Thumbs column

Resort city denizens gladly welcome and give a “Thumbs-up” to last weekend’s respite from late January’s hard chill, knowing, of course, that before all is said and done, there’ll be some gray and dreary days ahead.

When those less sunny days do return, local residents might entertain themselves with any number of absorbing books that are now in print. Elin Hilderbrand’s new novel, “Winter in Paradise,” is just one of the many good reads available for a rainy day.

Since February is the month of “hearts and flowers,” let’s begin this column with a “Thumbs-up” to the spirit of giving that recently brought nine new play stations to Fountain Lake Elementary School.

Thanks to the tireless four-year fundraising efforts of the Fountain Lake Parent Teacher Organization, new playground equipment has been installed at the school and we congratulate members of the PTO, Fountain Lake students, teachers, and administration, and community supporters for their diligence in accumulating $44,088 for the project.

By the same token, here is another “Thumbs-up” that recognizes an act of generosity founded on a belief of helping others.

This upturned digit goes to former Lake Hamilton residents Clay and Holly Trantham, who recently donated $225,000 to go toward updating Lake Hamilton Optimist Park. The donation is the largest the 40-year-old park has ever received.

Part of the gift will be used to establish the Holly Trantham Foster Child Scholarship Fund and bolster monies available to foster families. The Tranthams adopted two former foster children and Clay Trantham recently said, “We know how hard it is to be foster parents … and for foster children to be involved in sports because foster parents do not receive funds to help with sports.”

A tip of the hat to the Tranthams for their philanthropic endeavors. Linda Arneson of Hot Springs sends out her thanks and a “Thumbs-up” for another show of kindness.

In a recent email to this columnist, Arneson wrote, “This one goes to the members of the Lake Hamilton Spanish Club for the goodie bags they made and delivered to the Genesis Cancer Center for patients going through treatment there.

“I was very touched when I received one of the bags. It made my day.”

Meanwhile, another Hot Springs resident sends her kudos and a “Thumbsup” to Detective Mark Fallis and the Hot Springs Police Department.

In her email, she wrote, “I want to thank the detective and the police department for their promptness in identifying and arresting the man who robbed my son at knifepoint. The man waited to pull the knife until my son was securely locked into his seat belt with nowhere to quickly escape.

“Because of our police officers’ amazing work, our streets are safer.”

And, finally, here is one tennis fan’s “Thumbs-down” to the highly annoying screeching and grunting exhibited by some professional players during their tournament appearances.

Maria Sharapova, former Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, is perhaps the most notable offender in this regard, but Rafael Nadal, ranked No. 2 in the world, was especially noisy during the recent Australian Open finals when he lost in straight sets (6-3,6-2, 6-3) to No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic.

From what this writer has observed, the sound effects are not always that helpful. 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.