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Post by columbusdrama on Aug 6, 2008 6:37:03 GMT -5
I had every intention of being at the resurrection of Skopos today from 10am, I was going to stay until Skopos was placed back home, but I couldn't make and with the heavy downpour I thought for sure it would be placed on hold until the weather subsided. I get a phone call from a friend around 12:30 and she say's hey they are getting Skopos now and instead of listening I rushed out and headed towards the Senior Center to take photos. What I got was much more than I imagined. Everyone who attended took many, many photos of the sculpture being removed from the river, but what I got was much more, a photo of the artist next to his work of art titled Skopos Greek word loosely translated as "The Watcher ". Richard Bauer who lives in Fort Walton Beach Fl, traveled by car to watch his sculpture be lifted from the river. Skopos was extracted from its watery home at approximately 9:40am Aug 5 2008 almost 2 months exactly to the day from when Skopos was washed from her concrete foundation on June 7th 2008. I was able to speak with Richard after taking his photo, and I asked what his inspiration was for creating his sculpture. Richard said his inspiration was "traditional art forms, nature and Henry Morris's for creating the arch" titled Chac Mool or know here in Columbus as "Large Arch" which sits in front of the library. Skypos was created using 3/16" thick steel plates that were welded together to make the sculpture one piece back in 1979. Richard said "I have always loved Henry Morris's arch and this is kind of my version of an outdoor tree substitute." I also asked Richard how he felt about the flood sweeping his sculpture away from its home in Mill Race Park along the people trail. Richard said "This was unbelievable how could a one ton steel sculptor float away; I just was amazed and shocked but it was gone for sure... it had been gone now in fact for 2 months and just this Morning they pulled it out of the river and its in real good shape and I'm relieved to see that, standing tall and pretty and strong again." While we was talking Richard pointed out the damage Skopos had acquired during its journey. He mentioned that Skopos must have scrapped along its edge which damaged it slightly. I would like to thank Richard for talking with me and allowing to document history in the making. If you have photos that shows the lifting of Skopos from the river and you would allow us to attach them to this story located on www.columbusflood2008.com please send them to columbusind@gmaill.com
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Babs
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Posts: 589
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Post by Babs on Aug 8, 2008 10:06:37 GMT -5
Quite a few of our neighbors have just about completely restored their homes to their original condition. One or two have mentioned they just need to organize and get the remaining small items to their basements once more. Some have installed tile rather than carpeting just in case we ever have another flood. One or two are having drywall installed this week or next. Our small subdivision is lucky in that all of the damage any of us sustained was in our basements.
One thing that did occur to me was once all the cars are back in their garages we will look just as we did before the flood. Right now a lot of people still are not putting their cars in to their garages because of the storage of basement items. We had to pitch out so much that the items we did save are stored along the sides of the garage so we've been able to garage our cars most of the time, except for when we had to use the garage to dry out paper work before we could shred it. It will seem strange to once again drive through our area and not see cars parked in our parking bays which are actually there for visitors.
We have found a drywall man and once we return from our trip to Colorado we will call and get a firm date. This man normally only does the finishing up (mudding) of the drywall but has decided he will do the entire job for us, including picking up all the supplies we need. We found him through another neighbor and saw what tremendous work he did so we hired him right then and there.
Also noticed that one house on Marr Road that they completely demolished is in the process of rebuilding. The basement is poured and there is a lot of activity in that area. Still as you drive through town you see locations where they are just now tearing out drywall and carpets. You have to feel really sad to know so many people have lost so much. Please pray for all of them and that they will very soon be able to say their lives are back on track.
