Benefit Concert for Morgan County Flood Victims

Benefit concert for flood victims of Morgan County, Indiana. Concert starring Tracy Lawrence, Jimmy Wayne, Bryan White, BIGG COUNTRY, and Darby Ledbetter. Saturday, November 1, 2008, at 6:00 P.M. in the John R. Wooden Gymnasium in Martinsville, Indiana. 

For more info: www.morgancountyreliefconcert.org 

To order tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/050041388BA63D38

                                            

Morgan County Autism Foundation 1st Annual “Walking With Autism”

The Morgan County Autism Foundation is hosting our first annual “Walking with Autism” event. The walk will be Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 12:00-3:00 with registration beginning at 11:00 at Poston Road Elementary School in Martinsville. Individuals may register for the walk by contacting Kim Disney 765-318-0738 kdisney@citizens-banking.com or Angie Long 765-346-3000 Angela.Long@OneAmerica.com.

To qualify for an event T-Shirt, registration must be received by September 10, 2008 and participant must raise a minimum of $15.00 in donations. There is no set distance or number of laps required for the walker, 1 lap or 20 laps, please just come join the fun. During the walk there will be various booths set up, a silent auction, entertainment, and food. Please come see what all of the fun is about and help us raise awareness for Autism in Morgan County. All proceeds from the walk will go to benefit individuals in Morgan County with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We are still seeking corporate sponsors and silent auction donations as well, please contact me if you would like more information. Our corporate sponsors include:

Diamond Sponsors: Ray’s Trash and Citizens Bank

Gold Sponsors: Tom Land Heating and Cooling, Clow Restoration, and Indy Southern Sting

Silver Sponsors: Creo Quality LLC and Indy’s Family Restaurant

Bronze Sponsors: Morgan County EMSA; Ritter Reality; Coffin, Coffin, and Mayfield; Home Bank; and Michael Ksenak, Attorney at Law

Thank you to our corporate sponsors and to SCI REMC, Operation Round Up; for awarding Morgan County Autism Foundation a grant to help make the walk possible.

Here is my reason to walk!!

Flood Relief Information and Resources

Forwarded from the Mooresville and Martinsville Chambers of Commerce:

Indiana State Bar Association prepared to help disaster victims

The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) has established a toll-free number for flood victims living in the eight counties approved for federal assistance by President George W. Bush. The ISBA will refer flood victims to Indiana attorney volunteers for free legal information regarding matters such as insurance claims, replacing legal documents, home repair contracts and problems with landlords.

Residents who sustained losses in any county declared a federal disaster area can call the ISBA at 800-266-2581 for FREE legal information. Please note that the toll-free number will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EDT

Victorian Rose Inn Up & Running – Discount Offered to Relief Workers

The Victorian Rose Inn, located at 80 W. Washington St. in Morgantown, was fortunate and did not suffer any flood damage. They currently have rooms available and will be happy to offer a discount to any relief workers. You may call the Victorian Rose at 812-597- 4606.

Senator Bray’s Office Provides Another Great List of Resources

Damage assessments for other Indiana counties and dates are continuing and are being submitted to the federal government as completed.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help residents, farmers and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in those counties can begin applying for assistance now by registering online at http://www.fema.gov/ or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.

Indiana has received several other federal approvals that will help Hoosiers impacted by severe storms in Indiana.

Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Edward Schafer told the governor on June 15 that any county declared a disaster area by President Bush would also receive agricultural disaster designation. The disaster designation allows farmers in the counties that have so far been approved for individual assistance to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Gov. Mitch Daniels also requested Secretary Schafer activate and fund three conservation programs to assist Hoosier farmers with sediment build-up, topsoil erosion, debris removal and wash-outs which will keep many farmers out of their fields and prevent replanting, haying or any other activity. Daniels also encouraged USDA to make full use of its authority and programs to find meaningful ways to help livestock farmers in need.

State Highways

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has approved the state’s application for emergency relief funds. That means Indiana will have up to $100 million more available for state highway repairs and full reimbursement for temporary repairs to state highways as well as expedited review, approval, contract letting and permitting processes to speed up work.

Public Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency that will waive some rules for health care providers and the services they provide. For example, Medicare Part D recipients who have damaged or destroyed residences will be able to obtain prescription refills. The Department of Health and Family and Social Services Administration will follow up with more information on this week.

