Thumbs column

Hot Springs residents who vividly recall NASA's Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, are "over the moon" at the commemorative activities slated at Mid-America Science Museum.

So here's a cheer and a "Thumbs-up" to MASM for marking this 50th anniversary with new features in the Alliance Rubber Co. Tinkerfest Studio, the showing of "Back to the Moon" in the Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome theater, and this Saturday's worldwide premiere of the Smithsonian Channel documentary film, "The Day We Walked the Moon."

In addition, visitors will also find new exhibits and displays throughout the museum.

By the same token, Ted Harps sends out a "Thumbs-up" to the kind Spring Bay Condominiums resident who rescued his barge that had come loose from its slip further down the bay.

As noted in an email, Harps noticed the barge was missing and after a few minutes of panic, spotted it tied up to the condominium dock at the end of the bay.

Harps said the helpful citizen likely had to get out in another boat to pull the wayward barge to their dock and secure it. "This act of kindness is greatly appreciated," he said.

Meanwhile, here is a "Thumbs-up" to members of Whittington Masonic Lode No. 365 for presenting bicycles to the most improved readers in each grade at Jessieville Elementary School.

Many thanks to the lodge and to all of the area schools and nonprofit organizations that continue to support programs to improve the grade-level reading proficiencies of students throughout Hot Springs and Garland County.

While we're on the subject of education, here's a "Thumbs-up" to the Arkansas School for Mathematics. Sciences, and the Arts for being recognized as "one of the nation's top-performing public high schools."

For the fourth consecutive year, ASMSA was included in the Jay Mathews' "Public Elites" rankings.

Mathews, an education columnist for The Washington Post, created the Challenge Index in 1998 to "shine a light on the nationwide schools that challenge their student bodies to rise to success."

ASMSA is one of 29 schools nationwide on the "Public Elites" list.

Kudos and two "Thumbs-up" are in order for the recognition given to the Spa City via the achievements of two individuals honored July 13 by the Arkansas Sportscasters/Sportswriters Association.

Bob Wisener, retired sports editor of The Sentinel-Record and thoroughbred horse racing writer, was inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame during ceremonies last Saturday at the Centennial Special Events Center in Conway. Presenting Wisener to those in attendance was David Longinotti of Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and a former sportswriter for the hometown newspaper.

The late Terry Wallace, for 37 years the track announcer at Oaklawn Park and a handicapper for The Sentinel-Record, was also inducted into the ASCSW Hall of Fame. Speaking to Wallace's accomplishments and community service was retired Hot Springs radio talk show host Dick Antoine, who also introduced the honoree's widow, Alice Naples-Wallace, for her acceptance remarks.

On the other hand, Patti Nickles gives a "Thumbs-down" to the plethora of new billboards popping up on U.S. Highway 70, east of Hot Springs.

Nickles said, "This used to be a beautiful corridor, a real green space. But, since the highway was widened, it has become littered with double-decker billboards. Do we really need these distractive monstrosities that significantly mar the previous scenic byway connecting Hot Springs and Benton?"

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.