New Philadelphia – Rev up your engines and get your cards in order for Saturday, May 31st

 when Adventure Harley – Davidson will be hosting the Duck, Duck, Cheese Poker Run to benefit the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross. 

The first 100 riders to pre-register with Adventure will receive a free Duck, Duck Cheese poker run t-shirt and a free duck for the 9^th Annual Duck Race.  Rider’s are welcome to register the day of the event at Adventure, located at 1465 State St. Rt. 39 NW in Dover.  Check in begins at 10 a.m., the last bike will be out at noon, with a return cutoff at 4 p.m.  The cost to participate is $7.00 per rider or $10.00 per couple.  All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.

A $500.00 gift card will be presented to the rider with the highest hand and a $200.00 gift card to the rider with the lowest hand. 

Participants will form their poker hands by making their way through Amish Country and stopping at each of the following cheese houses: Heini’s Cheese Chalet, Heini’s Gourment Market, Guggisberg Cheese Factory, Steiner Cheese, and Walnut Creek Cheese.  At each of the cheese houses riders will pull one card from the deck to add their hand and have the opportunity to enjoy the fare that each has to offer. 

All riders are invited back to Adventure to culminate the day and enjoy a chicken dinner, live entertainment provided by the Dundidits, awards presentation and a chance to win great door prizes.  Harley’s Heroesä will be at Adventure Harley-Davidson from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well.

All types of vehicles are welcome to participate in the poker run. 

Throughout the day the Red Cross will be selling duck’s for the upcomming Duck Race, June 8^th at Dover City Park. Ducks can be purchased for $5 each, three for $12 or six for $20. 

Top Duck Race prizes include cash, cash and more cash, travel packages, certificates to many fine restaurants, tickets to many attractions, plus many other fabulous prizes.  Winners need not be present to win.  Ducks can also be purchased at the Red Cross office, 1451 4^th Street NW, New Philadelphia, by calling 330.343.8633, e-mailing info@mlcredcross.org or at the Race. 

The family fun starts at 1 p.m. with children’s activities,  Guitar Hero III competition, adult and youth bingo, and great food provided by Frank’s Hog Roasting and Catering.  Entertainment will include the Dover High School Steel Drum and Jazz Bands, Disaster Duck and Freckles the Clown.  At 3:30 p.m. thousands of plastic ducks will begin to waddle their way down Dover Park’s stream to the finish.    

A silent auction will also be held throughout the day with items such as two AirTran Airways tickets, autographed baseball by Cleveland Indians’ Jake Westbrook, Boston Mills ski resort package, and an overnight package to Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort. Other great auction items will also be available to bid on at the race. 

The event is in conjunction with the Dover Band Boosters and is co-chaired by Craig Williams of Tuscarawas County Physical Therapy and Amy Smith of WJER Radio.  Funds raised from this event will help support the chapter’s youth and adult Health and Safety programs and provide assistance to fire victims for the residents of Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas Counties. 

Serving Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  For more information, visit www.mlcredcross.org.

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NEW PHILADELPHIA- Over the past eight years the American Red Cross has been diligently working to ensure its continued growth and presence in Carroll, Harrison, and Tuscarawas counties for many years to come.  Significant growth for the Muskingum Lakes Chapter over the past ten years has now put it on the move to a new location, 1451 4th St. NW in New Philadelphia.

On April 30th, 2008 the chapter will celebrate its new home with area businesses, community leaders and residents with an official ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. The open house will be held from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with the ribbon cutting to promptly begin at 8:00 a.m.  

“Red Cross is currently leasing a portion of the facility,” says Collin Fawcett, Muskingum Lakes Board Chairman.  “We are looking for the community’s support to help us purchase the entire building for our permanent headquarters.”

The new facility once purchased and with complete renovations is expected to provide the following benefits:

·             a disaster mass care and emergency command center

·             training rooms for health and safety courses and chapter meetings

·             service efficiency

·             building security

·             secure storage areas

·             improved blood collections

·             adequate, accessible and secure parking

“The Red Cross serves ALL the people, not just a select few people.  We provide a service for each and every family and individual in the Muskingum Lakes area,” says Chad Conrad, Muskingum Lakes Chapter Executive Director.    

Through the new facility the chapter will continue touching the community through its diverse programs and services.  “This new facility will enable the organization to more effectively fulfill its mission of providing support to those families in Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas that are struck with unexpected disasters and to provide the invaluable health and safety training programs,” said Fawcett.

Fawcett also noted that, “The chapter is proud to have been there for those near and far for the past 90 years and we are looking forward to being there for those who need us 90 years from now.”

