Townhouse Fire, 12/29/09

Our thoughts are with the families who were affected by the townhouse fire in Leesburg this afternoon. With the help of volunteers, the Chapter was able to provide housing & additional assistance to the families.

Firefighters Rescue Four from Wind-whipped Fire|ABC 7 News

Ride for the Red 2009

The chapter's 3rd annual Ride for the Red was held today. We had absolutely amazing weather, and an amazing group that helped run the event. Thanks to all of the volunteers, businesses, and riders who turned out!

After grabbing breakfast, the first bikes soared out of the parking lot of the Leesburg Moose Lodge around 9:00 a.m. The volunteers in charge of cooking up lunch started to work, and by the time the bikers came back, subs,and barbecue were available. Riders had the opportunity to get poker hands stamped at the various rest stops, with judging done after the Ride. With one ace high hand, the first person up snagged a Garmin GPS unit designed for cycles.

The day ended with raffles and a 50/50 drawing. And the announcement for the Ride for the Red 2010: the first Saturday in October. Make plans to join us... And scroll down for some pictures of the event.

Car Wash... At the Car Wash...

Our first attempt at a car wash was rained out in June... But, the day was sunny, no clouds, and rather hot on August 8 for our 2nd attempt! Lots of suds, lots of water, and a bullhorn meant that there was a decent number of cars to wash.



The chapter raised several hundred dollars. We'd like to thank Chick-Fil-A in Sterling for the use of their parking lot for our car wash... And to remind everybody that you should "honk if you love chick'n!"

August Disaster Action Team Meeting

Cookies, coffee, vegetarian Chinese food. Scones, doughnuts, croissants... and Komodo Dragon Blend Beans. What do ALL of those things (as strange as it sounds!) have in common?

Read on to find out...

Our DAT monthly DAT meeting had Dr. Joe Sciuto, Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness for the National Capital Region speaking to the Loudoun volunteers. Those in attendance learned about the "One Red Cross" initiative, which is designed to encourage community and regional chapters to work together, along with giving the volunteers more of a leadership role. Joe shared volunteer opportunities with both the Regional Disaster Services Committee (RDSC---not to be confused with the RDCC) and the Regional Disaster Communications Center (the RDCC... confusing isn't it??). He also answered questions from volunteers about preparedness for H1N1, and how the new One Red Cross opens up opportunities for those in the National Capital Region to work with volunteers from chapters in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore.


Oh, and if you're still waiting to know what all of those things had in common...
Starbucks graciously donated the coffee, scones, doughnuts and croissants. The youth volunteers in the picture with Joe purchased cookies for the meeting at a local grocery store after going out for dinner at a Chinese restaurant that serves vegetarian food! Thanks to Starbucks for the wonderful pastries!

National Night Out

We were invited to participate with the Courts of St. Francis in Purcellville, VA during the annual National Night Out. The chapter handed out literature, enjoyed the lovely barbecue, and helped support positive methods for crime reduction in neighborhoods. Another awesome way to help people be prepared in the event of a disaster, and helping people to understand what the Red Cross' role is during emergencies. Thank-you for inviting us!

First Aid, CPR & WalMart

The Loudoun County chapter was the beneficiary of a grant from WalMart earlier this Spring. What does that mean? We have money to help people... BE PREPARED! The money has allowed the chapter to purchase technology for training (a laptop and an LCD projector), and also allowed us to train 12 new & renewing members of our Disaster Action Team in CPR/AED and First Aid on Saturday.
Volunteers attending the class said it was one of the best they had ever participated in, so kudos to our instructor who volunteered her time. Make sure to check out the pictures...

What We Learned at Kings Dominion

1. Fudge is best when shared.
2. Funnel cake should not be eaten while operating a Red Cross vehicle. If you must please finish your cell phone call and/or text message first.
3. Moose are cool but don’t make good pets.
   
4. Loudoun is spelled with a U!
   
5. The top speed of the ERV is 12O MPH, Shelter Response Truck is 105 MPH*.
6. Tofu is not served at Hardee’s or Taco Bell.
7. Do not leave the adult volunteers in the chicken-free parking lot of restaurants.
8. Don't forget the ice!
9. If the sign says, "You will get wet on this ride.", you will probably get wet on the ride.
   
10. Perfect weather cannot be ordered in advance. You just get lucky as we did.

*But, of course, we would never break the speed limit.