Emergency preparedness raises questions for Inter-Agency Council

Saline County Citizens for Disaster Recovery, a committee that had been promoted by some council members, hit a dead end. The council entertained the idea in an effort to team community groups together in the event of an emergency.

Mike O'Neil, who was chair of SCCDR, is no longer with the American Red Cross. Paulette Hanson, an emergency service coordinator with the Red Cross, did not know anything about the program, according to Jean Harms.

"Red Cross is going through restructuring again," Jean said. "We need to decide what to do with this committee."

"I felt we were going over other people's heads," said Debbie Wallace, executive director of the Lighthouse Shelter. "There are other organizations who are the ones mandated to take charge. It would be governed by the Red Cross or the fire department. This is not Inter-Agency's place."

The council's various members agree that they should receive information on training, should any of its groups want the authority to assist in emergency situations.

The Holiday Project is off to a good start. Council members raised $1,206.54 the morning of July 14. They would like to thank Brunswick Distributors for their "very kind" donation of $50.

Beginning Dec. 7 and running through Dec. 9, the project will take place at Martin Community Center.

The Treasurer's Report was also discussed. The Inter-Agency Council has a balance of $817.86. The only financial activity in June was a $10 payment to the State of Missouri for nonprofit status dues.

Included in the report was one bill -- $208.68 for Digital Web Master. The council motioned and approved payment in order to keep its domain name for the next year.

Also, membership dues will remain at $12 for this year and the council encourages those who are members to attend meetings and participate in the voting process.

"The city has paid but never sent anyone to represent them," Deana Boerckel said. "They can send three people to attend and vote."

Deana sits on the Membership and Public Relations Committee and says they will work at a grass roots level. The committee wants members to be active participants and also has a goal of increasing member base.

Jose Quiroz, a representative of Molina Healthcare, attended Tuesday's meeting to introduce his company's children's Medicaid-type services to Saline County.

"I'm trying to find ways to be of service to Saline County," Quiroz said.

Molina Healthcare sponsors programs such as back-to-school fairs and is hoping to partner with area organizations.

Salt Fork YMCA will also sponsor a back-to-school fundraiser.

"We'll gather 'good' used backpacks, shoes and cleats," Executive Director Suzanne Smith said.

The Y, which has recently changed its logo and branding, will partner with DFS and MVCAA to distribute the donated items.

There is currently one week remaining in the Day Camp program and Smith commended the organization's volunteers.

"We also have a few foster grandparents who have been a blessing," Smith said.

Other updates include:

MVCAA
The Prosperity Team will meet sometime in September to work on its "five pillars of poverty." These pillars are comprised of food, economics, housing and energy, health and education.

MVCAA is searching for a new Prosperity Team chairperson, and a date and time for the meeting have not yet been scheduled.

Lighthouse Shelter
The organization will produce an online newsletter after the August letter is distributed. Following that distribution, it can only be accessed electronically.

The shelter just celebrated its thrift store's sixth year. It is happy with the success of its week of 25-cent clothing.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Aug. 17 is National Thrift Shop Day. Organization leaders say they may do something to promote these days.

PCDC
Powerhouse Ministries will host an after school program until 7 or 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The program will focus on tutoring, mentoring and empowerment.

Currently, the organization feeds an average of 350 kids per day, and has fed up to 400.

CASA
United Way is hosting a bicycle rodeo from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 31. It will be held at the vocational school near Marshall High School.

CASA will host "Bedazzled in Black and White" in Lexington either August 26 or 27. More information can be found at www.15judicialcasa.citymax.com.

Civil Air Patrol
The group has had one cadet go to Blue Beret in Oshkosh, Wis. During the event, Wittman Field is said to be the busiest airport in the world. Training by CAP and EAA is provided for cadets to participate and support the air show. Brandon Bingaman is participating as a flight officer and will support air traffic control.

Ministerial Alliance
The group will resume its regular meeting at Cumberland Presbyterian Church Aug. 11.