The torrid temperatures and high humidity persist, but even so, social and activity calendars are still filled with interesting things to do and see in and around the resort city.
And as Ranger Boats founder Forrest Lee Wood said recently in reference to the capacity crowds on hand earlier this month for the 24th annual FLW Cup and its competitive bass fishing events, "Hot Springs is the perfect venue to host the Cup."
Indeed it is, so here's a great big "Thumbs-up" to the 67,453 people who turned out for the celebratory presentations, educational exhibits and demonstrations, and Trace Adkins concert at Bank OZK Arena and, of course, to Shelby, N.C.'s Bryan Thrift, the winning angler who took home $300,000 and the title of FLW Cup champion.
Congratulations and thanks to all the organizers and volunteers involved in this always popular happening.
By the same token, here's a "Thumbs-up" to Hot Springs resident Janet Mauk for her Aug. 13 letter to the editor giving a five-star review to "Chicago," another boffo production of The Pocket Theatre.
In her recent missive, Mauk wrote that "Chicago"' was "of the highest quality" and that "the dedication of the cast and crew should be applauded for their genuine effort in time and their love for their craft." She added that "the talent was amazing ... these people have gifts and they brought them to us. The audience gave them a standing ovation.
The Pocket Theatre has long brought quality entertainment to the Spa City and continues to attract multitalented individuals who ensure the well-being of the dramatic arts.
Speaking of the arts, here's a "Thumbs-up" to Alix and Bart Stafford for their generous donation of two John Ellis metal sculptures they found at Carolyn Taylor's The Vintage Emporium.
The couple, who moved to Hot Springs from Houston, made donation arrangements through Dale Blackwelder, chairman of the city's Arts Advisory Commission, and are giving the pieces in honor of Taylor, who has been an integral part of the local arts community and a staunch supporter of the downtown revitalization.
Meanwhile, here's a "Thumbs-up" to the upbeat first-day-of-school assembly staged by teachers and staff at the Jessieville Sports Arena.
Participants in the "flash mob" extravaganza wore caps, masks and other "hero-related paraphernalia" in keeping with the day's motivational speeches and the school year theme of "Superheroes."
During the assembly, two speakers defined being a "superhero" as someone who cares for the people in the community.
Faithful reader and Thumbs column contributor Marilyn Feimster, of Hot Springs, sends out her thanks and a "Thumbs-up" to some "superheroes" of her own at the AT&T Store on Airport Road.
In her recent letter to the newspaper, Feimster wrote, "I was having trouble with my replacement phone and the AT&T staff on Airport Road treated me extremely well. My phone is up and running and I got a new service plan that is saving me money. So, folks, please try the Airport Road AT&T Store to get your phone taken care of. They are very professional."
And finally -- on a point of personal privilege -- here's a "Thumbs-up" and a "Thank you" to the thoughtful shopper who last Saturday morning allowed this writer and a friend to check out ahead of her at the Airport Road Kroger Store.
My friend and I were picking up a few things when we encountered a woman and her cute, young, and red-haired son about to go through the checkout lane with a cart filled to the brim with groceries.
After seeing our small cache, she immediately gestured that we should go first, commenting that she was in no hurry because a relative was at home with her other three children.
She was an engaging and courteous person and we enjoyed our brief conversation with her.
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 with a name, telephone number and home address for verification and contact purposes. This information is kept confidential.
Editorial on 08/21/2019