Thumbs column
October has arrived in style in the resort city, bringing with it cooler temperatures and an array of “cool” lawn and home decorations that tell us Halloween observances are just weeks away. That good news comes with a “Thumbs-up” to the headline heralding the
Arkansas Razorbacks’ upset win last Saturday night over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Scott
Field in Starkville.
Quarterback Feleipe Franks’ two touchdown passes, wide receiver De’Vion Warren’s key receptions, and a stout Hogs’ defense that intercepted the Mississippi State quarterback three times helped snap the U of A’s 20-game SEC losing streak.
Congratulations to first-year head coach Sam Pittman and his staff for giving the state’s gridiron fans plenty to cheer about this week.
By the same token, we send out a big “Thumbs-up” to everyone who participated in last weekend’s seventh annual Arkansas Honor Ride Purple Heart Parade that motored from Little Rock to Hot Springs in salute of veterans.
Traditionally held the first Saturday in October, the 2020 parade raised about $3,300 and riders also held a special ceremony to recognize U.S. Army veteran Jack Milton, who died Oct. 20, 2019, at the age of 75, and U.S. Navy veteran Benjamin Haymon, who died Dec. 18, 2019, at the age of 110.
Hot Springs’ veterans, their families, and local citizens appreciate the assistance and remembrances of Wendell Roberts, director of Arkansas Veterans Support Services, and others involved in veterans’ programs.
Another “Thumbs-up” is due the Hot Springs School District librarians and staffers who are now aboard the TrojansRead Book Bus each Thursday.
Superintendent Stephanie Nehus recently noted the need to personally connect with the district’s virtual families who might have technology questions and other concerns and to continue to provide books to the community and various personalized educational services and assistance from the schools.
A tip of the hat to Nehus, Amy Shipman, Hot Springs World Class High School librarian, and all those who have joined the book bus brigade.
Meanwhile, this writer has a “Thumbs-up” and “Thank you” to the polite fellow shopper whose recent courtesy was a bright spot in my day.
After selecting a number of cards for friends and associates in and out of town, I got in line at the checkout counter. The clerk was moving things along rather quickly and waiting my turn was certainly not a problem.
But, the aforementioned young gentleman motioned for me to go ahead of him and when I hesitated and said he should please keep his place, he smiled and insisted that I proceed.
In this difficult time when patience and consideration for others are not always apparent, such thoughtfulness is indeed welcome.
On the other hand, here is a “Thumbs-down” to the hasty business vehicle driver this columnist recently saw cutting in and out of the busy traffic on Albert Pike Road.
As he turned the corner in front of me — without signaling first — I saw a decal on the back of the smallish white truck. It read, “How’s my driving?” and had an accompanying telephone number.
Let’s call that a bit of sardonic humor.
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 in writing with a name and home address for contact and verification purposes. This information is kept confidential.