A master sand sculptor from Kiantone? Almost. We are close to being able to claim that distinction for Western New York. And so thumbs up to Todd Pangborn of Kiantone for following a passion he accidentally discovered on a family vacation to the seashore 15 years ago.
Pangborn's first place win at the 26th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., last month included comments from master judges that affirms he is approaching their skill level. He plans to be right back there next year to show he has developed the skills to deserve the master sand sculptor title.
So thumbs up, too, to the drive toward a goal that we humans are capable of harnessing.
And that leads us to a thumbs up for members of the Lakewood Starz YMCA gymnastics team. They are in the midst of the seasonal competition and are showing the resilient spirit of trying your best, and trying again. We note that in their first New York State League six team members qualifed for the state competition Cortland later this season.
Ashlyn Saracki, Saida Bronner and Ellie Kreinheder qualified for state competition at Level 4. Mikayla Johnson and Mariette Williams qualified at Level 6. Morgan Johnsonqualified for the state competition as a Level 8.
Did you see the push by the Humane Society to find forever homes for the cats in the cat colony at the shelter on Strunk Road? The colony room is due for some renovations and the good folks there hope to trim to thin the population before then to reduce the number of kitties tha will have to go throught stress of the remodeling.
Our final thumbs up is for the Humane Society's great offer - cats can be adopted for just $60, or you can get two for $80. If you are looking for only one, then take a friend to adopt the other one at the sale price. These shelter kitties are spayed, testedm, vaccinated and microchipped.