Keep the faith! :-)
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Post by Mark Hunkele on Aug 13, 2008 15:18:21 GMT -5
I live on Queensberry Dr near Marr road in Columbus. My house in Windsor place had the first floor devastated by 6" of standing water. Luckily I had no basement but the last 2 months has been grueling trying to put my life back together for me and my kids. I still have yet to put the Kitchen cabinets in, the hardwood floor down and the trim work. When thats all done, I need to buy furniture, and basically move everything I saved from the second floor to the first. It will probably be months. I have completely underestimated the amount of money needed to get all this back together. It sucks that my young boys have to live in a small trailer as school starts because Insurance companies are heartless. I was denied Insurance 3 years ago when I moved because we were not on a flood plain. I still called to see if anything was covered and the stupid Allstate Insurance guy was like sorry for your luck but you shouldn't have moved to an area that could flood! Talk about heartless. I am switching as soon as this is all over and I'm back in my house. Its funny how I have to have flood insurance now and pay Allstate another $350 a year. These scum-bags are worse than lawyers in my opinion. As far as the Red Cross and FEMA goes, they are great organizations and many thanks to all their help to which I am very grateful. As to the United Way - They are still scum. I heard they got a large sum of money from Eli Lilly to help flood victims. Not a penny was given to anyone from the United Way and if past history tells us anything...well......Nuff said.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 13, 2008 23:57:19 GMT -5
Mark, So sorry to hear how your insurance has treated you. I know the feeling; we were less than satisfied with how we were treated as well and we've had our insurance for over 50 years. We agree with you about how fast FEMA acted here in our community and think they are to be commended. Had no contact with the Red Cross so can not speak to how they reacted though I did read about them being out and about passing out water, etc.
I hope it won't be too long before you can be back living in your home and your children back in their own beds, playing with their friends, and having a normal life again. I think "a normal life" is what we all want, just for things to be as they used to be. Good luck and thanks for sharing your story. This is something we all hope and pray never happens to this community again and most people do not realize the trauma one goes through when something like this occurs.
One additional comment, we got some paperwork from our insurance and if you can believe it, it was not even ours. It belonged to some family in Ohio who had roof damage. My husband called the insurance person who handled our case and she has yet to return his call. I'm certain someone out there somewhere has our final paperwork just as we have this person's claim for a new roof. :-(
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 14, 2008 9:11:08 GMT -5
Volunteers still needed for the Eastside Community Centers daily delivery of meals to flood victims. If you can lend a hand, please call the center at (812) 376-7840 and volunteer to take some meals out to those less fortunate or maybe donate food or gift cards to the center. Their address is 421 McClure Road and they are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 14, 2008 9:15:59 GMT -5
Interesting "letter to the editor" in today's Republic, written by Jimmy Hoppus of Candlelight Village. On Tuesday, August 19th there will be a prayer vigil between 6 and 6:30 p.m. near the pond off Rocky Ford Road. Bring a candle and plan to spend 15 to 20 minutes in prayer giving thanks that you are still alive and have survived the flood of 2008. (Title of his letter is "God working wonders amid flood disaster")
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 14, 2008 17:40:37 GMT -5
Had a call from The United Way today (I guess I should mention they have called us about four times so far). The lady wanted to know if we needed any assistance with clean up or anything they could do. I told her no we were fine but she said "Call if you need anything". I hope they are contacting everyone as I feel even a phone call lets you know you are being thought about and I know there are a lot of people out there still hurting.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Aug 14, 2008 18:43:45 GMT -5
The United Way organization is coordinating the long term flood relief in the community. A lot of money that was donated to flood relief thru the Heritage Fund is being utilized to help people once their FEMA and insurance funds are depleted. I'm not sure of their exact plans but they are hoping to help those who still really need help and hopefully keep them from falling between the cracks. I hope those who really need assistance are not afraid to take advantage of it. I'm not sure why this flood has upset me so much since I was high and dry but it just made me realize how fragile our everday life really is. Natural (and sometimes unatural) disasters are always a possibility. However we are blessed with living in a community where people work together and help out in times of trouble. Had a call from The United Way today (I guess I should mention they have called us about four times so far). The lady wanted to know if we needed any assistance with clean up or anything they could do. I told her no we were fine but she said "Call if you need anything". I hope they are contacting everyone as I feel even a phone call lets you know you are being thought about and I know there are a lot of people out there still hurting.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Aug 15, 2008 6:40:27 GMT -5
I can not speak as to how United Way is using the monies donated, but did note Mark did not feel they were doing much. One reason why I posted that we had received another call from them. I'm sure that was at least the fourth, if not the fifth, call we have received. I suppose if I had told the lady who called we needed something, they would've offered to help us. She did say just before she hung up "to call if we needed anything" and as I recall this was exactly her comment each time she has called. I didn't catch her name but it is the same lady as I do recognize her voice. Now a days you get so many either wrong numbers or calls from people you have no desire to speak with and I am just generally tuned to hearing who the call is from and each time I recognize this particular lady's voice.
