Thank You & Happy Thanksgiving

Who’s Ready to Watch Some Football Tomorrow?

By: PaKou Lee, Social Media Intern

The Packers will be playing against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field starting at 11:30 a.m. I thought the last game against the Minnesota Vikings was pretty rough. I was nervous throughout the entire overtime play. My home state versus my favorite football team. Of course, the Packers are my favorite.

I was never into football before moving here to Green Bay. My friends and family finally converted me after nearly a year of living in Green Bay. The culture here is definitely different than back at home in St. Paul. Green Bay has a lot of community events involving the Packers, smaller organizations and businesses. It feels more personable to me. Back at home, there’s so much going on; the city is bigger, there is a lot more to do. I’m always on the fast lane that sometimes I forget about what my home state is all about. I definitely appreciate both cultures and states. Just spreading my Minnesota Nice to Green Bay.

I’m still trying to understand football. When I started watching the games, I had a ton of questions: What is an interception? Where is the ball? Once I even made a silly, but serious comment, “Wow! The Packers had a really good home run.” Of course, I know the difference between a home run and a touchdown. It just slipped out. It still makes my family laugh when someone brings it up, so there’s something good in that. I’ll be sporting my Packer gear tomorrow and cheering them on. I hope you and your family have a great time watching the Packer game or any of the other teams playing tomorrow. Stay warm if you’re going to be outside.

Be Prepared – Get the app

Whether you’re watching the game at home or playing your own football game in your backyard this Thanksgiving, be prepared to handle the most common first aid emergencies. Get your head in the game and download our First Aid mobile app on your iPhone or Android device.

Serving Those Who Have Selflessly Served Us

By Kaitlyn Schmitt, UWO Red Cross Club Member

Adrianne Benson, Americorps Vet Corps member and Red Cross volunteer, and members from the UWO Red Cross Club spent the afternoon on November 23, 2013 volunteering at the beautiful Veteran’s Home in King, WI.

The Veterans were very excited to see the ladies from the Red Cross Club. We provided each Veteran with a Holiday Mail card which was made by the club and local elementary school students. The Veterans were filled with excitement and gratitude when they received the cards.

The Red Cross Club helped with some “intense” games of Bingo with the Veterans. There were definitely a lot of big winners that day! After bingo, we socialized with some of the Veterans and then we were given a tour of the incredible facility. We were amazed by all of the facility’s amenities including a bowling alley, movie theatre and a tunnel transport system. To top it off, the lakeside view was breathtaking!

Here I am helping pass out cards for the “intense” games of Bingo!

We had a great time serving those who have selflessly served us. We enjoyed getting to know the Veterans and we were all touched by this incredible experience.

Thank you to the  King Veterans Home staff for allowing us to join you. Thanks to the Red Cross for this incredible opportunity. Thanks Red Cross Club Members for the participation and enthusiasm on this wonderful experience!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kaitlyn

Too Blessed to be Stressed.

By PaKou Lee, Social Media Intern

Everyday I count my blessings in my head. I think about all the things I’m thankful for right before I sleep. I remind myself to be thankful of all the little and big things I take for granted, like mandatory overtime at work, a stranger’s laugh and my family.

I am especially thankful for my sisters, sister-in-laws, and nieces for their wonderful cooking! I can never lose a pound even with all of the cardio that I do because I am always eating good. Not only that, but I am also not that great of a cook so I am extra thankful for their delicious food. The aroma of curry in the kitchen and just thinking about the spiciness of papaya salad makes my mouth water. You don’t even have to ask my family about my cooking. I already know the answer:

“She can cook the basic scramble eggs, noodles, and rice. She might get you fast food if you raise your hand when she asks who’s hungry.”

My sister-in-law, Sunning’s, green bean casserole from last year’s Thanksgiving. I always look forward to this dish because it’s so good!

It’s always a joke to say that in my family, but hey I know they give me credit for helping them prep, set the table, and clean.