Light refreshments will be served and tours of the building will be available.  Red Cross door prizes will be given away each hour.

The Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  For more information contact the chapter at 330-343-8633 or e-mail info@mlcredcross.org

The Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross is proud to announce its class of 2008 Hometown Heroes.  Twelve heroes received awards in front of 250 family members, friends, and other members of the community at the Hometown Heroes’ Dinner, Thursday, at The Tuscarawas County Senior Center –Myron Phillips Hall.

“It is a privilege to be part of this celebration honoring individuals who have taken it upon themselves to step up and help another person in need through various capacities,” states Linda Egler, of First National Bank of Dennison and Hometown Heroes’ Chair.

The Hometown Hero Awards, presented by Twin City Hospital, celebrate the everyday heroes from Carroll, Harrison, and Tuscarawas counties who have shown compassion and humanity toward others. Several nominations were received through a community-wide nomination process, and a committee of eighteen honorary judges selected the Heroes. 

“Our honorees may not think of themselves as heroes; however, we know they are ordinary people who have performed extraordinary acts for the life of another,” said Chad Conrad, Executive Director of the Muskingum Lakes Chapter. “Each honoree exemplifies the qualities that are at the core of the mission of the American Red Cross.”

The 2008 Hometown Heroes:

Animal Hero: Amanda Spies of New Philadelphia 

Spies is an individual that truly has a deep love for the community and all who reside in it. In 2007, she spearheaded a campaign to get homes for 57 dogs and puppies that were from an area dog shelter.  From one day to the next Spies wasn’t certain which dogs would survive.  The Tuscarawas County Kennel Club came in and helped get the dogs to the point where they could be adopted. Alongside Spies, the club fed the dogs twice daily, walked them, cleaned out their pens and gave the dogs the love and attention they deserved.  The first of two adoption sessions took place at the Tuscarawas County fairgrounds and lasted six hours.  The session left just 12 dogs looking for new homes.  After a second adoption session, only two dogs remained.  Spies also set up a fund to help defray the cost of caring for the dogs, which grew to over $1800.

Carroll County Hero: Shirley Columbo of Malvern  

Columbo, a lifelong resident of Carroll County, is always there for others in her community.  Since 1995, she has spent many hours working with the Carroll County Commission for the Advancement of the Arts. Columbo has served on the board of directors, worked at the Art Center, helped out with the Bluebird Amphitheatre, and sings in chorales in Malvern and Carrollton.   She volunteers for Malvern’s Dancin’ on the Bridge and plants flowers at Malvern Park and the Malvern branch of the Carroll County District Library. For over 30 years she was a music teacher at Brown Local Schools.  Columbo still helps her former and current students practice for recitals, and she continues to play music for two area churches and for weddings.  Truly Columbo dedicates herself to enriching the lives of those in Carroll County.  

Workplace Hero: Ted Stone of New Philadelphia 

Stone has been a treasured employee at the Tuscarawas County Public Library as the library’s security guard for 11 years.  He is a respected individual who is often seen helping with activities, emptying the book drop, doing maintenance work, unloading and moving books, and assuring the library is free of vandalism and theft.  He is someone who goes out of his way to do additional things to help and is readily available for an extra task. Stone patrols the grounds and indoor areas of the library 40 hours per week. A caring and compassionate person, he always puts the library first. He has won the library’s meritorious service award several times for performing duties above and beyond what is required.    

Health Care Hero: Elsie Balder of Dover 

In November of 2007, Mrs. Balder’s prompt action saved her husband’s life after he suffered a massive heart attack. Upon arriving home, she heard her husband walking down the stairs complaining of chest pain and feeling nauseous. She immediately dialed 911, knowing that he was having a heart attack. As Mrs. Balder talked to the dispatcher, Mr. Balder collapsed on the couch and stopped breathing.  Luckily, she had just taken a CPR class three weeks earlier for her job. Mrs. Balder eased him down to the floor and then proceeded to do CPR, which revived him. Moments later he stopped breathing again.  Finally, Dover Paramedics arrived and continued CPR, shocking him three times at home and five more on the way to the hospital. The quick and prompt action of Mrs. Balder not only saved her husband’s life, but kept a happy family together. 

Education Hero: Thomas Jones of Dover 

Jones, principal of Dover Middle School, is a devoted, enthusiastic and inspiring individual.  In the fall of 2005, he hit the ground running when he became the middle school principle and has not stopped yet.  Over the years he has made it his personal goal to be certain that all children learn to the best of their ability no matter what challenges they face.  He feels it is important to have a relationship with each and every student and holds them to a high standard.  He not only knows each student by name, he knows each academically.  Jones frequently thinks outside of the box when it comes to the success of students.  Recently, Jones was named Ohio’s Middle School Principal of the Year for 2007.

