2014 November Vicenza Voice

October 2014

The Volunteer Voice

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FEMA Training

September Volunteer of the Month: Rachael Scott Porcher

The Vicenza Emergency Management office hosted two FEMA level courses (MultiHazard Emergency Planning for Schools and Planning for the Needs of Children in Disasters) geared towards the planning for the needs of children in disasters Oct. 14-16th. The courses were delivered by two USAREUR Emergency Management instructors from Germany. Six members of the Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team (DAT) attended and will receive FEMAapproved training certificates for the two classes.

During the training, the DAT team was able to see how an Emergency Operations Plan is developed for a school or district, the challenges faced with planning for a varied of natural and man-made hazards, and how to mitigate the impact of these events on children and the community.

During small group exercises, the Red Cross DAT was able to provide feedback to the Vicenza school complex on their current Emergency Operations Plan using both their Red Cross knowledge and coursework they just learned.

European Division Director Visit

October Volunteer of the Month: Elaine Blacharski

Leadership Vacancies Events Coordinator Health & Safety Chairman Health Center Chairman Records Chairman *If interested, stop by the Red Cross office or email Vicenza@redcross.org.

American Red Cross in Vicenza had a visit from the new European Division Director Read Harris from 30 September to 2 October. His visit included a Meet & Greet BBQ, hosted by the Vicenza office, where volunteers, their families and our community partners were invited to socialize and get to know the new Division Director. It was Read's first visit to Italy which also included a site visit to Aviano. He was impressed with the spirit, dedication, and accomplishments of the volunteers at both sites and expressed his excitement in getting the opportunity to work with everyone. He promised continued support from the Division to our volunteers, staff, programs, and community.

Read hard at work in Italychanging a flat tire in the rain on the way to the site visit in Aviano!

October 2014

Red Cross Club The Red Cross Club has been staying busy this month with projects and events. We most recently participated in the USO Spooktacular and handed out information and candy to trick-or-treaters. In addition, we are recruiting Veterans of all branches to interview for the Veterans History Project through the Library of Congress, and are in the proposal stage of starting the American Red Cross Project, Vaccinate a Village. We are keeping busy and staying active in the Vicenza community and are always looking for interested high school students to join. Please contact Kate Ismeurt at kate.ismeurt@redcross.org or the American Red Cross Office if you are interested in participating.

Health and Safety Update 1) All Health and Safety Classes now require a minimum of 3 students for the class to be held. If the minimum is not met, the class will be canceled.

2) We are looking for a new Health and Safety Chairman. If you have experience running and/or teaching Health and Safety classes and are interested, please contact the Red Cross office.

Holiday Volunteer APPRECIATION Jingle and Mingle 10 December 2014 11:30am – 2:00pm @ Army Community Service Conference Room More details to follow

Want to assist with planning, decorating, and more?

Contact Jamilah Garrett at Jamilah.Garrett@redcross.org

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER CALENDAR 11/12 – Blended Learning CPR/First Aid/AED Course (Evening)

12/10 – Holiday Volunteer Appreciation Jingle and Mingle

12/3 – Volunteer Orientation

12/17 – Blended Learning CPR/First Aid/AED Course (Daytime)

12/6 – CPR/First Aid/ AED Course

12/20 – Pet First Aid Course

11/27 – Red Cross Office Closed

12/25 – Red Cross Office Closed

Questions, comments, concerns?

American Red Cross Building 333 Caserma Ederle Vicenza, Italy Phone: 0444-71-7089 Vicenza@redcross.org