Published: April 04, 2008 11:39 pm            

Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, April 5, 2008

KDA salutes volunteers

John Wiles, executive director of the Kokomo Downtown Association, sends this Cheer to the community:

“We all experience moments that make us proud of Kokomo, Howard County and its residents. Such was my feelings March 28 and 29 when 110 KDA volunteers, ranging in age from 5 to 80, planted 6,510 petunia cuttings in 310 baskets. The baskets will hang from light poles on West Sycamore Street from St. Joseph Hospital to Union Street and from light poles in the downtown area.

“The KDA salutes the volunteers. We also tip our hat to Mayor Greg Goodnight and his staff for continuing the beautification project by the City of Kokomo and KDA, which started in 2006 when KDA volunteers planted cuttings in 45 hanging baskets, and petunias, 12,000 tulips and daffodils around 75 decorative trees in downtown Kokomo.

“Volunteers planted cuttings March 28 and 29 inside a Country Raisin’s greenhouse in southwest Howard County. The baskets will remain in the greenhouse until May when City of Kokomo Traffic Systems employees hang them on the light posts.

“Organizations, schools and businesses represented by the volunteers included National City Bank, Carver Community Center, St. Joseph Hospital, Salin Bank, Freedom Financial, Howard County Master Gardeners Association, Wildcat Guardians and Foundation, Edwards Fence Co., Kokomo Downtown Association Board of Directors, Kokomo Downtown Farmers’ Market, Club Kokomo Roadrunners, Break Away Bicycle Club, Rotary Club of Kokomo, City of Kokomo, Kokomo High School’s Girls League Council and Students Taking a New Direction club, Central Middle School Student Council, UAW retirees, United Way, Home Front Learning Center, Noon Kiwanis, Apollo Club House at Howard Community Hospital, Guardian Angel Foundation, Grace United Methodist Church, Tri-Central High School, City of Firsts Volkswagen.

“We have many residents, students, businesses and organizations who are working hard with KDA and city government to make Kokomo and Howard County a better place to live and work. I applaud all of them for their efforts, because a clean, attractive downtown Kokomo pleases visitors and residents, spurs economic development, and improves our quality of life. The flowers planted by the volunteers will create a vibrant and appealing downtown experience, which is what companies and families want when they locate to a community.”

‘Irresponsible promises’

Harold Droll of Kokomo sends this Jeer for federal spending:

“We are going to elect a new leader this coming election. The candidates for our approval are promising all the things they think will meet our expectations.

“We are being promised national health care. This will cost billions.

“They have plans that will create thousands of new jobs. This will cost billions.

“They will continue to lower our taxes. At the present, we have a national debt of $9 billion. The value of our dollar is falling severely compared to other countries’ monetary systems. Could this be due to the other countries’ loss of confidence in our ability to manage our debt?

“It was suggested recently that our Senate and Legislature refrain from pork spending for one year. They refused. Instead they added riders to other bills. That amounts to millions of additional spending.

“If our leaders continue these irresponsible promises in order to get our votes and actually manage our country in this manner, will our great-great-great-grandchildren be faced with our debts?”

‘Many thanks to all’

Members of Psi Iota Xi Sorority send this Cheer for area businesses:

“Kappa Chapter of Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority would like to extend its thanks to the Kokomo area businesses who supported our Luncheon and Silent Auction held on March 8. This fundraising event was a tremendous success due to the donations of merchandise and services from numerous local businesses.

“Special kudos go to Outback Steakhouse, which underwrote the luncheon, and Blondie’s Cookies, which provided the dessert. The generosity of all these companies has made it possible for our organization to fully fund our summer speech clinic, offering speech therapy services free of charge to the children of Howard County. The support of the community in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.

“Psi Iota Xi has been serving Kokomo since 1908 and relies on the goodwill of others to continue its efforts. In addition to its speech clinic, which operates year round, Psi Iota Xi annually awards scholarships to Kokomo area college students and supports various local charities in Howard County. Again, many thanks to all.”

        

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