From the top
Now that we are into October, we are all hoping that the cooler weather will make life here in paradise a little more comfortable. While we are on the back end of storm season, we’re not quite yet out of it for 2021. Let’s stay prepared for a few more weeks this year.
Thank you to the LWR CERT members who attended the 911 remembrance at downtown Lakewood Ranch last month. It was a nice tribute to the brave first responders who came to the public’s aid during that difficult time.
COVID has made our lives significantly more difficult over the past 18 months. Even as more and more people get vaccinated and others gain natural immunity, many people are struggling to return to a life that is engaging and meaningful. Volunteering with your neighbors can bring meaningful connections to your life. We will need your help to encourage people to volunteer in our community as CERT members. We are planning on more CERT Basic Training classes next year so we can equip our neighbors to learn how to keep themselves safe. Are there people in your neighborhood that you can reach?
I hope to see everybody at our final member meeting of the year on November 3 (even if your smile is hidden by a mask).
Jim Emanuelson
President, LWR CERT
850.396.2695
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Before becoming a volunteer member of LWR CERT, FEMA requires residents to complete a 20-hour FEMA Basic Skills Course. For the convenience of our future members, this course is offered several times each year right here in Lakewood Ranch. The next course begins Oct. 13. The course is free and open to adult residents.
Class size is limited to allow social distancing, personalized attention, and hands-on experience. There are still a few seats available for the Lakewood Ranch based October course, which meets at LWR Town Hall and at a local fire station.
After completing all 20 hours of training, residents become members of LWR CERT. Graduates are provided a backpack filled with supplies (pictured above) and are assigned to a neighborhood team.
October Basic Training Course Schedule
- Wednesday, Oct. 13 6:30 - 9:30 PM
- Saturday, Oct. 16 8:30 AM - 4 PM
- Thursday, Nov. 4 6:30 -9:30 PM
- Saturday, Nov. 6 8:30 AM - 4 PM
Residents may be permitted to make up missed sessions with Training Committee permission; enrollment preference will be given to residents who can complete all four days within a single course.
To learn more about this free course, visit www.lwrcert.org/join for details and registration. Registration deadline for the October course is Wednesday, October 6.
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RECAP: Member Meeting Sept. 28 |
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During the Sept. 28 member meeting, almost 80 members -- some at Town Hall and some virtually -- heard IDA Director of Operations Paul Chetlain share a behind-the-scenes look at how IDA Operations prepares Lakewood Ranch for storms.
Jim Emanuelson introduced the two newest managers: Bruce Bedford, Manager of Membership, and Eddie Russell, Manager of Logistics. Jim also welcomed members who graduated from Basic Training in June and provided an update on upcoming events including the November 3 Annual Meeting and Election.
Pat Knowles provided a mini-skills refresher on the latest recommended way to clear an airway -- the jaw thrust maneuver. At the end of the meeting, Pat assisted members with hands-on, one-on-one instruction as they perfected their technique on the LWR CERT manikins, Homer and Jerome. Watch the Jaw Thrust video here.
Paul noted that the IDA was created in 2002 by the CDDs to share management services. IDA Operations maintains the common areas of our community including the entry ways, landscape, storm water ponds, irrigation, signage and our parks. They are also responsible for the conservation areas, neighborhood monuments, street signs, lighting, guard houses, gates, and mailboxes, fences and gazebos.
Did you know:
- there are more than 315 storm water ponds plus Lake Uihlein in Phase 1 of LWR?
- two weeks before Irma, a massive rain event dropped more rain and caused more flooding in LWR than Hurricane Irma did?
- activating LWR CERT members should report downed trees, missing stop signs, missing street signs and other safety hazards to their Group Leader? These messages will be relayed through the LWR CERT Emergency Communications Radio Network (ECRN) to the IDA for their action.
Paul also shared the IDA's Hurricane Preparedness and Response Plan which covers pre-season activities, activities in the days leading up to the expected storm's landfall and post landfall recovery 48 hours after the storm. Click here for a copy of the IDA's Plan.
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The September Member meeting was a 2021 Active Responder event. |
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RECAP: September LWR Public Hurricane Prep Event |
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More than 70 Lakewood Ranch residents attended the last Hurricane Prep event of 2021 on Sept. 20. The event was the first LWR CERT hybrid event, with attendees split between attending in-person at Town Hall and virtually.
Our thanks, once again, to Pat Knowles, for providing another eye-opening, fact-filled educational session. Thanks also to Jim Emanuelson for encouraging attendees to get involved with CERT; to Nigel Pilling for his technical assistance; to Diane Anderson and Eileen O'Neill for running the check-in desk; to Bruce Bedford, Ken Strahs and Susan Strahs for serving as LWR CERT ambassadors, and to all the other members who attended either in person or virtually. We appreciate all the support for our public educational programs.
