Kokomo — Hoping for another 100 years

Jack Chapin sends this Cheer for Haynes International’s 100th anniversary:

“On Oct. 6, I had the opportunity to tour Haynes International’s facility with my son-in-law, Dan Swise, as part of the company’s 100th year anniversary celebration. From the shuttles that transported everyone around to the various buildings, to the different booths for children and the nice lunch, to the car and motorcycle show, the entire event was flawless.

“The facility that Haynes has and the quality of the product it produces is quite impressive. I hope that both the company and the union continue to work together to make sure Haynes is in Kokomo for another 100 or more years!”

Samaritan’s Purse thanks you

David and Nancy Frazier, race directors of Run To The Cross 5K in Tipton, send this Cheer:

“Saturday’s Run To The Cross 5K was a huge success. Money was raised to benefit Samaritan’s Purse.

“Marilyn Edmonds and Operation Christmas Child handed out close to 100 shoe boxes. There were 116 registered entrants. All participants received a Bible, shirt, Samaritan’s Purse water bottle, along with a wooden cross necklace for all finishers.

“We need to give a big thank-you to all the runners, walkers, volunteers and sponsors.

“Overall top three male finishers were Nathan Gonzalez, Cam Weddell and Zach Shelton. Overall top three female finishers were Stacy Hare, Audra West and Tricia Harlow. Age group awards were also given.

“Of course it starts with Rock Prairie Baptist Church, which put on an outstanding event and the wonderful hardworking volunteers. Also, the Tipton Park Board/Department, which was as helpful and supportive as we could have asked for, the Tipton Street Department, Tipton Police Department and Miller’s Merry Manor.

“Thank you to those businesses that advertised our event or allowed us to advertise there.

“There were several levels of sponsorship, and we want to publicly thank those sponsors. Our friends at Subway, who provided the overall awards for top three males and females. Marsh Supermarkets, which provided the bananas, apples and cookies.

“Platinum Sponsors include: Encompass Credit Union, Farmers Mutual Insurance, Hughes Insurance Group, Klein Construction, List Lawn Care, Marsh, Ramsay Business Solutions and Subway.

“Gold Sponsors include: Ricker’s and Screeners Ink.

“Silver Sponsors include: Diversified Services, DuraMark Technologies, McCorkle Livestock Farms, Peters Farms, Rock Prairie Baptist Church Family in Christ and Tipton Ford/Dirk Baxter.

“Bronze Sponsor: Murray’s Body Shop.

“Run To The Cross also received more than $600 in raffle prizes from local businesses which were raffled off after the race. These prizes were of great value, and we want to acknowledge those generous businesses too.

“They include: Blue Mile Running, Bob Evans, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Country Mark, Diana Theatre, Dairy Queen, Gabe’s Pizza, Golden Corral, Grindstone Charley’s, Half Moon Restaurant, Horton’s of Tipton, Moser Jewelers, Outback Steakhouse, Papa Murphy’s, PhillyStake-Out, Pizza King, Pizza Shack, R&T Tire & Auto, Red Lobster, Runners Forum, Starbucks, Steak & Shake, Steele’s Tipton Dry Cleaners and Tipton Golf Course.

“Thanks to Shelby Markins for designing the race shirt and Screeners Ink for a fast and fantastic job of printing.

“We believe this inaugural event was a great benefit, not only to Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child but also to the local community.

“We again thank everyone involved and look forward to next year.”

Community shows interest in health

Willie Stroman, executive director of the Minority Health Alliance of Howard County, sends this Cheer:

“On behalf of the Minority Health Alliance of Howard County Board Of Directors, we would like to sincerely thank you for your support of the third annual Barbershop Health Outreach Program. You continue to show interest in the health issues of our community and understand the importance of health education and awareness. These are the kinds of programs that will assist our community with various health screenings and much encouragement to seek more health information.

“We certainly appreciate the special attention that Dr. Ike Ozoigbo did in providing counseling and advice to so many, when their numbers were not acceptable. Special thanks to Valerie Johnson, Amber Stroman, Valerie Smith and Dr O. in spending time on a Saturday morning to assist with the health screenings.

“It is important to note that their in-kind contribution is greatly appreciated, along with the Hair Affair staff as they encouraged customers to be screened.

“Your time and contributions are the key factors that continue to make the Minority Health Alliance continue to be a health force in Howard County.

“Again, thanks for all that you do.”

Appreciation for ‘personal touch’

Linda Kitchell of Kokomo sends this Cheer for a local health care provider:

“I would like to send out a very grateful Cheer to the Kokomo Cataract & Laser Institute. I had cataract surgery two weeks ago. It was totally painless and 100 percent effective on my first eye.

“Following the surgery, I was given a card containing a phone number to call if I had any problems or concerns, 24/7.

“On top of that, I was totally surprised that evening to receive a personal phone call from an office nurse, checking on my recovery. More surprisingly, an hour later, I was shocked to receive a call from my surgeon, Dr. Long.

“This incredible personal contact was much appreciated, and I’m certainly ready for my second surgery. I truly appreciated their personal touch.”