As I mentioned previously, I recently read a book that emphasized we need to work on improving our “strengths” and managing our weaknesses, rather than spend a lot of time on improving our weaknesses, since when you build on your “strengths” you actually get more “payback” than when you spend your time trying to improving in your weak areas. The book emphasizes you need to manage or compensate for your weaknesses, but the important goal is to “know yourself”.
I read the book in preparation for a session at a conference. I also took the test to determine my “strengths”. Of 34 character traits, I ranked highest in “Input”. I am sure there are a number of books with this theory out there that give different names to each character trait, but this book defined the “Input” trait as “inquisitive”, a “collector of information or even tangible objects that interest the person”.
At the conference, all of the persons with “Input” as their highest “strength” sat at the same table and talked. I was amazed! Everyone at the table had the following characteristics:
-Felt like they missed something if they didn’t read the newspaper each morning. (I normally read two daily newspapers, and will read three or more if I have the time. I deliberately don’t subscribe to home delivery, because I know having to read the newspaper will provide the incentive for my morning walk to read the newspaper!)
All of us also admitted to subscribing to more magazines than we had time to read, and reading 3 or 4 books at the same time.
-I have always probably enjoyed “planning” trips and getting information about locale, sometimes more than I actually enjoyed the trip! I was pleased that everyone at the table had the same characteristic!
-Almost everyone at the table admitted to either setting up (or trying to set up) a filing system to collect clippings and stray information. I don’t collect “things” so much, but I did have to admit to my collection of Hot Wheels, t-shirts etc. (My wife, Aliene, would probably advise you that my statement I don’t collect “things” is an incorrect statement when she works around my magazines, books, hats, and stacks of information I keep around the house. Actually, I am much better than I used to be about discarding items.)
For those of you who have read the book, of similar books, besides “Input”, my other top five traits were “Developer”, “Learner”, “Positivity” and “Strategic”.
The book and session were an interesting exercise, and I have been discussing it with other City personnel to determine how we can better work together by working on our strengths.
I haven’t mentioned the book title, since I don’t feel it is appropriate to appear to be endorsing a specific book and I’m sure there are a number of such books out there. Also, this specific book only has a “unique” number and you can take the Internet test only one time. The web site then encourages you to purchase very expensive programs to examine the program further, and I simply don’t like such techniques. However, I did find the book and session to be an excellent investment of time and it was certainly an interesting and enlightening exercise.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Work on strong points rather than weak points?
I am reading a book that suggests rather than attempting to improve on your weak areas, you should try to improve your strong areas and learn to manage or compensate for your weak areas. The concept is that you gain more by working on your strong points and making yourself stronger than you do on trying to improve your weak areas.
The book further extends this to organizations, suggesting that many organizations emphasize improving weak areas of personnel rather than utilizing and improving the strengths of personnel and placing personnel in positions where they strengths are best utilized rather than expecting them to improve their weak areas to fit the job tasks.
While I am still thinking about this, it seems to make sense. I am aware of my weak points, at least think I am aware of my strong points, and probably I spend more time on trying to improve my weak points, while I should be looking for a way to compensate for my weak areas (such as finding someone who has a strength in my weak areas) and improve on my strong areas where the “return for effort” may be much greater!
In thinking about this, I think it can be extended to the Lakeland community. We have many fine organizations that provide specific community services based on their strong points.
I thought about this while reading the recent Qnet and noting that the community civic groups, such Lakeland Civic Club and Lakeland Lions Club have activities scheduled that both involve and benefit the community in areas where the City of Lakeland, individuals or even businesses would not be able to provide. Neighborhood Associations also provide strength to a community by services they can provide to both the residents and the community.
On another post, I am mentioning some vacancies in Boards and Commissions appointed by the Board of Commissioners. These Boards and Commissions review, discuss and provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on vital issues that affect the future of our community. Some residents are very qualified to serve on the Boards and Commissions and I hope you will apply. Other residents may find their strong points are in other areas, and that is fine also because all of the organizations in Lakeland contribute to a stronger and more vital Lakeland.
The appointments which may be made in October will be for only several months, but the Board of Commissioners will be making more appointments, for periods of from one to three years, in December.
I’d appreciate your thoughts on focusing on improving strengths rather than focusing on your weak areas, while, of course, managing your weak areas by various methods both for individuals, organizations and the community.
