Daughter’s salute to her dad shared by all on Father’s Day
DEAR ABBY: It’s Father’s Day and I’d like to salute one particular unsung hero – my dad. He was there for me and my sister despite a difficult workload throughout our childhood. He has always been generous with love and affection, and I have no doubt that he has sacrif iced things he wanted personally for our benefit.
Dad has been the calming voice during times of strife. He can fix anything from a broken washing machine to a broken heart. He has not only nurtured us, but our children as well.
He has been our role model when it comes to setting an example of what a man, husband, father and grandfather should be. He is never judgmental and has always shown us the best in ourselves. He’s consistent in his love of God, country and family. He is patient, kind, generous and smart in ways I only wish I could be.
To top it off, he found us the best mother we could have hoped for. They have been married 58 years. My unsung hero doesn’t wear a cape, but I do believe he has certainly earned a halo. – SHARON IN BRANDON, FLA.
DEAR SHARON: What a sweet letter. I’m printing it to honor not only your father but also the millions of men who dedicate t h e m s e l ve s daily to raising their children with love and support. In addition, I’d like to extend a Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere – not only birth fathers but also stepfathers, foster fathers and those caring individuals who mentor youngsters whose parents are absent or deceased. Bless you all. DEAR ABBY: Will you please help librarians across the country clarify something that is generally misrepresented to the public?
Patrons who need assistance operating a computer MAY be able to get help at their local library. That’s “may,” not “can.” Too often, people are instructed to go to their library and use a computer to file taxes, redeem a gift, print pictures, etc. The fact is, not every library has computers with Internet access. Most do, but not all.
Further, many libraries lack sufficient staff to offer one- on- one support to operate a computer. To someone who is proficient, it may seem strange that a person can’t simply lay a hand on a mouse and go. The reality is, computers and the Internet are not intuitive to those who haven’t been exposed to them – and there are many.
While I don’t know of a librarian who wouldn’t like to
Lawrence and Sharon Caldwell, of Hot Springs, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Washington, D. C.
The couple were married June 1, 1962, in Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Dexter Blevins officiating. Lawrence Caldwell served in the U. S. Army, is semi- retired and works with Kroger. Sharon Caldwell is semi- retired and works with First Baptist Preschool.
They are the parents of one daughter, Jennifer Caldwell, of Conway; and one son and daughter- in- law, Dale and Staci Caldwell, of Washington, D. C.
Ryan McKinney, of Benton, and Crystal Kaye Drennan, of Bryant, were married in a 5 p. m.
Bob and Nancy Landers, of Hot Springs, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a gathering of family and friends today at Family Park.
The couple were married June 15, 1952, at the home of her parents in Conover, Ohio. Bob Landers works at Sam’s Club. Nancy Landers works at Cherry’s Hallmark. Both are fishermen.
They are the parents of Dianne Landers and Vicki Landers; grandparents of James Landers; and great- grandparents of Kamryn and Joshua Landers. ceremony June 9 at the home of the bride’s parents with Daniel Dodson officiating.
The bride is the daughter of David and Pam Finney, of Benton; and granddaughter of Ralph Schlafman, of Mabelvale, Lucille Drennan, of Benton, and the late and Merlene Schlafman and Allen Drennan. The bridegroom is the son of Mike and Cindy McKinney, of Hot Springs; and grandson of Howard Cranford and Evelyn McKinney, both of Hot Springs, and the late Janice Cranford and Olen McKinney.
The altar was decorated with a wedding chuppah built over a dock at the pond, layered with white lace and aqua- colored tulle draped across the front.
Music was presented by Dennis Goss.
The bride, escorted by her father, wore a white sundress. She carried a bouquet of red roses and red Gerber daisies.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held on the premises.
A wedding trip to Cozumel is planned. The couple will reside in Haskel with their children Reese McKinney, Calvin McKinney, Allie McKinney, Cameron Walker and Kynley Helton. The bride works with Saline County Sheriff’s Office and the bridegroom works with Saline County Sheriff’s Office and is pursuing a master’s degree in education at UALR Graduate School.
Damon and Tonia Daniels, of Amity, and Mark Covey, of Mountain Pine, announce the engagement of their daughter, Samantha JoAnn Covey, to Zakary Stefan Gray, both of Arkadelphia. He is the son of Mike and Tina Gray, of Donaldson.
The bride- elect is a graduate of Centerpoint High School. She is employed with DeGray Lodge and pursuing a degree at Henderson State University.
Her fiancé is a graduate of Ouachita High School. He is employed with DeGray Lodge.
The wedding will be at 6 p. m. June 29 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Bismarck.
James L. and Lori M. Hoyt, of Little Rock, formerly of Hot Springs, announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Leigh Hoyt, to Walden Matthew Cash, son of Clarence W. and Noemi Cash, all of Little Rock.
