Another week to have smiles galore! That doesn’t mean everything was good, but the goods far outweighed the not-so-goods.
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On Monday, James Tudor, who — with some great volunteers — organizes the Hoosier Burn Camp Golf Outing, was all smiles when 136 golfers enjoyed picture perfect weather to enjoy a perfect round of golf. The also were there to raise money for the Hoosier Burn Camp so children who have been seriously burned can enjoy a perfect week at camp, and forget the tough stuff for a while. This was Tudor’s 12th year of hosting the outing. Besides golf, the men and women enjoyed good food, good company and great prizes. There’s no doubt that Tudor’s smile will be even bigger when he presents this year’s gift to the camp director.
Then on Wednesday at the Kiwanis meeting, Special Olympian Jake Hemphill and I were treated to a yummy lunch and then were presented with two very special gifts. Jon Groth and Paul Sciarra, organizers of the Special Kids Special Needs golf outing had two very nice pieces of paper in their hands: a check for $5,000, and a bonus check for $1,000. Although my eyes were wet, our smiles were broad enough to fill the room.
This was the forty-second year of the Special Kids Special Needs golf outing and it was a sellout. I am sure that, without their continued caring, our Special Olympics programs would not always have been able to continue to flourish. But when you have people who always care about our special kids, it keeps the fires burning. Jon and Paul, and all your volunteers, thank you is not enough to say for the continuous love shown our athletes. You are my pet persons of the week, and I like the hugs that went with it too.
I can’t believe it. No one has bothered to dust or vacuum, or do much of any cleaning in my house this week. What’s the deal? Yikes! It’s the Summer Olympics, and my TV doesn’t know how to shut off since last Friday, when the colorful opening ceremonies started it all.
Since swimming and gymnastics competition have been on all week, I’ve been glued to my television set, and everything else is on a wait list. I’ve watched more TV this last week than I have combined for the last six months. And, as a sport nut, I’ve watched and cheered for U.S. Olympians in sports I’ve never even heard of before. But it’s so good to be watching positives where athletes from everywhere are hugging and high-fiving each other in the spirit of competition even when they are spirited rivals. There is far more respect for others than is seen anywhere else on TV.
Even people who aren’t into sports seem to get interested in the Olympics, and watch some of it. I have two friends whose sports interest starts and ends with “Dancing with the Stars”, and they have been watching the gymnastics, and even know who Michael Phelps is. I only wish that, when the American flag is being raised and our National Anthem is being played, more of our gold medal winners would at least be mouthing the words in honor of our country. The only group I saw actually sing it was the women’s winning swim relay team, and it gave me a warm feeling. There is no doubt that many heads of countries, and many politicians in our country, could take a lesson from our Olympic athletes. There probably won’t be much cleaning in my house again next week, because there’s lots more to come with track starting.
The heat may still be on, but the big yellow busses will be rolling next week as schools throughout our county will be back in session beginning next Wednesday. It won’t be too comfortable in those unairconditioned buses, and it made a lot more sense when school didn’t start until the day after Labor Day. But, in today’s world, with so much more for students to learn, just in technology, to keep up with how fast education increases in almost every subject, it’s a must.
Moms and dads, make sure your youngsters are excited about their start of a new year, and drivers make sure you are very aware of the kids waiting for the bus, and watch for the flashing lights and stop arm so everyone stays safe. I hope every teacher and every student has their best year ever, and then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.