Although the abundant sunshine and unseasonably mild temperatures of the past several days belied the recent dates on the 2016 calendar, it is still wintertime and also the beginning of hearts and flowers month.
So, Hot Springs residents and readers of the hometown newspaper, we send you early Valentine's Day greetings, along with some good news digit doings.
To begin with, we say, "Thank you" and give a "Thumbs-up" from Don Ashley, the city's Utilities Maintenance controller, who submitted the following item after his phone conversation with a customer who wanted "to recognize employee excellence in customer service."
In his email, he explained, "On Dec. 31, a broken water main in the Royal area was repaired and as a standard practice, hydrants were opened to bleed off air and silt. Unfortunately, in the yard at 642 Canyon Springs Circle, the flow of a hydrant eroded the ground substantially. Mr. Rodney Greis reported the eroded yard to water department's Donny Willis, who was taking calls in maintenance control.
"Donny immediately dispatched a crew consisting of Paul Gregston, Josh Tillery and Ethan Sutton. On Jan. 6, Mr. Greis called and spoke with me about the entire situation and wanted to give a 'shout out' of praise to Mr. Willis and the crew for a timely response and for an excellent 'dressing up' of his yard.
"He stated he was euphorically pleased with everything. In a time when we are scrutinized by the public for all of the things we do that are perceived as 'bad,' I feel these 'good' calls are worth reporting. Excellent job, Donny, Paul, Josh and Ethan. It is a pleasure working with you all."
Hearkening back to the resort city's January snowfall, District 3 Director Becca Clark has a "Thumbs-up" for the city street department.
In her email to Denny McPhate, public works director, Clark wrote, "Great job getting the streets cleared so quickly today (Jan. 22, 2016). Prospect was being scraped by 7:30 a.m. and the neighbors were so appreciative.
"Please thank the folks who were out taking care of us in the cold dark morning hours."
In his reply, McPhate wrote, "Thank you, Director Clark. The added investment in the additional snow plows and sand spreaders really made a difference. ... "
Meanwhile, here is a "Thumbs-up" for kindness and consideration from two Hot Springs senior citizens who appreciate the assistance they receive.
In a recent note to The Sentinel-Record, Sally Beckman wrote, "I want to thank Vicki, Alan Bass, and Mark and Denise for the help and support you give to Paul and me.
"You help us clarify our thoughts and treat us a good friends."
Another Spa City resident offers a "Thumbs-up" for one person's efforts to tackle the trash, especially in the downtown business district.
John Carter related to this columnist that one day in mid-January, he was sitting at a red light near Spencer's Corner when he observed a man walking by and stopping to pick up paper and other pieces of litter and carefully putting them in the dumpster.
We should all make an effort to help spruce up our surroundings.
Speaking of enhancing one's surroundings, here is a well-deserved "Thumbs-up" to Byron, the Dixie Cafe's ebullient kitchen manager who this past Sunday night subbed as a server since the evening wait staff was short-handed.
His cheerful demeanor, sense of humor and courteous service were added boons to a meal enjoyed by the three local patrons who eat out frequently and take note of the efforts and etiquette put forth by restaurant personnel.
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 02/03/2016