Ricky I think the simple fact that none of us ever expected something this major to happen to our community is one reason you feel the way you do. Daily I ask myself why I am still depressed and upset over the flood, we did only lose items in our finished basement. Our house in the upstairs living area is fine. But for some reason, one just can't quite wrap your brain around all that has happened. It does make me feel so good to hear how much the Eastside Community Center is still doing but sad when I read the stories individuals have written in the paper or on this board. To know there are still families who can't get back into their homes to live and are having to live in the trailers or with family members is just so heartbreaking to me. Makes me angry at myself for any feelings I have of sadness or loss over what we had to throw away. It was after all "only stuff"! The flood does make everyone realize just how fragile our life here on earth actually is. In the blinking of an eye we never know what will happen in the next minute and the flood has surely taught us all that.
Again I will repeat myself, if you know someone who was involved in the flood and you want to do something and don't know what else to do, just a phone call will possibly lift their spirits. The simple offer of help, no matter how small, could just possibly be the one thing that gets that person through another day.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Aug 18, 2008 5:57:53 GMT -5
This is from the Republic (Mon 18 Aug) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. The good news is that help is still being provided but everyone who still needs help needs to be aware of resources available.
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT
Susan Scales has been contracted as supervisor of case managers. Before coming to Columbus, where she was born and raised, Susan served in the Katrina area as a missionary and case manager. About 20 professional and volunteer case managers are serving disaster survivors in Bartholomew County.
These are the people who can guide a person through all of the steps of the recovery process and help secure resources as needed. Anyone needing a case manager or wanting to volunteer as a case manager should call the Long Term Recovery office at 314-2344.
The LTR Construction Committee, chaired by Marc Lindenlaub, is seeking people with construction experience and expertise to fill various positions in the repair and rebuild of damaged homes. The assignments will include preparing an estimate of materials and labor needed for specific homes, neighborhood site management for the work, and coordinator/supervisor. Some of the jobs are likely to become part-time contract positions. We intend to determine that very quickly as the work evolves. Call Doug Otto, 375-2200, if you are interested.
Dorel and their affiliates donated $250,000 worth, 1,400 pieces, 35 tons of high quality new furniture to be given to flood survivors. These numbers do not include thousands of folding chairs, step stools, and card tables. July 24, flood survivors were invited to United Way Center to “shop” free of charge for items they could use in their recovery. A showroom displayed samples of everything available. About 300 people got something, with the vast majority of those receiving multiple items such as futons, dresses, beds, coffee tables, and medicine cabinets.
United Way staff and volunteers unloaded five semis, squeezed the furniture into very tight space at United Way Center, built a show room model of each type of furniture available, pulled and staged every individual order, and helped shoppers load their chosen items into their vehicles. The system was not perfect, but it was good enough that many left satisfied.
There are still about 100-150 each of chairs and three-level step stools available. Come to United Way Center and be prepared to show your FEMA paperwork if you have a need for these items.
LTR is in the process of establishing a procurement, warehousing, pickup system for drywall, insulation, sub-flooring, and the necessary fasteners to install for those who are ready for repair/rebuild and are eligible for assistance. We will alert case managers when the system is in place and hope to have the information in this space next week.
Volunteers have been sent to perform services at 712 homes, and 2,087 volunteers have registered to help at the LTR office in the United Way Center lobby. If you want to volunteer or if you need help, call the LTR office at 314-2344.
As of today, about $35,000 have been donated to Long Term Recovery Fund at United Way and more than $80,000 to a similar fund at Heritage Fund. Heritage Fund is holding an additional $100,000 designated by the donor to be used for disaster recovery at educational facilities. Also, $50,000 has been received of a $100,000 approved grant from Indiana Association of United Ways. If you want to donate, send your contribution to Long Term Recovery, c/o United Way, 1531 Thirteenth Street, Suite 1100, Columbus 47201. Mark LTR on the memo line of your check.
When in doubt, call the LTR office at 314-2344.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Aug 25, 2008 20:55:57 GMT -5
This is from the Republic (Mon 25 Aug) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. Please read and support our local newspaper.
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT
Phase 1 of Bartholomew County Long-Term Flood Recovery Team’s material assistance program is under way. The available materials include drywall, sub-flooring, insulation and fasteners. Contact your case manager to apply. The case manager will help you through the qualifying process. Phase 2 will include other items attached to your home. The materials will include outdoor light fixtures, receptacles, wire, etc. The team hopes this phase will be ready to go by the first of September. Watch this space for that announcement.