Food Stamps

The USDA has given approval to issue emergency food stamps in the first eight counties that received approval for individual assistance – Bartholomew, Hancock, Johnson, Morgan, Marion, Monroe, Vermillion and Vigo – and other counties are expected to be added at the beginning of the week. The Disaster Food Stamp program may help county residents who were affected by the disaster, including those not currently receiving state assistance. More information is available from the Family and Social Services Administration.

Here is a summary of assistance programs and phone numbers that may help residents in their recovery efforts from these storms.

WHAT’S AVAILABLE FROM FEMA:

• o Application for Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance: It is not necessary to visit a FEMA office to file an application. Applications may be accessed on-line at https://www.disasteraid.fema.gov/IAC/ , http://www.fema.gov/ or www.emergency.in.gov. People may also call 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. You need your Social Security number, your current and pre-disaster address, a phone number where you can be contacted, insurance information, total household income, a routing and account number from your bank, and a description of your losses. FEMA recommends you take pictures of any damage for your records.
• o Qualifying for assistance: To receive money or help for housing needs that are result of a disaster, you must have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster by the president (see above for county listing); damage to your property is either not covered by your insurance or your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your losses; you or someone who lives with you is a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national or qualified alien; damage is to a home where you usually live and were living at the time of the disaster; and you have accepted assistance from all other sources for which you are eligible.
• o Housing needs: Money to rent a different place to live or government provided housing.
• o Other than housing needs: Money is available for disaster-related medical and dental costs; disaster-related funeral and burial costs; clothing, household items (room furnishings, appliances) tools and other equipment required for your job; educational materials (computers, school books and supplies); fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas); clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier); disaster damaged vehicle; moving and storage expenses related to the disaster, including moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home.
• o Repair: Money to repair damage from disaster to a primary residence that is not covered by insurance that will make it safe, sanitary and functional.
• o Replacement: Money is available to homeowners for replacing a home in a disaster not covered by insurance.
• o Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for construction of a home; help available only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET HELP:

One-stop disaster assistance centers now open: Three of these centers are now open in Batholomew, Morgan and Vigo counties from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Locations are:

• o Northside Middle School, 1400 27th St. in Columbus;
• o Poston Road Elementary School, 139 East Poston Road in Martinsville;
• o Booker T. Washington Community Center, 1101 S. 13th St. in Terre Haute.
• o Community Alliance/Far E/Side *(CAFE)*, 8902 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46236
• o Franklin College Johnson Fine Arts Center, 211 Branigan Blvd, Franklin, IN 46131.

These centers will have a variety of state services available including:

• + Housing support: Listing of emergency shelters; listing of temporary housing; rental assistance; applications for Small Business Administration home disaster loans.
• + Social Services: Replacement and emergency food stamps; application for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, Medicaid and child care; listing of available child care providers; mental health service referrals; mobile feeding; Red Cross and Salvation Army case work; crisis counseling.
• + Unemployment Insurance: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development is urging workers laid off due to recent flooding and tornado events to apply for unemployment benefits during the first week they do not receive a paycheck from their company. Applications for state unemployment benefits or Disaster Unemployment Insurance are available at disaster centers or by calling 1-800-891-6499.
• + Insurance Information: Interpretation of insurance policies by staff of the Indiana Department of Insurance; information on lost or damaged policies; information on obtaining copies of insurance policies; general insurance navigation advice and complaint resolution; car insurance assistance; representatives from private insurers on site to answer questions.
• + Public Health Information: Clean-up advice and education including mold removal and prevention; vaccination information, including tetanus shots; information regarding free well water testing; access and information to vital records such as birth and death certificates; listing of open medical treatment facilities.
• + Transportation Assistance: Rental car information; vehicle title and registration replacement or apply for a salvage vehicle title via the BMV; car insurance assistance from agents of major private insurance providers; replacement of driver licenses and identification cards.
• + Business and Financial Services: Application assistance for SBA Disaster Loans from small business counselors from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; business continuation and planning consulting from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
• + Agriculture: Representatives from the Department of Agriculture will be available to answer questions.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES:

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers long-term, low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property for businesses – regardless of size – in a declared disaster area. For more information, call 1-800-659-2955.

