Thumbs column
It’s a little past the middle of July and that means there are plenty of hot temperatures and hot topics to discuss in Hot Springs. And as it turns out, there are a number of upward-pointing digits to share with the readers of this column.
First off, here is a definite “Thumbs-up” to the recent announcement that new investors have purchased the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa and have announced that they hope to restore the landmark property and make it truly “grand” again.
Al Rajabi, CEO of Sky Capital Group, told The Sentinel-Record earlier this month that the company has long had a strong interest in “the grand hotel, its rich history and iconic location.”
He also said, “We’re excited about the continuing renovations of the Arlington and are pleased to now become a good corporate citizen in one of America’s great resort cities. We plan to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this Arlington in just seven years and will be working to maintain it as one of the great American grand hotels.”
Residents and visitors so familiar with the hotel will be following its renovation and revitalization with keen interest.
We give another “Thumbs-up” award and a “Thank-you” to members of the Hot Springs Debutantes who last week took part in a jewelry beading party at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs Cancer Center, fashioning more than 100 bracelets in 30 colors. The debutantes then donated them during the Charity Service Day project for Our Promise Cancer Resources.
In addition, the young women also created fleece blankets and put together care packages for cancer patients.
Meanwhile, here is a personal word of “Thanks” and a “Thumbs-up” to the considerate Kroger Store (Albert Pike) shopper who insisted on helping this writer take grocery items out of her cart and put them on the checkout conveyor belt.
The cordial woman had already checked out, but took the time to be of assistance on a busy afternoon at the store. She seemed to know the checkers and was also very polite to them. Her courtesy was greatly appreciated
Speaking of consideration for others, here is a “Thumbs-up” to everyone who understands the importance of good customer service with a special tip of the hat to the following: Monica at Ozark Cleaners; Ginny at the Walgreens on Albert Pike, along with Bill and Jennifer in the pharmacy department; Bruce at the Airport Road Kroger Store; everyone from reception, to X-ray, to phlebotomy at the Hot Springs Internal Medicine Clinic on Higdon Ferry; the exceedingly patient and helpful staff at the U.S. Postal Service branch location at Hammond and Albert Pike.
There are many, many more top-flight customer service workers around the Spa City. Please thank the individuals with whom you do business.
By the same token, here is a cheer and a double “Thumbs-up” to two persons who have been positive influences to many young persons in the field of athletics.
Best wishes to coach Tommy White on his retirement from the Lakeside School District after 33 years of teaching, mentoring baseball and basketball players, and fostering the Rams’ blue and gold spirit in all of his teams and among school supporters.
White won the Class 3A championship in 2000 and later coached his team to an American Legion baseball championship. May he and his wife, Jan, enjoy safe and interesting travels and more leisure time.
Congratulations, also, to Hot Springs softball coach Deana Franklin, who last Friday night was honored at an athletic banquet in Horner Hall of Hot Springs Convention Center, receiving the Joe Reese Award for her volunteerism with the Arkansas High School Coaches Association. The award is named for the late Hot Springs High School athletic director and football coach.
Franklin started coaching at HSHS in 1988, involved mostly with basketball and track, but was instrumental in establishing the school’s softball and volleyball programs. She was associated with two basketball teams that won state championships and she saw the need for the school to expand sports’ opportunities for girls. Thank you, Deana.
The Thumbs Column appears in The Sentinel-Record the first and third Wednesday of each month. The newspaper welcomes readers’ comments and suggestions, which should be submitted in writing with a name, telephone number and address for verification.