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Thumbs up for a new arts director. Austin Area Arts, on Thursday, announced that it had hired Tom Robbins to fill the spot left open by Laura Helle when she stepped down in February. Every time a new person comes into a position we’re all familiar with, there is always the potential for some big and new things. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes of this new hire.

Thumbs up ahead of time for veterans. As we head into next week, we remind people of Veterans Day and what it means to be appreciative of those who have served and still serve. These people, who have been in our nation’s military, have sacrificed on multiple fronts and it’s worth the effort of those who didn’t serve to show their appreciation. If you get the chance, join in any event Monday that honors these veterans. One of those options is the Veterans Day program by Pacelli Catholic Schools, which is open to the public and starts at 9:15 a.m. at the school.

Thumbs up to running an election. Yes, there was an issue with hardware/software causing a delay by Mower County Elections in getting voter turnout uploaded to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, but they deserve the kudos for meeting the problem and handling the problem and making the corrections when needed. Carrying out an election at any level is a difficult endeavor and even though this year’s election had some bumps, it came through in the end because of the office’s professionalism.

Thumbs up for turkey time. On Saturday, Nov. 16, starting at 9 a.m., Hormel, in partnership with the Hometown Food Security Project, will distribute 5,000 turkeys to the community, taking another step in answering the larger question of food security. A true demonstration of giving back to the community.

Thumbs down to a hazy future. No matter what side of the ballot you fall on, there is a real possibility for a hazy near future, with open questions in a variety of areas. People’s votes are people’s vote and that’s the underlying base of democracy and our part in it, but it doesn’t take away from that hazy future, allowing for the possibility of an inefficient governing body. It’s impossible in 100% clarity to predict the future and so all we can ask is that we each do what we can to make the world better. As Red Green liked to say, “I’m pulling for you … we’re all in this together.”