March 14, 2008 11:20 pm
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Charity in the community
Kay Lazar of Western Middle School sends this Cheer on behalf of her colleagues:
“Western Middle School would like to give a Cheer for the sponsors and speakers of our community for helping with our Reading Across America program.
“We would like to thank John Martino, Alaska bear hunter; Edward Pulver, earth science specialist; Dr. Peter O’Rourke, Western School Corp. superintendent, and Jon and Julie Newlin-Waddell’s IGA. We would also like to thank American Health Network’s Drs. Sherri Nuss and Martha Hoshaw; Russiaville Subway, and Eva from Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders for donations for our program.
“We have many valuable and charitable people and businesses in our community, and we thank you all. Reading is an adventure.”
Getting dance fever
Grace Harmon of Kokomo sends this Cheer to John Christenson:
“I would like to give my thanks and appreciation to Mr. John Christenson for instructing our ballroom dance class for home-schoolers. Everybody had a marvelous time, and I appreciate all of the planning and effort Mr. Christenson put forth to make these classes possible.
“Our classes consisted of people ages 13 to 50. About 65 people participated in the classes.
“We learned six different dances. These dances included the waltz, rumba, cha-cha, fox trot, tango and nearly everyone’s ultimate favorite, the swing. One of the participants said, ‘My favorite dances are the swing and the cha-cha, especially with my dad and brother.’
“By the end of the class, Mr. Christenson had taught us some really awesome moves. I learned a few different kinds of turns, a sit dip, the snazzy pretzel and a few more twists. Another participant said that her favorite move is ‘the pretzel, because it looks very, very cool but it really isn’t all that hard.’
“I enjoyed being involved in Mr. Christenson’s classes because they allowed me to just relax and chat with friends.
“Mr. Christenson could always put a smile on people’s faces with his humor. He had a great way of making every one feel relaxed.
“I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity that I have had to learn the fantastic art of ballroom dancing. But this could not have been possible without the instruction, coordination and time from Mr. Christenson.”
How Hospice helps
Kathy Pfettscher of Kokomo sends this Cheer on behalf of Shirley LeClair, Tom Perkins and the rest of their family:
“A month ago, we lost our dear mother, Leota Perkins. As sad as it was, it was an intimate, sweet experience in part because our Howard Regional Home Care and Hospice angels were there for us through it all.
“We want to thank these tireless women who made our lives easier during this difficult time. We called them so often, questioning our care procedures, and every time each one was the soul of kindness and tenderness with us because they understood what we didn’t – that in the process of dying, the medications we were administering were almost secondary to the quiet, loving, gentle care we were giving to our mother.
“They encouraged us. They hugged us. They assured us. And no matter what time of day or night we called, they were kind and considerate and caring.
“We’re convinced that someone hacked into God’s computer and got the names of these angels directly from him. VNS nurses all, but so much more.
“Jill was Mother’s nurse, and what a dear person she is. She understood the physical aspects of Mother’s condition and never failed to educate us about it. She made sure we knew what to expect and to teach us about how to give the meds.
“Dixie was so quiet and gentle and sweet with Mother and with us. Julie was a port in a storm when we needed reassurance, and Michelle was the nurse who came when we called her the night Mother passed, and we felt almost guilty about it because the night was so very cold and terrible. But she assured us it was just fine (as if she got out at 3 a.m. every morning in miserable weather). Joyce prayed with us and blessed us over and over again by assuring us that ‘it’ll all work out.’
“Our vocabularies don’t contain the adjectives to describe our feelings about these angels. But, just know that VNS Hospice is the most wonderful, caring, loving group of nurses on the planet. We thank them from hearts that are full of wonder when we remember the care they gave our entire family all through Mother’s illness.
“We learned that Hospice doesn’t help people die, they help people live comfortably and with dignity until they die.”
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