EF-1 Tornado Lessons from Mt Airy MD

On November 2, 2018 an EF-1 Tornado touched down in my hometown of Mt. Airy, MD. EF-1 is the lowest level on the EF-1 to EF-5 National Weather Service scale. I learned that even an EF-1 can cause serious damage.
(For an analysis of an EF-5 in Joplin, MO, see here.)

There was no warning from the National Weather Service, on TV, or from local media. It just struck.

The NWS website here shows the early path of the tornado.

For more background, Mike Smith, the author of When the Sirens were Silent: How a Warning System Failed a Community has a first-rate analysis of how false tornado warnings mean many ignore warnings for real tornados here. Also, see Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed Nature.

Miraculously, there were no deaths caused by it.
Find a few simple necessary civil defense supplies (like potassium iodate)  at the American Civil Defense store here.

Here is an incomplete summary of the damage from the National Weather Service:

• Canopy at High's store was partly torn off
• TJ Maxx roof was lifted up and partly removed
• Trees down behind the Twin Arch Shopping Center near the water tower
• Silo destroyed and roofs partly blown off outbuildings at Knill's Farm Market
• Power poles snapped on Watersville Road (meriting the 100 mph wind estimate)
• Five pine trees snapped at a residence on Watersville Road
• Minor structural damage at several homes on Arrowood Circle
• Multiple hardwood trees snapped in the 6000 block of Runkles Road
• Trees uprooted east of Runkles Road on Gillis Falls Road

For local media accounts of the tornado after it happened, see:
Fox News
WTOP
Carroll County Times
Patch Westminster
Fox5dc
Carroll County Times
Baltimore Sun

Lessons Learned Due the Tornado

1.  The Media Only Reports Part of the Story
The Media concentrated on the damage to the stores while the greater damage was to the Knills Farm right behind the stores, the Nottingham development, and the double telephone lines on Watersville Road. There was extensive damage to a large dog kennel and numerous houses around Runkles Road. This and other damage was never
reported. Most got their story filed that night and then they moved on.
2.  Dishonest Contractors will Always Show up Post Disaster.
As many have not experienced a devastating natural disaster before, they can be taken advantage of by dishonest contractors.
The day after the tornado, multiple tree service, debris removal and home repair contractors showed up to offer their services. Many were insured, bonded and licensed . Others were not. So, we had to issue the following WARNING on the Town of Mt. Airy and other websites.
WARNING: Unfortunately, some dishonest tree removal, roof and building repair, and other kinds of contractors show up after any natural disaster. They offer services but disappear once paid without doing their job. Always check that any contractor you consider is licensed, bonded, and insured. Only pay them when the work is completed.

3. Your Insurance Only Covers Part of the Cost

This is just a fact of life. There are all kinds of exclusions in your policy. You never realize they are there until you try to make a claim.
(What is extraordinary about Mt. Airy is that the Mayor and citizens immediately organized to help those most hurt financially by the tornado, and especially those without insurance.)
4. Drones are the Future of Planning for and Recovering from Natural and Man-Made Disasters.

George Varros, owner of Mount Airy Drone Photography, has an innovative drone company. Our good fortune. He flew his drone over the damaged area the day after the tornado and again on 11/8/2018. He took the aerial drone views you see here.
As you can see from the aerial photos of the path of the tornado here this is a new technology that will have a huge impact on damage assessment, emergency management planning, civil defense strategic planning insurance claim validation, children's education, and for other uses we cannot even imagine right now.
I helped write the Town of Mount Airy Emergency Management Plan. It would have been useful to have had this technology when we did so.

5.  Have a Damage Survey Form Template Ready
Filling out a damage survey, such as the Carroll County Emergency Management Damage Survey Form is critical to establishing the facts about the financial damage caused by the tornado. Here is a simple Damage Survey Form that can be a template for others to use for other natural and man-made disasters.
6.  Human Ties are Critical to Successful Disaster Response and Recovery
Every successful response to and recovery from a disaster I've seen depends on people who love and care for each other taking action. Rather than explain, I offer this post for the Town of Mt Airy website that demonstrates this.

Knill’s Farm Update-

"Respecting the Knill family privacy I feel comfortable stating Mr. Knill, the patriarch of the family, is very touched by the community outreach of offers of support. They are accessing their current needs and will let us know in the future what help if any is needed. As a proud farming family and very self sufficient they have already opened up road access and performed other immediate services. Mr. Knill, a pillar of our community, states he has never seen a storm of this magnitude is his 78 years living here in Mount Airy. We will continue to communicate and look to Mr. Knill for guidance on what needs may arise. God Bless the Knill family and Mount Airy."
From the Town of Mt Airy website: Image of the Nov 2 Tornado Path as surveyed by our Town Engineer, Barney Quinn and Asst Town Engineer, Chaslyn Derexson. Red circles indicate where severe damage was observed (likely some locations were missed).