The bride- elect is a graduate of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where she received a bachelor of science degree and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She is employed as a nurse with Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Her fiancé is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he received a bachelor of arts degree and the William T. Bowen School of Law in Little Rock where he received a Juris Doctorate. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He is employed as an
D a t e b o o k Support Group meets from 6: 30- 8 p. m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Community Counseling Services, 125 Dons Way. Child care is provided. Contact Winston DáBell, 622- 0226 or wldabell@ live. com, for information.
Celebrate Recovery is designed to help those struggling with hurts, habits and hang- ups through a recovery process with Jesus Christ at the center.
Locations of local meetings include:
• First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave., at 9: 30 a. m. Sundays. Open share groups for women meet in Room 303; men in Room 311. Child Care available. Call 624- 3345 for information.
• Lake Valley Community Church, 910 Shady Grove Road, at 5: 30 p. m. Mondays with a brown bag meal; 6: 30 p. m. meeting. Call 623- 8892 for information.
• Hot Springs Baptist Church, 144 Weston Road, free fellowship dinner at 5: 30 p. m. Tuesdays followed by large group at 6: 30 p. m. and open share groups at 7: 30 p. m. with Solid Rock Café from 8: 30- 9: 30 p. m. Step study groups are available for men and women Sunday afternoons; call for specific times. Contact Shane Robertson, 760- 4744 or info@ hotspringsbaptist. org, for information. Free child care is available.
• First Church of the Nazarene, 3804 Central Ave., will meet from 6 to 8 p. m. today. A fellowship dinner is held at 5: 30 p. m. Child care is provided. Call 525- 1343 for information.
Anchor of Hope Cancer Ministry, for anyone who currently is or has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has, meets at 7 p. m. every
Dorothy Stringer and Greg Stringer, of Hot Springs, announce the engagement of their daughter, Shanna Christina Stringer, to Van Michael McQueen Jr., son of Mike and Patti McQueen, of Jonesboro.
The bride- elect is a graduate of Lyon College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Human Resources.
Her fiancé is a graduate of Lyon College where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
The wedding will be in late June in Hot Springs.
Danny Montgomery, of Benton, announces the engagement of his daughter, MonTina Gaye Sutton, to James Preston Barnett, of Lewisville, Texas, son of Jim Barnett, of Mesquite, Texas, and Delight Reisanuer, of Lewisville.
The bride- elect is the daughter of the late Penny Montgomery. She is a graduate of Lake Hamilton High School. She is employed as a veterinarian technician with ACAH.
Her fiancé is a graduate of Lewisville High School. He is owner of Barnett Roofing.
The wedding will be at 7 p. m. June 30. third Monday in Room 131 of Hot Springs Baptist Church, 144 Weston Road. Call 760- 4744 for information.
Autism Awareness Family Support Group gathers at 5: 30 p. m. the first Monday of every month in the Mercy Room ( off the cafeteria) at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center followed at 6 p. m. with a meeting. The group is for parents and caregivers of children with autism. It strives to raise awareness of autism, educate, advocate and support these families. Light refreshments will be served. Input on upcoming speakers is encouraged and newcomers are welcome. Call Teresa Dodson, 337- 6012, or Michelle Walker, 276- 4530, for information.
A bereavement group meets at Hospice Home Care Inc., 3955 Central Ave., Suite 6, Buena Vista Plaza. All are welcome. Call 321- 4014 for date, time and information.
Diabetes Support Group meets at 1 p. m. on the third Thursday of the month in the Roland Room at St. Joseph’s Mercy Women’s Center. Call 622- 4665 or 922- 5451, ext. 4665, for information.
Mothers of Multiples will meet at 6: 30 p. m. Tuesday in the Dublin Room at the Mercy Heart Center. M. O. M. S. is a nonprofit support group for mothers of twins, triplets and more. Call Sherry McCurrie, 332- 4167, or Denise Davis, 3324025, for information.
Hot Springs Brain Injury Support Group meets from 5: 30- 7 p. m. on the third Tuesday of every month at Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, 105 Reserve, Room 201B, Main Building. Call Bill Hartley, 525- 8463, for information.
offer unlimited assistance to computer users, libraries nationwide are losing staff due to budget cuts. At the same time, use of libraries is steadily increasing. It’s frustrating to disappoint patrons who expect to receive instruction in computer operation. We prefer they leave our building happy.
So, Abby, please spread the word. Computers and Internet services vary from library to library. Readers should ask their librarian about what services are available at their local branch. – CONCERNED CITI- ZEN, EASTHAMPTON, MASS.
DEAR CONCERNED CITIZEN: Thank you for shining a light on this important subject.
Readers, if this letter is as disturbing to you as it is to me, write your congressional representative and express your concern. For lower- and middle- income people of every age, libraries have performed – and continue to perform – a vital function. Their budgets must not be slashed to the point that they can no longer fulfill their mission
of informing and educating the public.