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Thumbs up for trick-or-treating. On Thursday night, Good Samaritan Society-Comforcare opened up its neighborhoods to trick-or-treaters for Halloween. Any time events are planned for the residents of any senior living facility and the public, it’s a win for all. It’s the definition of bringing community together.

Thumbs up for FFA. Congratulations are in order for Alexis Steckelberg, a member of the Blooming Prairie FFA Chapter for being awarded the National American FFA Degree which recognizes a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence.

Thumbs up for 80 years. On Tuesday night, the Austin Noon Lions celebrated its 80th anniversary with a lively hootenanny at the Purple Ribbon Plaza on the grounds of the Mower County Fair. With a sell-out crowd it shows the continued importance of service organizations in Austin and a hope for continued support by the community.

Thumbs up for reading. Here ya go Austin. Another author and book have been named by the Page Turners for its annual City Wide Read, which invites Austin to take part in reading “Under the Tamarind Tree” by Nigar Alam. This is always a fun event and goes a long way in inviting people to pick up a book and enjoy the act of reading.

Thumbs up for more housing. On Monday, the ribbon was cut on the 1st & 3rd Apartments near downtown Austin, another example of Austin meeting the housing needs of Austin. With new market rate housing available, this opens the door for more opportunities for people living in Austin or considering moving to Austin.