7. Good Government Governance and Communication Tools are Critical

The Town of Mt. Airy and Carroll County are both blessed with good governance.
Good governance results in a good response to a bad natural event, as here.
For example, the Town of Mount Airy and Carroll County have excellent communication tools. For example, this Storm Damage Information Sought from Businesses and Residents was created and distributed several days after the tornado. That's fast. As importantly, it has a link to an on-line Damage Survey Form to it has an excellent data collection feedback loop.
The town coordinated with the Carroll County Emergency Management Office to bring in extra fire, police and emergency medical technicians.
For life to return to normal, tree and vegetation removal is essential after every natural disaster. Below are examples (Carroll County notice) about how it is done.
8.  Neighbors Must Help Neighbors
At church the Sunday after the tornado I heard a table of elderly people talking about it. One mentioned that he went to his elderly neighbor the night it happened and bailed out the water in her basement as the sump pump had no electricity. Then he gathered his three sons, gave them each a chain saw, and together they cut up the many trees that had fallen on her long farm road driveway so she could get to the grocery store.
There were so many acts of kindness like this that I cannot mention them all.
But the central truth of these acts of charity hold: neighbors must help neighbors. The Town of Mt Airy had already set up a Disaster Relief Fund and the town website encouraged those who needed direct assistance to apply. "  There is an application process. Call Ellie Bonde at 301-829-8300 Blossom and Basket Boutique.   Only money is distributed. Email address:  mtdisaster@gmail.com." The Disaster Relief Application Form is below.
What Must be Done
As with all natural disaster planning, the fundamentals must be repeated.
1. Learn IN ADVANCE what you must do to prepare to save yourself, your family, your pets, and your neighbors when disaster strikes.
2. Stockpile, within reason, items you will need to survive (water, food, medical, electronic, etc.).
3. Exercise for an event. Make if fun with children. This is vital. You will discover holes in your plan, supplies, contacts, etc. you will need to fill.
They Mayor's Report November 2018
The November 2018 Mayor's Report includes an excellent and brief analysis of what happened during and after the Mt. Airy tornado.
Remember...no one died. Some of that was Providence in that no trees fell on anyone. Still, after a tornado there is always the possibility of death or accidents. Here you will read of the professional actions of the police, fire service, utility companies, and various government officials who ensured that streets were closed, live wires were moved, and trees removed without anyone getting hurt.
The letter below is a blue print for how to react calmly, professionally and cooperatively as a well oiled machine to prevent the loss of life and damage to property during and after a natural disaster.

Team Mount Airy - Tornado Response

On Friday evening, November 2, 2018, the town was hit by a tornado with winds up to 90 miles plus per hour. This resulted in extensive damage to commercial structures, homes, and utility services. The Town’s role was mainly one of support and coordination, ensuring those unfamiliar with the community kept vital access routes to communities open by providing emergency services and equipment throughout the event. Follow-up efforts will continue throughout the week as well as updates on storm recovery operations. Twin Arch Road was fully opened today.

We need to thank many others, that worked behind the scenes but whose roles were just as important as those who were more visible during the emergency. Thanks firstly to our residents that showed amazing resiliency and humanity to each other.  Together you chipped in to restore normalcy, provide housing, essential services, worked to clear roads and open access to private homes, etc. as needed.  Many thanks to your Town Council members Peter Helt, Larry Hushour, Bob King, Jason Poirier and Patty Washabaugh who all chipped in manning Town Hall as an Emergency Shelter, providing much needed refreshments with a warm greeting to our utility crews and first responders. 

We know that those actions go a long way. We also had chainsaw wielding Council members, YES, they were out there with chainsaws too. Our amazing town staff that worked behind the scenes mostly, using large equipment to clear roads, keeping emergency generators running to ensure you received uninterrupted water and sewer services. 

At one point, they hand cut through the debris and using an ATV brought in emergency fuel to ensure essential water and sewer services were not interrupted. Thanks to the many commercial businesses that offered services and food to our first responders at no cost, such as Vocelli’s Pizza, Wings of Angel’s Chicken, Upper Deck, and Wagner’s Meat Locker.  Many other businesses did not have power but have a long history of sending food in for first responders who don’t have the luxury of taking a break.

We were also fortunate and appreciative of assistance received from our State and County agencies.  Special Secretary Wendi Peters from the Governor’s office checked in, it’s comforting to know our State Representatives and Governor have Mount Airy’s best interest in mind. 

Other agencies who were a critical part of the emergency response effort include the Carroll County Emergency Response Unit who set up the command center, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, first responders from neighboring local Fire Companies, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and the Carroll County Roads Operations crew.

Again, thanks to the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company (MAVFC) and Chief Kenny Stull who were all out there in the rain Friday night securing our commercial areas that were literally torn apart. Life safety measures, getting gas lines, etc. secured was the priority and we are grateful for their swift and capable emergency response measures. Thank you to Chief Reitz and Lieutenant Snyder who along with other MAPD Officers assisted in various roles throughout the event. No major injuries were noted.

Team Mount Airy, Working Together, Weathered a Tornado!! Thank you all!

To View a video of the damage to an access road to one of the Mt. Airy water towers, click:
Tornado Damage Video. This was one of the hardest hit areas. The road by Knill’s Farm and to our waste water treatment plant directly behind Home Goods. We came very close to catastrophic essential facility damage. Please forgive my amateur video skills and note the large trees snapped like tooth pics. It was more horrific in person.

