Leading off this column on the upbeat side are two items recognizing academic achievement and the importance of education in preparing individuals for a better future.
First off, here is a definite "Thumbs-up" to all of the recipients of the fall semester's single parent scholarships and to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Garland County, the Garland County Single Parent Scholarship Committee and the National Park Community College Foundation for hosting last Friday's reception to honor them.
Special thanks to Kari Bars, a first-time scholarship recipient, for sharing her personal story during the reception sponsored by Weyerhaeuser in the Frederick M. Dierks Center for Nursing and Health Sciences. Bars' comments show how these scholarships can positively impact the lives of those who seek to better themselves and improve their families' well-being through continuing education.
By the same token, here's a "Thumbs-up" to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts for being recognized as one of the top high schools in the country.
ASMSA's No. 8 ranking by The Daily Beast, an online news site, was in a 2014 survey that "highlights the best 1,200 public high schools in the nation."
In The Sentinel-Record's Sept. 14 edition, Corey Alderdice, ASMSA director, said, "At the core of its mission, ASMSA acts as an extension of the work of educators and administrators across Arkansas. ASMSA and our students are able to celebrate this accomplishment through the preparation and experiences these talented young people have pursued at the elementary, middle, and early high school level in their home districts."
Continuing on, Susie Anthony of Hot Springs sends out a belated but sincere "Thumbs-up" to the two Garland County sheriff's deputies who came to her aid on Saturday, Aug. 23.
In her note to the hometown newspaper, Anthony wrote, "I was traveling east on Albert Pike Road, driving in the right lane. A young girl in the left lane appeared to be texting and she ran me off the road. I hit a curb in front of Family Care Chiropractic. A lady from the Tobacco Junction ran out of her store and told me I had a flat tire.
"She said I could park in the business driveway and come in out of the heat. As I was calling my husband to tell him what had happened, two nice, off-duty deputies came to my rescue and volunteered to change the tire. I want to thank Lane Mayo and John Short for changing the tire in 96-degree heat. I can't thank them enough -- I really appreciate their help. I also want to thank the lady from Tobacco Junction for her kindness."
Personally speaking, two of this week's digit doings hit home.
A "Thumbs-down" goes to the man who recently left his dog to the good graces of my fellow condominium complex residents. The apparent owner of the animal in question was seen parking his vehicle on the property's creek bridge, opening the door, letting the black canine run free, and then speedily driving away.
Fortunately, one concerned resident took charge of the abandoned dog and was able to find it a suitable home.
It's regrettable that some persons are won't to unload their responsibilities on others. Needless to say, all eyes will be on the lookout for anyone else who trespasses with intent to deliver their unwanted "care packages."
But, on the other hand, here's a "Thumbs-up" to neighbors Walt and Bill who retrieved several pieces of correspondence addressed to me after they had been mistakenly put in their mailboxes, which are located on the property's main drive. Both men promptly returned the errant mail -- a great relief since a check was included in the mix.
I reported the matter to the Albert Pike Post Office branch, noting that I and several other residents had over time received mail intended for other people in the complex.
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, telephone number and address for verification.
Editorial on 09/17/2014