Public Safety Hero: Edward “Rusty” Pierce of Dover 

Dover Patrolman Edward “Rusty” Pierce was first on the scene of a Dover house fire after being alerted by 911. Patrolman Pierce knew the residents, Catherine Greco and her son, Charles, who depends on a wheel chair for mobility.  He observed smoke coming from the house and was able to remove Charles, while in his wheel chair, to safety.  Pierce then went back into the burning house to get Mrs. Greco.  Other policemen arrived on the scene and assisted Mrs. Greco and Charles to a neighbor’s home.  The fire department arrived to put out the fire.  Pierce, a Patrolman of 23 years, has been with the Dover Police Department since October of 1984.

Harrison County Hero: Helen Bass-Smith of New Philadelphia 

At the age of 91 Helen Bass-Smith continues to be young at heart. Bass-Smith, full of community spirit, has volunteered at the Harrison Community Hospital for the past 12 years.  She dedicates her time to the gift shop, inventory and fundraising activities and often substitutes for the volunteers. She also served four years as president of the hospital auxiliary. Additionally, Bass-Smith is an intake clerk for the Salvation Army, where she assists individuals in Harrison County with vouchers to help with their daily living expenses. She has belonged to the Ridge Presbyterian Church for the past 30 years.  She has also volunteered to be a model for the Harrison Community Hospital at the annual style show.  She is unselfish, caring and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

Senior Adult Heroes: Erma Labus of New Philadelphia 

Labus is an exceptional woman with a heart of gold, always giving to others and putting their needs before her own. Last year her late husband of 26 years was diagnosed with throat cancer; doctors only gave him 6 months to live. Labus decided to take on the role as caregiver and keep him in their home after a feeding tube had been inserted.  Each day took perseverance, dedication and love to stay on track and give him the most TLC a person could ever need. Labus makes daily visits to Schoenbrunn Healthcare to visit her 95 year old mother. She often takes her small dog to the care center to visit with the residents.

Youth Hero: Shawna Bell, David Dick, & Corey Charles of New Philadelphia 

Last spring, Bell, Dick, and Charles put their CPR training into action when they rushed to the aid of a New Philadelphia teacher, Dave Korns, who had collapsed outside Welty Middle School. As the students got to the scene, a fellow teacher called 911. The students began CPR to try to save Korns’ life. Bell, Dick and Charles thought nothing of themselves when they attended to the victim on the sidewalk who was bleeding from the nose.  They worked on him until the school nurse arrived at the scene with the AED and the paramedics after that. These youths stepped out of their role as students and into the role of life savers to do what they could to help another. Unfortunately, the outcome was not the one for which they hoped. A memorial plaque hangs in the Welty gym in honor of Korns.

Tuscarawas County Heroes: Pete Smith of Tippecanoe 

On a snowy morning this past January, Smith, who was driving west on Rt. 250 in a pickup truck, saw that an accident had occurred ahead of him. He pulled over and heroically tried to lend a helping hand to the man hurt in the accident.  While trying to provide first aid to the gentleman, Smith was hit and killed by a pickup truck that slid in the snow and crossed into the median.  Smith truly is a good Samaritan. Not for a second did he take into consideration that his own life could be at risk.  He simply set out to help a complete stranger who was in need of help.  A memorial fund has been set up at any Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union in honor of Carl (Pete) Smith.

Along with the hometown heroes, eight Times Reporter youth writing contest winners were recognized. A Community Leader Award was also presented to Congressman Space in recognition of his hard work and years of dedicated service to the community.  Congressman Space currently serves as Congressman for Ohio’s 18th District.

Brad Shupe of WTUZ FM 99.9 in New Philadelphia was master of ceremonies. 

“I am so pleased to be part of such a wonderful, heart-warming event,” said Egler.  “It was great to see these individuals recognized for exhibiting extraordinary courage, kindness, and unselfish character in our local communities.”

The Heroes banquet will be replayed on PCM Channel 2 on April 4 at 8:00 p.m. and on April 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Serving Tuscarawas, Carroll and Harrison counties, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  For more information on Red Cross visit www.mlcredcross.org.

In recognition of his hard work and years of dedicated service to the community, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter presented a Community Leader Award to Congressman Space on Thursday evening at the chapter’s Fifth Annual Hometown Heroes’ Dinner, presented by Twin City Hospital.  The dinner and awards presentation took place at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center – Myron Phillips Hall.   