Bonus Tip: If you read this far, know that the inventor of the computer is buried in Mt. Airy MD in the back of the Pine Grove Chapel at 787 Main Street. Here are photos of his gravestone. For more information, see here, and here, and here.

Social Media Lessons from the Joplin Tornado

There were many lessons about how to use social media to save lives and reduce the damage to property before, during and after a huge tornado hit Joplin, Missouri on May 11, 2011. Here are some of mine.
(Photo: A destroyed helicopter lies on its side in the parking lot of the Joplin Regional Medical Center. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

• Have Facebook page up and running BEFORE the disaster so:People can use it to locate relatives, find friends, confirm who is alive and who has perished
• First responders, police, mayor and other authorities can communicate with the public using social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and many others)
• Identify and educate about looters, criminals, scams
• Official volunteers know where to go and what to do
•  Citizen volunteers know what to gather and how to deliver it
•  Possessions can be gathered and returned to their owners

For more background, Mike Smith, the author of When the Sirens were Silent: How a Warning System Failed a Community has a first-rate analysis of how false tornado warnings mean many ignore warnings for real tornados here. Also, see Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed Nature.

Each of these lessons, and others, can be found in the extensive Joplin Facebook postings below.

Here are links to provide background about the disaster. It is well worth visiting these websites now that time has passed. There are many recovery and getting-back-to-normal lessons to be found there.

http://www.weather.com/outlook/videos/tornado-orphans-20723#20723

http://www.joplinmo.org/

http://www.facebook.com/joplinmo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0HVnbyezws

[Photos courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeitlosimagery as first found on
Here are examples of official press releases that can be used as templates for communicating with the public.

Tornado Information

REMINDER, Police and fire officials are strongly encouraging anyone who does not have a home in the affected area to please stay clear of the damage site. Search and rescue operations will continue throughout the evening and emergency personnel needs full, unobstructed access to do their jobs. Thank you for your cooperation. And please help spread the word.
- The Joplin Tornado Sirens will be TESTED at 10:30am Tuesday morning to ensure that they are working.
- Missouri American Water has issued a boil order for all water to be ingested or consumed in the City of Joplin and will continue until further notice. Bring your water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes.

Links
City of JoplinFacebook Page - Most current City information being posted there first.

Safe & Well Website - Red Cross, Safe and Well Website. You can report yourself Safe and Well & search for loved ones. State of Missouri - Joplin Tornado Information

www.disasterassistance.gov - FEMA Disaster Assistance
Residents and business owners affected by the storm can apply for assistance through FEMA, with up to $30,200 available for each individual. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), or register via smartphone at m.FEMA.gov.
(Emergency personnel walk through a neighborhood. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

City of Joplin News Releases

Tuesday, May 24th - FEMA Assistance Residents and business owners affected by the storm can apply for assistance through FEMA, with up to $30,200 available for each individual. Visit www.disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), or register via smartphone at FEMA.gov.

Tuesday, May 24th - 7:15am - Update Press Conference scheduled for 9:00am today.
The City of Joplin would like to announce that a news conference will be held today at 9:00 a.m. at Cunningham Park, located just east of the intersection of 26th and Maiden Lane.

Attending the news conference will be Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr; Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles; and possibly FEMA representatives. For additional updates, citizens are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/cityofjoplin.https://www.facebook.com/joplinmo/?tn-str=k*F

Monday, May 23rd - 12:01pm - Update Press Conference scheduled for 3:00pm today.
City of Joplin Press Conf to update status of search &rescue efforts in aftermath of tornado tragedy will be held at 3 pm on Mon, May 23 @Joplin Armory, 2000 W 32nd St. City is working to keep high damage area clear of unnecessary traffic in order to provide efficient services to our citizens.

Monday, May 23rd - morning - Joplin Boil Order
Missouri American Water has issued a boil order for all customers in the Joplin area.
Monday, May 23rd - 4:01am - Wellness Check hotline
The City of Joplin understands the concern many have about their loved ones who endured the tornado that traveled through the middle of Joplin at approximately 5:45 p.m. Sunday, May 22nd. Citizens can now check on the status of their friends and family by calling 417-659-5464
Many homes and businesses have been affected, and Joplin Mayor Mike Woolston has declared a local disaster due to the damage of this storm. The City is also working under a state disaster declaration..
Monday, May 23 - 3:01am - Volunteers for Tornado Disaster should report to MSSU's Recreation Center
A significant tornado came through the middle section of Joplin near 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 22nd. Many homes and businesses have been affected, and Joplin Mayor Mike Woolston has declared a local disaster due to the damage of this storm. The City is also working under a state disaster declaration.
Many people have contacted the City of Joplin to volunteer assistance to the victims of the storm. ALL citizen volunteers should report to the Recreation Center at Missouri Southern State University. Volunteers' services are appreciated, but to be effective, will need to be coordinated through this centralized location.
Citizens are reminded that the American Red Cross, in cooperation with the City, has set up a shelter at Missouri Southern State University in the Leggett & Platt Center. The City and Joplin R-8 are coordinating transportation to help those left homeless due to tornado. People can go to the following locations and a bus will take them to the shelter. People should go to:
1. Junge Stadium on 13th Street;
2. Forest Park Baptist Church, 7th & Range Line
3. Lowe's 24th & Range Line
4. Vintage Stock, 32nd & Main.
Because of the severe damage to many buildings, people are advised to check with their schools and/or employers about Monday's schedule to learn if the facilities are open. Many places are affected and will be closed. This includes Joplin Municipal Court and Joplin Public Schools.

