Thumbs column
In the true spirit of the season, let’s remember to remember those in need and those family members and friends who are gifts beyond measure.
In keeping with that sentiment, here is a big “Thumbs-up” to Hot Springs artist Anthony Tidwell who generously gives back to our community through Cutwell 4 Kids, the nonprofit he founded some six years ago to offer an artistic outlet for at-risk youngsters.
Tidwell and his program to positively influence young people through artworks recently were honored with the Judges Recognition Award, which is a category in the 2019 Governor’s Art Awards.
Congratulations and continued best wishes to this local artisan whose investment of time, energy, and creativity, will continue to be a source of inspiration.
Speaking of creativity, here is a “Thumbs-up” to the Garland County Library whose cardholders now have access to a special website that offers more than 1,000 online art and crafting tutorials.
As reported in the Page 4C news story in the Sunday, Dec. 3, issue of The Sentinel-Record, library patrons can establish an account with their library card for free tutorials from Creativebug and download instructional materials and patterns and work on projects at their own pace since classes never expire.
Once again, our library has shown that it is a true community center whose resources are invaluable to persons of all ages and interests.
Kudos to John Wells, director, his hard-working staff, and members of the library board.
A Hot Springs resident has a “Thumbs-up” and a note of thanks she wants to share with our readers.
Via email, the grateful recipient of a recent good deed wrote, “On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, I made an early trip to Walmart on Central. I was in a hurry and inadvertently left my wallet in the shopping cart. I did not notice it was missing until I needed it about midday. Imagine my feeling of panic in realizing it was gone.
“After a couple of phone calls and two trips back to the store, I was told the wallet was there, locked safely away. Dylan, an employee, retrieved it for me. When I asked who to thank and reward for finding it, he said a customer had returned it. Nothing was missing from the wallet.
“Happy holidays to the honest person who returned it. In this season, it is important to be thankful for the good people in our community.”
On the other hand, here is a “Thumbs-down” and “Bah, humbug” to the recent news that the three-county solid waste district and the city of Hot Springs will not support its regional recycling center on Runyon Street after June 30.
This center has been a real benefit and from personal observation, it seems as if more citizens and their families are using it and showing their children why making the effort to recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, and the like, is good for the environment.
Surely the city board of directors, the Sanitation Department, and other interested groups can find a way to keep the center going.
On the other hand, we say, “Thumbs up” to the Grow and Show Garden Cub for decorating two Christmas trees at the Ouachita Children’s Center and donating the tree ornaments, too.
Historically, resort city garden club members have dedicated untold volunteer hours toward not only enhancing their own neighborhoods but also the green spaces at various public sites. And they continue to share their know-how with numerous nonprofits and civic organizations.
Finally, in these sad days since the passing of George Herbert Walker Bush, the nation’s 41st president and a man committed to selfless service, dignity, and respect for others, we give a “Thumbs-up” to one of his most compelling statements and one that should be a guidepost for everyone in the political arena.
In a 2009 speech, Bush said, “Politics does not have to be mean and ugly.”
Thank you, President Bush.