During the trying times of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen and heard many reports of "the good, the bad, and the ugly," a familiar phrase popularized by the 1966 western movie that starred Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach and was directed by the late Sergio Leone.
And, of course, the "bad" and "ugly" incidents are all the more upsetting when they occur near or close to home.
Regrettably, this writer begins today's column with a big "Thumbs-down" to a recent and ugly happening at a local eatery.
After enjoying our meal, my friend and I prepared to leave the table when we saw about five people come in the front door. A man who seemed to be the leader of the group had a mask in his hand but when the waitress politely prompted him to put it on, citing health department guidelines, he became agitated.
He became even more so when the business owner reiterated the request and repeated the need to adhere to the aforementioned guidelines. The man became very loud when he was asked to leave and then cursed the owner as he exited the building.
Many thanks to the restaurant staff for keeping its cool and for looking out for the customers' well-being.
On the subject of masks, here's a "Thumbs-up" to the Hot Springs Board of Directors for unanimously adopting a mask ordinance that complements the state's public health directives.
While the local ordinance does not mandate that people wear face coverings, it is a good reminder to citizens of the need to exercise caution when they go out in public and are unable to socially distance themselves from others.
The ordinance also allows law enforcement officers to educate people about the importance of wearing masks and to advise people who "refuse to comply with a business mask requirement to leave the premises."
We also send out a well-deserved "Thumbs-up" to Sheila Paskell, a registered nurse at National Park Medical Center, and recipient of the hospital's 2020 Mercy Award.
The reward "recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health's hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirits and values on which the company was founded."
Paskell, an ICU nurse, has served 17 and a half years at NPMC, also working as a phlebotomist and as a cardiac rehab assistant. "Compassionate, spiritual, optimistic, and committed" are just some of the words" used to describe the award winner who also is known for her volunteerism in the community and for activism in her church.
Congratulations and best wishes, Sheila.
By the same token, here's a "Thank you" and "Thumbs-up" to the Arvest Foundation for its $5,000 donation to Mission Clinical Services at the Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center.
Per a story in the hometown newspaper, the gift will be split between the center's ongoing programming for the children it serves and child abuse prevention education.
The center offers a "multidisciplinary approach to assessing and responding to alleged cases of child abuse" and is a critical community resource.
Speaking of community services, here is another "Thumbs-up" to the ladies at the Regions Bank branch on Albert Pike for so adeptly handling the financial needs of their customers during these challenging days.
This depositer can personally attest to the cordiality and professionalism of the tellers who handle a myriad of daily drive-through window transactions and always do so with a smile and a kind word.
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 in writing with a name and home address for verification and contact purposes. This information is kept confidential.