The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

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With the most active months for residential fires just around the corner, the Red Cross urges families to take the time to prepare before a fire strikes by checking smoke alarms and creating evacuations plans.

“Most fires ignite quickly and without warning. Individuals may have little time to decide the best way to escape, which is why it is important to plan your evacuation routes from every room of the home and a meeting place outside the home,” says Chad Conrad, Executive Director of the Muskingum Lakes Chapter. “The best way to prevent, prepare and respond to a fire is to put into place the following steps.”

Make Your Home Fire Safe
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
• If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
• Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
• Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
• Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
• Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
• Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home.

Plan Your Escape Routes
• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
• Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Escape Safely
• Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home.
• If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
• If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.

“The American Red Cross will always be there for people whenever and wherever disaster strikes. Since we are not a government agency and all disaster services are free of charge, we depend on the voluntary contributions and giving of the American people to help us do our work,” says Conrad.

Financial contributions are always needed to help victims of disasters and can be sent to 1451 4th St. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or by contacting the chapter. Individuals can also help by becoming chapter volunteer.

For more information on fire safety and preparedness, volunteering or making financial contributions contact the chapter at 330-343-8633 or chad.conrad@redcross.org.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

Late each August, the very best of the best in culinary delights and local wines blend together with live jazz music to create a swirl of good conversation and good eating, all for a very good cause. Top area chefs serve their exquisite treats while vintners pour their reds, roses, and whites for guests eager to taste test the season’s bounty. Warther Museum, with its’ phenomenal display of the handcrafted masterpieces of Earnst “Mooney” Warther provide the perfect backdrop for all of the activities, including the tables loaded with fantastic silent auction gifts. There are rounds of golf on the area’s renowned greens, spa packages, restaurant and lodging offers, jewelry, bath and beauty items, “foodie” gift baskets, children’s treasures, and more.

For the 2012 event, phenomenal food was served from The Dock Waterfront Grill, Park Street Pizza, Canal Tavern of Zoar, Dennison Yard, Magoo’s, Susanna’s Premier Pasta, and Chef Nathan Mushrush. Yaggi’s Cheese House’s table of their local cheeses and Trail bologna provided the perfect complement to such items as Trax Diner’s chocolate fondue with fresh fruit and delectable cupcakes from Sugar Fuse, along with delicacies from Chef John Froman. Of course, the flavored coffees from New Philadelphia’s Daily Grind Café filled the air with their tantalizing aromas as the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Everything brought raving reviews from the 350 guests in attendance, and it was thoroughly impossible to leave without feeling fully satiated and satisfied. Through it all, the notes of harpist Sara Fouts, the Bob Ventre Trio, the B5s, and Vaughan Brothers floated in the air, for a truly classy evening.
Scattered among the food tables throughout the museum were displays of the finest that area wineries have to offer. Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Raven’s Glenn Winery, School House Winery, Swiss Heritage Winery, and Yellow Butterfly Winery vintners were kept busy filling guests’ complimentary wine glasses all evening long, while Great Lakes Brewery from near Cleveland had plenty of samples for the beer connoisseurs among the crowd.

Dunkin’s Diamonds and Gold once again stepped up as the Host Sponsor for the evening, bringing a sparkle to the night. They donated a brilliant .75 carat chocolate and white diamond necklace, set in rose gold and silver and valued at $1,000, as the Glitz N’ Glamour Grand Prize. In order to enter, guests purchased a raffle bag with a lovely trio of white, pink, and black pearl earrings, hoping their bag contained the winning number for the raffle.

Perhaps the pinnacle of the evening was the live auction, where bidders fiercely competed for such items as a ride in the Goodyear blimp, a home visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself in December, and a gorgeous diamond ring from Dunkin’s which a young man, his proposed fiancé at his side, claimed for his future bride.
The American Red Cross is deeply grateful to the sponsorship of Dunkin’s, Weavertown Environmental Group, The Commercial and Savings Bank, Choice Hearing Center, ACT Companies, Crossroads Hospice, Humphries Auto City, Inc., Warther Museum, Yaggi Cheese House, Frontier Communications, McInturf Realty, Ohio Laser and Wellness Center, Myers Machining, AEP, the Canal Tavern of Zoar, Cardinal Waste Services, Dover Hydraulics, Amy and J.R. Rowland, Beaver Excavating Company, and ENT Allergy and Sinus Center, for their generous support that made the Wine, Whistles, and a Bit of Jazz an outstanding success.

