‘What an awesome sight’

Jack McKinney of Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club sends this Cheer:

“Cheers to both the Kokomo Fire Department and the Kokomo Police Department.

“On Memorial Day, the Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club hosted our annual Memorial Day Run. The Fire Department displayed our flag between two ladder trucks for our bikes to pass under. What an awesome sight.

“The police provided an escort for our riders.

“Despite the poor weather, we were still able to collect a sizable amount from donations to purchase paid phone cards for veterans in VA hospitals and overseas. This helps them stay in touch with their families.

“Also, thanks to Golden Corral and Ducky’s restaurants for helping feed our riders. Thanks also to our local VFW for hosing our event.”

A recommended business

Beth Foster of Kokomo sends this Cheer:

“I recently engaged a local business to clean a small recliner and discovered a most professional and honorable businessman. Owner Chris Shirley called after the initial cleaning to see if I was satisfied with their work. I expressed some disappointment that it didn’t seem as clean as I had hoped. He insisted that he would be there the next morning to see if there wasn’t more he could do.

“He came as promised, cleaned the chair again, explaining the procedure to me as well as his assistant. The chair looks like new!

“His company, Shirley’s Chem/Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Service, gets my wholehearted recommendation.”

700 students enjoy the day

Claudia Van Noy of the Boy Scouts of America’s Sagamore Council sends this Cheer:

“On May 6th nearly 700 special education students from 20 participating schools in Howard and Miami counties attended Sagamore Council’s Learning for Life Outdoor Challenge Activity Day at Oakbrook Valley. Students, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, enjoyed more than 30 fun and challenging activities including archery, BB gun safety instruction, climbing tower, golf, horseback and horse cart rides, petting zoo, moon walk, obstacle course, face painting, cookie decorating, dancing, lawn games and more. We had a good day in spite of rain during the afternoon.

“We wish to thank the many volunteers, community organizations and local businesses who helped to make Sagamore Council’s Learning for Life Outdoor Challenge possible through contributions of time, supplies, funding and/or talent. We appreciate the interest and contributions of these organizations and volunteers. Thank you very much – you are the best!

“The donors: Boy Scout Troop 506, Chrysler Communication Team Volunteers, Culver’s of Kokomo, Dairy Queen Brazier West Sycamore, Kokomo, Delphi Jugglers, Eastern High School National Honor Society volunteers, EquiVenture Therapeutic Riding volunteers, Explorer Post 2699 Cadets, First Congregational Church of Christ, Food Finders Food Bank, Frank Hess (provider of dance music), Fraternal Order of Eagles 255, Frito Lay, Frankfort, Golden K Kiwanis Club, Grace Baptist Church Youth Group volunteers, Greentown Lions Club, Howard County 4-H Junior Leaders, Howard County Emergency Management Service, Juvenile Probation Office volunteers, Kappa Kappa Kappa, Beta Lambda Chapter, Kokomo Area Lions Club, Kokomo Booster Club, Kokomo High School student volunteers, Kokomo Rotary Club, Kroger Northwest Plaza, Kokomo, McDonald’s of Kokomo, Meijer Store, Kokomo, Miles of Smiles Clowns, Northwestern Middle School Student Council, Oakbrook Valley, Oakbrook Community Church, Pizza Hut of Kokomo, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, Beta Gamma Chapter, Sagamore Council Scouters, staff and friends, Sam’s Club of Kokomo, Taylor High School student volunteers, United Way of Howard County.”

More than 3,200 items donated

Melinda Brown, executive secretary to the superintendent of Taylor schools, sends this Cheer:

“A big thank-you to all of the staff, students and community members that helped with the ‘stock the shelves for summer’ food drive for the Taylor HEROES Food Pantry. It was wonderful to see the Taylor students work together to feed less fortunate families in our community. There were more than 3,200 items donated. This will help feed Taylor families throughout the summer!

“If you would like to help the food pantry with food items, paper products or monetary donations, you can call Melinda Brown at (765) 455-8120.”

Thanks, Oakbrook Church

Dick Davis of Kokomo sends this Cheer:

“I would like to send a very big Cheer to Oakbrook Community Church for its great effort for the Delphi Salaried Retirees Association meeting on May 27. Dea Mygrant and Chris Herr provided a very professional service for DSRA’s update meeting with our Kokomo members. Additionally, a big Cheer to Ken de la Bastide and Erik Markov from the Tribune for their coverage.

“Ken’s coverage of our situation has been consistent and helpful. DSRA appreciates your coverage.”

Firefighters leave impression

Julie Kobos sends this Cheer to the Kokomo Fire Department:

“On behalf of the pre-K class at Taylor Primary School, we would like to send a big thank-you to the men and women of the Kokomo Fire Department. During our recent field trip to the downtown station, my class had the opportunity to see the importance of what firefighters do for our community. Taking us through a day in the life of a firefighter brought realization to children and adults alike that a firefighter’s job is much more than just fighting fires.

“The children learned many new concepts and still continue to talk about the learning experience they participated in while on our trip. It is apparent that you have left a lasting impression on these little ones. As an educator, I appreciate and am grateful for the dedication and commitment you give to those in our community. You stand as excellent role models and heroes for our young children today.”