Thumbs up: To the organizers of the annual Madison County Health Check that was held Friday inside Mounds Mall. Dozens of local health organizations and departments within Madison County’s three hospitals set up information booths with a variety of brochures and tips for better health. Health professionals and students were on hand to answer questions and offer free one-stop screenings for cholesterol rate, blood pressure, balance, hand grip pressure, and others to the hundreds of visitors who passed through the mall. These screenings are often the only ones available to uninsured residents.

Thumbs up: To the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce that is observing its third anniversary and growth from five members to 180. A ceremony recognized two local business leaders with awards: William C. Jackson, owner of Jackson Bail Bonds, received the Will J. Carter Businessman of the Year award and Jacqueline M. Cox, owner of Jackie Cox Williams Real Estate, received the Gertie M. Clemons Woman of the Year Award. Addie Helen Poole, director of the Urban League Head Start program, received the Weatherly Community Service Award for her work with senior citizens and youth.

Thumbs down: To the carelessness of many groups of youths who are getting off their school buses in the afternoon. Youths of various ages are disregarding pedestrian safety rules and appear to regard the street as a sidewalk. Groups are frequently being observed taking up the width of the streets while they talk and walk, oblivious to any traffic coming behind them. One such group was observed last week in a housing addition while a motorist edged his way through. Parents, please remind your children to walk on the left side of the street facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

Thumbs up: To Steve and Tami VanCleave, of Star Books, who are collecting books in good condition for foster children. The Books for Youth program is a partnership between the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Department of Child Services. The VanCleaves have also donated adult and children’s books to other groups to promote literacy.

Thumbs up: To five Madison County high school graduates who are members of Purdue University’s “All-American” Marching Band: Kristen Blankenbaker, Cassandra Lincoln, Kathleen Belesky, Matthew Dawson and Paul Henkleman.

Thumbs up: To Ivy Tech Community College’s new Dental Hygiene Clinic in Anderson. The new facility at 104 W. 53rd St. will train dental hygienists and assistants and offer affordable basic dental care to the public. In January, basic services such as cleanings and X-rays will be done by the first class of dental hygienists under the watch of dental professionals. The public can get a peek at the new facilities today at an open house, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thumbs up: To the Kidz Take the Stage performers ages 4 to 18 who performed “High School Musical Jr.” before capacity audiences at Ridge Crossing Auditorium this weekend.