Garage Sale FRI - Springfield

 

 

American Red Cross Will Host Garage Sale

 

 

Springfield, MO.  -  Your Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a garage sale, bake sale and car wash on Friday, June 26.  Many staff members and volunteers have cleaned out their garages and homes to contribute a wide variety of items that will surely peak your interest and will benefit the Health and Safety Department of the chapter. “We think it’s going to be a pretty exciting day and we want everyone to join us” said Faith Koppes, Director of Health and Safety, for the chapter.  

                                    LOCATION: Greater Ozarks Chapter Warehouse    

                                                            (Entrance on south side of building)

                                                            1545 N. West Bypass

                                                            Springfield, MO  65803

                                   

                                    DATE:            Friday, June 26, 2009

 

                                    TIME:             7:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.       

 

                        SEE YOU THERE!!  

                       

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from people. To help the victims of this and other local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to: American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO.  65803. To volunteer, please contact the chapter headquarters at 417-832-9500 or 1-866-206-0256.

 

 

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Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

Red Cross Cooling Centers

6/24/2009

 

American Red Cross Offers Cooling Centers

 

Springfield, MO.  -  The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross continues to respond to the “heat wave” by offering their offices in Springfield, Lebanon, Joplin and Nevada as cooling centers.  Community members may come by during normal office hours to “get a break” from the heat.  The following are the locations:  Please note the change in the location for Nevada.

                        Springfield:  1545 N. West Bypass

                        Lebanon:      325 B. Harwood

                        Nevada:        Senior Center, 301 N. Main

                        Joplin:           410 S. Jackson Ave.

 

For information on Heat Safety, log on to www.redcross.org or contact the chapter office at 866-206-0256.

 

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from people. To help the victims of local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to: American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO.  65803. To volunteer, please contact the chapter headquarters at 417-832-9500 or 1-866-206-0256.

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

Heat Wave Cooling Centers

6/23/2009

 

American Red Cross Offers Cooling Centers

 

Springfield, MO.  -  The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross is responding to the “heat wave” by offering their offices in Springfield, Lebanon, Joplin and Nevada as cooling centers.  Community members may come by during normal office hours to “get a break” from the heat.  The following are the locations:

                        Springfield:  1545 N. West Bypass

                        Lebanon:      325 B. Harwood

                        Nevada:        201 E. Cherry St., Suite 203

                        Joplin:           410 S. Jackson Ave.

 

For information on Heat Safety, log on to www.redcross.org or contact the chapter office at 866-206-0256.

 

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from people. To help the victims of this and other local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to: American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO.  65803. To volunteer, please contact the chapter headquarters at 417-832-9500 or 1-866-206-0256.

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

Red Cross to Open Cooling Center in Joplin

Joplin, MO- In response to the high temperatures, the American Red Cross will open a cooling center at its office located at 410 S. Jackson Ave, Joplin, MO. The cooling center will be open 8:00am – 5:00pm until further notice. Those needing a place to get out of the heat can come to the Red Cross Joplin office. Light snacks and water will be provided.

Nevada Red Cross to Open Cooling Center

The American Red Cross and the Vernon County Senior Center in Nevada have opened a cooling
Center until 7:00 tonight at the Senior Center, 301 North Main in Nevada. Anyone having questions should call 417-667-5563 or 417-667-5847.

Heat Wave

6/22/2009

AMERICAN RED CROSS URGES CAUTION DURING HEAT WAVE

The Elderly and the Very Young are the Most Susceptible to Heat Illness

 

Springfield, MO – When the dog days of summer deliver hot temperatures and high humidity, the American Red Cross, Greater Ozarks Chapter, urges residents to take precautions against the heat.

            According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. Furthermore, the National Weather Service asserts that excessive heat was the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.  

            Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

 

            “Our primary goal is to mitigate emergencies by educating the community about how they can protect themselves and their families from heat-related illness,” said Chris Harmon, Director of Emergency Services, for the Greater Ozarks Chapter.