Zack Space was born and raised in his hometown, Dover, Ohio. After graduating from Dover High School in 1979, Zack Space attended Kenyon College earning a degree in political science.  Following graduation Zack enrolled in the Ohio State University College of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1986.

In 1986 Zack started a law practice with his father, Socrates, which served the area for nearly 20 years. As a Member of Tuscarawas County and State of Ohio Bar Associations, Zack established a reputation as a caring attorney who stood up for the rights of the underprivileged.  Zack has also worked as a public defender, and served as Special Counsel to former Ohio Attorneys General Anthony Celebrezze and Lee Fisher. 

In 1988, Zack married his wife Mary who for the past 16 years has served as Judge of the New Philadelphia Municipal Court. They have two children, Gina and Nicholas.

He has served as a board member of the Tuscarawas County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, has been active as a coach in local youth baseball, softball and football leagues and is a fundraiser for the local American Diabetes Association’s annual “feet to beat diabetes” walkathons.

Zack currently serves as Congressman for Ohio’s 18th District.

Along with Congressman Space, 12 other hometown heroes from Carroll, Harrison, and Tuscarawas counties who have shown compassion and humanity toward others were announced. Eight youth Times Reporter writing contest winners were also recognized.  Nominations for these awards are received through a community-wide nomination process, and a committee of honorary judges selected the Heroes. 

The Heroes banquet will be replayed on TV2 April 4 at 8:00 p.m. and on April 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Serving Tuscarawas, Carroll and Harrison counties, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  For more information on Red Cross visit www.mlcredcross.org.

The Red Cross received hundreds of writing contest entries from Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas county youth.   As part Hometown Heroes’ Campaign, the youth writing contest presented by The Times Reporter, featured drawings, essays, short stories and poetry.  Each winner received a $100.00 savings bond and a certificate of achievement. 

The Hero Writing Contest winners along with segments of their essays:

Kacie Fisher, Claymont Trenton Avenue, Grade 2 - A hero I know

Fisher’s illustration titled, “My Hero” is of her mother flying in the sky.  Fisher states on her artwork, “My mother is my hero because she loves me.”   

Derrek Miller, New Phila South Elementary, Grade 2 - A hero I know

Miller’s drawing was titled “SUPER PAPA.” The drawing was a representation of his father dressed in a superman like costume with the American Flag in the background. 

Gracen Gerbig, Dover East Elementary, Grade 4 - Hero in my family

For Gerbig, her grandmother is her hero, someone she can look up to.  In the essay she states that not only does her grandmother make cookies, but she shares her love with other people as well.  “Grandma works at her church’s homeless shelter helping families without a place to live,” says Gerbig.  “Grandma finds coats to give to mothers, fathers, and children.  She cooks food for the children in the kitchen and spends the night with them and comforts them during a storm.  She even teaches the girls how to sew.”  Gerbig notes that by watching her grandma’s actions she has learned how to be a good adult and respect others.

Abbie Dennison, Immaculate Conception, Grade 5 - Hero in my family

“Many people daydream of being a hero.  To me a hero must be persistent, courageous, selfless, and fun to be around.  To me this hero is my Dad.” said Dennison.  “My dad is a very generous person…volunteering his time at local charities…always putting others first before himself.” Dennison’s dad has taught her to put God first in her life and that honesty and taking accountability for ones actions are very important in being successful in life.  Referring to her dad’s struggles with Chrohn’s disease Dennison says, “My dad is many things to me, but most important he is courageous and brave.  My dad fought hard and recovered from his sickness.  I find strength to help him fight and get better.  He is a positive influence in my life.”

Samantha Gillig, Harrison Jr. High School, Grade 7 - Who are our future heroes?

“Hero, the word means different things to different people. To some people a hero is someone who is brave and saves people’s lives, like a fireman,” says Gillig.  “Other people would say it is a celebrity or sports star that they look up to. I believe that a hero is someone who is not afraid to do what is right and stand up for what they believe. So, when asked who I think our future heroes are I would say, the children who care about the feelings of others.”

Donald Clum, Immaculate Conception, Grade 8 - Who are our future heroes?

In Clum’s essay he believes that our future heroes are those who literally give of themselves to others, donors.  “I think anyone can be a hero, but the people I respect the most as heroes are organ donors.  You may save a child’s life or maybe a young adult.  No matter what the age…as long as you are giving someone a second chance.”  Just one kidney can help save the life of the recipient.  Clum also sees those individual that donate bone marrow as heroes.  “If you ask me who are our future heroes, the response will be donors, they are truly heroic in what they do.”

