Thanks for all the memories

Opinion

Discussion

April 29, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Wed Apr 29, 2009, 05:46 PM EDT

In this life, when you share an idea – particularly a good one – others usually expect you to take ownership of it. Try it out. See what happens.

Which is how Dave Granson got involved in the Haynes Apperson Sports Festival 26 years ago.

“I was sitting around one day with [Engel’s Jewelers owner] John Palumbo and [WWKI owner] Don Rice, and I said it would be neat to have a sports festival similar to the White River Park Games,” Granson told us last year, after announcing he would retire as the festival director.

Paul Bradley, Les Strunk and Dick Bronson also helped Granson plan that first festival in 1984. Olympic track star Wilma Rudolph made a visit to the inaugural event, chatting with kids, parents and fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

The Sports Festival – Granson’s big idea – drew 2,000 participants in 19 events.

Wednesday, we introduced some of our readers to this year’s Sports Festival director, Dana Neer. Others have been acquainted with Neer for years.

He’s been involved with the festival as a participant, parent and volunteer for almost 20 summers. In addition to running the kids track meet, which he has shepherded for five years, Neer now will oversee all of it – tennis, cycling, golf, martial arts, running, softball, soccer, basketball, horseshoes, and new this summer, kayak and canoe racing at the Kokomo Reservoir.

We wish Neer the best June 26-28. We’re certain he’ll direct another successful event.

But we wanted to thank Granson again – for his generous spirit, for his time and commitment. We wanted to thank him for his particularly good idea and for seeing it to fruition.

Dave, you can’t imagine how many memories you helped create.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Memorial Day officially

May 26, 2012
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.

May 25, 2012
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.

May 25, 2012
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.

May 23, 2012 1 Story
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.

May 21, 2012
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:

May 19, 2012
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.

May 18, 2012
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

May 16, 2012
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.

May 15, 2012
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.

May 15, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Thanks for all the memories

Site Map

Contact Us