Phase 3 will involve providing assistance in procuring items not attached to the home. Appliances will be the major item in this phase. No date is set for this phase to begin, but the team is working vigorously to get it in place. As flood survivors move toward readiness to repair/ rebuild and need local assistance, they should have a case manager to help them through this process. Case managers have the authority to approve access to local assistance. This includes materials and labor to put your home back in order. Anyone needing a case manager should call the team’s offi ce at 314-2344. Members of Christian Reformed World Recovery Committee will continue to canvas homes in the flood-stricken areas through Friday. CRWRC also is conducting walk-in interviews for any survivors missed during the house-to-house canvas. If you have unmet needs in repairing/rebuilding your home and either of these scenarios applies to you:
—You have not been contacted by representatives of this group (identifiable by their green shirts) —You received an appointment slip on your door because you were not home when they visited Please call the team’s office, 314-2344, to make an appointment for an interview to discuss your needs. Schedule of interview times: —Monday-Friday at United Way Center, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. —Wednesday at Garden City Church of God, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. —Thursday at Community Center of Hope, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. You may also come in without an appointment, but you might have to wait for an opening in the appointment schedule.
John Boyle has been retained by the recovery team committee as an estimator/site supervisor. When you are ready to repair/rebuild, contact your case manager, who will arrange for John to visit your home as soon as possible to make the estimate necessary to get a building permit and to receive local assistance.
As the work load increases, it is likely that others with construction expertise will be hired on a part-time contract basis. Call Doug Otto, 375-2200, if you are interested.
A meeting is set for 5 p.m. Wednesday at Candlelight Clubhouse to discuss issues in that neighborhood. State Representative Milo Smith and several members of Bartholomew County Long-Term Flood Recovery Team will be present along with Candlelight management. All Candlelight residents are invited to attend.
There are still some chairs and three-level step stools available for flood survivors. Come to United Way Center with your approval from your case manager, or be prepared to show your FEMA paperwork if you have a need for these items.
As of last Thursday about $36,000 by individuals and organizations plus $50,000 from Indiana Association of United Ways has been donated to the Long Term Flood Recovery Fund at United Way. Heritage Fund has received more than $91,000 to a similar account. Heritage Fund is holding an additional $100,000 designated by the donor to be used for disaster recovery at educational facilities. If you want to donate, send your contribution to Long Term Recovery, c/o United Way, 1531 13th Street, Suite 1100, Columbus 47201. Mark LTR on the memo line of your check.
When in doubt, call the LTR office: 314-2344.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 1, 2008 7:56:46 GMT -5
This is from the Republic (Mon 1 Sept) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. Please purchase and read our local newspaper!
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT (Sept. 1 update)
Phase 1 of Long Term Flood Recovery Team's material assistance program is under way. Many essential items have been added to the Phase 1 materials list so you can complete your repair/rebuild and be ready for Phase 2 coming soon. In Phase 1 you can get any item that is attached to the house except built-in appliances. This includes tubs and showers. Contact your case manager to apply. She/he will help you through the qualifying process.
Phase 2 of the program will provide assistance in procuring furniture and appliances. No date is set for this phase to begin, as we want to ensure we have enough money to complete Phase 1 for everyone with un-met needs. Please watch this space for an announcement of the start of Phase 2.
As flood survivors move toward readiness to repair/rebuild and need local assistance, they should have a case manager to help them through the process. Case managers have the authority to approve access to local help. This includes materials and labor to put your home back in order. We have 23 case managers handling 143 cases throughout Bartholomew County. Anyone needing a case manager should call the Long Term Recovery office at 314-2344.
Christian Reformed World Recovery Committee has finished its work here, and we have their database. The Long Term Recovery Team is working to combine this data with other information we have collected over the past 11 weeks. This process should take about two weeks, at which time we will be able to speak with some confidence as to what it will cost to cover all of the unmet needs for residences throughout the county.
There are still some chairs and three-level step stools available. If you have a need for these items, come to the Long Term Recovery Team office in United Way Center with your approval from your case manager, or be prepared to show your FEMA paperwork.
