Thumbs column

The month of June is still abuzz with a range of activities that surely will pique the interest of locals and visitors alike.

Before sharing some more digit doings with our readers, this writer sends out a salute and a big "Thumbs-up" to the Hot Springs and Garland County residents who faithfully flew the "red, white and blue" in honor of National Flag Day on Friday, June 14.

Special thanks to Elks Lodge 380 for celebrating our nation's symbol of freedom, sacrifice, and democracy, with a patriotic program and ceremony featuring the Emblem Club No. 194 Flag Team.

Meanwhile, here is another well-deserved "Thumbs-up" to last Thursday's grand opening of the Rev. James Donald Rice Pocket Park at 511 Pleasant St., behind the Hot Springs Police Department.

The near half-acre park honors the Hot Springs community leader and civil rights activist who played a key role in the integration of the Hot Springs School District.

His daughter, Donnellda Rice said the park was "the fulfillment of a prophecy" and that her father "would have been humbled by the dedication of the park in his name, as is my family."

Thanks to Jean Lacefield, president of the Gateway Community Association, Elaine Jones, District 2 city director, and others who were instrumental in helping secure a $90,000 Community Development Block Grant that provided primary funding for the park, and also to the Hot Spring Parks and Trails Department for providing much of the labor.

By the same token, here is a "Thumbs-up" to Pocket Theatre President James Kendall and everyone associated with the community theater group for generously donating proceeds from a charitable performance of its current show, "12 Angry Jurors," to Jackson House.

All proceeds from both online and in-house ticket sales were given to Jackson House and Janie Smith. executive director for the nonprofit, said the $800 gift will be used to help keep its food pantry stocked during the summer months when food insecurity is at its highest and also to continue Jackson House's daily lunch program.

Here's "Thumbs-up" to the recent return of Al Capone to his sartorial splendor and his seat on the bench just outside The Ohio Club in downtown Hot Springs.

A criminal mischief attempt to abscond with Big Al on the night of March 16 caused considerable damage to the statuesque figure who presides over the comings and goings on his sector of Central Avenue. But, after $3,500 in repairs, Al is back and in fine form.

As part of his celebratory homecoming, club owner Mike Pettey sold commemorative T-shirts and donated $2,500 to the Garland County Historical Society." Thanks Mike (and Dona) for making things fun on "the Avenue."

Conversely, a Hot Springs resident has a "Thumbs-down" to the overgrowth of business site shrubbery -- especially those bushes located near the entrances and exits and blocking the view from ingoing or outgoing vehicles.

In an email to this columnist, the concerned citizen wrote, "This situation is particularly bothersome in high traffic areas such as shopping centers or office parks where landscape companies should be aware of the obstructions."

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.