The book further extends this to organizations, suggesting that many organizations emphasize improving weak areas of personnel rather than utilizing and improving the strengths of personnel and placing personnel in positions where they strengths are best utilized rather than expecting them to improve their weak areas to fit the job tasks.
While I am still thinking about this, it seems to make sense. I am aware of my weak points, at least think I am aware of my strong points, and probably I spend more time on trying to improve my weak points, while I should be looking for a way to compensate for my weak areas (such as finding someone who has a strength in my weak areas) and improve on my strong areas where the “return for effort” may be much greater!
In thinking about this, I think it can be extended to the Lakeland community. We have many fine organizations that provide specific community services based on their strong points.
I thought about this while reading the recent Qnet and noting that the community civic groups, such Lakeland Civic Club and Lakeland Lions Club have activities scheduled that both involve and benefit the community in areas where the City of Lakeland, individuals or even businesses would not be able to provide. Neighborhood Associations also provide strength to a community by services they can provide to both the residents and the community.
On another post, I am mentioning some vacancies in Boards and Commissions appointed by the Board of Commissioners. These Boards and Commissions review, discuss and provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on vital issues that affect the future of our community. Some residents are very qualified to serve on the Boards and Commissions and I hope you will apply. Other residents may find their strong points are in other areas, and that is fine also because all of the organizations in Lakeland contribute to a stronger and more vital Lakeland.
The appointments which may be made in October will be for only several months, but the Board of Commissioners will be making more appointments, for periods of from one to three years, in December.
I’d appreciate your thoughts on focusing on improving strengths rather than focusing on your weak areas, while, of course, managing your weak areas by various methods both for individuals, organizations and the community.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Help protect our Right of Ways!
There are several U.S. congressional initiatives to strip the power to regulate street and public right-of-way management from cities and counties and allow communication and utility companies to do as they want on public right-of-ways. Our elected representatives are only hearing from the supporters of the legislation (utilities, communication companies etc.), so it is important that residents contact our elected representatives and insist that the City of Lakeland have the right to regulate our right of ways.
We have all seen the results of utilities running over cities and using the right of ways as they see fit.
Passage of any of these bills would create the situation for telephone and cable companies to run willy-nilly over the rights of citizens with the resulting drainage problems, street damage, trees ripped out etc. creating substantial expenses and damage to the City and our natural environment. While the franchise payments are also a concern, our first concern is that cities and counties would lose the right to regulate the right of ways and maintain a safe environment for residents.
We would have more un-repaired and damaged streets and sidewalks, drainage problems, destroyed trees and pits from poorly backfilled trenches than we even have thought about not. (Actually, our main utility, MLGW, is trying very hard to work with us on complying with our regulations and standards, but all of this progress would be lost with the passage of any of these bills as outside companies would have the right to use our right of ways without sufficient oversight.)
A recent E-Mail from the Tennessee Municipal League emphasizes the problem. I have reprinted it below for your information and action.
On Sept. 6 members of Congress returned to Washington after an August
recess. It is anticipated that a push to mandate national franchising
of cable and video services will again be underway.
A number of bills previously introduced in Congress will be the
Vehicle used in these efforts. This push to establish national franchising would significantly alter or eliminate a local government's ability to manage streets and sidewalks, provide for public safety, enhance competition, and collect compensation for private use of public land.
Most damaging is S. 1504, the "Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice
Act," a wholesale rewrite of the Communications Act introduced on July
27, 2005, by Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.). This bill will eliminate or
nationalize the cable and video franchising process, depriving local
governments of an important mechanism to manage and receive
compensation for the use of public rights-of-way. Below is a detailed analysis of this legislation:
The bill would immediately do away with all existing local franchise
agreements. The new provisions would be applicable to all video service
providers, both existing cable companies and new entrants.
Although the bill retains the current five percent gross revenue cap on
franchise fees, it limits the revenues from these fees in two ways: 1)
by limiting these fees to the cost of managing the rights-of-way; and 2) providing four-and-a-half pages of exceptions to what can be included in the gross revenue costs, gutting existing contractual agreements.
The bill prohibits municipalities from charging fees for issuing
construction permits needed to install or upgrade facilities.
Video providers would be required to offer only four public educational
And governmental (PEG) channels, far below what many communities utilize today.
The municipal broadband provisions would impose additional layers of
bureaucracy and procedure on local government and hamper broadband
deployment.
