Editor’s note: During the course of a week, issues are covered that might not lend themselves to full editorial comment, but they are worthy of The Sunday Telegraph weighing in – thumbs up, thumbs down or neutral.

—

Thumbs Up to the individuals who worked to develop and create the “Thank You, Merrimack School District!” YouTube project. The 6-minute video starts with a heart, which is a fitting symbol given the outpouring of love in the segment. It was put together as a way to recognize educators, administrators and personnel within the school district for the extraordinary work they are doing to as part of the COVI9-19 remote learning requirements.

The video features photos of students, families and other images expressing gratitude for the school system going above and beyond during this time.

The video may be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdcqA3zRRJA&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0WisP05RJ6SwkBv8zdDYSxEUuchdxUmAGbx9DZdN9j2ecNIKFCocenrXo

—

Thumbs Down to the lack of progress and transparency regarding the status of the Nashua Performing Arts Center project. The Board of Aldermen approved a $15.5 million bond for the arts center two years ago. That exceeded initial estimates, yet community support continued. Wisely, aldermen set the provision that $4 million in funding would need to be raised in 16 months to secure the money. The contract with the fundraising coordinator ended this week. While The Telegraph historically has been a strong advocate for this project, we believe it’s time to re-evaluate its scope and price tag.

—

THUMBS UP to Gov. Chris Sununu to allowing retail to reopen on May 11. If shoppers are mindful and careful and respect social distancing, retail can no doubt desperately use a shot in the wallet. Retail sales fell 8.7 percent in March, the largest-ever decline on record, according the Census Bureau.

Newsletter