We started our year strong. Our amazing LWR CERT volunteers put on a flawless Celebrate Lakewood Ranch event on January 22. About 40 volunteers did everything from directing traffic, to parking cars, to erecting tents, to staffing tables, and meeting the public. The celebration was disassembled in minutes. It was a great team effort. Thank you to all who participated.

 At our Celebrate event, Commissioner Vanessa Baugh presented us with a proclamation that January 22, 2022, was Lakewood Ranch CERT Day in Manatee County. Chief Steve Litschauer presented us with a plaque to honor our 15 years of service to our community. Both awards have been given to the IDA for display at Town Hall for the community to enjoy.

Our organization has always been Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Do you know of any neighbors who would benefit from CERT Basic Training? We have a class starting in March. Attendees will learn valuable information that will help them keep their family safe! Visit lwrcert.org/join for details.

President, LWR CERT

The first Member Meeting of 2022 is set for Thursday, Feb. 24 from 7-8:30 PM.

If you're fed up with the traffic and drivers around LWR, you need to attend this meeting. Our featured speaker will be Cindy Underwood, a LWR resident affiliated with the Auto Club Group Foundation and AAA who builds pubic awareness of driver safety concerns and trends. Cindy has agreed to provide a special presentation to our members focusing on defensive driving and driving safety -- with localized tips on reducing your risk behind the wheel and improving your reaction times to prevent accidents.

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at the Emergency Operations Center?

LWR CERT members will have an opportunity to visit the Manatee County EOC and to learn first-hand how it all works. Members may register up to 3 guests (18+ please) to attend the event with them. EOC 101 will be an educational, eye-opening experience for all who attend. There will be time for Q&A after the presentation.

Covid protocols in place at the EOC in March will be followed. A maximum of 35 may attend each session. To accommodate more members and their guests, our partners at the EOC have agreed to run two sessions exclusively for LWR CERT. Both sessions will be identical; there is no need to attend both.

RECAP: Celebrate Lakewood Ranch - Our 15-Year Anniversary

Our 15th Anniversary celebration was the largest event ever sponsored by LWR CERT. With an estimated 400 participants, the Jan. 22 event exceeded our expectations. Check out the awards and media coverage at lwrcert.org/awards.

Honoring our 15-year Members at Celebrate Lakewood Ranch

Honoring our Presidents at Celebrate Lakewood Ranch

A huge LWR CERT Thank You to our 40+ dedicated volunteers, including members Bruce Bedford, Mary Benfer, Alan Blair, Kathy Combs, Dave Cashbaugh, Mike Defferding, Sharon Defferding, Deb Diven, Jim Emanuelson, Karen Emanuelson, Connie Farmer, Nick Frederick, Frank Giannone, Bud Goetzinger, Hilary Harter, Jean Hritz, Judy Johnson, Lahin Khan, Pat Knowles, Gordon Kuhn, Jan Kuhn, Vijay Mahadeo, Valerie Stafford-Mallis, Kay Marcus, Mark Marcus, Eileen O’Neill, Cynthia Olcott, Kalena Ostrosky, Nigel Pilling, Rich Raymond, Tim Sherer, Mike Staley, Patt Staley, Ryan Shipp, Alan Silverglat, Ken Strahs, and Jerry Toner.

The new Medical Skills Practice Activities Hands-On Skills Refresher held Jan. 25 at LWR Town Hall received rave reviews from the attendees, who particularly appreciated the small group instruction. Thanks to all who participated.

Are you interested in learning how to be better prepared in case of emergency and how to better protect yourself and your family?

With 3 free Basic Training courses scheduled in LWR this year, 2022 is your opportunity to become a member of CERT.

Visit www.lwrcert.org/join for details. 

Thank you to Deb Diven and Valerie Voutsas, who are working tirelessly to ensure interested residents are enrolled in their desired course.

Tier 1 - requires 3 points; earns car window decal

Tier 2 - requires 10 points; earns LWR CERT logo gator or previous Tier 2 award, if not previously earned

Here's how our members earn points:

Happy February birthday to members Rinita Acevedo, Mark Boutote, Matt Cangemi, Paul Catalano, Bill Corristan, Larry Euston, Patricia Flinton, Stephen Greene, Tom Hickey, Murray Miller, Dennis Pryor, Bill Quaid, John Rocco, Mollie Saia, Mr. Mike Staley, and Arline Stein.

Emergency Communications Radio Network Test - Tim Sherer (KJ4ICT), Bud Goetzinger (K4GBUD), Mark Marcus (KM4LGP), Nick Frederick (KK4CJS), Frank Giannone (WO4GQ) and Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK) conducted a quarterly test of the LWR CERT ECRN Saturday, Jan. 29. All who participated reported Loud and Clear status.

To Inform Families First (TIFF) - Free program that helps law enforcement reach your loved ones quickly in an emergency. Visit www.ToInformFamiliesFirst.org for details.

No-Cost Grant Writing Certification Program - Volunteer Florida is offering a free virtual Grant Writing Certification Program for Florida's nonprofit organizations Feb. 14 - March 23. If you are interested in attending this 6-week training, email cert@lwrcert.org. The deadline to register for the training is Friday, Feb. 11.