Thumbs column

After a beautiful Easter weekend in the Spa City, this third week in April began with some early Monday morning thunder rumbles and light showers.

But, things are looking up because readers of this column have submitted some encouraging news they want to share with local residents.

Leading off, a Hot Springs woman sends out a big "Thumbs-up" to Mike Blackwood and Bill Thorpe who helped get her pickup started outside Smokin' In Style last Thursday evening.

She explained, "These two gentlemen did not know one another, but worked together to get the truck started. They both were leaving the restaurant as I was trying unsuccessfully to start it. It was quickly apparent both had considerable mechanical experience and they explored several options, such as checking power and cable connections to the starter and other parts before using a wrench to short across the starter relay, after which the truck started right up.

"I am pleased to be able to express my appreciation and publicly recognize these men for coming to my rescue so I could drive home instead of calling for a tow truck and a ride."

By the same token, Francelle Ledford, 88, of Hot Springs also has a "Thumbs-up" award to present.

In her letter to the hometown newspaper, Ledford wrote, "Recently, I was on my walker at IHOP at lunch time. I started to step off the curb and fell. Thanks to the three young men who came to my aid and helped me into my car.

"Thanks so much to these young men. I have no broken bones and am doing just fine."

Here is a double "Thumbs-up" to Weyerhaeuser Co. and The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce for again honoring the top 5 percent of the graduating classes from Garland County's seven public school districts and the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.

The seniors were recognized on the evening of April 13 at the 2017 Academic Excellence Banquet at Hot Springs Convention Center. Thanks, also, to The Sentinel-Record for publishing students' photos and biographies provided by the Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to these outstanding individuals and future leaders.

Meanwhile, a round of applause and a "Thumbs-up" to the Garland County students (third-12th graders) chosen from 217 statewide entrants to model their own "wearable" recycled or upcycled fashion designs at the 2017 Curbside Couture Fashion Show on April 2 in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center.

Only 98 student-created fashions made the cut and local designers included Abigail Bates, Bella Gibbs, Jalea Hawthorn, Sara Kingery, Kyron McCoy, Kyndal Fox and Chloe Lane of Cutter Morning Star Elementary; Grace Slick of Cutter Morning Star High School; Mollie Margaret Gidcomb and Haddie Heard of Lake Hamilton Elementary School; and Finn Riley of Lake Hamilton Junior High School.

My namesake's daughter, Mollie Margaret Gidcomb, 9, was selected by her art teacher, Sarah Riley, to enter the couture competition. Miss Gidcomb titled her design, "Reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose, replant!" She used Bubble Wrap, newspaper and plastic can holders to make the skirt. Her shirt was made from a repurposed tank top with seed packets and receipts glued to front and back. The neckline had flowers glued across the top. She collaged shoes to go with it. Her headband included a live plant that she grew from the seed packets on her shirt. She was mentored by a designer from the TV show, "Project Runway."

Every day and everywhere, today's young people are doing positive things at school and in their communities. "Thumbs up" to all of them, including a grandson of Carla and Joe Mouton of Hot Springs. The Moutons recently shared this personal story of youthful good deeds.

"Andre, our 10-year-old Floridian, recently received the 'It's A Big Deal Award' from the Bay County school superintendent," they said. "On his school bus, Andre helped a person who was being bullied by breaking up the fight and then a few days later, he came to the aid of his school principal who had taken a fall. He got her the help she needed. The recognition was one of 24 this year in a district of 10,000 students. Andre has a kind and gentle soul. We are so proud!"

In these often cynical times, such acts of creativity, academic achievement and thoughtfulness give us reasons to be hopeful.

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.