The City has activated its Emergency Operations Center, and is working closely with American Red Cross, emergency management services and medical personnel of numerous surrounding communities to assess the damage and assist those hurt in this storm. We appreciate everyone's patience, and ask if you do not have to be out in the City to please stay home and help your neighbors and friends as needed.

Sunday, May 22: 10:55pm - NOTICE ON TORNADO DAMAGE IN JOPLIN
(A cross stands atop a church that was severely damaged. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The City of Joplin understands that many families and homes have been affected by the tornado. Joplin Mayor Mike Woolston has declared a local disaster due to the damage of this storm. The City has activated its Emergency Operations Center, and is working closely with American Red Cross, emergency management services and medical personnel of numerous surrounding communities to assess the damage and assist those hurt in this storm. We appreciate everyone's patience, and ask if you do not have to be out in the City to please stay home and help your neighbors and friends as needed.
For those needing shelter, the American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Missouri Southern State University in the , Leggett & Platte Center. The City and Joplin R-8 are coordinating transportation to help those left homeless due to tornado. People can go to the following locations and a bus will take them to the shelter. People should go to:
1. Junge Stadium on 13th Street;
2. Forest Park Baptist Church, 7th & Rangeline
3. Lowe's 24th & Rangeline
4. Vintage Stock, 32nd & Main.

I copied the Facebook Postings below on May 24, 2011 from:

http://www.facebook.com/joplinmo?sk=wall&filter=12 
They are worth reading because the capture lessons from the critical 72 hours after the event. They are especially useful for what people offer besides advice, like where to donate wheel chairs for the elderly who need them and where pet owners can find locate their pets.

May 24, 2011 Joplin Facebook postings:

Lauryn Marie I am with the River Valley Leader News Organization and just got off the phone with the Salvation Army. Lt. Josh Robinett says that the donations are all very thoughtful, but they are being overrun. Monetary donations are the best way to help with the diaster relief. There is a link on the on salvationarmy.org website to donate. If you would like more news check on rivervalleyleader.com

Roya Lorge I live in Clarksville, TN, but Springfield is my hometown and I want to help. I am taking donations here in TN and plan on driving them down this weekend. I know that almost anything would be appreciated, but I need to know what are the greatest necessities as of right now, besides water. Thanks! 

Amy Martin Conner shoes, water, baby supplies, personal hygenie, and food items that are individually wrapped are needed.

Roya Lorge Thank you!

Alexanderea C. Hamilton Tide Loads of Hope and Duracell Truck will be open to the public beginning Thurs. at the Walmart on 7th St in Joplin MO. The Duracell truck has power stations that enable people to charge devices and use PC's to communicate to their families they are safe (7am-7pm). Tide Loads of Hope is a mobile laundromat that washes 300 loads a day! Please share this with anyone that may need this

Nina Mink

Free day care for children of volunteers at Carterville Christian Church. Please call 417 540 9029 for more info on dropping kids off, driving directions or volunteering to work the day care.

Josette Sacco

How can I help? I am in Chicago and I am ready to ask around work and all my friends to donate cloths, supplies, etc. Can I ship them? Is there anything specific you are looking for?

Teresa Beck i know that are asking for bottle water, no one is allowed to drink the water in joplin, also need diapers ,blankets,pillows , canned goods too

Alabama 2011 Tornado Lost or Missing Josette, you may want to check out this Google Document. Organizations are listing locations for drop offs there. http://goo.gl/9N0LS Truckers are volunteering their time to transport, also. 

(A man carries a young boy who was rescued after being trapped in his home. (AP Photo/Mike Gullett)

Patricia Newsom Cedillo

Anyone know of a place to mail donated clothes and such? I'm in Texas.

Amber Spence Check The Bridge they are coordinating with a lot od donators.

Amber Spence of donators sorry!

Kerry Pece Try contacting someone from this site http://goo.gl/9N0LS

Kristy Charleen Trimmell

I have clean childrens clothing ranging from 12 months - 5T, Teen sizes and adult. Live in Springfield, MO...where can I take these to?

Kerry Pece Try this website http://goo.gl/9N0LS

Kristine Hutchison Durkin

All subway restaurants in the independence missouri area, and the subway in liberty mo walmart are accepting all non-monetary donations. Please inbox me if you have any questions.

Crystal Combs-Wicklund likes this.

