Raise your hand if you like paying taxes! At least it’s not so bad when the funds go toward public education, enlightening our next generation of great minds. That or to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire), which is constantly evolving to meet new community needs. Finally, local bike trails and routes deserve mention - and applause. According to the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation, Eau Claire’s paved trail system brings an estimated $4.1 million to the local economy annually. Mic drop. —Rebecca Mennecke