Thumbs column

Reading is always a good way to while away the hours on those sometimes chilly, rainy, and dreary, days in the Spa City.

So let's start off today's column with a "Thumbs-up" to the lighter literary fare that makes for good company on wintry afternoons or evenings.

This writer recommends Susan Mallery's "Sisters Like Us" and Melanie Benjamin's "The Girls in the Picture" to anyone seeking an entertaining break in the day.

Here is a big "Thumbs-up" and salute to Garland County sheriff's Capt. Belinda Cosgrove, who was recently named Correctional Supervisor of the Year by the American Jail Association.

Cosgrove joined the sheriff's department in 1996, was promoted to captain in 2017, was the first female to serve at the rank of captain in the department, and was the first woman in Arkansas to receive certified jail manager status certified through the AJJ. She was also the first detention center employee appointed by the governor to serve on the Arkansas Coalition of Juvenile Justice Board.

Cosgrove has shown leadership and vision in developing the center's educational programs and its large volunteer base.

She will receive the award on April 24 at the AJA's 37th Annual Conference and Jail Expo in Sacramento, Calif.

By the same token, a congratulatory "Thumbs-up" to all of the Single Parent Scholarship recipients recently honored during a reception at Mid-America Science Museum.

Recipients and their families were invited to the reception at which Diane LaFollette, MASM executive director, and Jamie Marshall, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund program manger, presented opening remarks and Daniel Schrader shared his own single parent story.

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Garland County approved 23 scholarship Awards totaling $16,250. Full-time college students received $750 and part-time students received $500.

Meanwhile, Hot Springs resident Barbara Thexton sends out a "Thumbs-up" and her heartfelt thanks to The Caring Place.

In an email to the hometown newspaper, Thexton wrote: "Recently, my husband had a critical episode while there. The staff and volunteers -- with their usual compassion and expertise -- saved his life. He is again living a life of quality.

"Thank you, saints on earth."

And here is a "Thumbs-up" to coach Keysha Hill, whose Hot Springs junior Lady Trojans won the 5A-South district tournament championship at DeQueen on Thursday, Feb 15.

Hill was an accomplished player and an on-the-court leader for the Hot Springs Lady Trojans, received her college degree, and now is giving back to her community by mentoring young girls and showing them the importance of education and teamwork.

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 home address for verification and contact purposes. This information is kept confidential.