole neighborhood on your tail.  Do the speed limit or, trust me, you’ll have the police calling you.  I am really good at tracking license plates!”

“Thumbs up to my anonymous mail.  Thank you for sending me the editorial letter I wrote for the HLN paper; it was very informative and so well-written.  I must pat myself on the back for being such a wonderful writer.  I do dare to say that you may want to visit back to grammar school on how to address a letter; it was incomplete and spelled wrong, which gave me a little chuckle.  I have a right to speak out when I see town officials being corrupt, unethical, and irrational; that is my right as an American.  At least I am not a coward and sign my name to my editorials and don’t send people anonymous mail.  Get a life!”

“Thumbs down to the new strip mall.  The nightly traffic jams it causes on Lowell Road are worse than ever.  Fighting that awful traffic adds 10 minutes to my commute from work every single day.  Those stores in there couldn’t pay me to shop there!”

“Thumbs down to the athletic director of Campbell High School for not keeping up-to-date on the NHIAA Website.  There are some people in town that cannot attend all games and would like to see if the team won or lost.  Also, it’s nice to see the standings and see where our teams stand up against other teams in Class M.  We can’t do that now because it is never updated.  Also, a small write-up for each game on the site wouldn’t hurt to see who did what, like other schools do.  Get on top of this!”

“Thumbs up to the Nashua Telegraph online article Alvirne tells students who are thinking of PDAs: Kiss off.”

“Thumbs up to the sand sweeper who did a great job on Copeland Drive.  Sorry it took three times back and forth to clear up what several home owners could not pick up themselves; instead, just blowing all that sand on the street.  Luckily there was no accident coming around that corner before the sweeper came and cleaned up their mess.”

“Thumbs up to the responsible mother who took her daughter for a pedicure/manicure!  I, as my mother did, surprise my daughter once a year and play hookie.  One very special day or half day, I usually surprise her before lunch period.  She doesn’t know when it’s happening.  No, I don’t think this will cause her to skip school when she is older.  Nor do I think she won’t get into an Ivy League school because I spend one extra special day a year with her.  It is not a message about school being more important; you may be missing the point.  It’s a message about those ‘little things’ we do for our kids that will make them better, more caring adults.  She will remember these days together as I do from my mother.  You don’t learn that in school; it’s at home.  By the way, my daughter is a straight A student.”

“Thumbs up to Mr. Guiffrida and Mr. McDonald for keeping the Alvirne High School band’s parents up-to- date with pictures of the band’s trip to Annapolis, Maryland on their Website.  Thank you so much!”

“Thumbs up to Mr. Gerry Bastien for getting the Teacher of the Year award!”

“Thumbs up and ‘thank you’ to all of the chaperones that went with Alvirne’s High School Band to Annapolis, Maryland during school vacation.  We know that our kids are in good hands.  Thank you so much!”

“Thumbs up, Hallelujah; thank God!  We have our neighborhood back.  Just in time for summer vacation.  No worries, no fights — our prayers have been answered.  The family that has terrorized our neighborhood for a year has finally moved on.  The mom should realize that being a single parent has nothing to do with how people treat her.  It’s her and her two boys’ lack of common sense and respect for other people.  Good luck.”

“Thumbs up to the anonymous letter.  We had a good ole time sitting around the bonfire, kicking back some beers, and debating which crazy town resident sent it.  At least she has the guts to sign her name to her editorial letters.  Do us the respect and tell us your name so we can see who wins the wager.  By the way, you need some help on addressing a letter.  Thanks for the great debate!  What a fun night talking about all you crazies!”

“Thumbs down to the individuals walking their dogs along the wooded corner lot of Griffin Lane/Lance Ave. in Litchfield.  Do you see the property markers?  Just because it is woods, does not give you permission to freely walk your dogs there!  If your dog leaves something behind, you should also pick up after them!  Everyone does their best to keep their yards nice.  Please be considerate of our neighborhood.”

“Thumbs down to so many pizza joints in Hudson and not a single KFC!”

“Thumbs up to the Hudson police officer who did not pull me over when I almost crashed head on with him.  You were coming out of the other part of Market Basket parking lot and I was turning left to exit.  I never see any cars come out of that part of the lot and now I stay prepared.  At least I was not on a cell phone or my reflexes probably would not have been as quick.  I hope you would have stopped me if I was.  Thanks for the break, this time.”

“Thumbs up to Coach Dennis and Coach Alan from Hudson Fire Soccer team.  You are two of the few coaches left who are coaching for the right reasons — the kids.  The kids are having fun, doing well, and no one is sitting on the bench!  Hooray for coaches like you!”

“Thumbs up to Mr. B. and all the members of the Alvirne High School Concert Band and Jazz Band for all the awards they got in Annapolis, Maryland.”

