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Thumbs up to the annual flower drive. On Thursday the annual kick-off launched this year’s campaign to raise money for the downtown flower baskets. This program has garnered a great deal of support over the years and adds a special touch to downtown Austin year-round.

Thumbs up to Foundation distribution. On Wednesday of this week, the Hormel Foundation announced its annual distribution to area groups that help make our community better. In total, $26 million will be granted to these organizations as well as an additional $3.67 million granted to the Paramount Theatre for its work in renovating the historic venue. This is always a wonderful time of year and shows a community commitment that benefits so many.

Thumbs up to Christoph Dundas. Congratulations to the Austin High School band teacher for being chosen as this year’s APS Teacher of the Year. Dundas’ dedication to his craft is representative of so many in the school district that give of themselves to educate the community’s children.

Thumbs up to another achievement. Let’s add another congratulations to a trio of Austin High School athletes — Alayna Kennedy, Reese Norton and Gracie Greenman — all of whom having wrapped up a successful season at the Minnesota State Swimming and Diving Meet last Saturday. Kennedy locked down her second straight state title in diving while Norton took fifth place. Meanwhile, Greenman set new standards for herself and the Austin swim program with a second place finish in the 100-yard backstroke and a 14th place finish in the 200-IM.

Thumbs down to Catherwood closing. The reasons are understandable and certainly can’t be faulted, but unfortunately, the closing of Catherwood Childcare in early December is another blow to needed childcare in our community. We are confident that the Parenting Resource Center has done and will do everything in its power to follow through with its pledge to help families affected by this announcement find new places for their children. Still, the closing is another indicator to how difficult this challenge of childcare is and how much more work it will require.

Thumbs up to support, stage left. The commitment of the theater community is in Austin is providing more opportunities. In the wake of a lighting issue at Ellis Middle School, the Riverland Community College theater program opened up the Frank W. Bridges Theatre stage to Austin High School, who is performing “Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” this weekend.