THUMBS UP

Shoveling several inches of snow can be backbreaking work, not something many people would volunteer to do.

But 25 people from various churches around Enid did just that after the recent snowstorm that hit the Enid area. Forgotten Church, an organization put together by several area churches, shoveled driveways at homes in the Seven Pines neighborhood for three hours on a recent Saturday. A separate group shoveled driveways in another neighborhood that same morning. The Seven Pines group managed to clear snow from between 25 and 30 driveways.

Thumbs up to these young people for sharing their faith, and their sweat, for the benefit of others.



THUMBS UP

More than likely, northwest Oklahoma isn’t the first place people think of when planning a vacation.

An event to be held Thursday will aim to change that.

A free regional tourism forum will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday at Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Enid campus. The event is open to the public.

Northwest Oklahoma has many attractions to offer, including Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse, Gaslight Theatre, the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma, Enid Symphony Orchestra and David Allen Memorial Ballpark.

Thumbs up to the forum, designed to point out all the interesting things to see and do in our area.



THUMBS UP

In 2006, more than 24,000 domestic violence cases were reported to Oklahoma law enforcement agencies — with 19,690 involving felony assault and battery, 3,636 felony assaults, 733 violent sex crimes and 47 homicides.

Enid YWCA is reaching out to those who have been victims of domestic violence with the first public meeting of its Domestic Violence Survivors Support Group from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday.

Everyone is welcome, but anything happening at the meeting will be confidential. The meeting will give survivors of domestic violence a chance to network with people who have undergone similar experiences.

Thumbs up to the Enid YWCA and their efforts to begin healing the wounds inflicted by domestic violence.



THUMBS DOWN

With winter comes the usual hazards — snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and the ensuing headaches that result.

Then, after the ice and snow melt, comes another hazard and headache — potholes.

In the wake of the area’s recent winter weather, potholes are beginning to appear on roads throughout our area, accompanied by the familiar thumps and bumps that threaten to puncture automobile tires and disrupt front end alignment.

The city will begin filling the potholes when the streets dry up. Until then, all we can do is give potholes a thumbs down and, hopefully, a wide berth as we drive Enid’s roads.