The bill would remove the law that ensures cell phone towers, like all
Other towers, are subject to local zoning laws. (my emphasis-RW)
In addition, H.R. 3146 introduced by Congresswoman Blackburn (R-TN) and
S.1349 by Congressman Wynn (D-MD) are both entitled the "Video Choice
Act."Similar to S. 1504, these bills also attempt to nationalize the
Franchising process of cable and video services. Though not as restrictive as S. 1504,these bills continue to strip local control. Listed below is a summary of the bills:
Without a franchise agreement, many of the important mechanisms that
Local government uses to manage their rights-of-way, ensure competition for everyone, and collect franchise fees are eliminated.
The bills do not allow local government to obtain support funding for
Public educational and governmental (PEG) channels or to obtain Institutional networks for local government needs such as fire, police, or other government workers.
While the bills prohibit economic redlining against poorer citizens,
They remove any enforcement of the provision.
Congressional offices are only hearing from supporters of this issue.
Please make your senator or representative aware of your municipality's
opposition to any legislation that would alter or eliminate the local
control over franchising of cable and video services. Below are
contact numbers for their Washington offices:
Tennessee Congressional Delegation
Sen. Lamar Alexander
Phone: 202-224-4944
Fax: 202-228-3398
Rep. Harold Ford Jr.
Phone: 202-225-3265
Fax: 202-225-5663
Sen. Bill Frist
Phone: 202-224-3344
Fax: 202-228-1264
Rep. Bart Gordon
Phone: 202-225-4231
Fax: 202-225-6887
Rep. Marsha Blackburn
Phone: 202-225-2811
Fax: 202-225-3004
Rep. Bill Jenkins
Phone: 202-225-6356
Fax: 202-225-5714
Rep. Jim Cooper
Phone: 202-225-4311
Fax: 202-226-1035
Rep. John Tanner
Phone: 202-225-4714
Fax: 202-225-1765
Rep. Lincoln Davis
Phone: 202-225-6831
Fax: 202-226-5172
Rep. Zach Wamp
Phone: 202-225-3271
Fax: 202-225-3494
Rep. John J. Duncan Jr.
Phone: 202-225-5435
Fax: 202-225-6440
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD-CALL, E-MAIL OR FAX THEM AND ASK THEM TO VOTE AGAINST THESE BILLS AND PROTECT OUR RIGHT TO LOCALLY MANAGE OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAYS!
We have all seen the results of utilities running over cities and using the right of ways as they see fit.
Passage of any of these bills would create the situation for telephone and cable companies to run willy-nilly over the rights of citizens with the resulting drainage problems, street damage, trees ripped out etc. creating substantial expenses and damage to the City and our natural environment. While the franchise payments are also a concern, our first concern is that cities and counties would lose the right to regulate the right of ways and maintain a safe environment for residents.
We would have more un-repaired and damaged streets and sidewalks, drainage problems, destroyed trees and pits from poorly backfilled trenches than we even have thought about not. (Actually, our main utility, MLGW, is trying very hard to work with us on complying with our regulations and standards, but all of this progress would be lost with the passage of any of these bills as outside companies would have the right to use our right of ways without sufficient oversight.)
A recent E-Mail from the Tennessee Municipal League emphasizes the problem. I have reprinted it below for your information and action.
On Sept. 6 members of Congress returned to Washington after an August
recess. It is anticipated that a push to mandate national franchising
of cable and video services will again be underway.
A number of bills previously introduced in Congress will be the
Vehicle used in these efforts. This push to establish national franchising would significantly alter or eliminate a local government's ability to manage streets and sidewalks, provide for public safety, enhance competition, and collect compensation for private use of public land.
Most damaging is S. 1504, the "Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice
Act," a wholesale rewrite of the Communications Act introduced on July
27, 2005, by Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.). This bill will eliminate or
nationalize the cable and video franchising process, depriving local
governments of an important mechanism to manage and receive
compensation for the use of public rights-of-way. Below is a detailed analysis of this legislation:
The bill would immediately do away with all existing local franchise
agreements. The new provisions would be applicable to all video service
providers, both existing cable companies and new entrants.
Although the bill retains the current five percent gross revenue cap on
franchise fees, it limits the revenues from these fees in two ways: 1)
by limiting these fees to the cost of managing the rights-of-way; and 2) providing four-and-a-half pages of exceptions to what can be included in the gross revenue costs, gutting existing contractual agreements.
The bill prohibits municipalities from charging fees for issuing
construction permits needed to install or upgrade facilities.