“Thumbs down to the foster couple whose first question when a newborn baby is placed with them is ‘When will we be financially supplemented?’  Thumbs down when the foster couple puts the child in daycare for the state to pay for, yet babysits other children in their home.  Thumbs down to the court for considering this couple for adoption and not giving the child to family.”

“Thumbs up to Kristen C. for being selected as the winner of the $1,500 2008/2009 Psychology Scholarship at UNH Manchester.  Congratulations!”  Love from Mom, Dad, and Lindsay!”

“Thumbs down to the anonymous writer who decided to attack Selectman Doug Robinson.  How dare you attack my father’s integrity and loyalty towards his family?  How cruel does one need to be to disregard a recent widower’s feelings and write a personal, public attack?  He did a loving and selfless sacrifice for his family.  Obviously, your judgment of character is somewhat skewed.”  Proud daughter and not afraid to be put as anonymous, Katie Robinson

“Thumbs up to T-Bones and Cactus Jack’s restaurants.  They just had a drawing called ‘Let’s Trade a Meal’ and some of the proceeds went to New Hampshire food banks.  They were able to donate enough money to feed 40,000 people!  What a miracle that T-Bone’s and Cactus Jack’s restaurants and dealers could donate so much for the good of our community.  Thanks to Lovering Volvo dealership, Granite State Cabinetry, New England Sigh and Sound, The Polaris ATV, Resort Vacation Prize, and Centrix Bank.  God’s blessings and Thumbs up!”  From Junior and Ellie Gendron

“Thumbs up to all those paving crews.  What a nice job; you made our ride nice.  Keep up the good work. 

“Thumbs up to PJ for donating his Locks of Love!  Way to go buddy!”  M,D,J,H and PD!

“Thumbs up to AHS concert band and stage band for bringing home the gold from Annapolis.”

“Thumbs up to AHS band students for their incredible display of character, sportsmanship, courtesy, pride, and overall class during their trip to Annapolis.  Obviously a cut above most other schools.”

“Thumbs up to the amazing Linda Caporale for winning one of the most prestigious awards of the Annapolis music festival, and one of only three such awards given out amongst hundreds of band performers from up and down the east coast — “top percussionist” in the music festival.  Congratulations!”

“Thumbs up to AHS band trumpet line!  They also won one of top three “Maestro Awards” at the Annapolis music festival, giving Alvirne two of the top three individual awards.”

“Thumbs up to Alvirne’s band students.  The town of Hudson has a lot to be proud of with the performances on and off the stage by these kids at the Annapolis music festival.”

“Thumbs up to AHS concert band and stage band for winning the ‘God-Superior Achievement’ awards, plus two of the top three individual awards at the Annapolis music festival.”

“Thumbs up to CSL tours for an incredibly well-planned and organized trip to Annapolis, MD, for AHS band.  We love you, Chris and Nancy.”

“Thumbs up to AHS Band Director Gerry Bastien and his wife Dee.  Hudson is so fortunate to have this couple so dedicated to, and enthusiastic about, teaching and working with our band students.  We love you, Mr. and Mrs. B.”

“Thumbs up to all AHS band percussionists — you rock!”

“Thumbs up to New Look Dental and Dr. Elkeed’s wonderful staff.  Dr. Elkeed was so kind and gentle; I didn’t feel a thing!  As a matter of fact, I am going back next week for more work!  To the girls in the office and behind the scenes — you are so nice!  They even share their snacks!  I wish you success in your new location and thank you for improving the property with your beautiful new office!”

“Thumbs down to Hudson police for tailgating me all the way to my driveway after a long hard day at work.  Normally I wouldn’t mind but it’s getting a little silly.  This is a town, not a prison camp, and if you guys are bored why don’t you go park up on the highway with the rest of the Hudson force?  I swear you guys like pulling people over just to hear your leather squeak.  Lighten up!”

“Thumbs down to Hudson Selectman for voting against the $5,000 donation from Wal-Mart to the police department.  Wonder why, since you did not state your reason.  You don’t seem to give up free meals from local businesses!”

“Thumbs down to Hudson Selectman for voting against the acceptance of federal funds for the police department to run DWI Patrols.  As a person who has lost a family member to a drunk driver, I cannot understand your vote.  Are you not supposed to be responsible for the safety of the public?”

“Thumbs up to the Hudson DPW and the four selectmen for using town funds to pave Burnham Road.  We appreciate it.”

“Thumbs up to the people at Specialty Kitchen.  You did an awesome job on remodeling my kitchen and on time!”

“Thumbs down to parents who have raised untrustworthy, irresponsible, inconsiderate teens who have no regard for the law.  I hope no one in Hudson is assaulted or robbed while the police are checking up on kids to make sure they are not drinking alcohol when their parents have gone away for the weekend.  If you can’t trust your own teens, then stay home and babysit them yourself; that is your job.  That grant money should be spent on teaching parents how to discipline their own children.  Clearly, some parents don’t have a clue.”