Flood survivors often have needs that go beyond money and material. Free flood survivor counseling is available through Project Aftermath. Please call 1-866-679-4631 if you are interested in these services.
For more information on any of these items, call the Long Term Recovery office at 314-2344.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 8, 2008 16:03:55 GMT -5
This is from the Republic (Mon - 8 Sept) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. Please read and support our local newspaper.
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT
Long-Term Flood Recovery team update for Sept. 8
Phase 1 of Long Term Flood Recovery Team's material assistance program is under way. Many essential items have been added to the Phase One materials list so that you can complete your repair/rebuild and be ready for Phase Two coming soon. In Phase One you can get any item that is attached to the house except built-in appliances. This includes tubs and showers. Contact your case manager to apply. She/he will help you through the qualifying process.
Phase 2 of the program will provide assistance in procuring furniture and appliances. No date is set for this phase to begin as we want to ensure that we have enough money to complete Phase One for everyone with un-met needs. Please watch this space for an announcement of the start of Phase Two.
As flood survivors move toward readiness to repair/rebuild and need local assistance, they should have a case manager to help them through the process. Case managers have the authority to approve access to local help. This includes materials and labor to put your home back in order. We currently have 23 case managers handling 150 open cases throughout Bartholomew County. Anyone needing a case manager should call the Long Term Recovery office at 314-2344.
The Long Term Recovery Team is now working to combine the data from the Christian Reformed World Recovery Committee canvas and interviews with information on flood survivors from our local teams. The integrated data set will help us determine anyone with remaining un-met needs. Anyone who received a call back notice on his door and still has unmet needs should call 314-2344 to make arrangements for assistance.
Flood survivors often have needs that go beyond money and material. Free flood survivor counseling is available through Project Aftermath. Call 1-866-679-4631 if you are interested in these services.
The Long Term Recovery Team expects to launch a website available to the public within the next few weeks. The website will serve as a library of information for flood survivors who have access to the Internet and the Recovery Team. Watch this space for information on the Web site's launch.
A team of ninety Baptist college students from colleges and universities throughout the region were in town over the weekend to volunteer their services wherever needed. About forty were deployed to Candlelight Village to replace insulation and skirting on homes. The rest were assigned to repair and construction work at several homes in Bartholomew County.
For more information on any of these items, call the Long Term Recovery Office at 314-2344.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Sept 12, 2008 11:35:38 GMT -5
Just about ready to call our drywall man and get set up on his schedule. Its time to get this basement back into some sort of order. Have company coming in less than a month so this will make us move a little faster. I think its time; think the break away from all of this was good for us. Once the drywall goes in, then we can paint.
I'm ready for this and hope my husband is too. Its been a long three months plus 5 days and it is time to move forward. This is probably the worst thing either Don or I have ever gone through but yet we know there are so many others who hurt even worse than we do, so we try to stay thankful and upbeat. Its just really really difficult to stay focused and positive all the time. I do think the trip to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Colorado was just what the doctor ordered though. Just those few days away have made a huge difference in our attitude and outlook.
Bless all of you who are still hurting, who still have not been able to return to your homes and also bless all of you who have lent a helping hand to anyone.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 16, 2008 17:24:11 GMT -5
This is information from the Republic (Mon - 15 Sept) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. Please read and support our local newspaper.
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT
Long-term Flood Recovery Team update for Sept. 15
As flood survivors move toward readiness to repair/ rebuild and need local assistance, they should have a case manager to help them through the process. Case managers have the authority to approve access to local assistance. This includes materials and labor to put your home back in order. We currently have 27 case managers handling about 130 open cases throughout Bartholomew County. Anyone needing a case manager should call the Long Term Recovery offi ce at 314-2344.
We are continuing to approve payments for building materials and in-home necessities-tubs, toilets, showers, and sinks. Other items will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We need to ensure that we have enough money to get everyone safely back into their homes. Once that is apparent, we will widen our offering of other appliances and furnishings.
If you just need some help with the work of finishing your repairs, we can provide volunteer labor to assist you. Call the LTR office, 314-2344.
The survey by Christian Reformed World Recovery Committee is completed. We are in the process of compiling their data and blending it with other information we have gathered. That should be completed next week. At that time, we will have an approximate total cost for addressing all of the remaining unmet needs. This information will be the basis for pursuing other resources of funds to complete the job.