In all, the event resulted in more than $25,000.00 being raised for the ongoing work of the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross

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About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

After a fire that ripped through downtown Dover on February 3, 2005,
Ritenour as well as others who lived above the businesses destroyed were left
homeless.  With no shelter, food or
clothing, the Red Cross Disaster Service Team assisted the families
and individuals affected with basic human needs such as a place to stay, food
to eat, necessary health items, and clothes to wear.  Red Cross caseworkers met with nine families
as well as other individuals to discuss and identify immediate needs resulting
from the fires and then helped plan for their long-range recovery.

After this tragedy, Ritenour decided that he wanted to do
something for the community.  “The Red
Cross was there for me when I had nowhere to turn,” said Ritenour.  “I realized very quickly that through tragedy
there can be triumph and because of the help I received I wanted to help others
in some fashion.”

Thereafter, the concept of Seconds Resale developed.  With much enthusiasm, Ritenour opened the
store in July of 2010 with just $300 and three bags of clothes. Today, Seconds
Resale located at 211 Cherry Street in Dover, just behind the United States
Postal Service building is striving to help those in our community that are
just looking for a great bargain and those who have experienced a
disaster.  Currently, the store has a
partnership with the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross to help
disaster clients.

Ritenour invites the community to visit, donate items, and
shop, promising that visitors will find a great variety of household goods,
clothing and unique items. In
addition to clothing and household goods, the store accepts donations of books,
home décor, maintenance supplies, tools, and electronics.

Seconds Resale is open Wednesday
thru Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.  Donations can be delivered during these hours
also.  For more information about Seconds
Resale call 330.365.1489 or e-mail secondsresale@yahoo.com

“Shop or donate today, says Ritenour. “You can help out
yourself and others at the same time.”

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NEW PHILADELPHIA – The American Red Cross links members of the U.S. Armed Forces with their families here at home, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In times of crisis, the Red Cross quickly sends emergency communications to deployed service members on behalf of their family. The Muskingum Lakes chapter is taking its military connection one step further by helping the family members of deployed service members here at home.
With many local families dealing with the stress and emotions that come along with the deployment of a loved one or a returning soldier faced with reintegrating into public life the chapter realized the importance building a solid foundation of support for the families of Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties.
On Monday May 14th from 5pm-7pm, the Muskingum Lakes chapter, located at 1451 4th St. NW New Phila, will host a Military Family Open House. The open house will showcase several military related organizations giving families the opportunity to learn about the local services and programs available to family members of active members serving in any area of the Armed Forces.
As part of this effort a military family connections group has been developed and will meet on every 2nd Monday of the month, starting on June 11th. The family connection group meetings will take place in a relaxed, confidential environment where mothers, wives, sisters, fathers and service personnel can meet to support each other and gain valuable information on many local resources to develop a strong support system.
“The main goal of our military program is to provide military families with the skills they need to help one another in order to build a strong support system, says Chad Conrad, Muskingum Lakes executive director. “We will work with local recruiters, military service clubs, Veteran’s services and the Veteran association medical facility.”
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.mlcredcross.org or call 330-343-8633.

As a recognized leader in swimming and lifeguard training, the American Red Cross is set to begin Learn to Swim and Water Safety registration Tuesday May 1st at the Red Cross office from 9am to 4:00pm.

Learn to Swim sessions will run from July 9 – 20, July 23 – August 3 at Tuscora Park Pool. The cost is $20.00 per student, per session.

The Learn to Swim program is a two week program designed to help children, ages 5 and older, improve their swimming skills and the confidence they have in themselves. “The chapters end result of this program is to save lives by teaching children and young adults how to be prepared in, on and around the water,” says Executive Director Chad Conrad.