Zackary Fields

Who in Joplin can tell me about - ?
1. the roads and access to the city
2. stores that are open, we can send gift cards if we know where to get them from

Jan Ashley April Hoth Reeves and Timothy Reeves will be filling their Church van from Town and Country Christian Church in Okmulgee, OK this week to take to Joplin. Personal items, WATER, diapers are most needed. Look into your stockpiles and see what you can give. Call me or their number is 405-614-0076. They would like the donations by Wednesday. Thanks. Also, gloves, tarps, trash bags and totes are needed. They are taking them to April's Parents Church to be distributed. 

Amanda Blakeney

where in springfield can i drop off items? does anyone need clothes (maternity or baby)

Jennifer Schuck Raby Q 1021 studios in the food for less shopping center

Mitsya Marsupial the bistro market parking lot downtown.

Donna M Meek I need to know if we can deliver supplies, we have some 4-H clubs collecting

Mitsya Marsupial the local officials are begging people not to just sow up. contact your area's red cross or united way & let them coordinate with the city for delivery

Donna M Meek Thank you!!

Kristyn Bolin My husband works for MoDOT about an hour away from Joplin - just heard they are heading out with all their dump trucks and chainsaws! :)

The Kitchen, IncThe Kitchen will be collecting personal care items through Friday for our neighbors in Joplin. Please bring these items to our Administration Building, 420 E Pacific Springfield, MO between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. For more info please call 417-837-1500 and ask to speak with Stephanie or Kippie. Items to donate: tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc. Thank you!

Alicia MorrisCBC is in need of type O negative. Please consider donating blood at this time and give the gift of life!

Jaclyn Gittings At this time Show-Me Response remains on stand-by. Local and regional resources are being utilized. The remaining hospital does not require additional staff at this time. Should that change, we will call up volunteers through Show-Me Response. At this time we ask that our volunteers please be patient, get plenty of rest. Please do not self deploy. (Residents begin digging through the rubble of their home. (AP Photo/Mike Gullett)

Steve Elliott Did Sagmont Baptist Camp get hit?

Leslie Cheesman Rovero We are in Los Angeles.... who do we contact in your area to send clothes and other stuff to you guys!!??? God Bless and know you are all in our prayers. 

Janet Svendsen Bain May be helpful for everyone in surrounding areas collecting items of what is needed, wanted, desired so people can do what they can to send those items...

The Kitchen, Inc The Kitchen will be collecting personal care items through Friday for our neighbors in Joplin. Please bring these items to our Administration Building, 420 E Pacific Springfield, MO between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. For more info please call 417-837-1500 and ask to speak with Stephanie or Kippie. Items to donate: tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc. Thank you! 

Jaclyn GittingsAt this time Show-Me Response remains on stand-by. Local and regional resources are being utilized. The remaining hospital does not require additional staff at this time. Should that change, we will call up volunteers through Show-Me Response. At this time we ask that our volunteers please be patient, get plenty of rest. Please do not self deploy

Shawn Lee Defiant Wood‎.lookin for scott morris, chris miller, stormy miller, and chris elseworth. anyone that knows them from my joplin friends needs to help me find them. also lookin for liz eads.Do you know if any organization is collecting canes, walkers and wheelchairs for the elderly?

Philip Struble Weather update: More storms and possible tornadoes tonight. Highest risk for the Joplin area will be between 9-11pm. Looks like the highest possibility of tornadoes is in an area extending from Salina to southern Oklahoma and from south central Kansas to the 4State area. Stay alert. I will keep the updates coming

Tricia Burg Oh no I hope and pray the weatherman is wrong.

Sara Winne Foster Would the admin of this site please contact me when you get a chance? We are setting up a website of resources and I would like to connect you with it. Please write when you have a chance with your contact info so I can give you more information. Thanks.

Brian Dorman http://audiofarm.org/audiofiles/157642 minutes ago

Kim Slaughter Photos of found pets from the tornado: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185777121473446.55534.185768248141000

Alabama 2011 Tornado Lost or Missing After recently going through this, please be careful where you donate money. Unfortunately, there are many who are not honest and will take advantage of this tragedy.

I know most people list the ARC, but there are many more legitimate organizations who will take and distribute money locally without the large overhead of a corporation or the risk of being scammed.

Kristyn Bolin My husband works for MoDOT about an hour away from Joplin - just heard they are heading out with all their dump trucks and chainsaws! :)

Teri Wheeler OK YA'LL I CALLED THEM ABOUT THIS PAGE NEEDING A SHARE BUTTON! WOOHOO! SHE SAID I KNOW JUST THE PERSON TO TELL! SO AGAIN THIS IS HOW IT IS TO BE A SHOW ME STATE GIRL! SHOW THEM AND THEY WILL GET IT DONE! ;) THANKS FOR THE IDEA FOR A SHARE BUTTON! 

Brooke Tosie So what do i do if i wanna go to Joplin and help? Do i just go down there?

Brooke Tosie Thank you all !!

Brittany Nicole You can sign up as a volunteer on www.211missouri.org/

Josette Sacco How can I help? I am in Chicago and I am ready to ask around work and all my friends to donate cloths, supplies, etc. Can I ship them? Is there anything specific you are looking for?

