Church honors veterans

Gail Trammell of Greentown sends this Cheer:

“Kudos to First Church of the Nazarene for their outstanding Fourth of July celebration in their beautiful new sanctuary! This was my first time to experience this marvelous display of talent. The choir and the soloists did an excellent job of lifting the spirits of all those in attendance.

“The entire program honored our veterans for their efforts to preserve our freedom, which we so often take for granted.

“I would encourage everyone to attend this gorgeous display the next time it is presented. Kokomo is fortunate to have a church willing to offer such a quality opportunity in a local setting!”

Select local contractors

Robert Carroll sends this Jeer:

“Recently, bid invitations were sent out by the Kokomo Housing Authority to bid roofing projects for Garden Square Apartments.

“At the pre-bid meeting, it was made clear to utilize as much local help as possible.

“It was posted in the Kokomo Tribune that Precision Builders out of the Gary area was awarded the contract.

“So much for keeping our tax dollars local.

“The article also stated that Precision Builders was going to sub-contract the job to Consolidated Roofing.

“Do any taxpayers know who either of these companies are?

“I have checked and cannot find Consolidated Roofing under any listing in any phone book.

“What is Consolidated Roofing’s history in this community?

“When the project gets under way, whose signs will be advertising at this site?

“As a local taxpayer and a roofer, I am outraged at this decision.

“Also, as the manager of a roofing company, I can say it’s not easy to keep enough work to sustain our employees. Then to find our local housing officials giving work to out-of-town companies.

“Our company is well-known for helping our community. Be it volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or by aiding the elderly by providing free labor.

“Thanks a lot, Kokomo housing officials!”

Father’s Day surprise

Jim Morgan sends this Cheer:

“I was not a typical Father’s Day. My wife was visiting her mom in the hospital who recently had a stroke. I had some work to do and stopped by McDonald’s at Lincoln and South LaFountain Street to grab a quick meal.

“I ordered and the teller asked me if I was a father and I answered, yes. She said, let McDonald’s buy you dinner today. It was a pleasant surprise.

“I would like to thank the management for this gesture. It made my day.”

Because of many

Paul Wyman sends this Cheer:

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Haynes Apperson Festival Committee. This year’s festival was a huge success thanks to their dedication and volunteerism.

“From Terry Sylvester and the Electric Amish to Survivor, Fran Cosmo from Boston and Starship, the free entertainment line up rocked the courthouse square. The Pioneer Auto Club showed off their finest and the parade had all the elements of community pride. Our fireworks in Foster Park had record attendance and this year’s sports festival was a huge hit.

“Thanks to our sponsors, Haynes International, the City of Kokomo, Community First Bank, Indiana American Water Company, Coca-Cola, Z92.5, A Action Promotion, Mobile Radio of Kokomo, Non Stop Advertising, Eagles, Courtyard by Marriot and Half Moon Brewery. We would also like to thank our other media partners, WWKI, Shine 99, The Kokomo Perspective, the Kokomo Tribune and the Kokomo Herald.

“A special thanks to the Mayor, Street, Traffic, Police and Fire Departments from the City and Howard County Government. As you can see our success was because of many. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate all that is good about our community this year!”

You get a lot back

This Cheer comes from Linda Lauderbaugh:

“A special thanks goes to Cindy Britten, swim coach for Northwestern School, for all her help this year with the Special Olympics swimmers. Cindy volunteered her time and talent and suggested ways the swimmers could improve during their spring training. Cindy also traveled to State Games in Terre Haute to give support to the athletes and took fabulous pictures of the events.

“Cindy stated ‘she got overwhelming satisfaction from seeing these athletes develop their skills and the state games was a wonderful experience.’ You give a lot – and you get a lot back. Thanks again, Cindy Britten.”

Cheers to HRHS Oncology Department

Melinda Showalter, RN, OCN, sends this Cheer to the Howard Regional Oncology Dept. for their remarkable contributions to the 2009 Relay for Life:

“In spite of our community’s uncertain times, we had a very successful year. I’m sending sincere gratitude and appreciation for numerous hours of volunteer work to Howard County’s 2009 general co-chair Cara McKellar, RN, fundraising and registration chairperson Elena Tansy, RN, Team D chairperson of all 100-plus teams Andrea Brooks, RN and the entire staff of the Howard Regional Oncology Department.

“The Tumornator team raised over $6,000 for the American Cancer Society and released 126 butterflies at the ‘Butterfly Release.’”