The Lifeguarding course is set to be held Monday thru Saturday, June 4 -16 at Tuscora Park Pool from 8:00am – 11:ooam. To enroll you must be at least 15 years of age before the last scheduled class session and pass the skills evaluation which will take place on the first water day of class.

The chapter is always in need of instructor aides to assist with these lessons. Training is available through the chapter to anyone interested in volunteering.

For more about course registration or how to get involved, contact the chapter at 330-343-8633 or e-mail info@mlcredcross.org.

The Red Cross received over 1200 writing contest entries from Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas county youth. As part Hometown Heroes’ Campaign, the youth writing contest presented by The Times Reporter, featured drawings, essays, short stories and poetry. Each winner received a $100 savings bond and a certificate of achievement.

The Hero Writing Contest winners along with segments of their essays:

Coloring Contest

Alexa Brick ~ Immaculate Conception ~ Grade 1

A movie hero I admire and why…

Reagan Triplett ~ Immaculate Conception ~ Grade 5

There are many heroes in the world. My hero is someone like Skeeter Johnson, from the movie, the Help. Skeeter was kind, brave, & bold. Many people admired her because she went out of her way to be helpful.

She had a big influence on the way African Americans were treated. She didn’t end segregation, but she helped people by giving advice & encouragement & writing a book to tell how life was from a maid’s point of view.

Back in the 1906’s, white people didn’t really like colored people. Skeeter was really brave because almost all of her friends came from a wealthy family & had servants & maids, Skeeter’s Mom & Dad also had servants & maids but they treated them nicely. Many of her friends rejected her because she told them to be kind to their maids but they didn’t care & got mad at Skeeter.

Skeeter became friends with Abilene, an African American maid who worked for one of Skeeter’s friends. Skeeter wanted to interview Abilene for her book. If people saw her with an African American they could have killed her & Abilene. Skeeter put her life at risk to help.

I picked Skeeter to be my movie hero for the reasons I listed, but one big important reason is that she is my role model. Skeeter fought for what she knew was right & I want to be that kind of person.

Even though Skeeter helped the way some African Americans were treated, there are many people who still treat minorities badly. I think we can all learn from Skeeter. Be kind to all people, & not be afraid to stand up for anyone who needs help.

It would be awesome if we had more people like Skeeter in the world today. Skeeter will always be special to me.

What is the modern hero?

Paige Henman ~ Minerva Middle School ~ Grade 6

“Weee….Wooo……Weee……Wooo!” The sound of an ambulance, roaring past the house & shaking all the windows, caught Anne’s attention from across the room.

Anne decided to join her uncle at the dining room table. As she sat, her uncle filled in the word hero in his cross word puzzle.

“Uncle Ben,” Anne asked, “What’s a modern day hero?”

Her uncle looked up & smiled. “Well, I think that ambulance driver that just flew by is an example of a hero, my dear Anne.”

“Would a firefighter & a policeman be considered a hero?” asked Anne.

Her uncle replied, “Why yes, & even a doctor is a hero sometimes. Your teachers at school work every day to help improve your life with education. They are heroes too.”

“Wow! There are a lot of heroes then, Uncle Ben,” replied Anne. “Yes,” Uncle Ben muttered.

It started to rain outside & the sky looked like a bucket of grey, dirty water. Anne felt grey too as she thought about her father. He had died in Afghanistan while serving in the military. Anne was only three at the time. She felt sad & insecure. Then she asked, “Was Dad a hero?”

Her uncle looked up with sadness in his eyes & said, Yes, my dear Anne, he was & still is.” Anne looked at him & smiled. Then her uncle said, “Someone who strives to save others’ lives, improve others’ lives, & acts selfless is very much a modern day hero.”

Anne chuckled & said, “Uncle Ben, you & Mom are modern day heroes to me because you love me unselfishly & try to improve my life.” Uncle Ben grinned & reached forward to hug Anne.

A military hero I know past or present…

Sarah Clore ~ TCC High School ~ Grade 12

I am very fortunate to know many men whom I consider to be military heroes. Some have finished their enlistment while others still serve. But today I would like to tell you about just one man, my hero.