“Thumbs up to the vice- principal at Litchfield Middle School.  Why is he not principal?  His genuine concern for our children puts him above the rest, in my opinion.  He returns calls promptly and gets the job done.  Hats off to you, Mr. L!”

“Thumbs up to both crossing guards at Hudson Memorial School.  I appreciate the pleasant demeanor and helpful spirit I see in both of you.  I am grateful for what you do!”

“Thumbs down to all the road work and dumb places going up in Hudson.  Wow, we will have a new pharmacy right across from CVS.  It’s starting to look more and more like ‘trashua.’  Oh yeah, the guy on the bridge begging for money while opening a new pack of smokes really makes our ‘town’ look great too!”

“Thumbs up to Pelham Firefighter Hodge for responding to the alarms at my house during the recent power outage.  You were professional, courteous, and helpful.  The department and town should be proud to have you on board.”

“Thumbs down to the Pelham~Windham News for giving so much space to the anti-education PSB member.  What a crock!  How about interviewing the newest member of the PSB and get some fresh ideas out there?”

“Thumbs up and thank you to Hillside Country Store for letting us be there on Saturday the 22nd.”  From the PESBI team mystery of toys

“Thumbs up to Ted Z. for passing Safe Hunter Initial Training!  We always knew you had it in you!  Great job!”  From your neighbors up the hill

“Thumbs up to the ladies who walk the Harris Lake daily, not just for exercise but also always picking up anything drivers throw out their windows.  Kudos to them for doing this and keeping that area spotless.  Thanks so much!”

“Thumbs down to the people who complain about trying to ‘slow down’ traffic that use Shepherd Drive as a highway.  You can blame the town for letting the grade of that road be so steep (never mind Lannan) and letting DHB builders do whatever they want in this town.  The road can’t help but make you speed (coming from Spring Street) where stop signs were designed to put in to remind people to slow down.  It’s 25 miles an hour — respect it!”

“Thumbs up to the Pelham Rec. Department for getting the kids who were on the Tot Soccer wait list on a team!  Special thanks to Kelly who worked very hard to find those shirts in the back room!”

“Thumbs up to Cheryl at The Beauty Cottage for doing such good foils!”

“Thumbs down to people who complain about gas prices, then drive their SUV’s like a racecar.  Don’t accelerate like a drag racer, and on highways slow down from 70-75 and save gas.  But if your going to drive as fast as you can all the time, stop complaining about gas prices.”

“Thumbs up to Grants Cleaning Service of Pelham for doing such a wonderful job refinishing the fellowship hall at the Congregational Church and for doing it at such a generous price.  Big Thumbs up to Grants Cleaning Service.”

“Thumbs up to the Pelham Police Department for doing an outstanding job of keeping our roads safe from speeders and just basically keeping our roads safe, for keeping an eye on us, and for keeping us safe.  People need to slow down in Pelham.  They go way too fast and somebody is going to get hurt some day.  I just appreciate the police department responding to my needs and a lot of people’s needs.”

“Thumbs down to the Pelham School Board for not letting the taxpayers know exactly how their $350,000 was spent on the four-school model plan.  Did Mr. Marinase get all that money or did attorney Spike Hayes get his commission for the land project from this money?  The school board needs to show the taxpayers how they spent our hard-earned money.  To say that $350,000 is all gone – that is unacceptable.”

“Thumbs down to you!  Many moms do stop in front of the post office to drop mail quickly.  It is much easier and quicker than unbuckling a couple children.  If this is the only problem you have to complain about – you are a lucky lady!”

“Thumbs up to karma!”

“Thumbs up to the coach of the Pelham Memorial softball team for being such a helpful instructor for the kids and demonstrating such patience with needy parents who have nothing better to do than complain.”

“Thumbs up to Officer Marshall.  Sorry to see you leave.  You will be missed.  Best wishes on starting your family!”

“Thumbs down to special interests!  Please place yourself in the shoes of the average taxpayer and for once stop thinking of yourself.  Tougher times are ahead.  Having lived through this before we will survive but we will all need to work together.  Forget those personal visions of what Pelham’s future is going to look like.  Our problem comes from the top down.  Belts are being tightened all over, but not yours.  Why is this?  Folks, doing what is right is not always easy — protect our future!  It was not raining when Noah started to build the ark.”

“Thumbs up to Pelham School Board Member Linda Mahoney.  She has been accused of being anti-education (and more) by those who haven’t a clue.  She owes this town nothing, yet she spends countless hours working on behalf of the taxpayers and students in this town and spends her days working with special needs students.  She has kids in school.  Time and time again, she has proven to be the only school board member who is a true advocate for the kids and is the only school board member who actually works in a school!”

