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Thumbs up to the canoemobile. We love the idea of the Canoemobile coming to Austin and giving kids in our area, many of whom might not get these kinds of opportunities, the chance to experience nature by paddling down the Cedar River. Being in nature shows over and over again the many kinds of benefits, and to see the kids having fun in that kind of environment just proves that.

Thumbs up for more childcare. The area should be thrilled to see that Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy is now open. This is an important tool in answering many of the questions facing those seeking childcare and also acts as another incentive in drawing people to Austin. On top of that is the fact that it also adds to the economy of the 18th Avenue NW corridor and Austin as a whole.

Thumbs up to dropping barriers. The free physicals clinic held at Althing Clinic last Saturday is something we hope we see more of in the future. Getting more kids involved in athletics is a win-win for students and family as being active has demonstrated the positive repercussions that can follow. A clinic like this pulls down those barriers for some who either can find the time to get to them or cannot afford them. This opens a door that these kids can benefit from.

Thumbs up to national success. Congratulations to Riverland Community College student and Austin’s own Kaiah Gibson for qualifying her in two areas for the National Association of Teachers of Singing national competition. We can only imagine the work that has gone into this success.