Peter, my oldest brother, joined the Marine Corps in February 2008. I was very excited to be able to tell everyone that MY brother was a US Marine. He graduated from basic training in May & that is one event that I will not forget. He was still my brother but he had this sense of accomplishment, purpose & confidence that was not present before he joined the ranks of Marines. He continued his training during his time at the school of infantry or SOI. Peter spent the next year training with other Marines who would become brothers to him.

He was deployed on a Marine Expeditionary Unit or MEU & spent the next nine months on a ship. He was able to visit Spain, Greece, Turkey & United Arab Emirates & he spent a couple months in Kuwait. During this deployment Peter & his Marines were reserve forces. Peter returned in December & was home for Christmas. A few weeks after return to base, Camp Lejeune, Peter was again deployed but this time to Haiti to assist after the earthquake. Peter & his Marines spent the remainder of the year training for deployment. Peter was trained to be a handler for an IED detection dog. He really enjoyed working with his dog, Duke & was very confident in his & his dog’s ability to get the job done. Peter was deployed to Afghanistan in March, 2011. He was happy that he would finally be able to do what he had been trained to do for the past three years. He called home relatively often & in late May he called very early in the morning & told our parents that we probably wouldn’t hear from him for four to six weeks. We never did.

On May 28, 2011 Peter was killed in action in Afghanistan during an un-mounted patrol near Zad District, Helmund Province, Afghanistan. Peter is not only a military hero but also my hero. He knew the possibilities when he signed on the dotted line & swore to defend the Constitution of the United States of America & her people from all enemies foreign & domestic. Peter gave the ultimate sacrifice. He gave everything he had so that we might enjoy our freedom. He gave his today for our tomorrow. Peter sacrificed his life so that we may live in peace & never know the horrors of war.

Along with these youth, the chapter recognized four other youth writing contest honorable mentions:

Coloring Contest

Angel Cunningham, Harrison North Elementary, Grade 2

A movie hero I admire and why…

Grace Furniss, Immaculate Conception , Grade 5

What is the modern hero?

Kiersty Correll, Claymont Junior High, Grade 8

A military hero I know past or present…

Josie Waugh, New Philadelphia High School, Grade 9

The American Red Cross believes that today’s youth will be tomorrow’s heroes. “We need to embrace our local youth and encourage acts of heroism for the future,” says Linda Egler, Red Cross Board Chair. “These individuals will be the future leaders of our community.”

The Heroes banquet will be replayed on PCM TV2 on Sunday, April 15 at 4:00 p.m.

Serving Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. For more information on Red Cross visit www.mlcredcross.org or call 330-343-8633.

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“Through various capacities the individuals honored have taken it upon themselves to step up and help another person in need,” states Linda Egler of First National Bank of Dennison and Red Cross board chair. “The Hometown Heroes Campaign is our way of honoring these exceptional individuals who inspire others to help their communities.”

The Hometown Hero awards, presented by Chesapeake Energy Corporation, celebrate the everyday heroes from Carroll, Harrison, and Tuscarawas counties who have shown compassion and humanity toward others. A large number of nominations were received through a community-wide nomination process, and a committee of 23 honorary judges selected the Heroes.

“Our honorees may not think of themselves as heroes; however, we know they are ordinary people who have performed extraordinary acts,” said Chad Conrad, executive director of the Muskingum Lakes Chapter. “Each honoree exemplifies the values and principles that are at the core of the American Red Cross mission.”

The 2012 Hometown Heroes

Red Cross Hero: Adam Fisher of Strasburg Police Department

What had been a routine midnight shift for Adam Fisher, a Strasburg police officer, ended up being a lifesaving day? On an early September morning, Fisher was dispatched to the Case Farms factory. When he arrived at the scene he found an unconscious man, with no pulse. This is when his Red Cross training kicked in, immediately beginning CPR and activating the auto defibrillator that was purchased for the police by the Strasburg Lions Club. Fisher shocked the man several times resuscitating him on the scene. Emergency crews arrived and transported him to the hospital where he later died of complications. In recognition of Fisher’s lifesaving efforts that day, he was presented with one of the top recognitions the American Red Cross awards at the national level, the Certificate of Lifesaving for the Professional Responder.