I haven’t done any cooking or baking this year yet, but last year I was baking chocolate chip cookies for my family in Minnesota. I baked roughly 4 dozens of cookies. For my third dozen, it took a little bit longer to bake. I had no idea why it was taking 20 minutes when the instructions said about 10-12 minutes. After I took the cookies out of the oven, the middle was still gooey and raw. I came to realize I had turned off the oven when I took out the second batch. Haha, whoops! I told my family that if they eat a cookie that taste funny, it means good luck. Just kidding! My family still loves me though. It’s the thought that counts.

Noodles topped with cilantro!

This Thanksgiving, I’m in charge of the pies and sparkling juice! Easy as 1-2-3! Except, I’m going to take on a challenge! Making cheesecake pumpkin pie. No worries, my 18-year-old niece, Dystany, is going to help and supervise. The little ones Nevaeh, Kace, & Cienna will definitely be the taste testers and there’s always back up pumpkin pies at the grocery store too!

When life gets a little out of control, I remind myself:

“Too blessed to be stressed.”

A little quote to share with you this Thanksgiving year. Don’t forget to view our cooking and traveling safety tips also. I hope you all have a belly-too-full-to-move Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones! Safe travels & stay warm!

American Red Cross Offers Thanksgiving Cooking and Travel Tips

Millions of Americans will be preparing meals and traveling throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The American Red Cross has safety tips for the kitchen and for the highway.

“More home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year,” said Steve Hansen, Regional Chief Operating Officer. “The week of Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest travel periods. We want people to arrive at their destinations, enjoy time with their loved ones and make it home safely.”

COOKING SAFETY:  Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries. Follow these safety tips:

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area.
• Clean all cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup.
• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn burners off if leaving the kitchen.
• Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire.
• Place turkey fryers outside and away from the house, deck and garage.

TRAVEL SAFETY:  Vehicles should be in good working order before heading out. Remember to:

• Pack emergency supplies like blankets, water and snacks, flashlight and first aid kit.
• Fill the fuel tank, check air pressure in tires and top-off windshield fluid.
• Buckle up and obey all traffic signs.
• Avoid distractions while driving like using mobile phones to talk or text.
• Designate a driver who won’t be drinking whenever alcohol is served.

The Red Cross has a variety of emergency supplies and first aid kits available at redcrossstore.org.

KNOW HOW TO TREAT EMERGENCIES: People can learn how to respond to emergencies by downloading the free American Red Cross First Aid App. Users receive instant access to expert advice whenever and wherever they need it. The app is available in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.

Soup’s On Cooks Up a Record Evening

The results are in from the Red Cross’ annual Soup’s On fundraiser which took place on Friday, November 1st at the Grand Meridian in Appleton. A new concept for the event named the “High School Challenge” helped the chapter raise a record $50,000 for local programming.

It was the 20th year for Soup’s On but the first year in which 10 area high schools were invited to work with a restaurant/chef as a team. Each team aimed to win the Platinum Ladle Trophy for the best-tasting soup of the night.

The high school students were also encouraged to campaign for votes prior to event night where one vote equaled a one dollar donation to the Red Cross. The school with the most “votes” would receive a  $1,000 grant to purchase new cooking equipment for their culinary classroom.

“The High School Challenge was just what Soup’s On needed to bring it back to life,” said Becky Bergin, Director of Special Events for the American Red Cross in Northeast Wisconsin. “The students added so much fun and excitement to the evening. And wow, can they all cook! Every soup was great and we received a lot of good feedback from our event guests.”

