Lakeland pictures eligible for "Capature Memphis" book

Lakeland residents are encouraged to upload their favorite pictures of Lakeland for inclusion in a book and related CD of Shelby County pictures.

Although the title says “Capture Memphis”, the program accepts and encourages participation by all Shelby County residents. Essentially, the program encourages all Shelby County residents to upload pictures of Shelby County and then vote on the pictures that will be included in a book (and related CD) on Shelby County.

I encourage Lakeland residents to take your favorite pictures of Lakeland and upload them to www.CaptureMemphis.com and then vote on the best Lakeland pictures to be included in the book.

Consolidation Watch: 2000 Census data to be used for Legislative Districts

Legislative Districts for the proposed "Metro" consolidation government must be based on 2000 Census data according to a report to the Metro Charter Commission.

This means that the Districts for the Metro Government would assume that Lakeland had 6,682 residents (rather than 11,000) and act as if Arlington had 2,560 residents (rather than 9,700). All suburbs would have similar disparities, due to the rapid growth of the suburbs since 2000.

A report to the Metro Charter Commission indicated that the 2000 Census data must be used since it it the last year when all areas of the County were counted at the same time. All districts are required to have as equal representation as possible, which would result in extreme disparities in representation.

The proposed Charter must reflect the 2000 Census data which means that in reality the districts will be be extremely unequal since they will reflect 2000 population rather than the actual 2010 population.

This was only a report to the Metro Charter Commission and no action was taken on the report. Hopefully, the proposed Charter would require immediate redistricting based on the 2010 Census. However, the Lakeland area will be severely underrepresented in the original districts.

www.ReadyShelby.org

ARE YOU READY? (FOR AN EMERGENCY) (GO TO WWW.READYSHELBY.ORG)

ReadyShelby.Org's objective is to prepare Shelby County residents for an emergency, especially to prepare residents to survive for 72 hours on their own until help can arrive. The project includes all of the Shelby County mayors, major corporations and a major foundation that are working together to insure that Shelby County residents can be “READY” for any emergency.

I urge all Lakeland residents to go to ReadyShelby.Org and look at this program, which I consider one of the more important and effective programs I have ever encountered.

Some basics are noted below. Five simple steps to “I’m Ready” are:

• Create a family communication plan … where to meet, who to call, who’s picking up the kids, etc.

• Determine your safe place at home, at work, at church, etc.

• Pack an emergency kit and first aid kit.

• Learn compression-only CPR.

• Participate in free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

Some major programs associated with ReadyShelby will be announced in the near future but are already posted at www.ReadyShelby.org. All Lakeland (and Shelby County) residents are encouraged to explore ReadyShelby.org and become Ready for any emergency!

The City of Lakeland web site also includes comprehensive information on local emergency planning.

This Saturday, Potluck, Dance Lesson at Lakeland Dance

A "Bop" dance lesson from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and a "potluck" supper starting at 7:00 p.m. highlight the River City Bop Club Saturday dance this Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the IH Clubhouse at 4523 Canada Road.

Lakeland residents are especially invited to attend. The dance lesson is free and admission to the dance (and potluck) is $4.00. Adult music is featured and if you don't hear your favorite, ask for it! Many different styles of dance can be danced to the music! Come on out and try it!

Jo Reynolds, President of the River City Bop Club recently sent a check for over $1300 from funds raised at the fund raising dance on March 20. The funds will be used for the continue renovation of the IH Clubhouse. Thanks to Jo and the River City Bop Club for their strong support of the IH Clubhouse and Lakeland!

Business Appreciation Breakfast, Shop Lakeland Day planned! Save the dates of July 7 and August 7!

BUSINESS APPRECIATION BREAKFAST SCHEDULED

The “Business Appreciation Breakfast” is scheduled for 7:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at the Stonebridge Golf Course Clubhouse. All local businesses will be invited to attend for the free breakfast.

The Business Appreciation Breakfast is sponsored by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, City of Lakeland and the Greater Memphis Chamber Existing Business Committee.

Plans also include an Energy Conservation Event by Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) and announcements on the “Shop Lakeland Day” scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2010!

SHOP LAKELAND DAY SCHEDULED SATURDAY AUGUST 7

“Shop Lakeland Day” is scheduled for Saturday, August 7. The Lakeland Board of Commissioners recently authorized more flexible promotional opportunities for Saturday, August 7 for participating Lakeland businesses. Details are available at Lakeland City Hall and information is being sent to all Lakeland businesses.

Participating Lakeland businesses will offer specials and promotiosn to customers to provide an opportunity for area residents to acquaint them with products and services provided by Lakeland businesses.

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lakeland are sponsoring the event. Opportunities are still available to participate in the planning of this event and suggestions by businesses and interested persons is welcome!

Senior Potluck Lunch, Fishing Rodeo this week

The Senior Potluck Lunch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2010 at the IH Clubhouse at 4523 Canada Road

The Fishing Rodeo is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at the IH Park.

Registration adn additional information on these events are at www.Lakelandtn.gov.

FEMA Disaster Assistance Information

If you, or someone you know, needs information on applying for Disaster Assistance:

City of Lakeland-FEMA Information

What Information do I Need to Apply?

Available Assistance

• SBA Loans
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• Disaster Legal Services
• IRS Assistance /Special Tax Considerations
• CLC Participating Hotels
• Crisis Counseling

Whether applying online OR over the phone, you should have a pen and paper and the following information ready:

• Your Social Security number.
• Current and pre-disaster address.
• A telephone number where you can be contacted.
• Insurance information.
• Total household annual income
• A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account)
• Lookup your bank routing number.
• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.

After you've completed your application for assistance, you will receive a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.

Apply online at: www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov

If you prefer to call FEMA, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585

Note: FEMA verifies the name and social security number of those registering for disaster assistance. If the name and social security number on file with the social security administration does not match the information you provide you will be asked to submit a copy of an original document, e.g. marriage license, military ID, tax documents, etc., for proof of identity. A need to review and update identity documentation may cause delays in delivery of assistance.