American Red Cross

Boyle County has received $15,088 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from The Salvation Army; American Red Cross; United Jewish Communities; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; and, United Way of America. A local board made up of representatives from The Salvation Army; United Way; Family Services; Catholic Charities, USA; American Red Cross; City Government, and the Ministerial Association will determine how Boyle County's funds are to be distributed.

I am writing to address concerns and correct recent misinformation regarding our local American Red Cross and its vital role in Boyle and Mercer counties.  Like many other businesses and organizations during these challenging economic times, the American Red Cross is working hard to reduce operating costs and stretch our donated dollars as far as possible. To accomplish this, we have initiated efficiency measures across the country, including consolidation of back-office functions such as accounting and bookkeeping.

Baby-sitting certification classes are offered 5-8 p.m. weekday evenings or on Saturdays at the American Red Cross for ages 11-15. Cost of the six-hour course is $35, including book. The class focuses on safety and care of toddlers, infants and children. Call Karen Taylor to schedule a class at (859) 238-7325.

The Stanford City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at the L&N Depot to discuss annexation of land behind Stanford Elementary School. Also listed on the agenda are the possible closing of Plum and Church streets to make way for the new public library, an update of conditions at Bluegrass Motel, and a proclamation declaring the importance of the American Red Cross.

The NASCAR Foundation has announced its partnership with American Red Cross for NASCAR Day 2009. NASCAR Day is an annual celebration of the NASCAR spirit and the sixth observance will be held May 15. NASCAR fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country are encouraged to donate $5, and all participants receive a collectible 2009 NASCAR Day lapel pin for their donation. The NASCAR Foundation will donate $2.40 to the American Red Cross for every $5 donation generated through this special Red Cross Web page until May 15. Get a pin by visiting the NASCAR.

In response to Hurricane Katrina, the American Red Cross is launching the largest mobilization of resources in its history for a single natural disaster. Two disaster workers from the Central Kentucky chapter have already left for service in the area. More may be sent as the need for particularly trained persons becomes more apparent. The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund provides shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other assistance to victims. Checks can be sent to the local chapter at American Red Cross, P.O. Box 458, Danville, Ky. 40423 or dropped by the office at 447 S. Third St. Checks may specify that they are for victims of Katrina.

Dear Editor: The Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross would like to thank McDonald's on Brent Avenue, Domino's Pizza and Papa John's Pizza for contributing part of the food served to the emergency workers involved in the cleaning up of hazardous materials at the railroad yard. The workers were very grateful for the warm food and drink, and we appreciate those who are always ready to help us when disaster strikes in the community. We also want to thank the community for its response to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund to aid tsunami victims.

Dear Editor: The Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross is grateful for the help we received from three local businesses to help us serve the victims and rescue workers at the recent apartment fire in Junction City. When we offered to pay for sandwiches and coffee for the emergency workers who had been at the site most of the night, McDonald's on Brent Drive instead donated the food and even offered to go to the site to help serve it if needed. The Medicine Shoppe donated medicine for one of the victims, and Wal-Mart donated needed medical equipment.

American Red Cross is offering the following classes. For more information and to register, call Karen Taylor at (859) 238-7325. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Adult CPR Recertification, $15 or $25 with book. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 30, Adult-Infant Child CPR, $35. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 24, continuing education class, $40, for hairdressers and cosmetologists. Saturday or evening Baby-sitting Class, $35.

The following businesses and community groups were selected as the winners in the 2005 Danville Christmas Parade. Winners should stop by the Heart of Danville to pick up prizes. Business: First place: The Advocate-Messenger ($100); second place: Sirimongkon Skate Shop ($50), third place: Hometown Radio ($25); honorable mention; Lincoln County Recycling. Industry: First place: Philips Lighting ($100); second place, Ephraim McDowell ($50); third place; Inter-County Energy ($25)

Milton “Dan” Daniel Redding, 73, of Clark County, husband for 15 years to June Dame Farris Redding, passed away Saturday at his home. A native of Lexington, he was born July 28, 1939, to the late George and Marjorie Bolden Redding. He retired from the West Orange Consolidated School District in Orange, Texas. He was a United States Navy veteran, member of the Christ Church, and was active in the American Red Cross since the 1960s, helping during national disasters. He also taught at the Red Cross.

