Published: October 23, 2009 11:23 pm      

Hearts and darts

Here are some of the good, and not so good, things readers noticed around the area recently:

Pam Hamblin of Danville sends hearts “to those whose acts benefit the helpless. Darts to those whose needs to ‘make a point’ negatively affect the defenseless.

“The Danville Village Mall generously provided a lovely space for the adoption of homeless animals, and many animals found new homes.

“What a shame the mall space is no longer being utilized weekly to help save these animals who give unconditional love. Just think what could be accomplished if everyone would put their differences aside and work together for the sake of the animals.

“Fewer would be euthanized and more would be given a second chance.”

Dawn Parks of Catlin sends hearts for some recent help. “Sometimes we forget to thank people who have been good to us. I’d like to thank someone. I was put in a tough situation this summer and Terry Dolan came to my rescue.

“I’m sure he doesn’t know how much I appreciate his kindness. He helped without my asking. It’s hard to ask for help. He just did what he knew I needed. That’s something, that in this day and age, tends to be very rare.

“Terry owns Pizza Time in Catlin, so it’s not like he had nothing else to do. So, thank you, Terry, from me and my mom. I also have to say that Pizza Time has awesome food, a nice and courteous staff, and a special and kind owner. Check it out.”

Bubba and Shelly Simmons of Covington, Ind., parents of Holly Simmons, send hearts “to Gary and Leslie Chilcote, owners of the Northside Pub in Covington for holding this year’s annual golf outing and block party for Holly to pay for her hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

“Special thanks to the band 90 Proof and to Greg Clingan and Craig Stalter for working the auction. Hearts to Carol and Barb Smith, Bonnie Morton, Penny Smith, Ashlee Randles, Leila Bird, Lisa Wilson, Sherry Holmes, Darcy and Darren Freed, Leona Paddock, Kelly Snoddy, Jaime Pettit, Donna Newnum, Lori Hall, Jeff Keys, Adam Gulley, Les Winters, Traci Shuman, Jim Niccum, Rick Smith, Scott French, Terry and Josh Newkirk and to Jim Norton and Grubb Implement.”

Kenneth Hirsig of Danville sends hearts “to the International Olympic Committee for not choosing Chicago to host the 2016 Olympics. Who wants taxes to go up — those who say they wouldn’t must live in La La Land — and who wants Chicago’s corruption to go any father downstate? We have enough of both.

“Hearts to U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, who questions the need for additional troops in Afghanistan. It’s Vietnam all over again.

“And remember, the Soviet Union invaded Afghan-istan in December 1979 and was whopped fair by the Afghans — albeit with U.S.-supplied armament — finally leaving in 1989. Consider this the Soviets’ Vietnam. To quote Yogi Berra, ‘It’s déjà vu all over again.’

“Darts to Comcast for removing Channel 22, among others, from its Basic-Expanded Basic lineup so as to enable us to buy another lineup from them.

“Of course, the removal of these channels will result in a lower price, right? La La Land all over again. This from the entity that blew me off several times while I tried to arrange Internet access. I finally went to AT&T and I’m satisfied.”

Sandy, Rod and Amy Kaag and their families send hearts “to the Hoopeston Police Department and Auxiliary, Hoopeston Fire Department, Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, family, friends, Pastor Darryl, Pastor Jack and the Rev. Mershon for sharing in the special memorial service for Orval Kaag.

“Hearts also for the cards, flowers, food support and prayers.

“Special hearts to Orval’s friend since childhood, Rodney Johnson, for being his mentor during his stay at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville and hearts to the VA nursing staff.”

Tom and Nancy Horton of Tilton send hearts to “everyone involved for contributing to the Sept. 20

benefit.

“Special hearts to Nancy’s dearest friend, Jackie Maddox, for putting the benefit together and for the wonderful turkey and noodles everyone talked about.

“Hearts to Wes Burris for donating the food; to Pam and Jeff Messmore for the karaoke and dessert auction; to Karen Dysert for the generator and the hard work preparing the food; to Suzanna and Woody; to everyone from Kathy’s Kitchen; and to Porter for his half of the winnings.

“Without your help and the help of those I might not have mentioned, the bebefit would not have been a success.

“Hearts to Jeff and Gordon who did the rewiring for the generator.

“We are grateful there are still people in this world who care about one another. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Chris Johnson of Henning sends hearts “to everyone who came to my retirement party and thank you for the gifts.

“I feel very privileged in my 35 years with Vermilion County MEG to have met and worked with so many great people in law enforcement.

“Vermilion County MEG is an effective and professional narcotics law enforcement unit of which I’m proud to have been a part.”

Shirley Butcher of Danville sends hearts “To Margaret Light for the tickets she bought for the residents of Danville Care to go the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day at the arena.

“Thanks to the chefs and the Danville care nurses who helped. Thanks to Danville Care for showing us a good time.”