Tuscarawas County Hero: John Benjamin McCoury of Mineral City

McCoury is a senior at Tusky Valley High School, active in the arts, sports and is an eagle scout. Perhaps it was his scout training that helped him stay calm when his 15 year old cousin was in grave danger. As McCoury was leaving his Aunt and Uncle’s home in December, he heard a faint cry for help. He followed the sound for over a mile where he found his cousin who had fallen into an oil well and was covered up to his ears. Because of the slick oil, McCoury was unable to pull the boy out with his hands, so he used his belt to keep his head above the oil while calling 911. It took almost 2 hours for emergency responders to locate the boys on the property. By this time his cousin was drifting in and out of consciousness. McCoury stayed calm and kept his cousin awake by talking to him. Three firefighters with a thick rope were finally able to pull his cousin to safety. McCoury’s quick thinking and ability to stay calm saved his cousin’s life on that cold December evening.

Carroll County Hero: Carol McIntire of Carrollton

McIntire has a positive attitude, and as editor of the Free Press Standard, she helps to spread her optimism throughout Carroll County. She has been involved with Relay for Life of Carroll County for 15 years, helping to raise over $500,000 for cancer research. McIntire’s friends say just about everyone in Carroll County has a story about a time when she helped them or someone they know. She is known for her cheerful, giving nature.

Harrison County Hero: Donald Rogers of Cadiz

Rogers was just 9 years old when he showed up to shovel snow at the Cadiz Food Pantry. When the volunteers explained they couldn’t pay him, he said he wasn’t looking for money, he just wanted to help. Now 14 years old, Rogers uses his John Deere and a shovel to clear snow and ice and in the summer to cut the grass. He enjoys setting up food orders, cleaning, and helping in any way he can around the food pantry two to four days a week. Rogers even keeps the volunteers company in the evening and walks them safely to their cars. His fellow volunteer’s say he sets a wonderful example of volunteerism for other teenagers in the area.

Community Hero: Angela and Katlyn Lawver of Dover

Twins Angela and Katlyn Lawver are students at Dover High School where they learned about the unique needs of the nearly 7000 Guatemalan immigrants in our county from Spanish teacher Sherrel Rieger. They approached her with the idea of an after-school tutoring program called Camp Imagine If. They found a church to house the program and recruited friends to help as tutors. The twin girls help children of immigrants with study skills, social skills and healthy lifestyle choices. Not only did they run the camp every Thursday from October until May, but they continued with a ten week program over their summer vacation as well. The Lawvers’ organized visits to the library and Water Park as well as guest speakers and special hands-on activities in science and music. Camp Imagine If began its second year in October and has made a tremendous impact in the lives of these children.

Workplace Hero: Jason Peoples of Newcomerstown

As Peoples, Principal of Newcomerstown Middle School, sat down for lunch he noticed some commotion. An eighth-grade student was choking. People’s asked a teacher to call 911 as the student’s face started to turn purple. That is when People’s training kicked in and paid off. He quickly remembered the information on how to execute the Heimlich and the process. People’s finally got the student to stand up and performed the Heimlich maneuver, clearing his airway after about eight thrusts. In his 33 years of education, people’s had never needed to use his emergency training, but on this November day, that knowledge and training became priceless.

Bravery In Crisis Hero: Brandon Kiser of Dover

Kiser is a 7 year old hero. The young boy and his father were in a serious car accident on an early Saturday morning. The car went off the left edge of the road, striking a sign, hitting a large rock and then flipping onto its right side. Kiser’s father was unable to get out of the car, but he climbed out and tried to flag down a passing car. When no one stopped, Kiser crossed the road to knock on the door of a house. The residents helped him and called 911. Kiser’s father underwent several surgeries for his many serious injuries, and spent 30 days in the hospital. The doctors said if the father had arrived much later, they likely would have been unable to save him. Under the worst of circumstances, this brave 7 year old boy went out into the darkness to find someone to save his dad.

