Thumbs column

In light of the all too frequent news about violent acts and "hate-speak" incidents here at home and around the world, let's begin this week's column on a more encouraging note.

We say, "Thank you," and give a "Thumbs-up" to the Hot Springs Intermediate School, which recently received an Anti-Defamation League banner designating it as an official No Place for Hate school for 2016-17.

As reported in the hometown newspaper this past Sunday, the entire school body participated in activities throughout the year to promote tolerance and kindness toward others.

The just completed school term was the third one in which students at Hot Springs Intermediate had been involved in the No Place for Hate initiative.

Dorothy Robison of Hot Springs has a "Thumbs-up" award of her own and shares another story of thoughtfulness and consideration for others.

In her Saturday, June 3, email to The Sentinel-Record, Robison wrote, "Last Friday, I went to Wal-Mart to have my car battery replaced. A very nice young man named Kevin Latting insisted on paying my bill, as well as that of another lady having work done on her car.

"He said, 'I just enjoy doing things for people.' I assured Kevin that I will 'pay it forward.' With all of the chaos in the world, it's so nice to see that there are still 'good guys.'

"God bless you, Kevin."

Meanwhile, Hot Springs resident Debbie Horton has another "Thumbs-up" item to share with our readers.

In her email, Horton wrote, "Thanks to the lady ahead of me at McDonald's on Airport Road. She purchased my drink on a recent Wednesday afternoon. The man at the checkout window informed me that the lady does this every time she comes through, paying for orders of those in the car behind her.

"She is definitely one who is paying it forward."

In a related "good works" category, here is a "Thumbs-up" to members of the Hot Springs Civitan Club for showing their patriotism and community spirit by assisting with the Garland County Veterans' Memorial Day service.

Club members passed out programs and flags and presented wreaths during the program, also helping attendees find individual bricks and pavers before and during the event.

Conversely, here is a "Thumbs-down" from another resort city resident who is obviously disappointed in some restaurant patrons' lack of consideration for their table's waitress.

In her email, the local woman wrote, "My 'Thumbs-down' is to the six or seven women who were eating at this popular restaurant on Wednesday, June 14. After finishing their meal, they left a mess for the waitress to clean up. But what I am complaining about is they left no tip.

"Do people not understand that tips help? Most eateries don't pay that much because tips are seen as part of the wages."

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 06/21/2017

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