Supplies drive helps thousands of students

Esther Tressler, UAW Local 292 retiree, sends in this Cheer for School S.U.P.P.L.I.E.S and Shoe Distribution:

“The 13th year for the School S.U.P.P.L.I.E.S Program distribution held July 27 to 30 at UAW Local 685 presented 1253 children from 501 families with school supplies and backpacks. By the end of the week, 867 pairs of shoes had also been distributed.

“I would like to say thanks to all who participated and also to name a few who made the shoe distribution a success. President Ginny McMillin and Shop Chair Danny Hiatt have always provided year-round support for the program and are to be commended for their commitment to this community effort.

“I would like first and foremost to thank April Reynolds and Nick Loffredo, who worked tirelessly each day to help with the loading, unloading, tagging, and purchasing of shoes. Volunteers who worked to tag and distribute the shoes include Nell Jones, Robin King, Sonie Widland, Jody Howell. Nancy and David Detzler, Riley Kanable, Megan Nicholson, Haley Rethlake, Jim Kauffman, Debbie Hayden, Ian Reynolds, Drew Reynolds, Matt Harris, Brittaney Reynolds, Katie Reynolds, Sharon Geiselman, Stephanie Tressler, Sona Camp, Alexis Record and Sydney Record.

“I would also like to applaud UAW Local 292 Retirees, Telecomm Pioneers, VFW Post 1152, Del-Ray Nut Club, Shoe Carnival, Payless Shoes, Nearly New Shop, Jarrell Orthodontics, Williams Mowing, and Fas-Lube Undercar, all of whom donated money, supplies, or shoes to the process as well. UAW Local 292 and Delphi employees were generous in their giving at the gate collection and union meetings, as well.

“Other members of UAW Local 292 who helped with the general distribution were LeMann Dea, Tisha Pyle, Missy Herr, Kisha Pulverenti, Petra Jameson, Mike Clark, and Justin Kennedy.

“We are now collecting shoes for next year. If you are interested in donating, a box will remain in the lobby of Local 292 for drop-off, or you can call the hall at 453-4600 or me at 453-3067 for pick-up. A tax-deduction receipt will be provided to all who donate.”

Where were Burton’s ideas before?

T.P. Crittendon, of Kokomo, sent this Jeer to Rep. Burton:

“I received a mailing from Rep. Dan Burton this week. I am sure it was sent at taxpayer expense. He was explaining all of his “better” ideas for health care reform. I called his office and asked one of his people when Rep. Burton was elected to Congress.

“The answer was 1982. So my concern is where has he been keeping all of these great ideas for the last 29 years? Why has he not rallied around health care reform long before now to fix the very serious problems that have been evident for decades?

“He is like your supposed friend who always has a better idea as soon as you express an idea or opinion. They were just getting ready to do what you suggested or they claim to know how to do it so much better.

“However, it is always the first time that you have heard them offer any ideas at all. Usually they return to doing nothing as soon as they manage to put a damper on your plans. How can we be rushing something that should have been addressed ages ago? It would be very refreshing to occasionally have someone be for something rather than being against everything.

“Rep. Burton is being an obstacle rather than a contributor.”

Thanks to Taste of Kokomo volunteers, bands

Brian West and Darrell Blasius, co-chairmen of the Taste of Kokomo, send this Cheer:

“We would like to thank all the people that came out and spent their hard-earned money at the Taste of Kokomo this year. With the way things are, it was nice to see everybody downtown having a good time. It was a perfect way to put our worries behind us, enjoy awesome food from 30 restaurants and listen to some of the best bands that kept the crowd on their toes. We can’t thank them enough for their talents. The restaurants provided staff downtown while keeping their establishments open and the bands performed for free and some gave up paying gigs to play that night.

“This year’s Taste of Kokomo was a success because of the hard work from hundreds of volunteers that were there from start to finish: Kokomo Academy, Sheriff Marty Talbert, Capt. Harold Vincent and the Sheriff’s road crew, Kokomo Street Department, Star Building for donating the concrete blocks, Young’s Culligan for donating and delivering the bottled water. Coca-Cola for all they do for our community, Mobile Radio, Indiana Pest Control for keeping the bees away, Howard White, Stelko Electric and the electricians (who every year are the first ones there and the last ones to leave), Kokomo Police Department, and big thank you to all the downtown businesses for allowing us to have the event. Please remember to support them.

“Finally, to the unsung HEROES of the Taste, the United Way of Howard County staff, the hundreds of hours put in by this group goes unnoticed, but without them, this event wouldn’t happen. Thank you staff of the United Way – you’re awesome!

“As the largest single fundraiser for the United Way campaign each year, it’s important to have a successful Taste of Kokomo. And with everyone’s help, it magically happens every year. Thank you to the entire Kokomo community for continuing to support the Taste of Kokomo and the United Way of Howard County.”

Grillmaster Challenge a record-setting success

Alison Brantley, communications coordinator for United Way of Howard County, sent this Cheer:

“In its second year, the Backyard Grillmaster Challenge – sponsored by St. Joseph Hospital – had a record-setting event.

“With 17 registered teams, the competition was tight. The Pork-O-Holics came away as the grand champion, while Team Williams came in reserve grand champion.

“New this year was the People’s Choice Award – sponsored by Tyson Foods. Thanks to the public who came out to vote (and eat!) and chose High Life as the winning team. Two Men & a Grill took second place in the People’s Choice category, while Team Z92FIVE came in third.

“Special thanks go to Danny Leap, Cyndi Fisher and David Hart, and We’re Not Mexican for the entertainment. Fortune Management provided the judging location, Regions Bank supplied the water, Pepperitaville & Shrock’s Dri-Gas donated great prizes, and all of the many judges and teams who took the time and spent the day to support the United Way of Howard County.

“However, the event wouldn’t have been possible without help and planning from Steve and Annie Phillips, Jo Ann Rozzi and Todd and Connie Trobaugh. They truly are the heart and passion behind the Backyard Grillmaster Challenge.

“So, mark your calendars, form your teams and get your special sauces ready for next year’s event – Saturday, Aug. 21.”