Thumbs up to Michael E. Hill, the newly-appointed president of Chautauqua Institution who spoke earlier this week in a meet-and-greet event by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Hill touted the intuition’s footprint within the region and noted the further possibilities that could be accomplished with expanded outreach. “I think  we can be going to other cities with Chautauqua’s brand and have meaningful, deep and powerful conversations,” Hill said to visitors at the Robert H. Jackson Center where the event was held. It’s certainly refreshing to hear Hill speak with enthusiasm about the institution’s future, even more so with work coming along on the amphitheater. It goes to show you just how important first impressions can be.

Thumbs up to the city of Jamestown for identifying and quickly taking care of yet another derelict building that required emergency demolition. The facade of a vacant Main Street building, known by some as the “Pie Building” due to its shape, was found to have shifted — causing an imminent threat to the area. “The facade is in danger of falling,” said Vince DeJoy, city development director. “There is no roof, no floors. It’s basically a shell.” The sight of police barricades blocking sidewalks due to unsafe structures has become all too common around the city as of late. In fact, it goes to show you just how fragile this area’s infrasture might be. That being said, it should be noted that once the dangers are discovered, city officials have done a good job of keeping the area safe while ensuring the structure is brought down before more damage can occur. As more of these buildings are inspected, it’s only a matter of time before more demolition work is required. We can only hope that these eyesores are taken care of before someone gets hurt.

Thumbs up to emergency crews who helped keep roads and resident safe during this week’s flooding woes. Due to higher temperatures that swept through the northeast, most of the area’s snowpack quickly melted — leaving little place for the excess water to go. What resulted was devastating flooding, especially in the Kiantone, Frewsburg and Busti area. In many areas traffic was closed to stop motorists from foolishly attempting to cross water-covered roadways. The flooding impacted other parts of the county as well, with photos of flooded backyards appearing all over social media. Residents over the state line in Pennsylvania weren’t immune to the flooding, either. But even during moments of torrential downpours, first responders remained outdoors directing traffic and keeping an eye on the situation. In addition, firefighters from multiple departments responded throughout the day to calls of flooded basements. The effort from all involved should be commended. It’s certainly not an easy task to wade through standing water for hours on end.