Teresa Beck i know that are asking for bottle water, no one is allowed to drink the water in joplin, also need diapers ,blankets,pillows , canned goods too

Alabama 2011 Tornado Lost or Missing Josette, you may want to check out this Google Document. Organizations are listing locations for drop offs there. http://goo.gl/9N0LS Truckers are volunteering their time to transport, also.

Frank Drake A Shear Thing Salon is partnering with Heart to Heart,

Plato's Closet, and other Shawnee, KS businesses to collect
supplies for those affected by the tornado in Joplin, MO
Here is how you can help...
CARE KIT CONTENTS:

Kim Bedell I have a crew of guys that can come from Leavenworth KS with chainsaws and bobcat equipment. Who do I need to get in contact with so they can make arrangements to come help out?

Amy Martin Conner for help in the rescue and cleanup efforts, you should contact the joplin police dept (417) 623-3131 and let them know your skills and what equipmet you have. :)

Kim Bedell Thank you!

Kristy Charleen Trimmell

I have clean childrens clothing ranging from 12 months - 5T, Teen sizes and adult. Live in Springfield, MO...where can I take these to?

14 minutes ago via Android 

Kerry Pece Try this websitehttp://goo.gl/9N0LS

Shawn Lee Defiant Wood

Hospitals where people were taken
Integris Baptist Health Center in Miami - 918-542-6611
McCune Brooks Hospital in Carthage 417-358-8121
St. John's Hospital in Springfield 417-820-2000(Destroyed vehicles are piled on top of one another in the parking lot of the Joplin Regional Medical Center. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Sabrina Bentrup MRC Recycling is Accepting Non-Perishable Donations for Joplin Relief

On Saturday, May 28, MRC will be taking a truck to Joplin, Missouri to aid in the recovery in the wake of the destruction sustained during the recent storm activity.
We are taking non-perishable donations at all MRC locations. Donations must be brought in by Friday th...See More

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri

A MO family is matching up to $50,000 in donations made to Heart of Missouri United Way for Joplin, MO Tornado Recovery.

Nikki Moffett Czeschin Trying to locate Stanley Moffett or any of his family in the Joplin area. They are not listed on the safe and well website. I know the odds of someone hearing of him are slight, but I thought I'd put it out there. Thanks!

Amanda Claxton Missouri United Way has established the Joplin, MO Tornado Recovery. To donate, call 573-443-4523. Or text "JOPLIN" to 864833 to make a $10 donation. :)

Joanne Curio if any one going up to joplin from lebanon mo let me know because i would love to help out here is my no 417-322-0707 my name is joanne

Debbie Gibbs Godlewski Joanne - seriously...i don't even know you but, be careful!!!

Joanne Curio i need to go and help out thats me my heart is telling me to help out because we may be able to save lifes out there

Joplin, MO Tornado Recovery

Phone lines are now open at Heart of Missouri United Way! Call 573-443-4523, go online to http://uwheartmo.org/, or text JOPLIN to 864833 to make a donation. A MO family has pledged to match up to $50,000 in donations made to this organization, beginning this morning, and 00% of proceeds go straight to Joplin. All overhead is being covered locally.

Welcome to Heart of Missouri United Way - Home Page

uwheartmo.org

This is the official website of the Heart of Missouri United Way in Columbia, Missouri.

Savannah Portell And baby supplies!

Maria Zaldiba Thank you for all you're doing. I'm praying and will donate.Amber Lucas St. John's in Tulsa, Ok. has people that were injured. The main number is 918-744-2345. I am checking with the other hospitals around here as well.
(Residents of Joplin, Mo, walk west on 26th Street near Maiden Lane. (AP Photo/Mike Gullett)
Jarred Young ok so fema has too many numbers anyone know the number for fema in joplin???Bill Benson Our needs our becoming very specific at the shelter, for example we need treats and snacks, particularly diabetic friendly items. Also office supplies like ink pens. Please share and repost.Jennifer Tomasi Joplin Tornado Lost Documents

This is a new page that has people who have found photos and other documents, personal items in their lawns etc. after the tornado. They are trying to return these things to their owners.
Very good 

\Tony Williams Don't pos medical records. Its a HEPA violation. Morgan GunterBe wary to donate. Trucks are being turned away. And you never know who is lying about supplies... Happened with Katrina. Go through the Red Cross or Fema

Jessica StocktonStockton Law Office at 207 E. Main St., Gardner, KS 66030 is now taking donations like clothing, shoes, non-perishable food items, hand sanitizer, and money for the families affected by the tornado in Joplin, MO. We are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch. Thank you, please re-post to get the word out!

Lief Eric MaloneCould the group creators please make a $10 Million for Joplin event, encouraging 1 million people to give $10 to the Heart of Missouri United Way?

Jarod Clarke‎The Kansas City Chiefs are accepting donations of bottled water from noon to 7pm today and Wednesday from 7am to 7pm at Arrowhead Stadium Lot C. http://bit.ly/iG0VqUJennifer Leisure SlinkardI'd be more than willing to take in any victims/families that need a temporary place...I'm in Fort Scott about 1 hour away fro m Joplin.

social media disaster response

Solemnity of Christ the King and Today's World

Here is a homily a monk frond of mine delivered on November 19th and 20th, 2021 on the Solemnity of Christ the King. As he travelled to Eastern Europe in the early 1980's, he saw the suffering communism imposed on people. He is concerned the same is happing right now in the United States of America. His warning is worth considering.