Flood survivors often have needs that go beyond money and material. Free flood survivor counseling is available through Project Aftermath. Please call 1-866-679-4631 if you are interested in these services.
The Long-Term Recovery Team will launch a Web site available to the public within the next week or so. The Web site will serve as a library of information for flood survivors who have access to the Internet and the Recovery Team. Watch this space for information on the launch of the Web site.
For more information on any of these items, call the Long Term Recovery Office at 314-2344.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 22, 2008 17:12:28 GMT -5
This is information from the Republic (Mon - 22 Sept) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. Please read and support our local newspaper and please pass along this flood relief information.
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT Long-Term Flood Recovery Team Update for Sept. 22
As flood survivors move toward readiness to repair/rebuild and need local assistance, they should have a case manager to help them through the process. Case managers have the authority to approve access to local assistance. This includes materials and labor to put your home back in order. We currently have 27 case managers handling about 150 open cases throughout Bartholomew County. Anyone needing a case manager should call the Long-Term Recovery office at 314-2344.
We are continuing to approve payments for building materials and in-home necessities: tubs, toilets, showers, and sinks. Other items will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We need to ensure that we have enough money to get everyone safely back into their homes. Once that is apparent, we will widen our offering of other appliances and furnishings.
If you just need some help with the work of finishing your repairs, we can provide volunteer labor to assist you. Call the LTR office, 314-2344.
Flood survivors often have needs that go beyond money and material. Free flood survivor counseling is available through Project Aftermath. Please call 1-866-679-4631 if you are interested in these services.
The Long-Term Recovery Team will launch a website available to the public by the end of the month. The website will serve as a library of information for flood survivors who have access to the Internet and the Recovery Team. Watch this space for information on the launch of the website.
The Long-Term Recovery Team is sponsoring a "reunion" for flood survivors to connect, tell stories, and discover possibilities. The reunion will take place 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at Donner Park Shelter (or Donner Center in case of rain). The reunion will feature free food, children's activities, resource people and information. Mark your calendars and plan to take a break on October 12!
The ticket auction for the Mellencamp Show on Tuesday was a tremendous success. More than $42,000 was raised for flood recovery. Thanks to all the ticket bidders for their enthusiastic and generous response to the auction.
For more information on any of these items, call the Long-Term Recovery office at 314-2344.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Sept 30, 2008 20:48:52 GMT -5
This is information from the Republic (Mon - 29 Sept) but I know it's information they want to be distributed to anyone who needs it. Please read and support our local newspaper and please pass along this flood relief information.
BARTHOLOMEW CO. LONG-TERM RECOVERY TEAM’S WEEKLY REPORT Bartholomew County Long Term Flood Recovery Team Update
Our case managers report that 169 cases have been completed. This means the needs of residents in 169 homes have been met through combined efforts of FEMA, SBA, the residents, volunteers and Long-Term Flood Recovery Team. Each case differs, so not all the above were involved in each case. But the Recovery Team case managers had a hand in all of them.
There are 178 cases still open. The needs in these homes range from as little as a few hours' work for volunteers to as much as complete rebuilds of the house. The LTR Team office, the construction team and the case managers are working to complete these jobs as quickly as possible. Our first priority is to do what it takes to make every home safe, secure, and livable.
If you just need help finishing your repairs, we can provide volunteer labor to help. Call the LTR office, 314-2344.
Flood survivors often have needs that go beyond money and material. Free flood survivor counseling is available through Project Aftermath. Please call 1-866-679-4631 if you are interested in these services.
The Long Term Recovery Team will launch a Web site available to the public by the end of the month. The Web site will serve as a library of information for flood survivors who have access to the Internet and the Recovery Team. Watch this space for information on the launch of the Web site.
The Long Term Recovery Team is sponsoring a "reunion" for flood survivors to connect, tell stories, and discover possibilities. The reunion will take place Sunday, Oct. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Donner Park Shelter (or Donner Center in case of rain). The reunion will feature free food, children's activities, resource people and information. Mark your calendars and plan to take a break Oct. 12!
The Living Room, a non-denominational church in Columbus, has announced its third annual coat drive to benefit needy individuals in Bartholomew and surrounding counties that need a coat this winter. Flood survivors will be eligible to receive coats as well.
