In Summary: Many people made a difference in Madison County in 2009, and we celebrate them.
When we take the yearly inventory of what constitutes a positive difference in Madison County, it’s the people who stand out. Someone did something that inspired others to join in and that effort changed the community for the better.
In today’s The Herald Bulletin, we list our person of the year and some of the runner-ups who, by their actions and inspiration, left a positive influence on Madison County in the past 12 months.
Skip Ockomon, firefighter and brother of the mayor, had a dream of helping people who were displaced by fire. Late last year, a fire claimed the lives of two children and left the parents, Jeff and Amanda Bouslog, with nowhere to live. They crowded into a relative’s house. Ockomon, who’s seen his share of such tragedies as an Anderson firefighter, wanted to have a home that people like the Bouslogs could move into while awaiting a permanent residence.
Ockomon spent a good bit of the year raising funds for just such a place.
The Madison County Fire Rescue House finally opened to much fanfare. It’s been put to good use. Just two days before Christmas, a fire forced members of a family out of their home, and they moved into the Rescue House.
Ockomon had a vision and saw it through, just like many heroes sung and unsung, every year in Madison County.
Also on The Herald Bulletin’s list were the pool ladies of Alexandria. Sherri Brown, Vanessa Hosier and Penny Stevens simply didn’t take no for an answer when Alexandria Mayor Jack Woods said the city pool wouldn’t be opening because the budget couldn’t handle it. The women raised the money needed to get the pool open and, as a plus, were celebrated with segments on national newscasts.
They, too, had a vision and saw it through.
The Rev. James Warner has been a fixture in the community for many years. His annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Geater Center is always well attended and much needed by members of the community.
Highland graduate Adam Lind, the Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter/outfielder, wasn’t in town to make a difference, but his exploits on the baseball diamond made him a local celebrity and, of course, a role model for sports-minded youngsters.
People from all walks of life make a difference every year. Some can be in direct contact with people, such as Ockomon, while others decide they have to get involved, such as the pool ladies. Others, such as Warner, do what they can each and every year. Still others, such as Lind, are looked up to for what they have accomplished.
We at The Herald Bulletin celebrate them all. They, and many others, are the lifeblood of the community. When others are giving up, they are forging ahead. As we pass into a new year, we salute them and look forward to new heroes next year.
Opinion
Editorial: People make the difference
- Opinion
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Editorial: If bullying tale is true, APA right to release headmaster
The recent accusations leveled against the headmaster at Anderson Preparatory Academy illustrate how bullying can be perpetuated by administrators who become enablers.
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Viewpoint: Medical professionals instill confidence
The reason for this letter is not to inform everyone in town “all about my operation,” but far more importantly, to share my remedial experience — physically and emotionally — with gratitude and appreciation for all components of the entire Saint John’s Cancer Center team.
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Letter: Impatient drivers ignore school bus arm
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people that drive on 38th Street from Columbus Avenue to Scatterfield Road every morning for running my stop arm on the school bus that I drive.
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Primus Mootry: Memorial Day should make us remember as well as connect
Memorial Day is past, but we should not forget to remember. And unless we more fully grasp our connection to the people of the world, we are lost.
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Editorial: Get permission before school pranks
Anderson High School decided to show some solidarity with their Cascade peers and filled up the school with post-it notes, all in good fun. This prank was also done after hours but with a big difference: The students had requested and received permission to imitate Cascade.
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Maureen Hayden: Readers weigh in on low voter turnout
A couple of columns ago, I posed a question about why most Indiana polling places on primary election day had so few customers.
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You Said It: About fundraiser, missing woman, building preservation
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
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Scott Underwood: Help us with book about local athletes
Over the years, Madison County has been blessed with more than its share of extraordinary athletes. Through their feats on the field of play, they’ve brought us excitement and inspiration.
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Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
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Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
- More Opinion Headlines
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Editorial: If bullying tale is true, APA right to release headmaster