“Thumbs up to Linda Mahoney on the Pelham School Board.  This town needs more people like her.  She questions, does her research, and expects accountability.  She also has a virtue most other elected officials lack.  She has the ability to always conduct herself in a professional manner in spite of threats, insults, lies, and hateful comments directed at her by a select few.  Why she puts up with it is beyond me, but I am glad she does and so aren’t a lot of other people I know.  You go, girl!”

“Thumbs down to PSACC.  There is a serious supervision problem.  I am disappointed and do not feel that you are doing what you are being well paid to do.  Maybe you should institute yet another fee for proper supervision.”

“Thumbs down to the selectman that was a hillbilly, and now is a yuppie, probably due to the money he made as a selectman.  He is mad at us hillbillies for our ‘no’ votes; now he wants to change our form of government to take the vote away from the people.  This is not right, as too many young men gave up their life so that we can vote.  Now he wants to take that away from us.  Do not let him take your vote away.”

“Thumbs down to the vice-president of the major league/little league baseball team in Pelham.  Once again, he is completely screwing everything up.  The games have already started and he hasn’t gotten the schedules out to anybody yet.  A lot of the children are quitting.  He’s been in the town for 30 years.  He’s got the whole league upside down.  Something’s got to be done about this guy.  You see him once on opening day and you never see him again.  Just a terrible job.”

“Thumbs up to the Hardknock Life and Sunnyside dancers for a fantastic competition season!  Your hard work has paid off and brings a smile to everyone who watches you dance.  Keep up the good work!”

“Thumbs down to the inconsiderate Summer Day Care that forces parents to register for summer care when there is still snow on the ground, but then waits until there is less than a month of school left to hand out the summer schedule so parents can plan their summer.  Try being a little more considerate and compassionate to the people who pay your wages.  There should be ‘no exceptions’ to that, yet it’s hardly ever practiced.”

“Thumbs down to anyone who can host a phony liberal hypocrite like John Edwards in their mansion and then preach to the common folk about energy consumption.  Then again, you must think you live in a humble abode aside of the ambulance chaser’s 28,200 sq ft mega-mansion.  It takes one liberal hypocrite to support another.”

“Thumbs down to Amy Evans and her condescending piece on ‘going green.’  For years I’ve been doing just what you sanctimoniously lectured us ‘unenlightened imbeciles’ on.  Only difference is that when I started decades ago when it was not en vogue, I was ridiculed and called cheap by the same snot-nosed yuppies if I reused a plastic water bottle or glass jar.  I have no doubt you recycle religiously.  Global warming has become the new Godless religion of the left; that’s for sure.  I always do the right thing, so stay out of my business.”

“Thumbs down to the Alpha-Mom that has to use Thumbs down as a forum to vent her bully and cowardly immature points.  If you’re not sending letters to numerous people in your social circle crying about something ridiculous, you send it in to this paper.  Everyone knows that is you — grow up!”

“Thumbs down to the weekly lynching of Linda Mahoney.  Yet every time I submit a Thumbs down that implicates a Windham School Board Member the editors protect their identity.  Why are the liberal editors protecting the oligarchy in Windham?  A rhetorical question of course, but who is greasing them up?”

“Thumbs down to marxist editors that hack our submissions and then don’t make the proper grammatical adjustments.  You only make yourselves look stupid, nobody else.”

“Thumbs up to Lance Ouellette and his crew with A Handy Company.  We switched our landscapers after ten years and we were really nervous but we actually made a great choice.  Lance and his crew did a wonderful job for us.  We’re extremely happy.  We couldn’t be more pleased and we just wanted the Windham/Pelham residents to know.  If you need a really good landscaper who’s going to come in and give a very detailed, old-fashioned service, you need to give them a call.  You did a great job!  Thank you very much.”

“Thumbs down to the Pelham Police.  I just read in your newspaper that there are at least five officers looking for jobs elsewhere because of the pay.  Well, it’s pretty bad to stay when the pay is so bad.  Why aren’t these guys out there working the traffic details?  All I see are other officers from Salem, Windham, and Hudson working in the streets of Pelham.  I guess the pay can’t be that bad if these guys are doing it.”

“Thumbs up, in these hard economic times it’s nice to have a developer in Pelham not only build a great over-55 community behind Rite Aid and hire local subcontractors, but he also treats all the workers on site to a wonderful cookout each Friday.  Thanks, Dave M.  Keep up the good work.”

“Thumbs up to the Pelham High School Drama Club and Creative Cooking Class for a wonderful dinner/ theatre experience.  The food was delicious and the play was very funny.  Congratulations on a job well done!  We hope to see more in the future.”