 

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.  Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. “While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is crucial to know what to do if an emergency situation arises,” said, Faith Koppes, Director of Health and Safety, for the chapter.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

• Heat cramps or heat exhaustion:  (Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion.  Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.)  Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
• Heat stroke:  (Also known as sunstroke.  The victim’ temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working.) Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

For more information on heat safety, contact the Greater Ozarks Chapter at 866-206-0256 or visit www.redcross.org.

American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  To help the victims of local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to:  American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO  65803. 

           

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

Teach the Geneva Conventions in School

Join us in signing the first ever American Red Cross Petition!!

Check it out:

Teach the Geneva Conventions in our Nation’s Schools!

A Facebook Causes Petition Campaign

In observance of the 60th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, the American Red Cross created an online petition to support teaching international humanitarian law. Working with Facebook Causes, the petition promotes the Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) program, a non-partisan school curriculum that teaches students that there are no easy answers in war, and that armed conflict raises serious dilemmas.

“The American Red Cross EHL program helps young people understand not only what is legal, but also what is right.” –Brigadier General Patrick Finnegan, Dean of the Academic Board at West Point

School districts should incorporate a curriculum that teaches students about the Geneva Conventions. We will petition school district superintendents to include the Exploring Humanitarian Law program in secondary schools. Through this curriculum reform, our nation’s students will become more civically engaged and stewards of conflict resolution.

Sign the petition! With a goal of 100,000 signatures by August 12, the petition will help ensure future generations understand and observe the limits of armed conflict. Add your support to the Causes petition by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/193 and spread the word to your Facebook friends!

For more information or to take a (free) class which explains the role of the Red Cross with the Geneva Conventions, please call the Chapter Office during regular business hours (M-F 8-4:30) toll-free 866-206-0256. Thanks!

You're Invited! - Lebanon Volunteer Meeting Thursday

This is just a reminder about our monthly DAT (Disaster Action Team) meeting this Thursday, June 18th.

Meeting begins at 6pm, but come early and mingle or just eat some good food.

Bring a friend or a neighbor!

We will also be explaining a new and exciting partnership with the County EOM Director John Ayres.

We also expect to have our Volunteer Coordinator from Springfield at our meeting so lets have a big turn out and show them how much our Chapter participates.

Hope to see everyone there,

Kelly for our precious Mary in recovery

Robert & Mary Switzer
American Red Cross

MS/kg

Note: Meetings held at Wallace Building (across from our new offices) at:

325 Harwood Ave, Lebanon, Missouri 65536

Thank You Nevada Volunteers!

Once again the Funnel Cake booth at the Nevada Bushwhacker Days was a great success.

We had great visibility and raised $1,321.77 for the Red Cross.

We wish to thank the 50 volunteers who worked both before, during, and after.

It was at least 11:30pm before we closed down each night.

A special Thank you to Don Hutchison who keeps the concession trailer going, plus he donates a lot of supplies for us to use.

We could not do it if it weren’t for Don and his crew.

Peggy Tedlock

Greater Ozarks Chapter - Nevada Office

Thank You Joplin & Fireplace Shoppe!

American Red Cross Joplin Saturday’s "Good ‘O Fashion BBQ Cook-Off" raised $775.00 & served 140 people.

 

Cheryl Dandridge
Financial Development Manager
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Greater Ozarks Chapter - Joplin
410 S. Jackson Ave.
Joplin, MO 64801
Tel. (417) 624-4411 X 302
Email. dandridgec@redcross-ozarks.org

Today is World Blood Donor Day!

"...voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are least likely to transmit potentially life-threatening infections. It is to these unsung heroes that World Blood Donor Day is dedicated."

Info about 14 June - World Blood Donor Day: http://bit.ly/19MT5K

Please schedule a time to give blood!

www.givelife.org

Bushwhacker Days - Nevada MO

...Nevada, Missouri ... the annual Bushwhacker Days this weekend!!

You can enjoy a delicious made from scratch “Funnel Cake” at the Red Cross booth on the south side of the square. Last year we sold over 350 cakes and we are hoping for more this year. I have actually had phone calls from people wanting to make sure we are going to be there again this year. Hopefully the weather will hold out now!! By the way there are also lots of other food and craft booths and great entertainment...

Have a great weekend!

Peggy Tedlock
Greater Ozarks Chapter-Nevada office

Lamar Shelter Training ~ SAT 27 JUN

Learn How To Shelter Victims of Disasters

We Will Be Holding A Shelter Training On

June 27th from 9am-4pm

at the Cherry Street Ambulance Office

in Lamar

Snacks and Lunch will be Provided

If you would like to attend, please eMail

JJ Travis at TravisJ@Redcross-Ozarks.org

or by calling the Joplin Office at 

(417) 624-4411

Measles Initiative Pins and Postcards!

Hi Everyone!

Until recently I, like most people I have talked with here in the United States, thought that Measles had been taken out, and that there really wasn't anyone dying from it anymore. It was just something that everyone was vaccinated for before they could start school.

I was absolutely shocked to read on the Measles Initiative website (http://www.measlesinitiative.org/) that "Measles is one of the leading killers of children worldwide. An estimated 540 children die each day from the disease."

I had no idea! And I was especially surprised to find out that it takes less than $1 to vaccinate a child, and save their life. Just $1. I spend that on snacks from the vending Machine at work!

The Goal of the Red Cross Measles Initiative (in partnership with other organizations such as UNICEF, the UN Foundation, and the CDC) is to reduce the number of deaths due to Measles worldwide by 90% by 2010. We are so close! Between 2000 and 2007, measles deaths fell by 74% globally and by 89% in Africa alone.

Now we need your help! Our chapter has recieved Measles Awareness Pins and Postcards (picture attached). For each dollar that you donate to the Measles Initiative, you will recieve your choice of a Pin or a Postcard. You can proudly point to your pin, or mail out your postcard and tell people that you "Saved a life"! It's truly a Win-Win situation!

Pins and Post Cards are available at the Springfield Office, wherever Luke happens to be, or by sending in the order form (available at http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/measlesorder.pdf) If you would like a Pin or Post Card to be mailed to you, please make a $2 dollar donation for each (to cover postage) so that the full dollar donation can go to help the Measles Initiative. If you have any questions, please let me know! :)

Thanks everyone for all that you do!

Luke

DirectorVolunteerServices@RedCross-Ozarks.org

In Memoriam: Dr. Clifford Whipple

Dr. Clifford Whipple, Dedicated Disaster Mental Health Volunteer, Passed Away on June 2nd.

 

Dr. Clifford Whipple passed away on June 2 in Springfield.  He was a professor of Psychology at MSU and Forrest Institute and worked many national and local Red Cross assignments in our Mental Health activity.  He was a close friend of many of our volunteers, especially in the Lebanon Office.  We will miss him.  Condolences at www.gormanscharpf.com 

Debi Meeds, Chapter Executive, said "Dr. Whipple was always ready to help those affected by disaster as well as the staff and volunteers on the job.  I will always remember his warm smile and words of encouragement.  He will be missed."

Bev Miller

We are hosting a week long Baby Sitters Camp starting Monday. Bev Thomson and her group of 5 other dedicated volunteers will be conducting the camp. There are 20 signed up with many more on a waiting list. This is such a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn not only skills to help them when babysitting or taking care our precious children, but it helps instill self confidence in all areas of their life. Thank you to these wonderful volunteers.

State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open

6/05/2009

GOOD FRIENDS, GREAT GOLF, GRAND CAUSE!

Springfield, MO - The 2009 State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open will be held this year at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club in Branson, MO on Saturday, August 1.  Tee off times will be 7:30 A.M. and 1:30 P.M.  Tournament amenities will include:

                                    3 Person Scramble

                                    Shotgun Start

                                    Mulligans Included

                                    Tournament Prizes Totaling over $12,000

                                    Free Pair of Adidas Golf Shoes for Each Player

                                    Complimentary Soft Drinks and Water

                                    Burgers and Dogs for Lunch

                                    Prizes for 3 Places in 3 Flights- Morning & Afternoon

                                    Contest Prizes

 

            A variety of sponsorship levels exist.  They range from Diamond Sponsor ($10,000) to individual team player ($250).  Team sponsorship will cost $750.  So, get out there and organize a team!  This three-person scramble will provide a full day of contests, prizes and fun you won’t want to miss!  If you don’t have a team, register anyway and we’ll be happy to place you with a team so you don’t miss out on the fun!  Raffle tickets are available for $10 for a one week stay in Ft. Myers, Florida at Golf Harbor Golf Course. Take advantage of a fun time at beautiful Murder Rock Golf and Country Club.  For more information on sponsorship levels and registration, log on to the Red Cross website at www.redcross-ozarks.org or call Joann Moore, Public Relations, at 866-206-0256, ext. 107.

 

  American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  To help the victims of local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to:  American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield, MO  65803. 

 

 

-end-

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

New Captain ~ Howell County Disaster Action Team

I'm please to announce that [Volunteer] Judy Roland has accepted the responsibility of DAT Captain for Howell County.  In this role Judy will be responsible for scheduling Disaster Action Team (DAT) on-call rotations, assigning DAT teams, ensuring maintenance of the DAT vehicle, and making sure the vehicle is appropriately stocked.  Judy will also serve as the primary contact for all DAT members with relation to disaster response.  Judy has shown leadership capabilities through her actions during the response to the May 2009 tornadoes and also as she coordinated canteening efforts during the Willow Springs hazardous materials clean-up in the summer of 2007.  I am delighted that she is willing to assume the responsibilities of DAT Captain. Please note that this does not mean that I will not be involved with the DAT response.  I will still be here and available for your questions and concerns, and can go on DAT calls when necessary.  Our goal continues to be to provide a compassionate and caring response to individuals and families who have suffered from a disaster in an efficient manner, and Judy's leadership will help us to continue improving our services.  Please join with me in congratulating and thanking Judy.  Jan Rickert Executive Officer American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter West Plains Office Tel:  (417)257-0018 rickertj@redcross-ozarks.org

Wilderness Camp

15-19 June ~ Ages 11-15

Bev Miller

We had an amazing Open House at the new Red Cross building in Lebanon. As many of you know, the City of Lebanon provided a building and remodeled it for the Red Cross. It has office space, training room, and a wonderful two car bay with alot of storage. We had between 150 and 200 people come to welcome us in the new building. Thanks to all our volunteers who have worked so hard to get this office going, staff it everyday, and then planned and hosted a wonderful Open House. The Mayor, City Council, and our local Representative were all there to support us. Come and see us any time, we are proud of our new home. You can go to www.lebanondailyrecord.com to read about the event.

Welcome to New Employees

Hello Everyone,

Please help me in welcoming two new staff members!

Julie Frank has been hired as our Preparedness, Health and Safety Training Administrator for the Springfield Office.  Julie is currently a Red Cross Volunteer and has been a DSHR member since 2008.  Her experience encompasses both disaster and training. For several years she was a manager and trainer for Verizon wireless.  Julie’s current duties as the 911 Director and Assistant Emergency Management Director for Lawrence County have included bringing partners together, marketing and training.  [She may be reached at frankj@redcross-ozarks.org]

Cheryl Dandridge has been hired as the new Financial Development Manager for the Joplin Office.  Cheryl has a long history of fundraising and is currently with the United Way of the Ozarks in Springfield.  Cheryl has been associated with the Red Cross for years, and some of you may remember that she worked in Disaster Services several years ago. [She may be reached at dandridgec@redcross-ozarks.org]

We are excited to welcome Julie and Cheryl!!

Thanks, Debi

Debi Meeds

Executive Director

Red Cross Fundraiser

6/02/2009

Joplin, MO

GOOD ‘O FASHION COOK-OFF
Fundraiser for American Red Cross

’09 Braggin’ Rights
Kansas City BBQ Society
Sanctioned Cook-off
Saturday, June 13, 2009
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
THE FIREPLACE SHOPPE
2120 E. 7TH, JOPLIN, MO
BBQ Lunch Served: Minimum Donation $5.00
Ribs/Chicken
Baked Beans/Potato Salad/Coleslaw
Tea/Water
Come out and enjoy a Great Lunch for a Grand Cause!
All proceeds to benefit the Greater Ozarks Chapter Disaster Relief!

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from people. To help the victims of this and other local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to: American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield, MO. 65803. To volunteer, please contact the chapter headquarters at 417-832-9500 or 1-866-206-0256.