Video providers would be required to offer only four public educational
And governmental (PEG) channels, far below what many communities utilize today.
The municipal broadband provisions would impose additional layers of
bureaucracy and procedure on local government and hamper broadband
deployment.
The bill would remove the law that ensures cell phone towers, like all
Other towers, are subject to local zoning laws. (my emphasis-RW)
In addition, H.R. 3146 introduced by Congresswoman Blackburn (R-TN) and
S.1349 by Congressman Wynn (D-MD) are both entitled the "Video Choice
Act."Similar to S. 1504, these bills also attempt to nationalize the
Franchising process of cable and video services. Though not as restrictive as S. 1504,these bills continue to strip local control. Listed below is a summary of the bills:
Without a franchise agreement, many of the important mechanisms that
Local government uses to manage their rights-of-way, ensure competition for everyone, and collect franchise fees are eliminated.
The bills do not allow local government to obtain support funding for
Public educational and governmental (PEG) channels or to obtain Institutional networks for local government needs such as fire, police, or other government workers.
While the bills prohibit economic redlining against poorer citizens,
They remove any enforcement of the provision.
Congressional offices are only hearing from supporters of this issue.
Please make your senator or representative aware of your municipality's
opposition to any legislation that would alter or eliminate the local
control over franchising of cable and video services. Below are
contact numbers for their Washington offices:
Tennessee Congressional Delegation
Sen. Lamar Alexander
Phone: 202-224-4944
Fax: 202-228-3398
Rep. Harold Ford Jr.
Phone: 202-225-3265
Fax: 202-225-5663
Sen. Bill Frist
Phone: 202-224-3344
Fax: 202-228-1264
Rep. Bart Gordon
Phone: 202-225-4231
Fax: 202-225-6887
Rep. Marsha Blackburn
Phone: 202-225-2811
Fax: 202-225-3004
Rep. Bill Jenkins
Phone: 202-225-6356
Fax: 202-225-5714
Rep. Jim Cooper
Phone: 202-225-4311
Fax: 202-226-1035
Rep. John Tanner
Phone: 202-225-4714
Fax: 202-225-1765
Rep. Lincoln Davis
Phone: 202-225-6831
Fax: 202-226-5172
Rep. Zach Wamp
Phone: 202-225-3271
Fax: 202-225-3494
Rep. John J. Duncan Jr.
Phone: 202-225-5435
Fax: 202-225-6440
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD-CALL, E-MAIL OR FAX THEM AND ASK THEM TO VOTE AGAINST THESE BILLS AND PROTECT OUR RIGHT TO LOCALLY MANAGE OUR PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAYS!
Schedule Changes
Some date and time changes by the Lakeland Board of Commissioners in the near future are:
-The Board of Commissioners Work Session, normally held on Monday, September 26, will be held on Thursday, September 29.
-The Oath of Office to the Mayor and two Commissioners will be at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 6 to allow time for the formal Oath of Office and for mingling. The Regular Meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
-The Town Hall Meeting will be at 5:30, Monday, October 24, rather than the normal time of 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1.
-The Board of Commissioners Work Session, normally held on Monday, September 26, will be held on Thursday, September 29.
-The Oath of Office to the Mayor and two Commissioners will be at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, October 6 to allow time for the formal Oath of Office and for mingling. The Regular Meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.
-The Town Hall Meeting will be at 5:30, Monday, October 24, rather than the normal time of 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 1.
Blog Bug
I need to explain that, due to a mysterious “bug” in may wireless setup, I cannot directly write to the “blog” without my internet connection shutting down for a while. To avoid this, I need to write the post and then actually transfer it to another computer to post it. So far the problem is only with the wireless connection.
That is the reason it may seem I have a lot of posts at the same time! Hopefully I can get the problem resolved and spread out the posts on a more consistent basis.
That is the reason it may seem I have a lot of posts at the same time! Hopefully I can get the problem resolved and spread out the posts on a more consistent basis.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Lakeland Existing Business Visitation program
Lakeland businesses will have the opportunity to “speak out” in the near future as part of a program to personally meet with all existing Lakeland businesses to develop a local database of problems or challenges involved in doing business in Lakeland, and to provide information on programs available to assist businesses.
Lakeland businesses will receive a letter to schedule an appointment over the next several months. To provide for a quality visit, letters are being sent to approximately ten businesses at a time, so the program will actually continue over a period of about six months. If you own or manage a business and wish a visit sooner, please advise us!