“Thumbs down, When will the people understand that it wasn’t so much a ‘no’ vote on everything but it was the amounts!  Why can’t we build a new school with a smaller cost and not so fancy?  Same as a police station?  Less cost and not so elaborate.  Yes, we need them but we have to consider how it will affect the people of this town.  Not everyone is making triple digit salaries.  Let’s learn to live more within our means and maybe we will get more ‘yes’ votes next time.”

“Thumbs down to people who post their unwanted animals on the Pelham message board.  Some creep might respond to your ‘free pet” ad.  Contact a rescue group.  They’re helpful and may know of someone looking for an animal like yours.  A pet should be a lifetime commitment, just like a child.  Never get a pet on impulse.  Think about the time and money your pet will require.  ‘No time’ is one of the top reasons people give up their pets.  Pets always give us love and devotion.  What will you give a pet?  Remember to spay/neuter your pet.”

“Thumbs down to the Pelham Police for wearing camouflage uniforms.  Just who are they trying to hide or conceal themselves from?  Could it be from the people they swore to serve and protect?”

“Thumbs down to the request of a commercial entity to be given access to Cobbetts Pond and to the selectman who ‘flipped out’ and threatened residents when they tried to speak in defense of the already compromised water quality of the pond.”

“Thumbs up, Pelham Memorial’s softball season is almost over!”

“Thumbs up to the Pelham Police and Fire Departments.  Thank you for protecting our town.  I’m sorry that the ‘hillbillies’ here don’t think you need raises and a new firehouse.  (If it were the ‘hillbillies’ deserving the raise or a building to house ‘their’ fire equipment, maybe then they’d understand.)  I hope those officers that have to move on to towns that actually ‘pay you what you’re worth,’ finally get appreciated for what you do.  Sorry to see you leave.”

“Thumbs up to Pelham-Windham News for reporting stories about Windham.  What happened Pelham — lose a reporter?  Thumbs down to the Pelham people who think Windham wants your high school kids.  You had a chance with co-op and you turned it down.”

“Thumbs down, save our center.  Wake up, Pelham!  Hanging stoplights, Salem people, Depot Square, Dracut center — all controlled by stoplights.  Say ‘no’ to rotary, aka round-about.”

“Thumbs up to the Pelham High School drama club.  Their performance of ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ was fabulous and it was so much fun having a dinner theatre in town as well.  Look forward to next year.”

“Thumbs up to Lisa from Simmons Travel in Pelham for all the planning she did to make our anniversary cruise a success.  Seven of us went and we had a wonderful time and everything was done perfectly.  Thanks Lisa!”

“Thumbs down to the article in the Thumbs up/Thumbs down papers about the people who quit their paper because they don’t like to hear the negative comments.  Well, it’s pretty sad when you read an article and you know they’re all lies in it and there’s nothing truthful to be said in the article.  And I believe the articles about Waterhouse Country Store are very negative and what he’s writing is a lie.  They don’t know what a nice home- loving, down-to-earth country store is all about.  And I wonder when you order chicken — do you pay by the piece or by the hour?  And Thumbs up for the article in the paper where you can really write and hopefully get the truth out.”

“Thumbs down to the televised school board meeting and their committee after committee, again and again.  Talk about beating a dead horse over and over again.  You just wasted $350,000 on a merit raise committee.  The voting members said ‘no’ to committees and no $50 million dollar plus lifetime tax disaster.  High schoolers took me on a tour and ‘yes’ all we need is space.  Add on a small wing with more classrooms, ten million at most.  We can afford that.  Do it and get it over with once and for all.  Talk about Pelham round about.”

“Thumbs up to my dear friend Sherri W.  I want to wish you a wonderful birthday.  Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear friend, Happy Birthday to you.  Thank you for being there when I need you.”

“Thumbs down, Pelham Police please take notice.  I am so sick of seeing people hurriedly park in front of the post office and quickly jump out and mail a letter in the outside boxes.  Haven’t you noticed that the markings say Fire Lane?  It’s a fine to park there.  Why is it that you think you can park there when the rest of us park in the designated area?  The MDX I was traveling behind the other day stopped abruptly, driver jumped out, mailed her letter, and off she went.  You better not continue to do this because the Pelham Police may be secretly watching the next time.”

“Thumbs down to the new neighbor who walked by and asked us if we were really going to leave our newly installed door that color!  We have worked very hard to upgrade and clean up this property that was abandoned for almost a year.  Some positive feedback is surely appreciated.  At least 20 people have gone by with very nice comments on the new door and even the color.  Sure glad you do not live next door to us!  First, we did not ask for your opinion.  Second, if you would like to take over the mortgage/tax bills, you are free to paint the door any color you want!  Nice way to welcome new neighbors!”

