—

New look downtown draws praise

Ron Harper of the Howard County Community Foundation sends this Cheer:

“While driving through the downtown on the way to church Sunday morning, I was hugely aware of how much nicer downtown Kokomo looks with the courthouse landscaping, the street improvements, and the plantings on corners.

“I can remember when I was a little boy how my mom got very busy when we were having visitors. She wanted to make sure that our home looked its absolute best. She felt that it was a matter of respect for the visitor. I think she was right.

“The new look of downtown Kokomo says we want our guests to have a nice visit here. It also makes a very powerful statement about who we think we are.

“Thanks to the mayor and city officials, the county council and commissioners, the Downtown Association, and the many volunteers who made this new look possible. I know that some of you took some heat, but you stuck with it till the project became a reality. Good job!”

Cardiac care is excellent

Paul Jackson of Kokomo sends this Cheer:

“Today, I am feeling very grateful about being a part of the Kokomo community.

“I recently found myself in the Emergency Unit of Howard Regional Health System, hearing words that no one ever wants to hear: ‘Sir, you have had a heart attack.’ Once my wife and I recovered from the shock, we began to think about how we were going to get ourselves to Indianapolis, where there were larger hospitals with cardiac care facilities. We were about, however, to have all of those fears put to rest.

“When we entered the Emergency Care Unit of Howard Regional, I was responded to with competency, compassion and, most important at such a time, with promptness. I was quickly and thoroughly diagnosed, and the name of Howard’s lead cardiologist, Dr. Michael Ritchie, was mentioned to me. His name was accompanied by incredible confidence and excitement by the emergency staff. ‘You’re going to absolutely love Dr. Ritchie,’ I heard more than once. ‘I would trust my own husband or father to Dr. Ritchie,’ I also heard.

“Dr. Ritchie then assembled his amazing staff early the next morning (a weekend morning, I might add) and administered a heart catheterization and stent insertion. I could not have been treated with more care, information, competence and follow-up.

“It occurred to us that we here in Kokomo may tend to look for other medical care facilities in larger towns when we need critical care. We recently discovered something quite different. We as a community should feel a tremendous pride and gratitude for Howard Regional Health System which, under the keen and caring oversight of Dr. Michael Ritchie and his amazing staff, administrate such an excellent center for cardiac care. As a community, we are fortunate indeed.

“As one citizen of this community, I want to say a very HEARTfelt, thank you.”

Firefighters save cats, home

The Kimbrough family sends this Cheer to Taylor Township Fire/Rescue:

“We want to extend a special thank-you to everyone involved in saving our home, located at 2052 E. 100 South at 9:11 p.m. July 8. The kind person who called 911 is owed our greatest gratitude. The professionalism and superb firefighting skills of the volunteer fire crew can’t be matched.

“Fire Chief John Davis kept us updated with all procedures and the progress of the fire. His genuine concern and caring for our five trapped cats touched us all. We just can’t say, ‘thanks,’ enough for what you did!

“We will never forget your kindness. Thank you for saving our home and cats!”

‘He always has a smile’

Carolyn Ford of Walton sends this Cheer:

“I live in Walton and want to give a huge Cheer to the young man from Waste Management, who picks up our trash. He always has a smile and makes sure the trash containers are upright after dumping.”

Gifts fill freezer, stretch budget

Jennifer Vary, director of Howard Haven, sends this Cheer:

“From the farms of Howard County to the freezers of Howard Haven, the Howard County 4-H Fair was host to a wonderful life cycle.

“There is a long line of benefactors to thank for the recent donation of eight hogs to Howard Haven via the Howard County 4-H Fair. It begins with the 4-H kids who work hundreds of hours on their farms to raise, feed and provide for the animals. I want to thank the fair board of directors. Although I have never met them, they organize a wonderful fair that encourages kids to participate and bidders to come to auction.

“Of course, I need to thank those businesses, organizations and individuals who spiritedly bid to purchase the livestock and then chose to donate the meat for the residents of Howard Haven. I want to thank the following for their donations from the Howard County 4-H Fair Auction:

“Lincoln Condo, Vote 2010 Democratic Party, Kokomo Auto World, JEM Farm Services, The Andersons, Ortman Drilling, Windmill Grill, Hite Farms.

“Because of their generosity, this will fill our freezers full of pork chops and sausage for the rest of the year. Gifts such as these help stretch our food budget in ways that otherwise might not be possible and help us ensure a positive quality of living for our residents.

“Thanks again.”