Persons making appointments will identify themselves as either with the City of Lakeland, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Economic Development Commission or the Memphis Regional Chamber and will have a letter on City of Lakeland letterhead identifying them as being appointed and authorized to conduct the questionnaire.
The program is completely voluntary, and no solicitations will be made during the visit or as a result of the visit. Our primary concern is to determine how Lakeland can assist Lakeland businesses by either resolving problems or providing information on expansion or otherwise providing for a successful business. The City of Lakeland, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the Lakeland Economic Development Commission will review the problems, issues and needs and take action to resolve the problems and provide information and assistance on other needs.
This program was discussed at the August Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting when a Memphis Regional Chamber representative presented the basic objectives of the program.
Lakeland is being assisted by the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce in administering the program. The Memphis Chamber is providing materials, a data base, and technical assistance for the program.
The Memphis Regional Chamber is truly a “regional” Chamber (actually covering three states) and is a wealth of information and assistance for regional businesses, including local Lakeland businesses (not just the City of Memphis).
The Memphis Regional Chamber developed this program for industrial type of businesses, but recognized the need for a similar program in the retail sector. We appreciate the substantial assistance of the Memphis Regional Chamber in Lakeland participating in this program. Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) also are major participants in providing technical and other assistance for the program
Lakeland businesses will receive a letter to schedule an appointment over the next several months. To provide for a quality visit, letters are being sent to approximately ten businesses at a time, so the program will actually continue over a period of about six months. If you own or manage a business and wish a visit sooner, please advise us!
Persons making appointments will identify themselves as either with the City of Lakeland, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Economic Development Commission or the Memphis Regional Chamber and will have a letter on City of Lakeland letterhead identifying them as being appointed and authorized to conduct the questionnaire.
The program is completely voluntary, and no solicitations will be made during the visit or as a result of the visit. Our primary concern is to determine how Lakeland can assist Lakeland businesses by either resolving problems or providing information on expansion or otherwise providing for a successful business. The City of Lakeland, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the Lakeland Economic Development Commission will review the problems, issues and needs and take action to resolve the problems and provide information and assistance on other needs.
This program was discussed at the August Lakeland Chamber of Commerce meeting when a Memphis Regional Chamber representative presented the basic objectives of the program.
Lakeland is being assisted by the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce in administering the program. The Memphis Chamber is providing materials, a data base, and technical assistance for the program.
The Memphis Regional Chamber is truly a “regional” Chamber (actually covering three states) and is a wealth of information and assistance for regional businesses, including local Lakeland businesses (not just the City of Memphis).
The Memphis Regional Chamber developed this program for industrial type of businesses, but recognized the need for a similar program in the retail sector. We appreciate the substantial assistance of the Memphis Regional Chamber in Lakeland participating in this program. Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) also are major participants in providing technical and other assistance for the program
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Free Tree Care Workshop Saturday, October 22, 2005
Don’t know anything about tree care or want to brush up on your skills? Mark 9:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2005 on your calendar now!
Eric Bridges is presenting a Fall Tree Care Workshop at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 from 9:00 a.m. until noon (or as needed). He will provide information on planting, pruning, fall fertilizing and other aspects of tree care. Bring your questions and Eric will discuss them with you.
The presentation will include both indoor and outdoor demonstrations for a maximum learning opportunity.
Best of all, I have worked with Eric for almost four years, and he is a patient, and very knowledgeable instructor. DON’T be concerned about showing your ignorance. Eric will work with you, regardless of your experience and knowledge, or your lack of experience and knowledge.
Best of all, it is free!
If you have any interest in improving your tree care skills, I encourage you to attend. Call Eric at Lakeland City Hall (867-2717) if you have any questions about this workshop.
Eric Bridges is presenting a Fall Tree Care Workshop at Lakeland City Hall, 10001 Highway 70 from 9:00 a.m. until noon (or as needed). He will provide information on planting, pruning, fall fertilizing and other aspects of tree care. Bring your questions and Eric will discuss them with you.
The presentation will include both indoor and outdoor demonstrations for a maximum learning opportunity.
Best of all, I have worked with Eric for almost four years, and he is a patient, and very knowledgeable instructor. DON’T be concerned about showing your ignorance. Eric will work with you, regardless of your experience and knowledge, or your lack of experience and knowledge.