“Thumbs up to my husband!  Words will never be able to express how much I appreciate all that you do for me, our girls, and us as a family.  I know that our journey together has been one of many interesting events and it seems that no matter what it is that comes our way, we always make the best of the situation.  I love you with all my heart.  I am thankful every waking day that you are by my side and I am very proud to be your wife!”  Forever yours, CLF

“Thumbs down to the parents and teachers of Windham who fail to teach children respect for other people and their property and to the parents who teach their kids to beg.  What’s with teaching them to beg at the local stores and the dump?  Yes, we know, everything is a good cause, but there are enough distractions and delays getting into these places without parent-guided beggars getting in the way.  Aren’t permits required for soliciting?  Teach your kids respect for others and how to work; the world might just become a better place.”

“Thumbs down to the woman who races down our street every morning at 8:09.  Slow down — there are children and parents there waiting for a bus.  Every day you fly towards us and barely slow down.  If you are in that much of a rush, either leave earlier or go another way.  Next time the police will be called with your license plate and you will be reported.”

“Thumbs up for the sports coverage in the Salem area.  We have not had coverage like this in a good two or three years, so we are very appreciative.  We’ve got a lot of fans here who, for a while, were pretty much in the dark about what was happening in the sports scene, but we certainly aren’t now.  Tommy Gates is doing a great job.  Thumbs up to him!”

“Thumbs up, congratulations to our son, Kyle, on his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar program.  This is the first step to achieving your dream of entering the Academy and serving your country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.  Dad, Mom, Laura, and Sparky are so proud of you!”

“Thumbs down to adults not having any vehicle insurance.  You should at least carry liability.  What are we supposed to do now?  You caused major damage and injury with your speed and immaturity.  Why should I have to pay for your lack of responsibility and over-abundance of carelessness?  Do the right thing.”

“Thumbs up to Mrs. Klessens’ letters to the editor of the Salem Community Patriot.  He has a knack of explaining complex issues clearly when he sees the calamitous road upon which the Bush administration and its sycophants have taken this wonderful country.  Let’s hope the nation will be able to recover from eight years of self-indulgent, arrogant, and disastrous domestic and foreign policies.”

“Thumbs up to Transmedic in Salem for their inspirational side of the road signs.  I drive by the store every day and love to read the quotes!”

“Thumbs down to people who complain about gas prices, then drive their SUV’s like a racecar.  Don’t accelerate like a drag racer, and on highways slow down from 70-75 and save gas.  But if your going to drive as fast as you can all the time, stop complaining about gas prices.”

“Thumbs up to my husband Stephen!  Logan is so lucky to have a daddy like you.  Every day we anxiously wait for you to come home from work.  You make us smile!  We love you!”

“Thumbs down to the foster couple whose first question when a newborn baby is placed with them is, ‘When will we be financially supplemented?’  Thumbs down when the foster couple puts the child in daycare for the state to pay for, yet babysits other children in their home.  Thumbs down to the court for considering this couple for adoption and not giving the child to family.”

“Thumbs up to the Salem Lions Club.  They do so much for the community.  We are truly a better place because of them.  Thank you, Lions!”

“Thumbs down to the small-minded genius in Concord selling New Hampshire as the first primary state; telephone polls, door polls, unread junk mail, money pouring into the state.  It’s the New Hampshire way silly.”

“Thumbs up to the Salem Community Patriot for finally doing the justice that the boys on the Salem Gymnastics Team so deserve by featuring an article about their season opening.  You are the only local paper to take the time to cover this hard-working sport of these fine young men.  Thank you very much Salem Community Patriot and I hope you continue to do great work and great coverage for the Salem Blue Devils Boys Varsity Gymnastics Team.”

“Thumbs down to the staff working at the Mexican Restaurant.  To the server, hostess and manager: your policies on how you treat customers need to be reviewed and your people skills need to be refined.  I personally know a party of 10 that’ll never dine there again.”

“Thumbs down.  This is a very disappointing newspaper.  You have SHS Battle of the Bands with an incorrect picture.  That is not Mark Graziani and if you’d taken the time to report it, you ought to report it right.”

“Thumbs down to daycare providers who are allowed to stay open who have corporal punishment or child welfare endangerment violations against them.  No one is perfect, neither parent nor provider, but really who would send their kid to a daycare that has these types of violations or is being investigated for crimes against children.  Parents need to look into whom they are sending their kids to.  Thumbs down to the town for not shutting down daycare’s that break child ratio numbers and have severe violations, step in and pull their zoning permit, before more kids get hurt or neglected.”

“Thumbs up to Tyler F.  We are so proud of your performance at the State Wrestling Meet.  We knew you could do it!  Love, Mom, Dad, Jayson and Yibby.”

