Ashley says the two biggest areas are Blood and Disaster Services. Right now they are in a 10 county area helping 221 families with 110 disaster incidents. They focus on the immediate needs of food, shelter, clothing and medications for 3 days. It can be for fire, flood or hazardous materials disasters. The Red Cross also supports the people helping with the disaster relief.

Internationally they are in Haiti and to some extent in Chile. While inside the US they can be called by anyone – Fire Department, neighbor, etc. There are no income guidelines or restrictions on who may be helped.

Internationally, however, they must be asked by the government to come in and help. Haiti was in such dire straits that they called for help almost immediately. Chile has a functioning government and infrastructure. They started the relief effort and only recently asked for help.

They also assist the military with emergency contacts and financial assistance. The most well-known part is the Blood Service. Due to medical information laws, this branch has to be separate. She noted that the Red Cross symbol is the second most well-known brand symbol in the world behind Coca-Cola.

Ashley said that they have a need for volunteers in Grant County. Right now there are only 8. A person needs to be willing to be on call. They will match you with your requested area of assistance. The Red Cross trains their volunteers - soemtimes in Madison, but usually they try to schedule a class in the area with many volunteers.

Thanks for the wonderful speech!

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

In the photo above is Lou Oswald. He is from Dubuque and is an Optimist. He is the Membership Chairperson for the Iowa District and would like to work with us for more involvement between Dubuque and Platteville Optimists. He is standing next to Ashley Morga, our speaker and Tom Nall the Club President.

The Platteville Area Club is sponsoring a Pulled Pork Sandwich dinner on May 10 from 4:30 – 7:00 at St Augie’s. Cost is $5 for one sandwich and $7 for 2 sandwiches. There will be drinks, salads, etc. Please support the other club. If you want to provide a dessert, that will be appreciated.

John Dutcher was the lucky one selected. He drew the Joker and won half the pot – his half will be close to $100. Good Luck to next week’s winner.

The slate of officers for the 2010 – 2011 Optimist Year beginning October 1, 2010 is as follows:

Jerry Schewe – President
Geri Zauche – 1st VP
Ron Weier – 2nd VP
Hap Daus – 1 year Board Member to finish Geri's term
Maxine Lane, Holly Cook and John Dutcher - 2 year terms as Board Members.
The club voted to unanimously approve the entire ballot.

On the web site is the sign up for the Fifth Friday Social. The theme is “Games People Play”. Those who sign up by April 15 get in for $7 per person. Those who sign up by April 22 are $8 per person. Those who sign up by April 29 are $9 per person. Those who sign up on April 30 or at the door are $10 each. It will be held in the First National Bank Community Room. The cost includes entry fee (prizes) and a meal from Quiznos.

The next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, May 13th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers.