CHEERS - To letters. We can't sing like Perry Como, but "we get letters, we get stacks and stacks of letters," especially during a local election. Individuals and candidates have taken full advantage of the First Amendment in hopes of convincing others that their views should be considered. These letters to the editor have brought information and created deeper discussion among voters. Local involvement is the truest form of grassroots movement. It's driven by the politics of a community and is important to the political process.

CHEERS - To a 70th reunion. All you freshmen in college, can you imagine attending your 70th college class reunion? Well, longtime Gloversville resident John W. Finocan can. Over the weekend of Oct. 2, John journeyed to Hanover, N.H., and drove onto the campus of Dartmouth College for his 70th reunion. We are sure he was on his best behavior. After all, he received a special introduction to the new president of the college, Dr. Jim Yong Kim. If John has his way, he will be back for the 75th in 2014.

JEERS - To "octomom." Nadya Suleman, the unemployed single mother of eight, celebrated Halloween dressed as a pregnant nun while the babies donned red-devil costumes. This is wrong in many ways.

CHEERS - To Don Chase. Don't know Don Chase? You should, we all should. This talented man was born in Poland, raised in Manhattan and now lives in Gloversville. Currently, the Fulton County chamber is exhibiting an outstanding display that includes a series of black-and-white photos spanning decades. In this era of digital technology, we would encourage anyone to take a moment to stop by the chamber and see a reflection of the underrated art of photography. It is wonderful that he chose Fulton County to live in. We are the benefactors.

CHEERS - For stepping up. The Fulton County Youth Bureau was in need of some young people to join its board. The bureau gave a shout out for some volunteers, and the call was answered. Expressing interest were Kyle Garguilo and Jenna Salvatore of Gloversville High School, Chris Plunkett and Karla Chun of Broadalbin-Perth High School, and Carrie Benton of Johnstown. Thank you for taking ownership.