May's social and activity calendars bode well for the Spa City. And local readers' literary appetites surely will be whetted by a plethora of new fiction and nonfiction works.
Author Jacqueline Winspear's latest offering in the Maisie Dobbs series, "The Consequences of Fear," includes a Benjamin Disraeli quote that expresses a common COVID-19 emotion: "Fear makes us feel our humanity."
On the literary front, we give a "Thumbs-up" to Horst and Linda Fischer for sharing their deeply personal experiences -- "enduring Nazi Germany, battling cancer and COVID-19" -- via her book, "For Better or Worse: A Tale of Love and Devotion."
In their previous years here, the Fischers contributed greatly to the revitalization of downtown Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park when he was general manager of the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa and she was actively involved in bolstering a developing arts community.
A book signing will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Friday in the Arlington lobby.
Masking and social distancing are encouraged.
A hearty "Congratulations" and "Thumbs-up" to Don Gooch, who recently was honored with the 2021 Arts Ambassador award from the Hot Springs Cultural Alliance.
Gooch, regional director of community bank presidents for Arvest Bank, has been an avid supporter of numerous artisans and art projects since he and his family moved to Hot Springs in 2008.
As he said, "Art represented $2.9 billion in the Arkansas economy and $800 billion nationwide."
By the same token, here is a "Thumbs-up" to Isaiah Jellenik and Andreas Bradley, juniors at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, for placing third overall in the Small Business Division of the 2021 Arkansas Governor's Cup competition. As reported in the hometown newspaper, "ASMSA is the only high school to compete for the Governor's Cup as the school is part of the University of Arkansas system."
Jellenik and Bradley called their team "Apollo" and their business plan won $5,000 for its place in the overall category. The students credit the guidance of Steve Rice, ASMSA's Entrepreneurship instructor, for their success in the competition.
Meanwhile, here is a big "Thumbs-up" and "Thank you" to Tim Culbreth, who is retiring after nearly 40 years as executive director of Adult & Teen Challenge. Culbreth's empathetic and visionary leadership of the faith-based addiction recovery program was a "lifesaver" and "difference-maker" for so many individuals during his almost four decades of service.
And here's a warm welcome to the incoming Executive Director Stephan DeLorenzo, who will continue the "Challenge" mission.
Now we shift the spotlight to Country Club Village and give a "Thumbs-up" to Star Longinotti, senior LED Activity Office director.
Residents want to publicly thank and compliment Longinotti for her enthusiasm and creativity in arranging day trips for retirees, celebrations, and special events such as the recent three-day "inside yard sale" that raised extra funds to be used for more fun-filled on-site and off-campus happenings.
"Best wishes, Star, and keep on shining."
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 telephone number and home address for verification and contact purposes. This information is kept confidential.