The teams and the soups that were created for the event were as follows:

• Appleton East High School and Café Bon Appétit of Lawrence University made Pozole
• Appleton North High School and Mark’s East Side made Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup
• Appleton West High School and Grand Meridian made Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Fox Valley Lutheran and Pullman’s made Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Green Bay Preble and Big Tomatoes made Preble’s Chorizo Chili
• Hortonville High School and Ione’s Dining Room of Fox Valley Technical College made Buffalo Chicken Chili
• Kaukauna High School and The Kangaroost made Baked Potato Soup
• Little Chute High School and The Main Event Steakhouse made LC Chinese Chowder
• Neenah High School and Cannova’s Pizzeria made Pumpkin Soup with Rocket Relish
• Xavier High School and Atlas Coffee Mill and Café made Curry Apple Soup

Throughout the evening, each guest was able to vote for their favorite soup. The Kaukauna High School/The Kangaroost team took home the Platinum Ladle Trophy for their Baked Potato Soup.

Appleton West was crowned the winner and recipient of the $1,000 cash award for raising $1,661.01

As for the new fundraising component, Appleton West was crowned the winner and recipient of the $1,000 cash award for raising $1,661.01 for the American Red Cross. Appleton North came in at a very close second, winning the runner-up prize of a Kitchen Aid professional mixer. All told, student fundraising from the 10 high schools brought in over $8,800.

“It was a very exciting evening for the kids,” said Lauren Ott, family consumer sciences teacher at Appleton West High School. “They loved working with the chef and got first-hand experience cooking in a real commercial kitchen. They got to use different equipment that we don’t get to use in the classroom.”

“Events like Soup’s On are absolutely vital in raising funding to support our programs and services,” Bergin added. “They are also a great way to introduce those unfamiliar with what we do, to our mission of providing emergency relief and teaching emergency preparedness. We can’t thank our sponsors, the schools, the restaurants and our volunteers enough for making our 20th Anniversary of Soup’s On SOUP-ERB!!!”

A Look Back in Photos

Thursday, November 14, was our Fall Celebration of Support event to recognize volunteers and supporters of the American Red Cross in Northeast Wisconsin.

Please enjoy our “Year in Pictures” video that we shared at the banquet showcasing our Red Cross workers  and the services we provided throughout the year.

Do you want to join our ranks? Please go to: www.redcross.org/newisconsin to sign-up to volunteer.

 

American Red Cross Honors Volunteers and Supporters at Celebration of Support Event

Steve Hansen, Regional Chief Operating Officer, welcoming our 100 volunteers and supporters.

The American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin honored volunteers and community partners November 14, 2013 with its Annual Celebration of Support event held at The Waters in Oshkosh. Special thank you to our event sponsor Festival Foods. One hundred volunteers and supporters attended the event. WBAY-TV Action 2 News Reporter, Emily Matesic served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening.

The night began with welcoming words from Steve Hansen, Regional Chief Operating Officer followed by dinner.

After dinner we began our program, with the renaming of our Emergency Services Award after long-time volunteer Victor Fousek, of Coloma, who passed away in July. We continued with the Volunteer Recognition Awards presented to individuals and groups for their exceptional volunteer work and support.

(l-r) Steve Hansen, COO, James Fousek, Edith Fousek with our 2013 Victor Fousek Emergency Services Award Recipients Sharon Holt and Michelle Vogeltanz, Nick Cluppert, Disaster Director

Sharon Holt, of Combined Locks and Michelle Vogeltanz of Appleton, Victor Fousek Emergency Services Award for commitment and dedication to Disaster Services and members of the Disaster Response Team.

Clifford Hunke, of Oshkosh, Community Services Award, was presented for his exceptional work and dedication in the program area of First Aid Station Teams (FAST) which makes dozens of community events safer.

AnnaClaire Sylvester, of Appleton, Behind-the-Scenes Award presented to a volunteer who assists with essential office work at one of our office locations in development, facilities, reception and other behind-the-scenes jobs.

Mike and Sandy Smith, of Neenah and Jeff and Susan Treu, of Waupaca, Rookie of the Year, presented to a volunteer for exceptional level of service who has started within the past year.

Steve Hansen, COO, and Board Member, Lauri Struck and her daughter Stacy Struck, of Jack’s Maintenance, awarded the Corporate Benefactor Award.

