Published: May 09, 2009 12:34 am      

Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 9, 2009

Community supports Affair

The Carver Community Center board sends this Cheer:

“The Board of Directors and staff of the Carver Community Center wants to thank all of the community members and partners who supported Carver’s first Prettiest Hat Affair on March 14. It was a great success due to the community’s contribution.”

Outing raises more than $4,000

Kelly Goad sends this Cheer on behalf of the Guardian Angel Foundation:

“Guardian Angel Foundation would like to thank you, the community, for supporting us at our sixth annual Hit a Ball for Hospice golf outing on May 7 at Wildcat Creek Golf Course in Kokomo. We were able to raise over $4,000 to help continue to fund the programs we support, so thank you!

“Guardian Angel Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families facing a life-threatening illness, whether they are hospice appropriate or not, by providing non-medical services and goods, education on end-of-life issues for 20 communities in north central Indiana, and by sponsoring a bereavement camp, Camp Angel, for children and adolescents ages 6 to 16, who have lost a loved one in their lives.

“Guardian Angel Hospice Foundation Inc. was founded in 2002 to assist in supporting the mission of Guardian Angel Hospice, which is to provide quality, palliative end-of-life care. Along with sponsoring Camp Angel by raising funds through event sponsorships and memorial donations, Guardian Angel Foundation provides Lifeline medical alert monitors for hospice patients, gives each patient a ‘comfort bag,’ provides fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and baby monitors for safety and personal care items such as blankets, lotion, nutritional supplements, adult diapers, etc., for those patients who cannot afford such items. Also, Guardian Angel Foundation sponsors a memorial service every six months for the families of patients who have passed away while in Guardian Angel Hospice’s care. Additionally, the foundation engages in numerous outreach activities to educate all communities through speaker bureaus and community relation events.

“With the community’s donations and support, we are able to continue to educate the 20 communities we serve and to provide opportunities for comfort through support for all hospice patients.

“Thanks for being a part of our team!”

Perfect Tym’n was perfect

J.R. McIntire sends this Cheer:

“Last Saturday night, bluegrass legend Kenny Stinson and his band, Perfect Tym’n, graced the stage of the Rhum Academy, 110 N. Washington St., Kokomo, and provided some premier musical entertainment at the premier concert venue in the area.

“They arrived at the academy in their gleaming, 45-foot tour bus, turning heads and piquing curiosity. Kenny and his band consist of Kenny on mandolin, his wife, Ronda, on vocals, Rod Lunger on bass, Dale Eskridge on banjo and Jerry Embry on guitar.

“These folks are the ultimate professionals and, let me tell you, it was a fun, action-packed evening of some of the best bluegrass pickin’ that I’ve ever witnessed!

“They opened with ‘Kentucky River’ and never looked back. Kenny and the band were on-point, on time and on the money! Looking dapper, all decked out in their powder-blue vests, black brimmed hats and those amazing instruments just a-blaring!

“The harmonies were perfect, the music, sublime, the crowd was engaged and ready for a good time. Kenny said that it was just like family, as a matter of fact, Kenny exclaimed that he knew practically everyone in the audience!

“He said he was sorry for being late, joking the bus driver ‘drove like he was 112, driving 35 miles an hour all the way from Nashville!’

“After a couple more jokes, they broke into an a cappella number called ‘The Old Ship of Zion.’ It was simply breathtaking!

“Their large set list was comprised of some great Gospel and bluegrass tunes, such as ‘Love’s Gonna Live Here Again,’ ‘Rainin’ in LA,’ ‘Working Man Blues’ and a beautiful number called ‘Daddy’s Hands.’

“Coming back from intermission, Kenny told another funny story, pickin’ on his bass player, Dale.

“‘We’d been out on the road for a while, and a nursing home contacted me and asked if we could take a break from our busy schedule and come play for the residents. I said, “Sure.”

“‘While we were setting up the sound system, Dale kept complaining that he was starvin’, as he hadn’t eaten lunch. There was a big bowl of peanuts sitting out, and he’d grab a handful each time he’d walk by.

“‘Once we got to playing, Dale got to feeling a little bit better, and started feeling powerful bad about eating those nuts. He told the crowd that he was sorry and that he’d run to Wal-Mart after the show and replace them since they couldn’t get out on their own.

“‘There was a moment of silence, and then an old gal in the back hollered, “That’s OK. We already licked all the chocolate off of them.”’

“That was the essence of the night. It was a night of fantastic music, family fun, funny witticisms and pure joy for those in attendance. Thank you, Kenny Stinson and Perfect Tym’n for bringing that big ol’ black bus to Kokomo and taking time to share your wonderful humanity and terrific talent with us!”

Thank you for attending

Catherine Kimberling sends this Cheer:

“I would like to thank the host of people that came to my open house, 90th birthday party.

“My special thanks to state Rep. Ron Herrell, as well as to Mayor and Mrs. Greg Goodnight for coming. Last, but not least, I thank my son, Bill, for a wonderful party.”

May is Mental Health Month

Jill Snyder sends this Cheer on behalf of the Mental Health Association:

“The Mental Health Association (Mental Health of America of Howard County) wants to thank those supporters who recognize the importance of good mental health. May is Mental Health Month and, due to the current issues of the day, many agencies, including ours, are seeing an increase in depression, anger, frustration and even suicidal thoughts.

“Persons struggle with mental health issues on a daily basis, and many struggle alone. Please support the Mental Health Association by giving of your time and/or donations. This ensures that the programs and services continue to assist those in need.”