'Thank you, Hot Springs'
Dear editor:
Throughout our history here in Hot Springs, there have been many landmark events that have changed the course of our city that make it what it is today. From being named a national park in 1921 to the building of the three dams which formed our beautiful lakes beginning soon after that, the people here have seen the vision for what could be and what it took to set our town apart. Our residents constantly strive to improve our quality of life and keep us at the top of the list of Arkansas' tourist destinations and that is what makes us special.
The voters of Hot Springs have yet again made a landmark decision and overwhelmingly endorsed that they want the best for our residents and those coming to visit by passing the bond measure to build a premier baseball/softball complex at one of our many historic baseball locations. Majestic Park will be the crown jewel of our baseball heritage and our kids will grow up playing at the best facility for youth baseball/softball in this state, if not this region of the country, and there is no doubt Hot Springs will soon be at the top of the list of Arkansas' travel baseball/softball community.
On behalf of the Home Run For Hot Springs Committee, we would like to thank those that had the vision to see the potential in this site and found a way that we could make this happen. Most importantly, we would like to thank the voters who shared that vision and want to see their kids and grandkids play there while leaving a legacy for those who will be playing long after we are gone. And lastly, we would like to thank the volunteers and supporters that made this campaign successful.
I would like to personally thank the men and women who left such an endearing mark on me about hard work and volunteerism as I played in the leagues at the old Boys & Girls Club and in American Legion as a Hot Springs Bather. Your lessons on the value of our children and our community are the legacy that now may last a lifetime.
Jonathan Hamner
Chairman, Home Run For Hot Springs
'Thanks' from CCMC
Dear editor:
Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic exists to serve those who are under-resourced in our area. CCMC works to accomplish our mission by offering programs aimed at reducing generational poverty, charitable health care, and individual case management. Those persons who come to us seeking assistance aren't looking for a handout, they're looking for a helping hand. These services are made possible because of this generous and supportive community.
On Sept. 6, our ability to keep that helping hand extended was energized by the funds raised during our annual Golf Classic at Hot Springs Golf and Country Club, where over $30,000 will now be available to benefit our mission! Simmons Bank, our presenting sponsor, was joined by other major sponsors -- CHI St. Vincent, Robert and Vikki Tankersley, Gross Funeral Home, Hot Springs Title Company, Buddy and Betty Formbe, and Levi Hospital, and many others to make this one of our most successful golfing events.
We were also blessed to have a fantastic committee who came together to recruit sponsors and golf teams, as well as plan the many details that go into putting on a major fundraising event. We are grateful to our committee members Brent Atkins of Simmons Bank who is also a CCMC board member and committee chair, Landon Trusty of Morgan Stanley, Scott Burton of Merrill Lynch, Blake Cansler of Citizens Bank, and Justin Nicklas of Gross Funeral Home. Hot Springs Golf and Country Club's general manager, Barry Howard, worked closely with the committee to make this a wonderful day of golfing for the over 20 registered teams.
It was a very hot day, but everyone had a great time playing for a great cause. We know that in the months ahead, we will be able to continue serving those who need a helping hand, thanks to the efforts of our committee, the support of our sponsors, and the nearly 100 golfers who came out not only to play but to make an impact for their community. CCMC is blessed to work alongside all these partners who make it possible for us to keep doing what we do! We are grateful.
Lynn Blankenship
Retiring executive director
Kim Carter
Incoming executive director
Hitting a home run
Dear editor:
Congratulations to the people in the city that voted for the new fields at the former Boys & Girls Club of Hot Springs. This is a great opportunity for Hot Springs!
History! I played at the Hot Springs Boys Club 70 years ago. I went to Cutter Morning Star and I got to know several boys from different schools in the county, especially boys in the Hot Springs School District, that I still know today. The Boys Club was a great character builder and an opportunity for young men! I played under Ira Lollis, a great leader. My sons and grandsons played under another great leader, Robert Kissire. I had the privilege of coaching generations of young athletes for over 20 years. It was a great experience for the young athletes as well as myself.
I just want people in Hot Springs to know they did a great service for the children of Hot Springs as well as many other youths in Arkansas and states beyond by supporting the new ball fields. I am looking forward to going to the new Hot Springs fields. The good news is the coaches won't have to sweep the water off the fields before the games since it will be turfed.
In appreciation, a former board member, player and coach to hundreds of youth as well as my sons and grandsons.
R.C. Combs
Hot Springs native
Just sayin'
Dear editor:
Seems those baseball fields are a bit pricey -- just sayin' ... And what's with giving the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jerry West. ... Something is wrong when four states want no Republication primary when there are four candidates ... just sayin'. ... Allowing bicycle and motorcycle riders to go without a helmet is about as smart as giving the president a Sharpie ... no matter how you look at it, burning leaves in the city is a health hazard ... we must stop chaining up dogs ... and who thought lining Central Avenue with cheap beer banners was a good idea ... just sayin'.
Michael Preble
Hot Springs
Saved from destruction
Dear editor:
Eighteen years ago, nearly 3,000 people were killed when Islamic terrorists slammed their jet planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center!
Yes, we all know without a doubt that this mass murder of innocent American citizens was committed by radical Islamic terrorists! It truly wasn't just carried out by "Some people who did something" as the Muslim congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, said in her terribly disrespectful insult!
I certainly think that it is very unfortunate that there are any radical Islamics in Congress, especially since we have already had our first Muslim president!
Hopefully, many of the victims were saved and ready to meet their God. I would venture that most likely there were tragically many of them who had not been saved by trusting in Jesus Christ. Those in the latter group mistakenly thought that they had plenty of time to get saved so they could be sure that they would go to Heaven instead of Hell!
That is one of Satan's favorite strategies -- to put the thoughts in your mind that you have plenty of time! Unfortunately, that strategy works all too well on a great number of people.
After we die, there will no longer be any chances to obtain salvation. It will absolutely be too late! None of us knows on what day we will die nor how we will die.
There are certainly countless ways that we all can leave out of this world! That's why the Bible warns us that " ... now is the time" and that "Today if you hear God's voice speaking to you, do not harden your hearts against Him." (Hebrews 3:15).
Sept. 11, 2001, was a day in which Almighty God lifted His hand of protection so that it allowed this evil attack by our enemies! Yes -- only God can truly protect a nation or an individual. Some of you have seen little need of God in your lives. Better think again!
This was part of God's judgment upon us because we have turned away from Him too much. God's judgment can fall upon any nation or upon any individual!
Better be absolutely certain that you have obtained God's salvation before your time expires! It is only found by first admitting to God that you are also a guilty sinner and, then, turning away from your sin-life and by trusting in Jesus Christ alone as your Savior! Jesus really is the only way to be saved according to the Bible.
Remember -- our enemy, Satan, wants you to think that you have plenty of time! He wants you to go to that horrible place called Hell to suffer for all eternity along with him.
God loves you. He really wants to save you from destruction! Turn to Jesus today while you still have time.
Lloyd Hoffman
Hot Springs
Editorial on 09/15/2019