Best of all, it is free!
If you have any interest in improving your tree care skills, I encourage you to attend. Call Eric at Lakeland City Hall (867-2717) if you have any questions about this workshop.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
September Board of Commissioners Work Session
The September Board of Commissioners Work Session has been changed from the usual date of Monday, September 26 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 29, 2005.
The purpose of the meeting will be the normal Work Session and also a transition Retreat to welcome the new Commissioners. Two new Commissioners will be elected to replace Commissioner Judy Bennett and Commissioner Gerrit Verschuur who decided not file for re-election.
The purpose of the meeting will be the normal Work Session and also a transition Retreat to welcome the new Commissioners. Two new Commissioners will be elected to replace Commissioner Judy Bennett and Commissioner Gerrit Verschuur who decided not file for re-election.
Katrina Victim assistance
While doing everything we can to help all hurricane victims, also remember that there are local Lakeland residents who may need help, either the actual hurricane victims who have evacuated to Lakeland, or Lakeland residents who are hosting victims.
While all of the victims need our assistance and donations, I am aware of at least two local, Lakeland residents, who need assistance in paying the costs for hosting hurricane victims.
In addition, there will be some long-term challenges as Katrina victims settle in to either long-term or permanent residence in the Shelby County area. Long-term assistance needs will be completely different than the short-term needs.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I am quoting the latest Qnet with information on how to assist victims or where to go for assistance.
The article below is from the latest Qnet. If you don’t subscribe to Qnet, E-mail Qnet@midsouth.rr.com to subscribe.
Qnet has received several emails to post requests for aid to families in need and families hosting evacuees. If you are, or know of someone, in this situation then please note and share the following information.
This information has come to me from Vice Mayor Mark Hartz who received it from Mayor Scott Carmichael. Mayor Carmichael just returned from a meeting with Governor Bredesen.
ALL RELIEF EFFORTS WITHIN SHELBY COUNTY are to be coordinated through: The Emergency Operations Center Phone: 901-458-1515 The E.O.C. will assist with locating food, shelter, prescriptions, doctors, etc. They will assist in directing people to the appropriate resources.
ALL EVACUEES ARE URGED TO REGISTER WITH F.E.M.A.: Federal Emergency Management Agency Phone: 800-621-3362 Phone: 800-462-7585 (speech & hearing impaired) Online: www.fema.gov F.E.M.A. will assist with financial support for families that are displaced from their homes.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HURRICANE ZONE: The American Red Cross Phone: 866-438-4636 Online: www.redcross.org Online: www.familylinks.icrc.org/katrina/locate The American Red Cross is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide an online registry for finding loved ones.
Thank you,
Matthew Beatty
Qnet Editor
While all of the victims need our assistance and donations, I am aware of at least two local, Lakeland residents, who need assistance in paying the costs for hosting hurricane victims.
In addition, there will be some long-term challenges as Katrina victims settle in to either long-term or permanent residence in the Shelby County area. Long-term assistance needs will be completely different than the short-term needs.
Rather than reinvent the wheel, I am quoting the latest Qnet with information on how to assist victims or where to go for assistance.
The article below is from the latest Qnet. If you don’t subscribe to Qnet, E-mail Qnet@midsouth.rr.com to subscribe.
Qnet has received several emails to post requests for aid to families in need and families hosting evacuees. If you are, or know of someone, in this situation then please note and share the following information.
This information has come to me from Vice Mayor Mark Hartz who received it from Mayor Scott Carmichael. Mayor Carmichael just returned from a meeting with Governor Bredesen.
ALL RELIEF EFFORTS WITHIN SHELBY COUNTY are to be coordinated through: The Emergency Operations Center Phone: 901-458-1515 The E.O.C. will assist with locating food, shelter, prescriptions, doctors, etc. They will assist in directing people to the appropriate resources.
ALL EVACUEES ARE URGED TO REGISTER WITH F.E.M.A.: Federal Emergency Management Agency Phone: 800-621-3362 Phone: 800-462-7585 (speech & hearing impaired) Online: www.fema.gov F.E.M.A. will assist with financial support for families that are displaced from their homes.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HURRICANE ZONE: The American Red Cross Phone: 866-438-4636 Online: www.redcross.org Online: www.familylinks.icrc.org/katrina/locate The American Red Cross is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide an online registry for finding loved ones.
Thank you,
Matthew Beatty
Qnet Editor
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