Hopeful

Thumbs-up to everyone who contributed to the annual HOPE Medora Goes Pink dinner and dessert auction Saturday evening at Medora Christian Church. The auction raised $6,005, which will be used to help defray the costs related to the HOPE Medora Goes Pink event. All of the funds raised during HOPE Medora Goes Pink, conducted on the second Saturday of October each year, help people battling cancer. More than $90,000 has been raised since the first event Oct. 9, 2010.

Salute

Thumbs-up to those who participated in the 73rd annual V-J Day Parade on Sunday in Seymour, including 92-year-old parade grand marshal Russell E. Byrkett, and to the spectators who came out to recognize those who have served our country.

Serving up s’more love

Thumbs-up to the members of Girl Scout Troop 135 in Seymour for inviting personnel with the Seymour Police Department, Seymour Fire Department and Jackson County Emergency Medical Services to stop by the police department Friday so they could Share S’More Love. The 13-member troop, which was formed three years ago, conducted the event to give emergency personnel a break in their day and provide them with s’mores Girl Scout cookies and ice cream sundaes. The troop meets from 6 to 7 p.m. two times a month, generally on the first and third Sunday, at Cornerstone Community Church in Seymour.

Making a splash

Thumbs-up to everyone who brought their dog to the third annual Seymour Summer Dog Splash on Saturday at Shields Park Pool. The event raises money for the Jackson County Dog Shelter, which will soon be under construction behind the jail in Brownstown. What a unique and great way to raise money for a worthwhile project.

Caring community

Thumbs-up to everyone who recycled their bottles, cans and cardboard at this year’s Jackson County Fair. Jackson County Recycling District Director Debbie Hackman reported a big increase in the volume of recyclables this year and a noticeable decline in trash. The fair has had a recycling collection program for eight years.

Making it shine

Thumbs-up to Deb Bedwell of Seymour, who spent the past 17 years managing Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry in Seymour. Her service came after she had spent 30 years as a secretary at Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus. Bedwell put her heart and soul into the city’s only homeless shelter to make sure it grew into a place that was supportive of those in need.