CHEERS

... to the sentiments about New Albany gateways expressed by developer Don Lopp in Sunday’s front page article in The Tribune by Daniel Suddeath (“No start date for west end work” Jan 24, 2010). I’ve been banging that drum since I first came to New Albany five years ago. Others have been at it for decades with little to no result. If the city ever hopes to overcome its image and reputation, its primary entrances need to be enhanced for function and aesthetics. Signage has been in the works for years according to city officials but the state and federal governments seem to be tying it up based on the extended timeline. I’ve spoken with dozens of business leaders and even more residents who agree in principle with Lopp’s statements. Communities nearby and afar have shown it is a vital part to the overall picture. Maybe New Albany’s businesses — or their chamber — can help push through the obstacles? Teamwork has solved many problems in the past. It might just work.

— Tribune publisher Steve Kozarovich



... to Bob Lane and the New Albany Housing Authority for serving an important need during difficult economic times. In fact I learned that it achieved 100 percent capacity as I toured some of the NAHA properties last week with Bob. Federal funding makes this Authority possible in a community like ours to benefit local residents. We met one such woman who shared her inspiring story about how she’s closer each month to buying her home home with thanks to the supportive staff at NAHA. This wasn’t a woman who appeared to want a handout. She just needed a place to regroup and the Housing Authority team were there to help. What surprised me most was the use of energy efficiency materials on a multitude of properties. Many of the ideas were simple and easy to implement during property renovations. In fact, in many instances the Housing Authority properties put some nearby rental properties to shame. Kudos to the New Albany (but receives no money from them) Housing Authority on maximizing all 100 percent of its units for residents in need.

— Tribune publisher Steve Kozarovich



... to the outpouring support and aid heading into Haiti. It is a shame that an earthquake has to bring attention to the impoverished nation. But, as we have learned, the help cannot simply stop with reconstructing buildings or repaving roads. We have to make sure that Haiti becomes self-sufficient and hopefully the aid that continues to flow into the area will be used to help resurrect the country.

— Tribune copy editor Kyle Volenik



... to Apple’s new endeavor, the tablet computer. Many within the newspaper industry are keeping a close eye on the tablet. As society pushes toward the digital world, many are banking on the idea that the tablet will create a satisfying user-experience for newspaper readers. The tablet, which will be announced today, could send shockwaves through this industry and many others. And to all the naysayers out there, remember the iPhone was laughed at and too many people said, “Who wants a phone that surfs the Web?”

— Tribune copy editor Kyle Volenik



... to The Tribune’s Daniel Suddeath for his great reporting (“Funding for Hill health care attack ads sirs controversy” Jan. 23, 2010) on the multi-millions that Wellpoint/Anthem and other insurance companies paid for Chamber of Commerce ads against health care reform and against Reps. Baron Hill and Brad Ellsworth. Insurance premiums in Indiana have more than doubled in 9 years, and Wellpoint/Anthem could have used that money to provide affordable and adequate coverage to the 1 in 6 Hoosiers under 65 who lack insurance.

— Tribune reader Ruthanne Wolf, New Albany



(Editor’s note: This cheer was submitted in late 2009 but was overlooked. We apologize for the delay.)

... to the community for its support of the Pledge Night Gala to save the Conway fire collection for New Albany and Southern Indiana. It was a truly wonderful and successful evening. We also announced that Fire Station 3 won the chili cook-off. We extend a special thanks to The Grand, to Jamey Aebersold and the Jazz Quartet, to all of the Fire Stations from the city and area (a total of 10) that prepared chili, to Sally Newkirk, Matt Chalfant and other speakers, and to Dean Mistler. We also thank Dzine Communications, Gary Humphrey and River City Winery, and Dan Watkins of Dan’s Lawn and Landscaping for their help with publicity or with other special activities this fall. Thank you, too, to Mayor England, Mike Waiz, and Jim Stammerman for help with planning. And we thank all of the members of the Conway family for their help in so many ways. We will save this nationally-known fire collection for New Albany and the region!

— Curtis Peters, Board Chairman of Friends of the New Albany Fire Museum



iDo you have someone or something to cheer or jeer? Submissions should be sent to Publisher Steve Kozarovich at steve.kozarovich@newsandtribune.com or by mail at 303 Scribner Drive, New Albany, IN 47150.