“Thumbs up to Paul-Mark and all the Webelos II for crossing over at the Blue and Gold Ceremonies and becoming Boy Scouts.  I’m very happy!   Thumbs up to Marjie and Karen for all your hard work with the boys for the past 3 years!  Thumbs up to Paul-Mark for a nice report card.  Keep working hard because you are so smart! Thumbs up to Alex for his good report card!  Keep up the great work in school!”

“Thumbs up to the junior girls Celtics team!  You girls worked so hard this season great job, Tori,Alyssa, Brittany, Cassidy, Sam, Olivia, Emily, Madison, Amanda and, Brianna!”

“Thumbs down to people who ask others who they are voting for, and then criticize the response.  I never tell anyone whom I am voting for because people are so rude about shoving their political opinions down others’ throats.  People should ask, “Do you mind if I ask you who you are voting for?” and then ask if people want to discuss it after.”

“Thumbs way up to the best friend ever.  You were right there through my recent hardship and you never left and never complained.  You are a true friend Sharon.”

“Thumbs down to the justice system in this country.  How is it that people can molest, and abuse their kids and only get a year in jail?  Disgusting.  Which presidential candidate will fix this?  The one that does gets my vote, but they never talk about these issues, it just isn’t important enough I guess, pretty sad!”

“Thumbs up to the voters of New Hampshire for not allowing the media to tell them how to vote.  The unreliable campaign polls demonstrate the incompetence of the news media.  What went wrong with the network projections in the New Hampshire primary had nothing to do with the New Hampshire residents being racists or lying to the pollsters.  Statistics tell lies; that’s the first thing you learn in any statistics’ class.”

“Thumbs up to the animal lover who rightfully suggested that you can hunt, but you don’t have to show it in a public forum.  You are awesome.”

“Thumbs down to New Hampshire having no clue on what is happening to our country.  I am ashamed and embarrassed to admit I have lived here all my life.  Both parties have voted for the wrong candidate that are stuck in the past!  We definitely won’t have a future if the rest of the voters follow New Hampshire.  What were you thinking?!”

“Thumbs down to all the women who voted for Hillary just because she is a woman!  I am woman but still believe this is a man’s world.  Not all of us burnt our bras!”

“Thumbs up to our son Ben DiZoglio for an outstanding first semester at college.  You did wonderful on your midterms, and finals, straight As and making the president’s list.  Not to mention that you enjoyed yourself and had fun too.  We are very proud of you and miss you tons. Love, Mom and Dad.”

“Thumbs down!  I usually try to keep my comments to myself, but this really takes the cake.  Thumbs down to the Girl Scout leader wandering the neighborhood, selling Girl Scout cookies without any Girl Scouts in tow.  Since when is this all about you?  Your flyer said cookie sales will help the Girl Scouts go to summer camp and a summer trip.  Shouldn’t the Girl Scouts be working towards this goal?  Where is the sense of satisfaction for the girls if you happen to sell more cookies than they do?  I’m definitely NOT buying cookies this year and I am so glad that I have two sons so I don’t have to deal with this on a more personal level.  Signed, ‘Discrumbled’ Parent.”

“Thumbs down to Windham-Salem public officials appearing in unflattering news articles.  Most recently a state representative was charged with assaulting his wife — the fourth Republican state rep from our district charged with criminal wrongdoing in the past five years.  Isn’t it time to replace the Republicans with Democrats for more positive news coverage of our communities?”

“Thumbs up to the Good Samaritan that took the time to come into our neighborhood and went to our neighbor’s house when we weren’t home to tell them to let us know that our roof was turned over in the back of our house that he saw from the highway.  We were able to get it fixed before all this winter weather came!  We thank you immensely and realize that there really are wonderful people in this world!”

“Thumbs down to all the inconsiderate residents of Zion Hill Road that walk their dogs on Matthew Drive and don’t pick up after they’ve done their duty.  The children who live in this neighborhood shouldn’t have to dodge the landmines left on the side of the road when they are outside playing.”

“Thumbs up to Mr. Gould, the only neighbor considerate enough to pick up after his dog.  Your Matthew Drive neighbors thank you.”

“Thumbs up for Salem Community Patriot for showing the November 12 article on the two boys who were successful deer hunting.”

“Thumbs down for the reader who did a thumbs down in the December 21 version who states that it was wrong for you folks to show that (deer).  Deer hunting in New Hampshire has been a tradition for generations.  Those kids are doing a great service of helping with game management.  If that reader doesn’t like it then they should move over the border to Massachusetts where they probably came from.  I think more parents should show their kids the outdoors and how to enjoy sports like hunting.  I’m sure those kids worked real hard practicing and working to get those deer and were very successful doing so. I think it was awesome, awesome, awesome!”

“Thumbs up.  Sending out our best wishes for a Happy Healthy New Year to you all!  Cheers, the Jutras Family Peter, Elizabeth, Jamie, Melyssa Millett, Nelson Millett, and Grimsby too!”

