Also, Kokomo Park Band hosts a night of nobility and sword fighting
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The sawdust was flying on West Tate Street last week, and one fortunate resident received a life-changing gift: a wheelchair-accessible ramp for their home.
The Wyman Group teamed up with SAWS -- Servants At Work -- to complete the wheelchair ramp. SAWS founder Bob Hill explained how his organization operates.
"We build wheelchair ramps for people with lower income who can't afford to have one built," said Hill. "We furnish the materials and tools, and groups and businesses like Wyman's come out and build the ramps."
Hill said he has worked with several local businesses and churches to perform the builds, and his organization stays busy. During construction season, there is no shortage of need for the ramps.
Though he doesn't like to recount the number of ramps SAWS has built -- he doesn't want a "pat on the back" -- more than 50 ramps have been constructed in the local area over the past 10 years thanks to SAWS and its partners.
"At first, I built one or two a year," said Hill. "But a few years ago, we started building more. We'll build 15-20 this year."
SAWS has been in operation since 2003, building ramps in Indiana, Arizona, and Virginia. Originally based in Indianapolis, the organization relies upon members like Hill to head up projects in their regions.
Hill reiterated that the recipients of the ramps, all on lower or fixed incomes, are not required to pay for the service. They are welcome to donate what they feel they can spare, but "$50 can be alot of money to them. We don't require a penny," Hill said.
SAWS does need funding, however. Those who feel led to support the nonprofit's mission can find SAWS Servants at Work on Facebook. Or they can visit www.sawsramps.org. Once there, people can find out how to donate money, how to volunteer their time and effort on a ramp build, or even how to apply to receive a ramp.
Kokomo Park Band hosts night of nobility, sword fighting
The Kokomo Park Band will embark on a musical journey through realms of royalty, chivalry, and adventure with “Music of the Knight,” the theme for the Kokomo Park Band’s final Wednesday evening concert of the season.
The free program on Wednesday, July 24, begins at 7:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Stout Funeral Homes and Crematory. The concert will be preceded with a demonstration by the local chapter of Empire of Chivalry and Steel.
This is the 122nd season of weekly summer concerts by the KPB which is celebrating Maestro Jay Gephart’s 10th year as Artistic Director and Conductor. He is the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands and Orchestras, Director of Bands at Purdue University and the newly appointed conductor of the Indiana Wind Symphony which performs regularly at the Palladium in Carmel, IN.
The Empire of Chivalry and Steel, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heart of medieval Europe, will ignite imaginations with a thrilling demonstration at 7 p.m. The audience will witness firsthand the raw power and skill of authentic, non-choreographed combat as these living history experts bring the Middle Ages to life. From swordplay and beyond, this is a rare opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era.
Knighthood has been a long and cherished tradition in Great Britain. To be made a Knight or a Dame is to receive one of the highest honors in the United Kingdom and is usually granted to those who have made a significant contribution to their field on a national level.
Each selection has a connection to someone who has received such recognition from a British sovereign. Selections include “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” by John Williams arranged by James Curnow, “The Knightsbridge March” by Eric Coates, “Music of the Beatles” arranged by Michael Sweeney, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddy Mercury arranged by Masamicz Amano, Tom Jones hits “It's Not Unusual” and “Delilah” arranged by Bill Holcombe, selections from "Mary Poppins" arranged by Ted Ricketts, “Lion King Medley” by John Zimmer arranged by Kazuhiro Morita, selections from "Phantom of the Opera" arranged by Paul Murtha, and “The Thunderer” by John Philip Sousa.
Following this week’s concert, the band will take a break until Sunday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. when they will return for a concert, “Made in America,” celebrating the Labor Day weekend. Next week, the Kokomo Men of Note Barbershop Chorus will perform in the same time slot at Highland Park.
The series is presented in cooperation with the Kokomo Parks Department, the Miller fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, Center Township, the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, the Arts Federation in cooperation with the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, and American Legion Post #6.
Events are made possible by the generous donations from individuals and area businesses who are fans and supporters of the band. Contributions should be sent to Kokomo Park Band; PO Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039. More information can be found on the band's website: www.kokomoparkband.org and on Facebook.