committes formed for Red Cross branch

By AMY S. LANSDON

News Editor

Disaster season is upon us and what organization is better to turn to during a calamity than the American Red Cross.

The Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross has recently been reorganized. At the beginning of the reorganization Jane Thrash was named community development specialist and the advisory board has been selected.

"Johnny Gibson was instrumental in getting the chapter started again in Pike County," Thrash said. "We were not lacking before because we were served by Montgomery, but it will be good for Pike County to have our own chapter."

Billy Baxter, chapter director of the American Red Cross in Montgomery, was at the first meeting of the Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross to welcome new members of the advisory board to the team.

"We’re neighbors," Baxter said. "And I hope we’ll be good neighbors.

Baxter explained to the newly developed advisory board their role with the chapter.

"Your role as an advisory board, 95 percent of the time, is to operate as a chapter," he said. ‘The Red Cross is looking for efficiency. One of the main roles of the board is to get the word out about Red Cross events like class, blood drives and helping others."

Another important role, Baxter said, was getting information back from the community.

"Individuals make the difference in how viable the Red Cross is in the community," Baxter said. "Ralph Fowee did a great job with the Red Cross Chapter for many years. We are fortunate to have Jane with us now. Her organizational skills from her education years will help the Red Cross and keep us connected."

During the meeting Lawrence Bowden was appointed chairman of the advisory board by Thrash.

"Lawrence has a kind heart," she said. "He is part of the Brundidge United Methodist Church Disaster Team. He retired from the state emergency management agency and was a part of the state leadership in disaster control when (hurricane) Opal came through. I think the Pike County Branch of the Red Cross and Pike County will benefit from his knowledge and expertise. He has the welfare of the citizens of Pike County in mind."

Bowden accepted the position, and then appointed members of the board to the other officer positions.

Rhonda Miley was appointed to the position of board vice-chairman. Miley is a homemaker and also works for Haynes Ambulance. Her husband, Mark, is the chief of the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department.

"Rhonda always helps out," Thrash said. "She is a good community volunteer and enjoys helping people."

Bowden appointed Amy Lansdon as advisory board secretary for the Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross. Lansdon is the news editor for The Messenger. She has lived in Pike County for almost eight years, and lives near Goshen.

"Amy is always willing to help out," Thrash said. "The chapter will benefit from her enthusiasm."

Committees of the Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross will be comprised of advisory board members. Bowden will serve as chairperson for disaster services. Disaster services sub-committees and assistant chairpersons are: Single Family Fires – Rhonda Miley, Major Disasters – Larry Davis, Fire Prevention – Johnny Gibson; Tornado – Deslie Galloway, Food Services – Chairperson. Other committees are: Membership, Jack Norton, chairperson; George Grubbs, assistant chairperson; Fundraising, Isabell Boyd, chairperson; Robi Blinkenstaff, assistant chairperson and Larry Penn, Pike County Commission; Blood Services, Helion Motes, chairperson; Volunteers, Tammy Lockley, chairperson; Nursing, Jacque Chicerio, chairperson; Health and Safety Services, Cathy Flynn, chairperson; Service Military Families; Minnie Canty, chairperson; Publicity, Jenniffer Barner, Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Amy Lansdon, The Messenger; Project Share, Wanda Moultry, chairperson; Computer Services, Amy Thrash; Youth Programs, Shawn Maldon, ARC Youth Advisory Team President; and Social Services, Peaches McClure.