Austin Wood, New Phila High School, Grade 10 - An imaginary conversation between two heroes, past or present

“If I were to choose two American heroes to bring together at a time, they would be Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King,” says Wood.  He states that both men were extra ordinary human beings with great leadership ability.  They had a common understanding of what was best for our country and their fellow man.  In the essay Wood stages a conversation where Jefferson would ask Mr. King, what exactly is your dream? Wood says that Mr. King’s reply would no doubt be, “well I want equality for all, with no racial discrimination.”  “I want people to be recognized for who and what they stand for and not the color of their skin.”  Jefferson’s response was, “Ah, yes, the American dream, but it is liberty and justice for all that I so desperately crave.  I want to see and help our nation be free so that every American can live as they dream.”

Allie McKnight, New Phila High School, Grade 10 - An imaginary conversation between two heroes, past or present

In Allie’s imaginary conversation she places Victoria Woodhull, first women to run for the office of President of the United States, in a room waiting for her meeting with Hilary Clinton.  As Woodhull sits in the waiting room she flips through the Wall Street Journal and sees a picture of Clinton who she sees has a chance at becoming the first woman president.  “Well there is most certainly a large change to be seen,” says Woodhull.  “To imagine that in eighty years people would be living the way that they do.”  The conversation continued about how far women have come today.  Then Clinton says to Hull, “I must say that you are quite inspirational.  Your ideas of free love and woman’s suffrage were so much before your time.  It is so applaudable what you have done the barriers that you forcefully helped in breaking.”

Area students responded with original, thought-provoking artwork and stories about heroes of the past, present and future.  The contest was open to all students, grades K-12.

The American Red Cross believes that today’s youth will be tomorrow’s heroes. “By embracing our local youth, we are encouraging acts of heroism for the future,” says Linda Egler, Hometown Heroes’ Chair.  “These individuals will be the future leaders of our community.”

The Hometown Heroes banquet will be replayed on PCM Channel 2 on April 4 at 8:00 p.m. and on April 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Serving Tuscarawas, Carroll and Harrison counties, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  For more information on Red Cross visit www.mlcredcross.org.

In 1943 President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March to be Red Cross Month - a tradition that has been continued every year since, by every president.

“This is a time for the Muskingum Lakes Chapter to give thanks to the thousands of people in our community who have personified America’s humanitarian spirit by donating their time, money and blood during the last year,” said Collin Fawcett, board chairman. 

America has always been a place of humanitarian action and compassion: a place where people take care of each other whether they are down the block or around the globe. Putting compassion into action is deeply rooted in the American character and the people in Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties are no exception. Fawcett also stated that, “Many people don’t realize that when they support the Red Cross they are changing lives, starting with your own.”

“With all the natural and man-made disasters making the headlines, many people forget that the day-to-day work of the Red Cross takes place in communities like ours and is made possible by our very own ‘hometown heroes’ who volunteer their time,” says Sonnie Keefer, volunteer coordinator.  

During the past year the chapter, assisted 23 families and 135 individuals due to fires, helping them with basic needs in order to get their feet back on the ground and return to their life before the fire.  Over 325 transportation runs to medical appointments were taken over the past year.  Volunteers drive dialysis patients to and from appointments, reducing some of the burden this condition places on families.  All efforts by the Red Cross and its 200 volunteers are in line with our mission statement and making life better for the area and for the nation.

The chapter will also celebrate Red Cross Month by holding its fifth annual Hometown Heroes’ Campaign Dinner on April 3, at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center – Myron Philips Hall. Ten local individuals and eight creative students will be honored.  These heroes are not fictional characters; they are ordinary people who have performed extraordinary acts of courage or kindness.  Tickets for the dinner can be purchased at the chapter.

This month, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter urges local residents to get prepared.  There are three simple actions to get “Red Cross Ready” for disasters and emergencies:

·              Get a Kit - have an emergency supplies kit

·              Make a plan - a family emergency plan

·              Be informed - know about the different threats that may affect you

“If we all were to take those proactive steps, it’ll be a healthy move toward making Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties safer and minimizing the impact disasters and emergencies have on our lives,” says Dean Dietrich, program specialist.  I encourage area residents to contact the chapter about information on how to make an emergency plan.”

Since its founding in 1917, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross has grown to serve over 125,000 residents of Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio.  For over 90 years the chapter has been committed to educating the area youth through various programs, serving the community in times of disaster, helping the community prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters as well as assisting military families when a need arises.  

The Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.  For more information about the Red Cross or how to get involved call 330-343-8633, e-mail info@mlcredcross.org or visit our website www.mlcredcross.org.

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