In contrast, the only color I remember seeing was gray,

Solemnity of Christ the King

November 19/20, 2021 - St. Michael – Poplar Springs

 On August 23, 1976, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla visited central Wisconsin, including a stop and lunch at the farm of my cousin Maynard Zdroik. 

The Cardinal was accompanied on this day by another cousin, Leonard Groshek, who was a member of the State Assembly, and his wife Regina, who 26 years later, attended my first Mass at the age of 89. 

Little did anyone know that just over two years later, this visitor would be standing on the balcony of St. Peter’s as Pope John Paul II. 

 A few years later, Wednesday, March 26, 1980, a candidate for President visited my hometown. 

The kids were released from school to listen to him…he spoke from the bandstand which still stands on the old courthouse square (the courthouse has since been replaced by a library). 

Less than ten months later, standing in front of the United States Capitol, as Ronald Reagan was giving his inaugural address as the new President, fifty-two Americans who had been held hostage in Tehran for 444 days were released.

Just a few months ago, men and women of my age from my hometown were posting on Facebook their photos of Ronald Reagan’s visit to Waupaca… all taken while he was in our beloved bandstand.

 Both, were men of hope…seeing the best in others and expressing a vision of hope which shaped my generation. 

Their words were about freedom and the inherent dignity of the human person.

They were able, through word, sincerity and enthusiasm, express a vision for the future which was so bright and vivid, that one could imagine it in the minds eye. During my first walk in 1990 down the Krakowskie Przedmieście (the Royal Way), which was previously and is again today, the most luxurious street in Warsaw.

It was, to be blunt, depressing.

The businesses along that famous street had little to sell.

One store would sell buckles for shoes, the place next door, buttons, another store had things on display, but not for sale, as there was a long waiting list.

Restaurants had limited, but tasty, food available.

 Only the churches seemed to have color…once one stepped through the doors.

They were full of people much of the day. Everyone stopped for Mass, a publicly prayed or private rosary, just a few moments of quiet prayer.

A place of hope in the midst of a country which had just thrown off the yoke of Communism and whose people were working hard to bring about a renewal of every aspect of life.

 Despite being a shock, it was really no surprise, as only a few years prior, Teresa, one of my family’s long time employees would gather used clothing and even spices like black pepper to send to her family in Poland. 

As the financial situation of the Communist regime worsened, the country was no longer able to pay to import items, like spices, which could not be produced there…and they often exported the highest quality items of what they did produce to obtain cash to prop up the collapsing system.

 On that same trip to Eastern Europe,

I arrived in Bucharest, Romania on January 6, 1991…Christmas Eve for the Orthodox, who make up the majority of t he country’s population.

There were huge thoroughfares in the city…eight lanes wide…with a handful of cars.  Few people owned them.

The resources of the country had been poured into huge building projects,       but many massive buildings and wide roads were close to empty.

The military still came out in large numbers to try to maintain order, as their dictator and his wife had been executed only a year prior, and the people were suffering severe hardship.

 I will never forget seeing the vigil candle stands which had been brought out of the churches and placed in the locations around the city where bloodshed had taken place in the struggle to overthrow tyranny. 

The candles burned around the clock. 

So many lives lost in the struggle for freedom.

 I wanted to make my way to Suceava, a city in the north of the country,

          located in an area known for its painted monasteries.

Leaving in a very simple rental car, as I drove through the countryside on a very foggy evening, there were hundreds of people walking along the roads, or riding in simple horse drawn buckboards, going from village to village to be with family on Orthodox Christmas Eve.

There were no flashlights or electric lights.

Only kerosene lanterns in the hand or affixed to the horse drawn vehicle. I had stepped back in time almost a hundred years.

 After a somewhat nerve wracking drive, I arrived at the hotel where I had a reservation.

After checking in and going up to the room, I went down to the front desk to ask about making a telephone call to the USA to let my family know that I arrived safely.

I asked, “Is it possible to make a telephone call to the United States?”

The very polite woman at the front desk answered, “Someday it will be possible, but not today.”

 Over the next week, I saw once again the poverty imposed by Marxist ideology.

In the rare shop that had anything, the shopkeepers would try to detain me until they could get a family member of friend who might have something I might want to buy for US dollars. 

Thus, in a shop selling postcards, I was suddenly being shown handmade sweaters, amazing lace table cloths and embroidery of the highest quality, all made by folks trying to survive.

A year prior to my visit, in a last ditch effort to avoid an overthrow, the dictator had increased the monthly pension for retirees by the equivalent of fifty cents.

Just as the streets of Poland were gray, the interior of public buildings in Romania were dark.

There were elaborate light fixtures everywhere…often so many that it was garish, but there would be one bulb in a fixture designed for 20 bulbs.

The stairways in the hotels were so dark that it was hazardous.

Dining rooms were dimly lit, not to give ambiance, but because of a lack of lightbulbs.

