Uplifting

Thumbs up to all of the students at Jackson County schools who have contributed to efforts to make Christmas a little brighter for those in need. The efforts include Brownstown Christmas Cheer, Crothersville FFA Toy and Food Drive and many others.

A related thumbs up to members of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education Region 7 Jackson County and volunteers with the Jackson County Guardian ad Litem/Court Appointed Special Advocates program for holding a Christmas party to help bring the holiday experience to some local children.

Another thumbs up to everyone who has contributed to the 77th annual Christmas Basket Fund sponsored by American Legion Post 89 in Seymour and The Tribune. Through Thursday, the effort had raised $11,510 to provide $50 JayC Food Stores gift cards to about 300 individuals or families in need.

And another thumbs up to those who contributed their time and/or money to Wayne and Judy Gilbert’s 14th annual project to provide gift bags of hygiene products, socks and blankets to veterans in nursing homes in Jackson County.

Nurturing nature

Thumbs up to David and Mary Ray of Monroe County who are the state winners of the 2022 Charles Deam Forest Stewardship award presented by the Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association. The Rays manage 310 acres of woodlands in Jackson County. They use the property for multiple objectives but have a great interest in creating wildlife habitat. A highlight of their efforts is a 10-acre bee and butterfly habitat planting under the power line easement.

Hornets of the Month

Thumbs up to Medora Community School Corp. R.E.D. Hornets of the Month for December. The three recognized for their responsibility, empathy and determination were Kayden Burrell, Shepard Earl and Nathan Ensey.

Porch pirates

Thumbs down to those who steal packages, which are often Christmas gifts this time of year, from the front porches of others.