Thumbs column
Halloween and All Hallow’s Eve 2018 fall on Wednesday, Oct. 31, this year.
But, before Hot Springs and Garland Country residents finalize their costumes and plan their festive gatherings down to the smallest detail, let’s share some non-related 10th month of the year digit doings with our readers.
First off, a Spa City resident and fair-goer sent in this “Thumbs-up” request just after the last column was printed so we are glad to spotlight it now.
In her email, the hometown newspaper reader said she’d been to the Hot Spring County Fair in Malvern and was carefully walking across the rocky ground to her car. A young lady who was exercising her show calf politely offered to tie up the bovine and assist the older woman to her car.
The offer was declined but greatly appreciated.
By the same token, a Hot Springs resident sends out a big “Thumbs-up” to the policeman who recently paid for her order at the McDonald’s drive-up window.
In the email submission, the resident wrote, “We often hear of citizens buying meals for servicemen and law enforcement officers as a show of appreciation for their service.
“This gesture reminded me that those in uniform are still regular people participating in the ‘pay it forward’ movement. I want to say, ‘Thank you, sir.’ This gesture will be repaid the next time there is someone behind me in line.”
On the other hand, this writer has a “Thumbs-down” to two reckless drivers after a harrowing midday experience about a week ago while returning home from some morning errands.
I was waiting patiently in the left-hand turn lane at the intersection of Central Avenue and the Cornerstone Shopping Center, ready to turn on to Section Line Road and proceed to the Post Office.
Luckily, my car was a few feet back in the turn lane because while the light was still red, a white SUV came barreling out of the shopping center and careened into the turn lane.
Minutes later, a white truck, obviously in a hurry to go south on Central at that same local, hardly stopped behind a red car and then shot across the intersection while the light still indicated “stop.”
Whew. Talk about double jeopardy.
How about a definite “Thumbs-up” for two anniversaries being marked in the resort city?
As The Sentinel-Record reported this past Sunday, a delegation of community leaders from Hanamaki, Japan, will arrive here Thursday to celebrate 25 years of that city’s Sister City relationship with the people of Hot Springs.
The event-filled weekend will continue to honor the educational and cultural exchanges that have marked the success of the Sister City program that began in 1993.
Another anniversary of note is the upcoming Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair that is now in its 50th year. The fair, made possible by a virtual army of dedicated volunteers and artisans, will be open
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Congratulations to everyone involved in these ongoing programs.
Meanwhile, Don Little, of Hot Springs, sends out a “Thumbs-up” and some words of thanks to Amber Bates, physical therapist for the Lakeside School District.
In his recent email, Little wrote, “Last week, my wife was picking up our granddaughters at Lakeside during the
3 p.m. traffic rush and she discovered the car had a flat tire and called me for help. I was not close by but headed that way.
“When I arrived, I was amazed to see the car being jacked up by a young lady who obviously worked for the school. It was a warm day and she insisted on finishing the job and putting the spare tire on — coming to the rescue just like the Lone Ranger. I was barely able to get her name and thank her.
“Her random acts of kindness was above and beyond her job and was a great example for my grandchildren and should be for all of us. Our family is most grateful.”