A special place
Dear editor:
I can't help but feel like I'm living in a part of history with the closing of the Arkansas Career Training Institute. When I first started working here 15 years ago, it was fondly known by many as the Hot Springs Rehab. In its early days, dating back to 1886, the school was an Army and Navy General Hospital which was the first permanent military hospital in the United States. I often imagine what it must have been like back then with soldiers recuperating from the war. The setting brought hope to so many damaged in World War II. This place helped them heal from their wounds and move forward even in their brokenness.
That building was torn down to permit the construction of the present building which was completed in 1933. Since the state acquired the facility in 1960, it has been used as a rehabilitation center and then a vocational training facility for adults with disabilities. The building is currently listed on the National Historic Registry.
From a personal standpoint, I can't tell you how many times I have walked these halls. I can't tell you how many lunches I have eaten in the cafeteria which serves three fresh meals a day. I can't tell you how many people here have impacted my life. This grand place has a magic all its own. When you enter into the front lobby with its beautiful, old light fixtures and marble tile, there is a feeling of majesty and belonging. I have witnessed so many students who came here to grow and to change for the better. They learned skills to help them in an uncertain world. I will always be thankful for this wonderful opportunity. Though the doors may be closing on Sept. 30, this place will always be very special to me. I can't help but feel that something tremendous is being lost. Times have changed a lot since soldiers resided here after WWII, but that sense of perseverance and that feeling of hope and faith can never be misplaced.
Laura Smith
Hot Springs
Ballpark idea
Dear editor:
There has been a good discussion about building a new baseball park, pro and con. It therefore seems a compromise suggestion would be very appropriate. In the place of the $7.5-$8.5 million park complex, let's look at a more logical and affordable idea.
The land has been cleared, so it would be much easier and a lot less costly to build a three baseball field project, possibly in a diamond configuration, the three home plates in the center, each field facing outward around the compass at 120 degrees each, with restrooms/concession area in the middle space (or some other simple design based on the available space). This would still cost about $1.6 million for the dirt work, fencing, scoreboards, dugouts, bleachers and restrooms (only one or two fields would be fully lighted for night games) but this would be an excellent playing area for all to enjoy.
This cost estimate is based on "youth fields" at $400,000 each and lighting, $400,000, if needed. Remember, we are not talking about NCAA championship fields but a kid's game area, especially if there can also be a soccer area.
Also, a 30-year bond note would not be needed (about seven years as compared to the recent bond issued by the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission for the science museum) and, once paid for, the A&P Commission could donate the area to the city as a park. Also, if the space allows, a couple of soccer fields would be a big plus for even more youngsters to enjoy the area. Does that sound more reasonable?
Jim Pumphrey
Garland County
It's not mental health
Dear editor:
According to the American Psychological Association, mental health is not the key factor in our epidemic of mass shootings in this country because mental illness is no more of an issue in the U.S. per capita than in other countries and they don't experience the level of gun violence we do here. Many have the same racial and economic inequalities as we do yet there are no mass shootings. The key difference is the easy access to and lethality of weapons sold in the U.S. When you factor in racism, intolerance and bigotry, it becomes a recipe for disaster. Social contagion is a real thing that allows the spread of thoughts, emotions and behaviors to spread from person to person. It's been proven that only a relatively small percentage of people who commit these acts are diagnosed as mentally ill. I would also like to add my personal observation which is that whenever there is an act of violence involving anyone other than a white, Christian male, they are labeled a terrorist whereas a white male is deemed mentally ill? Regardless of the color of one's skin or their religion, terrorism is terrorism and it doesn't even have to involve physical violence to be considered a terroristic act. Many of us are in a state of denial and that denial has become lethal and is killing thousands of innocent people at the rate of 130 per day in this country, far more than any Middle-Eastern "terrorist."
Judith Zitko
Hot Springs Village
Editorial on 08/15/2019