Thumbs column
First off, here is a rousing cheer and a big “Thumbs-up” to the 100th PGA Championship that concluded this past Sunday with one of the most competitive and dramatic final rounds in recent years.
Cool and collected Brooks Koepka, 28, edged four-time PGA champion Tiger Woods, 42, by just two strokes and took home his second major tournament trophy of 2018, having won the U.S. Open Championship in June.
Kudos also to Australian Adam Scott, 38, who finished third and to 45-year-old Stewart Cink who was tied for fourth at the end of play on the Bellerive Country Club course in St. Louis.
And a tip of the golf cap to the spectators, most of whom were backing a resurgent Woods, but who also respected the other tournament participants.
By the same token, here is a double “Thumbs-up” to Fountain Lake’s freshman defensive lineman Nicholas Soilau and Lakeside receiver Pierce Smalley, who last month played in the USA Football Middle School Bowl game at the Dallas Cowboys practice facility in Frisco, Texas.
Soilau played for the Stripes team and Smalley played for the Stars. They were two of only four Arkansans selected for the bowl game.
In January, Soilau played for USA Football in the U15 International Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Here is a well-deserved “Thumbs-up” to Mountain Pine’s April Elmore, who recently was recognized for her service to the Girl Scouts — Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
As reported in the hometown newspaper, Elmore was presented with an Honor Pin for her service and support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership experience during the organization’s July 28 annual conference and leadership meeting at Robinson Center in Little Rock.
The troop leader said, “The Honor Pin is a tangible reminder that my efforts are appreciated. Every time I put on my Girl Scout uniform, I will wear it proudly.”
Elmore also cited the good works and dedication of “the other wonderful volunteers in our service unit.”
Meanwhile, here is an appreciative “Thumbs-up” to the two courteous persons who last Sunday held open the door to a local restaurant for a woman and a couple.
The man was exiting the eatery when he saw a woman customer approaching the entrance and he held open the door until she was inside.
Not long afterward, a woman, who appeared to be with some other family members, did the same for a young couple who neared the door at the same time she did.
It is nice to know that being polite is not a lost social grace.
On that note, retired Attorney Byron Cole Rhodes recently submitted the following “Thumbs-up” item. He wrote, “I recently had the opportunity visit Judge Ralph Ohm’s courtroom and observe the proceedings on his criminal docket.
“In a time when lawyers and judges are often held in ill-repute, congratulations to the judge and his courtroom staff, as well as the prosecuting attorney and public defender’s offices’ representatives, on their efficiency, public courtesy and judicial acumen.” 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 with a name, telephone number and home address for verification and contact purposes. This information is kept confidential.