“Thumbs down to drivers who do not remove snow and ice from the roofs of their vehicles.  As it breaks up, it can fly off and hit the windshield of the car behind and could prove deadly.  It happened to me and I was lucky it only shattered my windshield.”

“Thumbs up to the way cute and very polite guy at the pet store who noticed the lonely girl looking for hermit crabs.  If I was not married, I would have followed you home like a lost puppy!  You made my day!”

“Thumbs down to you tailgater!  Maybe you have never seen what 4,000 pounds of auto crashing into a family can do, but it ‘ain’t’ pretty!  You can’t possibly understand how much I value my life (or you would not threaten me this way.  Please slow down around other autos and residential areas!  If you need to speed, maybe you should look into professional racing.”

“Thumbs up to my neighbor.  I had just arrived home from work and was frustrated to see I had at least an hour or more of shoveling to do!  He came by and used his plow truck, (blue truck yellow plow blade) and cleaned my driveway in just a couple of minutes!  Thank you and bless you!  It was a wonderful gesture of ‘just being neighborly.’ Merry Christmas to you and your family!  I got an early gift, thanks again!”

“Thumbs up to all my newspaper customers that tipped me for Christmas.  I greatly appreciate it.  Stephanie.”

“Thumbs down to global warming nuts and thumbs up to all of the beautiful snow we are having.  Not only does the snow prove my personal theory of severe climatic cycles, but it also adds a touch of magic to the Christmas season.  Happy Holidays to the global warming lobby.  I hope you aren’t cursing too much about Al Gore when you are sitting in traffic for hours, or need to go out and buy a shovel or a new snow blower because you gave the old ones away.”

“Thumbs up to our wonderful neighbors, Lou and Dawn, for helping to clear the driveway during all the storms this year.  Your kindness is very much appreciated!”

“Thumbs down to people who make comments when they only have half the facts!”

“Thumbs up and lots of love to Gina, you are amazing.  End of story.  I hope 2008 makes you profusely happy, and I hope you enjoy your dozen surprises.”

“Thumbs up to the winter wonderland we’re having this year.  I love snow.”

“Thumbs up to Congressman Ron Paul for having the courage to speak out about the many problems we have in this country.  We cannot continue to pretend that they do not exist. We as American citizens need to demand answers and accountability from our leaders.  Ron Paul is running for president, I consider it my duty to vote for him, and I encourage everyone to learn more about this amazing man.”

“Thumbs down to the budget committee, you put us in a hole by ‘saving the taxpayers,’ shortsighted and cheap, now we will have to pay 3 - 4 times for anything because you don’t follow any plan, just cut, cut, cut.”

“Thumbs up to our Grammy and Papa for the best Disney Cruise and Disney World vacation!  We all had a great time!”  Love, Ryan, Amber and Cody

“Thumbs up.  Wayne Brake had a bad cut on his left hand this week.  He cut off the tip of his middle finger at work.  He is doing well, but would love prayers from our church family.  We will be going back to the doctor this Monday to see how things are going and we will learn more about the healing process then.  Thank God it was only the tip of his finger; it could have been so much worse.  God was watching over him and we are very thankful for that.”

“Thumbs down to Comcast for eliminating TV channels.  Same to Verizon for charging extra for not using enough long distance calls.  Is it legal to charge for services not rendered?  Our representatives should take action to stop these rip-offs.”

“Thumbs up I just wanted to say thank you to the Life Free as I had been smoking for 15 years, and never even tried to give up but I really wanted to, and didn’t want to spend money on methods, but then a friend recommended to me this amazing product which she said she had tried and gave up for the last six months.  So I ordered one from the Internet and tried it and have not had a cigarette since.  It hasn’t been long yet, only a month and a half, but it still seems to be working great.  If you use this method and do everything they say it should work for you too.”

“Thumbs down to all the people who don’t bother raking up their own leaves.  Hope you’re having a good laugh watching them blow down to my yard.  I’ll wave to you when I go by you when you need help.”

“Thumbs up to my neighbor for trying to keep their yard raked up. I know it’s hard with you guys being in poor health.  Thank you.”

“Thumbs down to the uneducated person last week who it appears moved to New Hampshire under the assumption it was a liberal state.  I’m sorry the national and local media was blatant enough to make political maps in blue and red but not post them to your door when you were looking for a house but New Hampshire is a conservative state.  Look it up, it’s the most conservative state in the northeast.  Please do us all a favor and move back to Massachusetts and give us your revenue by shopping in our state to keep our taxes lower.  That way you’ll actually have a leg to stand on when you complain about taxes.”

“Thumbs up to ‘The Fall Boys’, Kevin and Steve.  Thank you for a great job cleaning the leaves in our yard.  You were very polite and professional, and worked very hard to complete the job.  Thank you very much!”