A place for precious people
Dwight King of Kokomo sends this Cheer for Bona Vista:
“Thank you, Bona Vista staff! My sister, Lisa King, is a 43-year-old, beautiful person with Down syndrome. She is also a client at the Bona Vista workshop. Upon our arrival after Lisa’s extended absence, I asked her supervisors if they could allow me to stay with her for the day. She’s had some health problems recently that I felt I needed to fill them in on.
“Laurie and Pam were happy to let me stay with her. While there, I was able to observe some of the wonderful things the staff at Bona Vista does every day: Listening intently, respectfully and privately to a man who had a personal concern; pleading with a lady who was interested in outside employment to stay with Bona Vista because she would be missed too much; answering a question a lady had about having her picture taken at Wal-Mart; staff walking by expressing their concerns for Lisa. These were only a few wonderful observations, as there were many more.
“After sharing my sister’s recent health problems, the staff said they are more than willing to accommodate her. It’s very comforting to know that my sister is in good hands when at Bona Vista. The staff members have to be God’s angels to be able to have the love and patience it takes to work with these precious people.
“I looked around and would wonder what story each person had to tell. Some are musicians, dancers, singers, and I know of one poet who should have her poems published. She could seriously be another Emily Dickinson.
“The clients were all so respectful of one another. This particular area is like a family unit. Unfortunately, one member of this family unit died recently. I expected a somber mood due to this loss. However, Laurie and Pam were able to help them bare this loss to the point of having everyone joking and laughing more than once during my visit.
“At the end of the day, Lisa and I were heading out only to be stopped by Laurie, her main supervisor, because she needed to give Lisa a hug and say she was glad to see Lisa back. I left with a warm heart due to this visit. I actually felt a tinge of sadness to be not a part of that precious family unit.
“We have a place in Kokomo that not everyone gets the privilege of visiting. I am a lucky one because I have a special sister who allows me to. If anyone has the time to volunteer, this would be a place anyone would feel rewarded for their efforts.
“Thank you so much, Bona Vista staff, for all you do for our special people. Your efforts are noticed and very much appreciated. A special thank you to Laurie Johnson for your kindness and caring so much for Lisa. She adores you.”
Combating hunger in Kokomo
Cindy Johnson of Kokomo sends this Cheer for Urban Outreach:
“I would like to thank Kokomo Urban Outreach for the Godly work they do in food pantries and outreaches in our community. Thank you so much and God bless all who contribute to combating hunger for thousands of Kokomo residents.”
Readers are rewarded
Janet Winrotte, community liaison for the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, sends this Cheer:
“Each year the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library conducts a summer reading program for all ages; Unleash Your Creativity was a huge success in 2009! With the help of generous community donors, readers are rewarded for their efforts.
“Our thanks go to the dedicated library employees and the following list of generous community partners who make this worthwhile program happen:
“America Eagle Outfitters, Applebee’s, Arby’s (Dixon Road and Markland Avenue), Avon (Rhonda Buttice-Abney), Bed, Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Bob Evan’s Restaurant, Bodywork West, Burger King, Casey’s General Stores, Chili’s, Chipotle, Cici’s Pizza, City of Kokomo Community Arts Commission, Coca-Cola, Community Foundation of Howard County, Cone Palace, Country Catfish, Courtyard by Marriott, Creative Memories (Leigh Duckwall), Culver’s of Kokomo, Dairy Queen West, Donato’s, Don’s Books, Duke Energy, Dunkin’ Donuts, Fazolli’s, Friends of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, Frito-Lay, Grindstone Charley’s, Guffey Acres Corn Maze, Hacienda, Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery, Hardees, Harvey Hinklemeyers, Heart N’ Soul Beads & Jewelry, Indiana Beach, Indiana State Fair, Jimmy John’s, Kerasotes Showplace 12, Kokomo Civic Theatre, Kokomo Frozen Custard, Kokomo Park Band, Kokomo Parks & Recreation, Kokomo Skate World & Fun Center, Kroger Co., Kroger Northwest, Le Peep, Long John Silver’s/A&W; Rootbeer, Mac’s Express, Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders, Marsh Supermarkets, Maurices, MC Sports, McAlister’s Deli, McDonald’s, Meijer, Menards, Mike’s Express Car Wash, Noble Romans, Old Navy, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Pampered Chef (Hayley Johnson), Pizza Hut, Posh Salon & Day Spa, Qdoba, The Quarry Restaurant, Rabb/Kinetico Quality Water Systems, Rally’s, Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesday, Russiaville Lions Club, Sam’s Club, Sondy’s Sycamore Grille, Sonic, Steak ‘N Shake, Subway, Target, Texas Roadhouse, Waddell’s, Windmill Grill and Z92Five.
“Adult patrons were also given the opportunity to make donations to the Literacy Coalition; this year $254 was designated for this cause."
“For more information on upcoming library events, visit the library’s Web site: www.KHCPL.org, or call (765) 457-3242.”
Opinion
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
- Opinion
-
-
Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
-
Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
-
USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.
Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
-
Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.
-
Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
-
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
-
Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
-
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.
-
Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
-
de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Forever thankful