Now that there is no local Red Cross chapter, who will set up a disaster shelter when needed? J.D. Germann Danville - - - Editor's note: In an August 2011 letter to the editor, Terry Burkhart, regional CEO for the American Red Cross, stated that an office would still be maintained in Danville and that the organization would continue to provide disaster service. He wrote that questions could be directed to him at burkhart@redcrosslexky.org or by calling (859)

Forty-five years ago Lucy Blankenship asked me to volunteer for the Boyle County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which later became the Central Kentucky Chapter. My job was to pour orange juice at the blood drives. During the past nine and a half years, I have had the pleasure of serving as executive director of the chapter. I have worked beside such dedicated individuals as Crystal McPherson of the Family Services Association, Dan and Heather Nelson at the Salvation Army, and C.R. Payne at the Bluegrass Community Action Agency.

I am writing to address concerns and correct recent misinformation regarding our local American Red Cross and its vital role in Boyle and Mercer counties.  Like many other businesses and organizations during these challenging economic times, the American Red Cross is working hard to reduce operating costs and stretch our donated dollars as far as possible. To accomplish this, we have initiated efficiency measures across the country, including consolidation of back-office functions such as accounting and bookkeeping.

Changes in the operation of the American Red Cross have led to the dissolution of the local chapter director position and prompted the chapter board to take matters into its own hands. In a letter received by The Advocate-Messenger, Emanual Gray, board chairman of the Danville-based Central Kentucky chapter of the Red Cross, which serves Boyle and Mercer counties, detailed what he said are troubling financial and administrative changes over the past several years. Winn Stephens, development director for the Bluegrass Area chapter in Lexington confirmed the position of local executive director Dr. Ruthann Phillips will be eliminated and the finances for the local chapter will now be administered at the regional level.

Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month to recognize the organization’s humanitarian role in the Bluegrass region. Attending were, from left, volunteer Sam Robinson, Branham, volunteer Doyle Rambo and development coordinator Laura Atkinson. Not pictured was Jamie Adams, director of volunteers.

Many people know the Red Cross for its disaster relief work or blood donations, but helping people be prepared for emergencies is another important part of our work. The Red Cross is practicing what it preaches on preparedness, as we are working to be better ready to respond to disasters of all sizes — here in the Bluegrass, across the country and around the world. With a severe hurricane season predicted, the Red Cross is making a fundraising push now, asking for contributions that support our readiness for the 70,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to every year, floods like the recent ones in Eastern Kentucky that destroyed or seriously damaged over 250 homes, hurricanes that affect millions of people here or abroad, or a house fire that drives one family from its home.

STANFORD — Calling all cars! Calling all cars! Report to Lincoln County High School Saturday to help the Daniel Boone Chapter of the American Red Cross raise money to keep serving Lincoln County. The chapter, which serves Lincoln, Garrard and five other counties, is hoping for a large turnout of car show participants and spectators to boost Red Cross funding at the local level. The agency, which helps victims of local fires and other disasters, continues to struggle to come up with enough money to provide services, said area coordinator Jeremy Blansett.

The central Kentucky chapter of the American Red Cross in cooperation with the Danville Walmart store is sponsoring a Gift from Home for GI Jo(e), which will send a care package of goodies to Boyle and Mercer county service personnel stationed abroad. The list of goodies was supplied by local National Guard personnel. Walmart will display a sample package that will sell for $20. Anyone wishing to purchase a package to be sent to the service personnel will take a card from the display and pay for that package at checkout.

The Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross recently received a grant from its national association for to provide a holiday event for veterans, their spouses and military families in its service area of Boyle and Mercer counties. Separate free events will be held in each county. The Boyle County event will be noon Dec. 12 at the old Centre College dining commons located at Harding and Perryville streets, nearly under the viaduct. Since Centre students will have left campus for the holiday season, ample parking will be available, and there will be reserved parking close to the building for those in need of handicapped parking.