The Greenwich Red Cross has deployed long-time volunteer Adele McDowell, Ph.D., a trained psychotherapist and author of “Balancing Act – Reflection, Meditations, and Coping Strategies for Today’s Fast-Paced Whirl” to Joplin, Missouri to support ongoing disaster relief operations. Adele McDowell will be working in a mental health role, assisting those affected by the recent tornados.

Originally, from Dallas, Texas, Adele spent three weeks volunteering with the Red Cross in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina.  In response to her recently deployment, Adele says she is “so excited” to join the core of dedicated volunteers who, since April 1, have supported 33 large-scale disaster operations affecting 22 states.  “It’s an honor and a privilege,” Adele says. “You never know how things are going to unfold, but to witness the bonding of the human spirit is something that hugely enriches your life.”

Since April, volunteers like Adele have responded to an unprecedented number of tornados, floods and severe storms; providing nearly 54,000 health and mental health consultations, opening 240 shelters, serving nearly 2.4 million hot meals and snacks and distributing more then 1.2 million relief items such as toothbrushes, shampoo and cleaning supplies.  As a particularly violent storm season rages on, dedicated volunteers and staff will continue to work tirelessly to bring shelter, food, supplies, comfort and hope to thousands of Americans in their times of need and deep anguish.

As the 2011 hurricane season begins, the need to prepare for future disasters becomes even more urgent.  Preparing communities is a core mandate of the American Red Cross mission and is also economically the right  thing to do—for every dollar invested in community disaster preparedness, up to $10 are saved in post-disaster response costs.  Preparation also saves lives. In Japan, tsunami drills and warning systems such as coastal sirens are credited with saving thousands of lives during the March earthquake and tsunami.  To learn how you can prepare for disasters and emergencies, or how you can support disaster preparedness in our community, visit their website at www.greenwichredcross.org.

Earth Day Nature Preserve Clean Up
Old Stone Bridge
Cos Cob
Sponsored by Outdoor Traders
April 22, 2010
4:00-5:00 PM (rain or shine)
Cos Cob

Bring your children and friends to Greenwich Land Trust’s afternoon of Earth Day community service and stewardship sponsored by Outdoor Traders (Arch Street, Greenwich). Help pick up and dispose of garbage and clear brush. Bring your own work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. This is a great way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day with your children and grandchildren! The outing will be held rain or shine.

Park along Old Stone Bridge in Cos Cob (near the intersection of Cat Rock Road). Trash removal will take place along the roadway and in GLT’s Old Stone Bridge Nature Preserve.

Care of Trees will be providing seedling trees for event participants.