Thumbs column
Despite the ongoing worries about the novel coronavirus, we can still view from our windows, doors, patios and porches the lovely vestiges of spring — a time of hope and renewal of the human spirit.
So let’s all give a “Thumbs-up” to the natural beauty that is ours to enjoy here in Hot Springs and Garland County.
Surely we cannot look upon the deep red clover, the multihued wildflowers, and the delicate wisteria blossoms (more lush and pretty this season than this writer can ever recall) without breaking into a smile and being ever so thankful for the gift of this bounty.
And here is a “Thumbs-up” to all of the area clergy, church members, and thoughtful persons who found creative and meaningful ways to connect with fellow congregants and others to safely celebrate the Easter season.
Westminster Presbyterian Church elders delivered Easter lilies, communion elements, and information about how to watch its telecast Easter service to about 90 households — an idea of Susie Wright, the church’s Commissioned Elder for Pastoral Care.
Master Gardner Denise Steinhaus artfully put together a large cross of stones and flowers in the yard of 160 Longview Point. Steinhaus noted neighbors donated many of the stones for the project she hoped would be inspirational.
And the hometown newspaper took readers back in time through a story and pictures commemorating the highly popular Hot Springs Easter Sunrise Service, which for 40 years took place on Hot Springs Mountain. Thank you Editor Mark Gregory and Liz Robbins, executive director of the Garland County Historical Society, for this Easter remembrance.
By the same token, Joyce Whitfield, executive director of the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, gives a big “Thumbs-up” to numerous donor-advised fund-holders with HSACF and all of the people in the community who have graciously made contributions to the matching pool of funds for the #SupportSpaCity Buy One, Give One Community Relief Program, a collaborative effort of the foundation, the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic.
Whitfield said, “Their dollars are being used to purchase grocery relief gift cards for those individuals who have experienced a loss or reduction of employment due to the COVID-19 health crisis.” The first round of assistance gift cards totaling $3,950 were sent out to 33 Garland County families this past Wednesday. Distribution will continue each Wednesday while the program is being offered. People needing assistance may apply at https:// www.supportspacity.com/.
Here is a “Thumbs-up” for an act of kindness from Hot Springs resident Ted Carrithers.
Just as the COVID-19 virus was beginning to hit Arkansas, Carrithers was in Lowe’s when a gentleman noticed his United States Air Force cap, came up to him, thanked him for his service, and said he wanted him to have a medically safe mask, which he handed to him.
Carrithers thanked him, of course, and offered to pay for it, but the man refused to take any money.
Staying safe is paramount during this national and global pandemic and showing concern for other people’s safety is a hallmark of Hot Springs and Garland County.
On the subject of protective masks, another resort city resident sends out two “Thumbs-up” to Hannah and David Mills and their son, David, for working so hard to provide masks at a very reasonable price.
Via email, the resident pointed out that the Mills family and its team — Michelle Mouton coordinating online orders and the dozens of volunteers who cut out patterns, sew the masks, and iron the finished products — “help make Hot Springs the resilient community that it is.”
Our heartfelt thanks as well to all of the dedicated “mask-makers” who have stepped forward without hesitation to meet the challenges we face today.
In reference to all of the changes and concerns citizens now have, voting can be a real conundrum.
And recently reelected Lakeside School Board member Carla Mouton gives a double “Thumbs-up” to Gene Haley, chairman of the Garland County Election Commission, and Sarah Smith, Garland County clerk, for their diligent management of the Lakeside Board runoff election.
In an email, Mouton said, “They pulled together processes that made voting easy and safe as it could be under very difficult circumstances and with no model to guide them. Both told me they were ‘just doing their jobs’ but it is important to commend them for doing those jobs very, very well.”