"Thumbs-up" to Hot Springs, which always has a lot going for it. This resort mecca and its eclectic attractions and activities continue to turn out the locals and a steady stream of visitors who find the Spa City an interesting place to be.
Such is the case with the March 30 running of the 88th Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park and the upcoming April 8 total solar eclipse.
Kudos and many thanks to all of those individuals and organizations involved in the detailed planning for these and other events.
On that note, "Thumbs-up" to the Hot Springs Flute Ensemble that will perform the "Eclipse Celebration Concert" at 3 p.m. this coming Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Associate Conductor Hal Thompson will direct the ensemble's program of eclipse-centered compositions. Jackie Flowers, president and executive director of the musical ensemble, explained that the concert has a lot of songs related to space and commented, "It's really interesting how the composers feel about how it feels to journey from earth or how it feels to reenter."
The concert is for all ages and free to attend.
Continuing on a winning track, "Thumbs-up" to the National Park College men's basketball team for recently bringing home a national title after an 84-79 win over South Suburban in the championship game in Danville, Ill.
And a tip of the hat to NPC head men's basketball coach Dillion Hargrove, who was named Coach of the Tournament. Nighthawk center Taylor Harrell was named the Pin Ryan Most Valuable Player. He, Nakavieon White, and Keryn Collins were selected to the All Tournament Team and sophomore Ja'Bryant Hill received the Jack Cistriano Best Small Man Award.
On the distaff side of things, we say, "Thumbs-up" and "Congratulations" to Jackie Holloway, newly installed Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 380. She is the first woman to hold that position in the lodge's 125-year history.
Bill Sams, DDGER, was the Grand Installing Officer who also instructed new officers "to fulfill their duties diligently and always with the mission of the Elks foremost in their minds."
Meanwhile, "Thumbs-up" to another example of community service was reflected by Martha Moon's presentation of a basket filled with Easter eggs to Amanda Gaston with the Hot Springs VA Clinic on Sawtooth Oak.
Per a news release in the hometown newspaper, "Chapters Hot Springs of Arkansas NSDAR and Hot Springs 80 UDC share the celebration of Easter with our military veterans.
"Both chapters thank them for their service and sacrifices."
The Thumbs Column appears in The Sentinel-Record on 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 contact and verification purposes. This information is kept confidential.