Quick takes – December 3

Special effort

Former Hartsville resident Carter Forney is doing far more than “talking the talk” of his desire to raise money for bicycles to give away to kids. He is riding his bicycle across the southern United States and using his 3,093-mile journey to inspire donations to the Bikes for Goodness Sake Foundation.

That’s a noble and dedicated effort from someone who didn’t have a cycling background before embarking on the trip. However, his adventurous spirit has already yielded donations of about $2,000 toward his $2,500 goal.

Bicycles provide an important sense of freedom for children and also promote exercise and healthy lifestyles. Forney’s efforts and those who are supporting him through his GoFundMe page are giving children a great gift.

Unique honor

Nearly 30 members of the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church choir hit a high note recently, one that is quite special and memorable.

The choir sang in Latin during a Mass for the installation of Indianapolis Archibishop Joseph W. Tobin as a cardinal in St. Peter’s Bascilica on Nov. 19, along with others installed as cardinals. It also was part of an outdoor service with the Sistine Chapel Choir in St. Peter’s Square on Nov. 20, where about 50,000 people were expected. Prio to the performances on Nov. 17, the choir members along with thousands of other people had an audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican.

The invitation speaks highly of the parish and choir to be chosen for an important moment in the Catholic Church.

Assistance recognized

A woman’s efforts to help those affected by one of the worst disasters to hit Columbus and neighboring communities received appropriate recognition recently.

Ruth Reeves, an adjunct instructor at IUPUC and Ivy Tech, received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IUPUC for her help of victims after the 2008 flood that affected a large portion of Columbus and other communities. She served as a district project manager and team leader in providing crisis counseling for flood victims, and later wrote a children’s book for kids who had experienced the event.

The award is a reminder that the good deeds of people toward others have an impact and are remembered.