— Disease can happen to anyone

Renate Sharp, Francie Hutton and Chris Markiewicz sent in this Cheer on behalf of those suffering from the debilitating disease Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

“We would like to thank Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, and the Kokomo Tribune for their assistance in spreading the word about Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a devastating neurological disease, currently of an unknown origin.

“We thank Mayor Goodnight for his proclamation for designating a week in March as MSA Awareness Week and Governor Mitch Daniels for also proclaiming a week in March for MSA Awareness in the State of Indiana. The entire month of March is MSA Awareness Month worldwide.

“The March 10 article in the Kokomo Tribune written by Ken de la Bastide was very much appreciated.

“The three of us are dedicated to educating the public, to make them aware that MSA does exist and to familiarize themselves with the symptoms. It manifested itself in Renate’s husband Tom, Francie’s husband Dewayne, and Chris. It can happen to anyone.

“We wish to also thank Mayor Goodnight for showing his keen interest in the disease, as he talked quite at length with Renate, asking her questions and discussing MSA with her.”

Park Band concert was enjoyable

John Wilson of Walton was so impressed with a recent Kokomo Park Band concert he sent in this Cheer:

“My wife and I attended a Kokomo Park Band Concert Sunday afternoon at Kokomo High School. It was entertaining and very enjoyable. The concert had some humorous portions, some serious music portions, and a large helping of Sousa marches, as should all brass band concerts. The concert was patterned like the concerts by the maestro John Phillip Sousa during his lifetime. I know he passed away many years ago, but the content of those concerts is ageless. Steve Rhodes as a conductor and as music director did a superior job, and Curt Alexander did well as the announcer, educator and directorial valet. However, Mr. Alexander did do a poor job as valet to Mr. Rhodes — his shoes badly needed polishing. Mr. Rhodes’ wearing of a Navy officer’s jacket helped set the flavor for the concert. The narration by Curt was excellent, as usual, and very educational about Sousa’s life and the music presented. The band was outstanding and should not be missed this summer at Highland Park on Wednesday evenings. The clarinet solo by Purdue student Sarah Verkamp, the 2012 College Student Soloist Competition winner, had your attention from her first note to the end of von Weber’s ‘Concertino, Opus 26.’ The humorous end of the first half of the concert with the ‘Musicians’ Strike’ was a delight, as was the rendition of the ‘Stars and Stripes Forever,’ followed by the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ to end the concert.

“The concert was free, but I am sure the band would appreciate any donations to help pay for the music, programs, and incidentals associated with their Wednesday concerts. I am sure Curt Alexander would be able to tell you where any donations should be sent. A quality musical experience like this one in Indiana is a rare treat. I can’t wait until June 13 when the concerts in Highland Park begin.”

Spay/neuter event a success

Deb Smith of the Pals for Paws organization sent in this Cheer regarding a recent low-cost spay/neuter clinic:

“Pals for Paws would like to thank everyone for our low-cost spay and neuter event. The response was great. We are unable to set up any more spay/neuter appointments at this time.

“Once Pals for Paws gets another grant for low-cost spay and neuter of dogs, we will let the public know. We had 150 pets vaccinated and 300 for low-cost spay and neuter.

“If anyone needs to have their dog spayed or neutered before a new grant is approved, please contact Hamilton County Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic at 317-770-1111 or contact Pals for Paws at 765-454-8796.

“Pals for Paws would like to express our sincere thank-you to Greentown Animal Hospital, Dr. Brian and staff and the entire staff at Rural King for their help during the vaccination clinic.”

Kindness to students appreciated

This Cheer was sent from Dr. Linda S. Wallace, dean of the Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing, to the Hampton Inn of Kokomo:

“Thank you for your wonderful hospitality to our Korean exchange students. This exchange program is in its tenth year, and every year your care for our guests outshines your care for them the previous year. You bake them cakes and cookies, and even help them arrange flowers and fix hair! They always leave with extraordinary memories and with pictures of many of you, their family away from home!”

Workers did a great job

Area resident Rebekah Gillum sent in a Cheer for a contractor who worked on her home:

“We would like to thank Mike and Kyle Fortune from Fortunes Heating and AC for the great service and kindness they showed us while installing our water heater. We would recommend Fortunes Heating and AC to anyone looking for a local business that provides outstanding customer service. We would also like to thank David Sink for recommending them and helping us with other small repairs and being a true example of God’s love.”