January 6, 2010 — Editor:
As 2009 becomes a reflection in our rear-view mirror and we look forward to what lies ahead in 2010, on behalf of the staff of the Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County Service Center of the American Red Cross, I would like to take a moment to express our appreciation for everyone’s support last year.
First, our appreciation goes to our dedicated volunteers, donors, service center board members and staff whose contributions of time, money and blood made it possible for the American Red Cross to be there providing lifesaving services in our communities during a year when many have struggled. Thanks to your support, the American Red Cross has helped many of our neighbors in need after a local home fire or other disaster, served as the trusted communication link between the service members stationed abroad and their families here at home, and taught countless local citizens necessary skills to be prepared for a myriad of emergency situations.
Special appreciation also goes to the dedicated members of the fire departments, law enforcement departments, emergency management centers, ambulance services, county health departments, and all the other organizations and agencies who work tirelessly every day to ensure our safety and welfare.
Our appreciation also goes to the media who ran stories containing safety information that helped people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.
Finally, our appreciation goes to each of you for allowing us to serve you through the Rogers/Mayes/Wagoner County Service Center during 2009. It has been our honor. We look forward to 2010 and promise that we will continue to be ever-vigilant in our efforts to be there when you need us.
The American Red Cross is your Red Cross and we are at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To sign up for a class, become a volunteer or make a financial donation, please go online to www.oklahomaredcross.org or call us at (918) 343-1803. The Rogers/Mayes/ Wagoner County Service Center is located at 400 West Will Rogers Blvd. in Claremore.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Mark Ogle
Editor:
I thought people would like to learn the story about the word “blizzard.”
“Blizzard” was coined right in Iowa. In the Spencer area a man with a raging temper was named Mr. Blizzard. During a snowstorm a woman looked out her window and remarked, “My, it’s a regular Old Man Blizzard of a storm.”
The word was first used to describe a snowstorm by the Northern Vindicator newspaper in Estherville, Iowa in 1870. From there the term spread across Iowa and to neighboring states. By 1888 it was used to describe a historic storm that paralyzed the Eastern Seaboard and took 400 lives.
So when it comes to blizzards, we have Iowa, a great state, to thank for the word and our Lord for giving it to us.
Iowa has had some doozies over the years and they’ll have plenty to talk about this year and the new year to come.
Thanks,
Loy W. Hurd
