Thumbs up to the Norwich BID and the Norwich Rotary along with the Chenango Arts Council for deciding to spruce up a vacant storefront downtown. The Public Arts Initiative will display local arts and crafts in the windows of the underutilized location at 29 S. Broad, and breathe some much needed life into what has become an unsavory eyesore of “what could have been.” The space has never been developed, and it's tired baron interior was depressing. Hopefully, the city can get on board and have the lights turned back on in the corridors in that area as a matter of safety and to thwart vandal activity. It would be nice to feel safe walking though that corridor to the municipal parking lot at night once again, and after all, there is a public easement there.

—MSW

Thumbs up to Chobani. Not only is their yogurt awesome, but they seem to have a fantastic relationship with the community. Over the past week it seems that I’ve done a ton of stories about them donating money to a local business or charity. The corporate heads seem to have this whole “giving back” thing figured out. It seems that one of their main focuses is giving back to the community that they have made their home. You can’t turn around anymore with out seeing how they donated to a local charity or helping out with some sort of community event (their tent at Gus Macker is my favorite part of the weekend). Good for you Chobani, thanks for helping out the community and those around it.

–JT

Thumbs up, class of 2015. You made it! Gone are the days of jammed lockers and questionable cafeteria food. No more last-minute “homework specials” frantically thought out from the back of the bus on those early morning rides to school. Never again will you have to show a hall pass to anyone or analyze Hamlet's soliloquy, because you’re part of the “real world” now. It's time to put on big boy clothes and big girls clothes, and contribute in a way that progresses society. It's time to pursue dreams, reach for the stars, meet and exceed goals, and any other clichés related to life ahead. Remember to breathe, and take life’s proverbial curve balls with dignity, and you’ll do great. A very wise author said: “Your mountain is waiting, so... get on your way.” Hats off to you, class of 2015. I wish you the very best.

­ – SM

Thumbs up to the apparent few who actually know and follow the rules of a four-way stop. If I had a dollar for every car I see roll through a stop, go out of turn, not signal, or clearly become confused and just sit at the sign waving everyone else through until the only signs of intelligent life are in the cars behind them waiting ... I’d most likely have $749. A stop sign is also not a place to send a quick text. Be an adult, be responsible. You’re operating a motor vehicle, which if used incorrectly is a deadly weapon. Learn the rules of the four-way, or get off the road. For those who know how to handle the seemingly difficult task of stopping and knowing your turn, good job.

– ARB