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The Hurricane Prep session was a 2021 Active Responder Qualifying Event. |
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RECAP: LWR 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony |
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With just a few days notice, a number of LWR CERT members accepted an invitation to attend the LWR 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony in downtown Lakewood Ranch.
Thanks to all who attended to show their support for our first responders and to our Board Member and Liaison Deb Diven for working with Ricardo Sabroso from Mallory Park CERT to coordinate our participation. It was a moving tribute we won't soon forget.
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Congratulations to the newest 2021 Active Responders
Tier 1
Posey Havens
Tier 2
Dennis Johnson
Judy Johnson
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We're Having a Party, and You're Invited! |
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LWR CERT is planning a community-wide 15th anniversary celebration at Adventure Park January 22, 2022 from 11 AM - 1 PM, and you're invited along with the entire Lakewood Ranch community!
We're nailing down details and are in need of your help. Do you have a party tent or pop-up tent (similar to 10x10 Ez tent). or an 6' or 8' table that we could borrow for the event? Please let us know if you have one (or more) you would be willing to lend us for the Celebration on January 22, 2022 at Adventure Park. Thanks!
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Member News and Things to Know |
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Happy October birthday to members Michael Baillie, Janis Ballard, Ken Bertram, Jerry Buhr, Kathy Combs, Kay Culliton, Nick Frederick, Stan Jernigan, Abdiel Lorente, Mark Marcus, Brenda Nusbaum, Pat Poyle, Mike Resetarits, Julie Russell, Jennifer Smith, Mark Smith, Art Taber and Connie Thompkins.
Pet Tips for Hurricane Season - Team 30 backup Team Captain Eileen O'Neill shared pet safety tips during hurricane season with readers of the East County Observer, including the importance of having a pet disaster plan and at least two weeks supply of pet food, bottled water and pet medicines on hand. Read her entire list of tips on page 5B of the Sept. 16 issue .
Sarasota County Basic Training - Sarasota County is conducting Basic Training Oct 5 - 16 at the State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch campus. Click here for details and registration details. LWR CERT accepts graduates from all FEMA-approved Basic Training courses as members.
Neighbor Engagement - Over the years, numerous Lakewood Ranch residents have reached out to LWR CERT and indicated their interest in joining our organization. Our thanks to Deb Diven for leading the effort to update these neighbors on Basic Training course availability with assistance from Margaret Davis and Valerie Voutsas.
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SKYWARN Spotter Training - The National Weather Service Tampa Bay is offering SKYWARN Spotter Training Wednesday, October 20 from 1-2 PM. The online training is free and open to all. Topics covered will include the basics of thunderstorm development, identifying potential severe weather features, how to report information and basic severe weather safety. Click here for registration and details.
House numbers on curbs - As part of a safety initiative, the IDA has engaged a contractor who will paint house numbers on curbs throughout Phase 1 of Lakewood Ranch. Work is expected to begin October 21. Having house numbers on curbs will aid first responders as they arrive on scene, helping them locate a specific address. It will also aid LWR CERT members during activations. We thank the CDDs for taking on this project.
Smell gas? Act fast - Recently a neighbor smelled rotten eggs in their side yard.They called TECO Peoples Gas; a representative was immediately dispatched. Their pool heater gas line had sprung a leak. It was repaired and a crisis was prevented. If you smell the odor of rotten eggs near your home or business, a natural gas line might be damaged. Immediately move to safety – about 100 feet – call 911, then call TECO at 877-832-6747 24/7/365.
Bookmark this site - Want to know the current forecast from the National Hurricane Center? Here's where to find the latest information: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
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Part of the LWR CERT Mission Statement is to provide safety support for our community, so we are sharing individual volunteer opportunities our members may wish to consider.
Local Feeding Events - Feeding Tampa Bay
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Manatee County Mega Pantry: Every Tuesday 3 - 6:30 PM (feed 900+ families) Location: Desoto Mall, Hungry Howie's side, 303 301 Blvd W, Bradenton 34205
Have a volunteer opportunity you'd like to share in an upcoming newsletter? Email details and links to: Communications@LWRCERT.org
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Upcoming LWR CERT Meetings and Training |
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Meetings take place at LWR Town Hall unless otherwise noted and are open to all members
Emergency Radio Communications Network Hub Radio Test - Saturday, Oct. 2 at 9 AM
Training Committee - Video Call - Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 4 PM
Operations Committee - Video Call - Thursday, Oct. 14 at 6 PM
15th Anniversary Planning Committee - Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 10 AM at Greenbrook Adventure Park
Board Meeting - Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 7 PM
Radio Communications Committee - Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 PM
Annual Member Meeting and Election - Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7 PM
SAVE THE DATE: LWR CERT 15th Anniversary Community Celebration - Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at 11 AM at Adventure Park
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LWR CERT Executive Committee
LWR CERT 941.404.8606
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Newsletter Proofreader - Diane Anderson
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