Roses & Throns

Roses to coach Bethany Mihaly and her New Milford High School gymnastics team for its state open championship performance last Saturday (see Norm Cummings' column, Homecookin' on Page S1 and the story and photos on S15). The Green Wave still has work to do at the New England championship meet tomorrow (Saturday) in Milford, but state all-around champion Ashley O'Connor and her talented and hard-working teammates have already provided the community, their school and their families with a great source of pride.

Thorns to motorists on Route 7 who drive in the passing lane -- that's the left lane for those who may have forgotten -- when they are not passing another vehicle. Slow-moving vehicles in the left lane are a significant cause of drivers we all see weaving back and forth between lanes to get to their destination as quickly as possible. We all must rely on each other to drive carefully, with respect for one another. Those drivers who hug the left side of the highway are not doing their part.

Roses to the numerous school and independent groups who have in recent weeks helped raise funds for the earthquake-stricken people of Haiti. From scouts of both genders to many school programs to a music concert offered Saturday at Sarah Noble Intermediate School in New Milford, residents of the Greater New Milford area have shown great heart and compassion in reaching out to those less fortunate in Haiti.