NPR : Katrina Still Bad for Business in Pass Christian

NPR : Katrina Still Bad for Business in Pass Christian:

"Mississippi's Gulf Coast is still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. In the hard-hit town of Pass Christian, residents still lack a grocery store and century-old family businesses operate out of trailers."

Buffalo Rising | Hands On Founder Inspires Local Volunteers

Buffalo Rising | Hands On Founder Inspires Local Volunteers:

"In the wake of a natural disaster--be it hurricane or earthquake, tsunami or flood--most people leave, seeking refuge in safer, drier lands. A special few run in, driven by a desire to contribute to something greater than themselves, to give themselves so completely to other people in another place."

David Campbell and Hands On

Here is the video of the presentation mentioned in the Buffalo News article below. (maybe I should say audio as the actual video is awful thanks to my great video skills) but the audio is excellent. Unfortunately the camera's batteries ran out after about 18 minutes. But still well worth listening to.

The Buffalo News: Buffalo/Erie County:

"When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast almost two years ago, they were there to answer the call for help.

When an earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Java on May 27, 2006, they arrived three days later to start the rebuilding process.

And the next time a disaster occurs, they will be there again to pick up the shattered pieces and weather the storm.

These people are the fabric of Hands On Worldwide, a U.S.- based nonprofit organization with Western New York leadership. Its chief executive officer and co-founder is Amherst native David Campbell."

and later:

"Hands On USA was launched less than a year later when the organization sent more than 1,500 volunteers to Biloxi, Miss., after Hurricane Katrina. This group included significant Western New York participation from student and faculty volunteers from St. Bonaventure University and Alfred State College."

DodgeCity.com: Dodge Globe: Local News: Stories

Definitely makes me feel we could have played some role.

DodgeCity.com: Dodge Globe: Local News: Stories:

"The Globe is publishing an ongoing list of notes containing essential information for Greensburg residents as they recover from the May 4 tornado.

"

Darius looking for Tools in the Garage

Looking for Tools in the Garage
Originally uploaded by dariusmonsef.

There was so much destruction that BonaResponds was not needed right now. Maybe when rebuilding starts. Here is a site that Darius worked at. Look around, there is nothing left. :(

Quote from my noon tea

"The art of happiness is to serve all."

This was on the tea bag (redbush chai).

Hands On Disaster Response

Hands On Disaster Response:

"After two days of being on the ground here in Greensburg, KS I have the pleasure of saying that relief efforts here are quite good and at this time HODR will not be deploying."

Speaking to Darius has convinced me that BonaResponds should not make the trip.

Thank you all for the your support and I trust that the next time your help is needed you will be as willing to help.

Hands On Disaster Response

Hands On Disaster Response:

"We just arrived here in Kansas and will be assessing the situation in Greensburg tomorrow. Although the scale of devastation for Greensburg is massive (95% Destroyed Buildings), the total population is only a few thousands. At this point we’re not sure this will be a full scale deployment for us, but since we have had such a strong response from our volunteers we’ve decided to head in and check out what our volunteers could do to help. With such a large percentage of homes destroyed, most of the more likely will be helping families salvage what they can from what was once their homes.

Suzanne Stahl is here with me and has been in communication with a large number of the local officials and churches. We will have more of an update by Fri. afternoon what the level of response from HODR will be for this disaster and when and were we’ll be able to take volunteers.

Cheers,
-Darius

Darius A Monsef IV, Operations Director
Hands On Disaster Response
darius@hodr.org - www.HODR.org"

USA Freedom Corps - Make a Difference. Volunteer.

Video of Greensburg and the President's speech

USA Freedom Corps - Make a Difference. Volunteer.:

"...mission is to -- today, though, is to lift people's spirits as best as I possibly can and to hopefully touch somebody's soul by representing our country, and to let people know that while there was a dark day in the past, there's brighter days ahead.

So I want to thank the Governor and I want to thank the Senators for being here. Most importantly, I want to thank the people of Greensburg and their neighbors for helping them out. God bless the people"

St. Bonaventure University: BonaResponds seeks volunteers to aid tornado victims

St. Bonaventure University: BonaResponds seeks volunteers to aid tornado victims:

"ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., May 10, 2007 — BonaResponds is seeking local volunteers to help in the massive cleanup effort in Greensburg, Kan., 95 percent of which was destroyed last week in a deadly tornado"

www.perseverevolunteers.org - Home

One of the groups we will be working with!

www.perseverevolunteers.org - Home:

"*** ATTENTION*** Persevere is planning a response to the Tornado devastation in Greensburg, KS. We will arrive in KS early next week and begin setting up an operation. Details about volunteering with us in KS will be posted as they become available."

Price info for Kansas Trip

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the Athletics Department, BonaResponds has been able to lower the cost of going to Kansas.

Only $99! for 10 days (Food while there included!). Think about it, you'd likely spend more while home! $99. Most service trips are over $300-$500. This is ten days for less than $100!

BonaResponds will be working with Handson Disaster Response (HODR.org), RandysRangers (RandysRangers.com), and Persevere Volunteers (PersevereVolunteers.org). Work will include saving any items not destroyed, hauling debris, cutting trees, cooking, and just being there for the victims. Your work will be greatly appreciated by them! Oh and you will have fun at the same time!

We will be leaving on Tuesday the 15th and returning on the 25th. The trip is open to all. We'd love to have you along but space is limited so please email BonaResponds@sbu.edu now to reserve a spot.

More information is available at BonaResponds.org and BonaResponds.blogspot.com

Thanks again to the Athletics Department for the use of two of their vans!!!

Kansas, White House Spar Over Tornado - washingtonpost.com

Kansas, White House Spar Over Tornado - washingtonpost.com:

"The Bush administration and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) started the day yesterday by pointing fingers at each other over the response to Friday's devastating tornado in the state, but both sides backed down within hours."

Horrible story

Officer injured in Kan. tornado dies:

"Officer Robert Tim Buckman was rushing to warn rural residents about the approaching storm when the tornado swept up his squad car and flung it 300 yards into a field.

The 46-year-old officer hung on long enough for his daughter's 'promise' wedding at his hospital bedside, then died of his injuries at a hospital Tuesday morning"

Greensburg Kansas Tornado Miracle: Survivor Found Alive in Rubble

National Ledger - Greensburg Kansas Tornado Miracle: Survivor Found Alive in Rubble:

"According to CBS News a person has been found alive in the rubble of the Greensburg tornado, officials said Monday, bringing some good news to residents who are making a grim return to their destroyed homes.

***

The person was found late Sunday, Kansas Highway Patrol spokesman Ron Knoefel said without providing other details. 'We've got good news to report for a change,' Knoefel said. 'The search and rescue operation continues and because of this we have optimism that we're going to find even more individuals alive.'"