Coats can be dropped off now through October 3rd at Bajio Mexican Grill in Columbus Center on National Road in Columbus. Distribution of coats will be from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 4 at Lincoln School.
The Salvation Army/Sans Souci coat drive will start Monday, Oct. 6. Any flood victims or general public needing coats can go to Salvation Army at 2525 Illinois St. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To donate coats, bring them Sans Souci Inc. across the street from United Way Center, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No supporting information is required.
If you still have unmet needs and are not working with a case manager, please call the LTR office at 314-2344 immediately
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Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
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Post by Babs on Oct 3, 2008 0:42:46 GMT -5
The mudding is just about done, I think our drywall man said "one more coat" and then its on to some small amount of sanding. After that, we can begin to paint on the primer and then the final coat.
Each day is a little more exciting and it's funny how you think of things you want to do or use and you no longer have those items. Today I was in the mood to make some new hand towels, so since there is no longer a sewing machine here in our house, I did a couple by hand. Strange how we can "make do" when we no longer have something! :-) It sure takes longer to sew on lace by hand than it does by a machine.
I feel at this point, once the painting has begun that we really do "see light at the end of the tunnel" and I am eager to move forward. I'm even "thinking" now of things we will need to purchase for the basement and that can be both a challenge and also fun. One thing I know I definitely will need is a new sewing machine. Also, for those of you who have followed my tale of woe, I purchased a new laptop computer the other day. Well, I really didn't purchase it, I paid for it and our son did the picking out. The computer in our basement was ruined by the flood waters so I decided to buy a laptop that we could take when we travel and this will also free up this computer for my husband to play games on more of the time. I guess we are spoiled having had two computers for so long.
I think just about everyone in our small neighborhood is almost finished with their reconstruction and rebuilding of their basements. I know our next door neighbor is having their drywall installed this week and today Don helped another neighbor carry metal shelving back down into his basement so he can return his items to the shelves in his storage room.
I hope others are moving along as well and one day we can all look back on this and at least find some comfort in the fact that the flood of 2008 did bring a lot of neighbors closer together. That is one positive thing that happened and I think those of us who live in Columbus, Indiana realize what a wonderful town we live in because of all the different people who have lent a helping hand to their friends, family and neighbors. Our thanks and deepest gratitude to all who did help others in their time of need.
(Modified on Sunday Oct 5, 2008) A small addition to this post. The mudding is now done and all we are waiting for is the sanding, which will happen on Monday. Right now we are using Kilz to take care of some rust that has formed on the corner beads of two columns that hold up the upstairs and also along the bulkhead that encloses the plumbing pipes. All the water and humidity in the basement is what has caused this and we have to kill the rust before we can paint. Tomorrow our drywall man will do his sanding and then on Tuesday we can actually begin the painting process. First we will "prime" and then do the real painting.
We are so very thankful that we've gotten to this point and can now move forward with restoration of the basement.
(Modified on Tuesday, 10-7-08: OH HAPPY DAYS!!!! THE PRIMING IS DONE!!!! PAINTING CAN BEGIN MAYBE DAY AFTER TOMORROW!! I THINK WE BOTH NEED A DAY OR SO OF REST IN BETWEEN THE PRIMING AND THE ACTUAL PAINTING. I KNOW I AM BEAT BUT IT'S A GOOD TIRED TOO! :-)
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Oct 3, 2008 3:42:08 GMT -5
More good news:
I attended a PIE (Partners in Education) class the other day. Jim Bickel, the CEO of the hospital gave a wonderful talk about the flooding of the hospital and their recovery. The hospital will reopen on Mon 27 October with a nearly all services restored. There will still be a little work left to do and the kitchens and dining area will be temporarily relocated while the new kitchen area is finished. As you may know, the hospital kept all full-time employees on the payroll during the entire time. They were used in cleaning up, loaned to community service agencies and other hospitals. 100 hospital families were directly affected by the flood and were given all the time they needed to restore their own homes.
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Babs
HCI Forum Board Member
Posts: 589
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Post by Babs on Oct 5, 2008 12:12:38 GMT -5
This is wonderful news and the front page of today's Republic announced the opening of our hospital on October 27th! :-) I know everyone is ready and waiting for this; as it was quite scary to think if you got ill and needed hospitalization that you would have to go to Franklin, Seymour or Indianapolis.
Columbus is slowly but surely returning to "normal"!
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