Birdie: By Diane and Ross Moreton of West End, who were most deservedly nominated by Rep. Howard Coble for national "Angels of Adoption" honors. They were proposed because of their selfless and unstinting efforts to provide a loving foster home for a premature baby with overwhelming medical needs, whom they are now in the process of adopting. Their sacrifice and devotion inspired Coble, and it inspires us all.

Birdie: By Linda Hubbard and the other volunteers whose long and dedicated effort to provide a safe place for dog lovers finally culminated this weekend with the grand opening of "Pooch Parks in the Pines" on old N.C. 22. Because the park's two large enclosed areas are fenced (one for small dogs, one for big), members can unleash their pets with the knowledge that they can freely roam and work off energy in relative safety. That merits a loving lick on the face.