It seemed that lightbulbs had to be imported, and there was no money to do so.

Amazingly, the only place that had lightbulbs was the Catholic churches – probably because the Church in the West donated them-and the Catholics installed them on every nook and cranny inside their churches as a symbol of defiance against the darkness…both figurative and literal...of Communism.

 Of course, all of what I described seems like ancient history, having taken place between 45 and 30 years ago.

Memories fade.  New generations have their own experiences.

Stories are written.  Some important stories go unwritten.

And, as a people, we often think that when doing things that have failed before, it will somehow be different this time!

 We live in a world filled with information in which false narratives often supersede facts, sloppy ideologies displace truth, and waves of people hop on the latest bandwagon as if it were their vehicle to salvation. 

 If you doubt that political ideology has widely replaced theology in the hearts of

many people, I invite you to ask:

Have religious pilgrimages been replaced by political rallies?

Have religious processions been set aside in favor of protests and riots?

Have theologians been replaced by ideologues as the source of our shared values?

 We have become fixated on the here and now, and the eternal has been lost to many.

Treasure on earth, rather than treasure in heaven.

 Why is there not a wedding taking place every few weeks in this church?

Why is the number of baptisms in serious decline across the nation?

Why have funerals, if there is a funeral at all, become a “check the box” affair,

which occurs at a time and place that is convenient  to everyone’s schedule?  Why is the body of the deceased treated with so little reverence…

there are folks who are liquefying their loved ones or having them made into jewelry.

 A decade or so ago, it could be said that secularism and atheism were creeping into our society. 

No longer. 

Now, they are holding rallies in our town squares and even “victory parades” on the main thoroughfares of almost every city, town and village in America. 

 Seventy four years ago this past week, the Catholic Bishops of the US released a statement on secularism which is well worth sharing with you.

 “Secularism which exiles God from human life clears the way for the acceptance of godless subversive ideologies — just as religion, which keeps God in human life, has been the one outstanding opponent of totalitarian tyranny.

Religion has been its first victim; for tyrants persecute what they fear.

 Thus secularism, as the solvent of practical religious influence in the everyday life of men and nations, is not indeed the most patent, but in a very true sense the most insidious hindrance to world reconstruction within the strong framework of God's natural law.

There would be more hope for a just and lasting peace if the leaders of the nations were really convinced that secularism which disregards God, as well as militant atheism which utterly denies Him, offer no sound basis for stable international agreements for enduring respect for human rights or for freedom under law.”

Catholic Bishops of the USA 11/14/1947

Just this week, it was reported that the Department of Health and Human Services is preparing regulations which would place Catholic health-care providers in an untenable position,” forcing them to choose between staying in business “or provide services and products that are in direct conflict with our basic Catholic teachings.”

This is not by accident.  It is an agenda.  Ask yourselves, just who is advancing it?

 In a statement, a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spokesperson said,

“The reports of multiple actions by the Department of Health and Human Services this week appear to demonstrate a troubling attack on the religious freedom and rights of conscience of health care and child welfare providers, which will only serve to harm their beneficiaries.

We continue to assert our right to serve others regardless of background and in accord with our faith.”

 “Today’s Solemnity, that of Christ the King, was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as an antidote to secularism, a way of life which leaves God out of our thinking and living and organizes our lives as if God did not exist.

The feast is intended to proclaim in a striking and effective manner Christ's sovereignty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.”                                                                   (Catholic Culture Online)

We are reminded that “Christ is God, the Creator of the universe and hence wields a supreme power over all things; "All things were created by Him.”

Christ is our Redeemer, He purchased us by His precious Blood, and made us His property and possession; Christ is Head of the Church, "holding in all things the primacy";God bestowed upon Christ the nations of the world as His special possession and dominion.

We are also reminded of the qualities of Christ's kingdom. This kingdom is:

1) Supreme, extending not only to all people but also to their princes and kings;

2) Universal, extending to all nations and to all places;

3) Eternal, for "The Lord shall sit a King forever";

4) Spiritual, Christ's "kingdom is not of this world".”  (Msgr. Rudolph G. Bandas)

My brothers and sisters,

          I shared many recollections from my youth with you today, not to give a decades old travelogue, but to stand as a witness to the fact that the failed ideologies of the past, even if covered over and given a new look, much like retread tires, are really not roadworthy, and are doomed to fail when we rely on them most.

 It is true that as people of faith, we are often the target of those who seek to get us out of the picture, so they can implement an agenda rooted in ideologies contrary to the Faith, unhindered by our commitment to upholding the inherent the dignity of the human person.

 But, as Saint Pope John Paul II said often, “Be not Afraid.”

 They can take everything from us.

They can reduce us, to what were called in the Soviet Union, “former people.”

These were people, who after the so-called October Revolution in Russia, lost their social status; namely the aristocracy, imperial military, bureaucracy, clergy, etc.

The "former people" were a target of severe persecution of various kinds by the Communist regime.

 

We, as devout Catholics, may suffer in similar or in different ways, but the story does not end there.

We know that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is eternal.

Other kingdoms, regimes, or whatever one calls them, and their rulers will slip away, but Christ is King for all eternity.