Youth Life Saving Hero: Luke Morris Steineck of Mineral City

Most seven year olds can brag about a great day on the ball field or a high score in a video game, but Steineck can say he has saved a life. The second grader was awakened when he heard his great-grandmother fall. He rushed to her and was unable to get a response, as her blood sugar had dropped too low. At 4:30 am, Steineck ran to the neighbor’s house and they called for an ambulance. The paramedic said if not for the young boy’s quick and calm response, the result likely would have been tragic.

Neighborhood Safety Hero: Tyler Welch of Uhrichsville

On an early January morning, Welch awoke to the sound of his mother’s screams. Someone had broken into their home. The intruder took off running. Welch had walked his brother to his bus stop and as he returned, the intruder walked around the corner. Without hesitation, he chased and tackled the man, holding him down until the Uhrichsville Police arrived. They soon learned that the man had burglarized several houses and had a warrant for his arrest. Welch’s quick action put an end to the crime spree, making his city a safer place.

A Community Service Award was also presented to Steve Stokey of New Philadelphia in recognition of his hard work and dedicated service to the Project Lead the Way.

Community Service Award

In 2008, Stokey brought Project Lead the Way to Tuscarawas County and spearheaded efforts to raise money to pay for the classes. He was able to get local businesses and foundations to contribute over $700,000 to launch this valuable program. Project Lead the Way partners with schools to prepare students to be innovative and productive leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through his work, hundreds of students have been given a chance to have a brighter future by providing them with a foundation and proven path to college and career success. Stokey is a graduate of Ohio State University in Industrial Engineering and currently is Executive Vice President of Allied Machine and Engineering in Dover. He also serves on the Project Lead the Way, Ohio Executive Council and is chairman of the New Philadelphia City Schools Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

“It is a privilege to be part of such a remarkable event,” said Egler. “Our heroes are deserving of this recognition for exhibiting extraordinary courage, kindness, and unselfish character to our local communities.”

Along with these hometown heroes, the chapter recognized four hero honorable mentions:

Jeff Mathias of New Philadelphia; Debbie Cook of Dover; PTL Joel Herbert, Capt. Brett Swigert and PTL Jason Peters of Dover Police Department

Steve Kelly and Jennifer Lourenco of WTUZ FM 99.9 in New Philadelphia were masters of ceremonies.

The Heroes banquet will be replayed on PCM TV2 Sunday, April 15, at 4p.m.

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. For more information on Red Cross visit www.mlcredcross.org or call 330-343-8633.

In conjunction with March Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross has joined forces with 99.9 WTUZ Radio and McDonalds’ Restaurants to “Save the Day” by urging area families to install and maintain smoke alarms and follow fire prevention tips. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms save lives every day across the country.

In an effort to save lives, on Saturday, March 10th from 10 am until noon, the Red Cross will be distributing free smoke alarms to area families at the Uhrichsville, New Philadelphia–Boulevard, Cadiz and Carrollton McDonalds’ Restaurants.

Each household is eligible to receive one smoke alarm after filling out a “pledge to prepare” card. Supplies will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.

“On average, three families per month lose everything they own to a disaster,” said Chad Conrad, Muskingum Lake’s Executive Director. “Area residents can take simple actions to reduce the risk of a home fire tragedy by installing and maintaining a smoke alarm on every level of their home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms provide us with a few minutes of advance warning in the event of a home fire and the extra time can save lives.”

Additional recommendations include:

• Check smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.

• Change the batteries in your alarms at least once a year. Install a new battery immediately if an alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low.

• Teach children what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it.

• Never disable a smoke alarm.

The Red Cross also recommends that families create and practice a home fire escape plan. Fire escape plans should include at least two escape routes for every room in the home. Families should choose a convenient meeting place outside of the home and practice their escape plan at least twice a year. For more fire safety and preparedness information, visit www.redcross.org/homefires.

Serving Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. For more information on the Red Cross visit www.mlcredcross.org or call 330-343-8633.

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.53fabf6cc033f17a2b1ecfbf43181aa0/?vgnextoid=16e61c99b5ccb110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&currPage=9e661c99b5ccb110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD