2009-10-27 - Director's Weekly Update

Here is this week's activities: *        Monday, we began to work with an Army retiree here in our area that needed a loan from the Army Military Aid Society.  His utilities had been disconnected and his phone service.  We counseled, gave him the forms and prepared for him to return Tuesday.   *        The Board of Directors Finance Committee met to review the Quarterly Financial Report.  It was analyzed and some minor items were discussed. Tanya Lynch did minor revisions and posted it Tuesday morning as required by NHQ. *        The regular Tuesday staff meeting was held.  Discussions about the rest of the week/month for each staff member were held.  This is so important.  We each are more aware of what the other is doing and understand how to support each other. *        The military retiree returned with the completed forms and I copied the documents and faxed them for approval.  There were questions that I had to address.  I did so in conjunction with the retiree. *        The Hopkins County Public Support Committee met at noon on Tuesday. This committee looked at various activities to increase Public Awareness in Hopkins County and increase the resources to provide the services the community needs. *        I met with Barbara Patterson to discuss writing a Grant with Ownesboro Medical Health Systems. *        Tuesday Hannah Parker presented Disaster Preparedness to the Dawson Springs Senior Center.  This included their staff as well as guests. *        Tuesday afternoon, the approval was given for the loan from the Military Aid Society.  We wrote the checks, the retiree signed the forms agreeing to the loan with the Society and Tanya Lynch hurried to KU to get the electricity turned on for him and his family that included two children and his wife. *        The Chapter's Disaster Committee met Tuesday night at the Christian County office.  Representatives from 5 of our 6 counties were there.  Plans were made to revise our current Disaster Plan. *        Wednesday morning, I met with the Hopkins County Long Term Disaster Recovery Committee.  This committee stands ready to help those who are affected by a disaster.  They step in after the immediate assistance is given.  They are a hard working group who will be ready WHEN the next event happens. *        Brittany Wiersman returned to work in our office through the Pennyrile Employment Program administrated through the PADD office.  We now have 4 women working in the various offices in this program.  Brenda McGregor is in the Christian County office.  LeAnn Shemwell is working in the Muhlenberg County office.  Susann Searatt is working in Trigg County in our soon to be new office space in downtown Cadiz located at 28 Main Street. *        I visited with David Crenshaw in the Princeton EMS/EMA office Wednesday.  David is a long time supporter of Red Cross and will continue to be so. *        Brenda Parker spent the day in the Muhlenberg County office. *        Hannah Parker presented Disaster Preparedness to students at Grace Baptist School Wednesday. *        Thursday morning began early for Barbara Wilham and 5 participants in her Health and Safety Instructor Class.  The class included Lonnie Bryant, the new Health and Safety Assistant in the Christian County office. *        It also began early for Ike Stanifird who traveled to the Dawson Springs area to teach a Health and Safety class to the staff of the South Hopkins Water District. *        Heather Staggs met with Linda Thomas, with MCC nursing department, to get advice on the Grant she is writing for funding for a special program of our Health and Safety services.   *        I attended the dedication for the Eddie Ballard Convention Center Thursday.  It was a nice event and a well deserved honor for Representative Ballard.   *        The Philanthropy Committee met Thursday night.  It was a productive meeting with 4 or our 6 counties represented.  Hannah Parker prepared potato soup, chicken salad sandwiches and cookies and cake for the meeting. *        Staff got very busy working on the Red Cross Safety Lane to be in conjunction with Kidapalooza this Saturday.  Red Cross supporters will be providing the food at the event and lots of safety information. *        The Instructor Training Class continued today. *        Tomsha Matchem and Brittany Weirsman helped Heather Staggs, Hannah Parker, Brook Johnson with loading up all the materials for the Red Cross Safety Lane in the Disaster Trailer and the Emergency Response Vehicle.  Be sure to look at our web page for pictures and a listing of our supporters and volunteers involved in this day. *        Hannah Parker and I worked on her three month evaluation for the AmeriCorps.  She is doing a wonderful job with us. *        I met with John Peters, with MCC, for some guidance on writing a grant.  He has had wonderful success with grant writing.   *        Brenda Parker scheduled a Ready, Set, Roll - Emergency Response Vehicle class for November 14 in Christian County. *        She made plans to finalize the first month's rent for a family who had a house fire in Princeton. *        I have been working with the Office of General Council on the wording for the lease for the office space in Cadiz.  It returned today for my signature and for me to send on to the landlord.  We hope to begin in this new space by November 1.  This is exciting for the citizens of Trigg County and for our Board of Directors.   *        Plans have been set in place for a Celebration Lunch this coming Monday.  This will be to show appreciation to those who took the lead in our Major Gifts Campaign and to make plans for next year's campaign.   All of this could not be accomplished without our many volunteers and supporters.  Thank you to all of you.