THUMBS UP: To Sons of Solomon Lodge No. 151 and Electa Chapter No. 323, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, LACE, TEACH Inc. and Sam’s Bar-B-Q and Catering for feeding the needy and the hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Hundreds of men, women and children were treated to a hot, traditional holiday feast, as well as fellowship.

THUMBS UP: To Nikki Bradley for being the first black woman to be elected to the Quitman Board of Commissioners. The 911 dispatcher for Brooks County, wife and mother made history on Nov. 3 when registered voters supported her bid for the District 1, Post 1 seat.

THUMBS UP: To Marcus Haynes for being named the 2009 Firefighter of the Year for the Valdosta Fire Department. The 30-year-old joined the fire department in 2007. When asked what he likes the most about his job, he said, “Being able to help other people, serve the community and just feel like I’m doing my part.”

THUMBS DOWN: To all the rude Black Friday and other holiday shoppers. Tis the season for lending a helping hand to a friend or neighbor, as opposed to the season for reaching out and shoving him or her out of the way while you fill your cart with the discounted television set or the newest video game system. As Burton Hillis once said, “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree (is) the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

THUMBS UP: To the folks with America’s Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc. for continuing the tradition by handing out Thanksgiving boxes filled with food to area senior citizens on Monday. With many senior citizens living on a fixed income and the cost of living ever-increasing, these boxes of food may be just what these individuals need to maintain a well-balanced diet and good health this holiday season. Also, a thumbs up to AMVETS Post 607 for delivering boxes full of food sure to make a Thanksgiving special to the less fortunate in the area.