NY Senator in HODR Command Center

NY Senator in HODR Command Center
Originally uploaded by Hands On Disaster Response.

VERY Impressive...Shumer in the volunteer center in Gowanda with Bill Driscoll of HODR.

Livestrong Day Bake Sale

As part of the Livestrong Days' (October 2-3) BonaResponds Work Day and Bake Sale, Park and Shop has agreed to both host a part of the bake sale and also sell specially packaged baking items that will be perfect for the bake sale.


With each package, you will get 2 foil pans, and two items to cook. This was you can cook one for yourself and donate one to the bake sale.

In addition, in the package will be a flier/brochure with information on Livestrong and BonaResponds. Look for these package at all Park and Shops in the weeks leading up to Livestrong Day!


Cross Posted on BonaResponds and ParkandShop Blogs

some pictures from Jen from Gowanda

Here are some pictures Jen has uploaded as well.

How bad is it? Video of the worst and a plea for volunteers

How bad is it? Video of the worst and a plea for volunteers
Originally uploaded by FinanceProfessor

Just South of Gowanda lies the worst destruction. The Flaggs were among the hardest hit.

Here Rob films a brief interview with Kim and then shows some of the destruction that remains. (filmed at 6pm on Saturday Aug 22-almost 2 weeks after the storm).

How to be more effective

An 18-Minute Plan for Managing Your Day - Peter Bregman - HarvardBusiness.org:

"But even with those lists, the challenge, as always, is execution. How can you stick to a plan when so many things threaten to derail it? How can you focus on a few important things when so many things require your attention?

Gowanda this Fri-Saturday

Saturday-Remember this Sat. Volunteer to help in Gowanda. Leaving SBU at 9:00. Meeting at Aldrich Elementary at 10:30. come and help!

Friday just came up--work begins at 10. Meet at Aldrich Elementary (across the street).

YouTube - Why BonaResponds is needed

YouTube - Why BonaResponds is needed: "A brief video showing what it is like when we scout a house. This is from Gowanda. It shows the process and also hints at the enormity of the task and why volunteers are needed."

Services Available - post-journal.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Jamestown | Post-Journal

Services Available - post-journal.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Jamestown | Post-Journal:

"'Infrastructure took a serious hit,' said Chris Baker, county emergency services director and fire coordinator. 'I've never seen anything like this,' he said, adding the Aug. 9 and 10 storms came without warning, dumping 5.5 inches of rain on the area in one hour and 7 inches over two hours. He said National Weather Service officials said the storm hovered over the area horizontally instead of the usual diagonal patterns, which lead to river and Cattaraugus Creek gauge monitoring levels constantly going up."

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/paying_for_costly_repairs_in_gowanda_090817

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/paying_for_costly_repairs_in_gowanda_090817: "

'I don't have flood insurance because I didn't think I needed it down here, and it's also very costly, and flood insurance only covers so much.'

The house next door has a foundation that collapsed from the pressure of the flood waters. The house is condemned and it's owner left destitute.

Gowanda homeowner Craig Taylor said, 'It leaves me broke. I got to pay for it out of pocket.'

He too has no flood insurance, but says he has never asked anyone for help for anything. Now he may need federal help, if it is made available."

Still reeling, storm victims vent frustrations at forum : Home: The Buffalo News

Still reeling, storm victims vent frustrations at forum : Home: The Buffalo News:

"...in Gowanda, BonaResponds, a group of St. Bonaventure University volunteers, arrived Friday afternoon to assist with cleanup efforts. The group of 12 volunteers will help residents until Sunday getting mud out of basements, removing insulation and damaged items from properties. 'The magnitude of this storm was huge,' Klancer said. 'We all know that."

Gowanda residents bring questions on flood recovery - ObserverToday.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Dunkirk | The Observer

Gowanda residents bring questions on flood recovery - ObserverToday.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Dunkirk | The Observer:

"'The water quality is good and the quantity is there,' Public Works Superintendent Michael Hutchinson said. 'Our reservoir is at 15 feet today (about a four-day supply, according to Village Engineer Mark Burr) and things are looking up.'

"

Hundreds of pictures from Gowanda today

Mike, Matt, and Lionel
Originally uploaded by FinanceProfessor.

Here is the whole set--although I still have one camera's worth left! Many good pictures, but so so much good work! Excellent work everyone. You really were impressive!

Where we are meeting and Open letter to volunteer

Here is a map of Gowanda and the elementary school


View Larger Map




Just a reminder to everyone that BonaResponds will be in Gowanda today through Sunday and could really use some help.

I realize it is one of the last summer weekends but there is a great deal of work and these really are our neighbors and in many cases classmates.

Walking the streets in Gowanda I was regularly meeting SBU alumni and families that were in need of help from the flooding.

And being there really does make a difference. one small quote from a Jamestown Street woman we spoke with earlier this week:

"My basement is waiting the arrival of the St. Bona Group on Sunday....
Since talking with you and your team, I have built confidence that my
basement will once again be restored......thanks
to a dedicated team of professionals from St. Bona'"


So, even if you can only spare a few hours. Gowanda is close and centrally located between Olean, Buffalo, Jamestown, and even Erie.

There is a place to sleep if you want to stay the nights. Food will be provided.



Leaving SBU (from Murphy)

Friday 10:00
Saturday 10:00


meet in Gowanda at the Aldrich Elementary school just down from the Fire Dept
Friday 11:30
Sat 11:30
Sunday 9:30


There is MUCH more info plus sign ups forms, waivers, and a whole series of videos etc at our blog (http://BonaResponds.Blogspot.com) and website: http://BonaResponds.org


I really hope some of you can make it out. After seeing the videos I am pretty sure you will realize the damage is great and the need is high.

Hope to see many of you this weekend.


thanks...

jim

http://BonaResponds.org
http://BonaResponds.blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/BonaResponds

Two Gowanda Videos from TV

News4 video:




and then another on the good news on water!

What to bring?

To work in Gowanda:

Boots
Sunblock
Gloves
Cameras
cellphone

(here is a list from past trips which I suggest you look at to at least gauge what you might want.)

If you have a BonaResponds shirt, we'd love you to wear it.

We will have PB and Jelly and some water but you probably want to bring food as well for lunch on Friday.

Water is in short supply there so let's not be a burden and bring our own water.

We will provide food on Sat Night and Sunday AM.

If you are staying Saturday night, obviously bring toiletries, sleeping bag, etc. The living quarters will be very basic (but honestly that makes it more fun).


We will be bringing:

Shovles, sump pumps, extension cords, lights, a chain saw, gutting equipment.