A great stay in Kokomo

The Cleland family of Monticello sends this Cheer for the Bavarian Inn:

“We wish to thank the owner and staff at the Bavarian Inn on South Dixon Road in Kokomo for their hospitality during our recent stay.

“We stayed several days and enjoyed the quiet, private setting that is very affordable. The breakfasts were awesome, too!

“We wished there had been good places to eat close by, otherwise we would give the Bavarian Inn a 10 for a great place to stay in Kokomo.”

‘Thank you, Ed Vasicek’

Nancy Guthrie of Kokomo sends this Cheer for the pastor of Highland Park Church:

“Thank you, Ed Vasicek, for your prayer for the families of Newtown, Conn. Those 20 children are in heaven, along with their teachers.

“In Jeremiah 17:9, the Bible says, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it.’

“A man with an evil heart visited their town.

“Remember, the Lord is still in control of all things. In Jeremiah 17:7, ‘Blessed is the man that trusted in the Lord.’”

‘You owe it to yourself to check them out’

Heather Bowen of Logansport sends this Cheer for IU Kokomo performers:

“I attend several Christmas musical events each year around the area. I have to shout out to the IUK Crescendos and Diminuendos for their awesome Christmas show, ‘Naughty and Nice’. It was fantastic! It was humorous, it was moving, and Havens was completely packed.

“The fact that it was of such musical quality and was free to the public is even more significant. I do not have to go to Indy to see and hear quality music, nor do I have to pay!

“I saw in the program membership is open to the public, so if you are musical, this is the organization to join. I cannot wait to see what they do next.

“I have seen them do ‘Les Miserables’ and this program, and I am shocked at the quality we have right here in this town. You owe it to yourself to check them out!

“Great job, cast, band and directors, Rick Alexander and Amy Baird. Wow!”

School garden soon will flourish

Diana Lambuth of the Garden Wall Garden Club sends this Cheer:

“At long last, I am happy to say a project for Sycamore School is nearing completion.

“Two years ago, a teacher there, Steve Bizjak, approached the Garden Wall Garden Club with an idea. The center courtyard area inside the school, while planted with three trees and grass, was going to waste. Would we, as a garden club, engineer planting the space, enriching it into a garden, usable by teachers and students for recreation and classes during good weather?

“We gladly said we would help. Two springs ago we began the planting with aid and donations from Brian Cossell, garden club members, school volunteers and students. Many shrubs, perennial plants and plants donated by garden club members were installed. In fall that year we planted more and made additional plans for the space. A lovely stone bench was placed under a shady tree. (Thank you, Paris, at Edens Way for your help!)

“Then last fall, Ryan Gilbert of Russiaville, a certified arborist, came to the school, volunteering his time and expertise with the two ailing crabapple trees there. He trimmed, very carefully, to save and extend the life of one tree and advised on the other. You’re fantastic, Ryan! Thanks for your help.

“And finally, this fall, Brian Cossell returned to the site. He brought a wonderful, man-sized arborvitae that will be featured in a centerpiece area of the garden, surrounded by fall-blooming mums and a green carpet of myrtle we hope to plant in the spring. Also in the spring, we hope to have Brian’s folks at Cossell’s dig a pathway from one cemented area to join another, which will be mulched and planted with hostas and other perennials for interest along the walk.

“Thanks go to Charlie Hinkle, former principal at Sycamore, as well as current principal Anne Wiles for their support and enthusiasm; the members of the Garden Wall Garden Club for their tireless work and plant contributions; Stephanie Bankston, PTO president; students Courtlandt Kalkstein, Blake White, Katie Rolfing and Sabrina Miller; school media staff members and Steve Bizjak and his sister, Kathy, for all their help in planting. A big and special thanks go to Brian Cossell for his patience, kindness and huge contributions of time and plant materials, and to Ryan Gilbert, a savior of trees and a kind spirit.

“In the future, with the help of staff at the school, this garden should flourish and be a place of quiet respite during busy school days. Visit the school sometime and see for yourselves!”

‘Kind, considerate’ and money-conscious

Alice Davis of Kokomo sends this Cheer for a local business:

“I’m writing to commend Eriks Chevrolet. I have dealt with them more years than I can remember. They have always been kind, considerate and, most of all, saved me money when they could.

“Being a single woman, some would take advantage when servicing our vehicles. But I have grown to trust them implicitly. They will pick up your car, service it and return it with you never having to leave your home.

“Try them. You have nothing to lose and you just might save money. Thank you, Eriks, for being who you are.”