Jack’s Maintenance, Kimberly Clark Foundation and Menasha Corporation Foundation, Corporate Benefactor Award, for a business with outstanding commitment and dedication to the American Red Cross.

Dan Brown of Neenah, Leadership Award, presented to a member of the board of directors, committee or program volunteer for exceptional leadership, contribution and support for the advancement of the American Red Cross.

Tim Cook of Butte Des Morts, Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to the individual who has demonstrated long-term commitment to the American Red Cross. This individual gives time, talent and knowledge in ways that improve the quality of the programs and services of the organization.

Don Merz, of Pickett, Clara Barton Award, the highest award of the night, presented to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of American Red Cross pioneer Clara Barton.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and thank you to everyone for your time, blood and support of the American Red Cross.

Click HERE to see pictures of all the award recipients.

Give the gift of life this Thanksgiving with blood donation

Red Cross to thank donors with pies at select Thanksgiving blood drives

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people reflect on their blessings and look for ways to give back to the community or someone less fortunate. Giving an hour of your time and donating blood could offer a hospital patient the most valuable gift of all – the gift of life. The American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to donate blood. It’s the gift that doesn’t cost a thing and can offer another holiday season to someone in need.

The Red Cross will thank presenting donors Nov. 25-29 with a complimentary pie at select blood drives in Iowa and Wisconsin. As an added incentive during the week of Thanksgiving, all presenting donors will receive a red, commemorative Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

“While the need for blood is ongoing, the supply isn’t – especially around the holidays,” said Greg Novinska, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “Long holiday weekends pose an extra challenge, when many donors are traveling to be with family and friends. Without the generosity of volunteer blood donors, we would not be able to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Northeast Wisconsin:

• Nov. 25-27 from 1-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Green Bay Blood Donation Center, 2131 Deckner Ave. in Green Bay.
• Nov. 27 from 12:30-5 p.m. at Saint Francis Xaviers Parish at 220 S. Michigan St. in De Pere.
• Nov. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way in Green Bay.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Red Cross Chapters Enable Public to Give Something that Means Something this Holiday Season

“Holiday Mail for Heroes” Mailbox Open Through December 6

The local kick-off to the 2013 Holiday Mail for Heroes program signifies that Americans who wish to send a holiday card to a service member can easily do so with the help of the Red Cross.

From now through to December 6, Americans can express their gratitude and best wishes for the holiday season to those who give the ultimate gift to our country. Service members, Veterans and their families will receive cards across the country and around the world.

“It just takes a moment to sign a card to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the military community make,” said John Kost, Services to Armed Forces Program Manager. “You say thanks, and we’ll do the rest.”

The Red Cross invites the public to send messages of thanks and holiday cheer by mailing them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Card Guidelines
Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country. Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process:

• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send or include letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards: the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos: these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• Please refrain from choosing cards with glitter or using loose glitter as it can aggravate health issues of ill and injured warriors.
• If you are mailing a large quantity of cards, please bundle them and place them in large mailing envelopes or flat rate postal shipping boxes. Each card does not need its own envelope, as envelopes will be removed from all cards before distribution.

Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross has received and distributed more than 6.5 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

Each local chapter is also recruiting volunteers to help distribute cards to military members and Veterans in the community around the holidays. In past years, cards have been presented at hospitals, clinics, nursing home and VFW events.

Cienna Vang, 6, shows off her creativity with holiday cards. Her special note to the troops- “Thank you for keeping us safe. I hope you get a lot of presents.”

To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 6. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending letters, monetary donations, or any other kinds of inserts with the cards and from using glitter. More information and card requirements can be found at redcross.org/holidaymail.

The Red Cross also invites the public to share photos and videos of their card signing efforts or their holiday greeting for troops by using the hashtag #HolidayMail on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine accounts. The Red Cross will use the material on its social sites throughout the holiday season.  The public also can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook.com/redcross and Twitter.com/redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail.

The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans and their families. During this holiday season, the public can also support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.