Here are some of the things offered by the SBA:

• o Physical disaster loans: Businesses of all sizes may apply for a loan of up to $1.5 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and fixtures. These loans cover both insured and uninsured losses. Interest rate on this loan will not exceed 4 percent.
• o Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives suffering substantial economic injury may be eligible for these loans up to $1.5 million to meet necessary financial obligations – expenses the business would have paid if the disaster had not occurred. Interest rate on this loan will not exceed 4 percent.
• o Downloadable applications: Businesses may apply directly to the SBA at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/basics/howtoapply/index.html

KEY PHONE NUMBERS:

• o Toll Free Information Line: 1-888-880-3749 (available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• o Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 1-800-621-3362
• o Red Cross: 1-800-438-4636
• o Indiana State Police: 317-477-1125
• o Emergency Food Stamp Assistance: 1-800-403-0864
• o Indiana Department of Insurance: 1-800-622-4461
• o Indiana Department of Agriculture: 317-290-3030; Livestock Loss 317-227-0300
• o Indiana Department of Environmental Management Oil/Chemical Spill Hotline: 1-888-233-7745
• o Unemployment: 1-800-891-6499
• o U.S. Small Business Administration: 1-800-659-2955

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• o Computers available at FSSA, Work One Centers: Those wishing to apply for FEMA assistance in counties qualifying for disaster assistance may use computers at these centers. Call the toll-free information line to find the office closest to you.
• o Volunteers and donations: To help Hoosiers affected by severe weather, the Indiana Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) is coordinating private volunteer and donation efforts with the American Red Cross. A toll free number has been established to create a central repository of statewide volunteers. The telephone number is: 1-888-335-9490. OFBCI also will coordinate donations of needed supplies and goods. A storage and distribution center has been established at Pen Products, 6075 Lakeside Boulevard, near I-465 and 71st Street, in Indianapolis. Donations will be organized at that location and sent to areas with the greatest needs. Among needed items are cleaning supplies, water, and personal hygiene products. For directions to the distribution center, call 1-800-736-2550.
• o Constant updates: The latest information from state agencies about coordinated relief and recovery efforts is available at www.emergency.in.gov.

FSSA Announces Services For Flood Victims

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is offering several means of assistance for victims of flooding in Indiana. FSSA is providing replacement food stamps, new food stamp applications, crisis counseling and services for the aging and disabled.

Flooding in Martinsville and Paragon

I’ve been trying to find information on relief efforts for the folks that were affected by the flooding in Martinsville and Paragon. While I was listening to WCBK Monday afternoon during the storm, they announced a website for the City of Martinsville. They have a running list of updates on info on the site, so if you have questions about anything storm related that is going on in the Martinsville area, you should be able to find it there.

Photos from Reporter-Times

Morgan County Residents QUASHing For Alzheimers

In response to a Smaller Indiana request for QUASHers to participate in the scavenger hunt to benefit Alzheimer’s research, a team(s) is forming comprised of Morgan County residents!

Thus far, myself-Nicki Laycoax of Squish Designs, and Jon Speer of Creo Quality are in the planning stages of our team! Our winnings, which would possibly be over $7,000, will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Morgan County!

Here are details if you’d like to get involved!

It’s $25 to register a team which covers t-shirts, BBQ after the event, as well as the materials to put the event together. Teams must be made up of no less than 2 and no more than 4. Ages 18 and up. She suggests that you make your team diverse in that you need a nice mixture of athleticism and intelligence/problem solving skills.

Team members must raise $200 each, 100% of which will go to Alzheimer’s support/research.

Prizes for best costume; $1,500. For each $250 that your team raises, your team name is thrown in a hat for a drawing for cash prizes. The winner of the Quash Scavenger Hunt receives $7,000! The prizes are made possible because of an awesome sponsorship by Clear Channel.

The hunt begins at Celebration Plaza at the White River State Park at 10 a.m. It will last approximately 2.5 hours. After the hunt is over, there will be a BBQ as well as an awards ceremony. Bring a map of Downtown Indy, pencils, and money for public transportation.

After Quash is over, you are able to purchase tickets for $10 off regular admission for BrewHaHa, which is a fundraiser for the Phoenix Theater.

To get additional information and to register your team, visit the QUASH website.