Red Cross dedicates new building to serve the community
By Kyle Valentini
May 8, 2011
320
Summary: A newly renovated building will serve as headquarters for the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross. The building was dedicated in a ceremony attended by members of the community. Senator Jason Wilson spoke with pride about the new facility and the people who made it possible.
The Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross held a building dedication ceremony in honor of the communities support and commitment to helping others. The celebration was held Friday, May 6th at 11:00 am at the Chapters newly renovated office at 1451 Fourth St. NW at New Philadelphia.
Members of The New Philadelphia High School Band opened the dedication ceremony with the playing of the national anthem. Members of The New Philadelphia VFW served as color guard and proudly raised the flag.
Barbara Stockert, a longtime volunteer added charm and nostalgia to the dedication as she portrayed Clara Barton, the original organizer of the Red Cross. Dressed in a custom made period costume that Stockert made herself, she handed out patriotic pins to all those in attendance.
Chad Conrad, Muskingum Lakes Chapter Executive Director, began by thanking the community for their support. Its been a long road and we now have a permanent facility, said Conrad. Conrad took a moment to thank all the troops and made mention of the strong connection the Red Cross has with the military.
Conrad has been with the Muskingum Lakes Chapter for 14 years.
Senator Jason Wilson spoke with enthusiasm about the new location and the partnerships that made it possible. We would not be standing here today without the help of Allan Sayre, he did so much to help secure state funding for this facility, said Wilson.
Senator Wilson recounted his own experience as a flood victim and the Red Cross was there to assist. Red Cross touches us because each of us feels and hurts. How we respond tells of our character. Volunteering is a critical part of our society and the heart of The Red Cross, said Wilson. The Red Cross will be a partner when there is tragedy or need.
The $900,000 project took three years to complete and included the purchase of the building and extensive renovations. Incoming board chair, Linda Egler said, What you see here is a dream come true only made better. State money funded $750,000 for the project while the rest came from foundations, businesses and individual donations.
Senator Wilson said, When you look at this list of donors you see the future of Tuscarawas County.
The renovations were part of the Chapters Helping Hands Reaching Out community partnership. The renovations completed now allow the chapter to provide a disaster headquarters and enhanced kitchen facilities to assist disaster teams. There is adequate space for chapter needs.
The central location adds identification to the community, said Conrad. The board is hoping the new location, with better visibility, will attract more volunteers, financial donors, blood donors and class participants. The new location allows for an increase in chapter training capabilities and parking for clients, volunteers and customers. Chapter emergency response vehicles, vans and trailers will be kept on site.
A light boxed lunch was served out an emergency response vehicle much like it would be in a case of disaster or need. Tours of the new facility were offered.
Serving the area since 1917, the Muskingum Lakes Chapter is a humanitarian organization, led by 165 volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The chapter is staffed by two full-time and one part-time employee.
The Muskingum Chapter of the Red Cross serves Tuscarawas, Harrison and Carroll Counties.
