Saturday, December 17, 2011

HOUSING REHABILIATATION GRANT PROGRAM

For assistance call, 620-343-4285
COMMUNITY OF READING HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
There is still monies available and we want to see the insulation, windows, heating
and cooling, etc, of as many homes as possible improved in the Reading area.

The forms may be picked up at City Hall and assistance in completing the form
is friendly and specific by calling 620-343-4285.

Friday, December 16, 2011

MIRACLE CAFE'S GRAND OPENING TONIGHT

Grand Opening
6 to 9pm       Friday, December 16
Menu -- smoked brisket, potato, salad bar, green beans,
               cinnamon bread, and drink for $9.95
Live Entertainment -- Kendra White and Bill Ihling will be
playing Christmas carols, country and some surprises on the
fiddle and guitar for your enjoyment!

See you tonight!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERING

Saturday, December 24
6pm       UMethodist Church

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Christmas carols

Christmas story

Friends and Neighbors

TIGHTWAD BANK

 
TIGHTWAD BANK

It has been reported by some that they are having difficulty closing their accounts
at Tightwad Bank. Be sure that you take personal identification when you go -- driver's license,
Passport, Social Security card, even a copy of your last bank statement will be good!

IF you feel that you are hassled about closing your account, call this number -- 785-296-2266 .
That is the line to the Kansas State Banking Commission. You will be directed to push #1
if you have a concern or a complaint. Making the call right there in the lobby of Tightwad
with the facts might be very effective.

You can lodge a written complain at www.osbckansas.org

I have called and written a general complaint on behalf of several Readingites
that have given me their stories this morning. The more stories they hear from individuals
or organizations, the more on which they have to base decisions.

Questions? bjschlobohm@gmail.com
draft

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

COMMUNICATION TEAM MEETING

Monday, December 19
7pm    UMethodist Church

Reading Baptist Church,  Reading United Methodist Church, Veritas Bronze, Head Hands and Feet,
The Miracle Cafe, Reading Grain and Lumber, Citizens State Bank, City of Reading, Reading Fire
District, Reading School, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Lions Club, United Methodist Women, Reading
Community Development, Housing/Park/Communication Action Teams, Public Square Steering Committee, 4-H, and any other groups or businesses that I may have overlooked:

all of your January meeting dates & times along with agenda items and/or progress need to be
turned in to Heather Jones for this meeting.   The city newsletter must be prepared.  We, also, need
to be sure that groups are not planning meetings for the same place and time.

POST OFFICE LETTER

A letter was received by the City Clerk a month ago in regards to the
status of the Reading Post Office.  I have not been provided with the
information, but am sure you can get it from the city clerk.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS MOVED

The city council has voted to move their monthly meetings
from the school to the City Hall building beginning in January.

Ms. Higgins will provide you with the information on that meeting.

City Council Report

Last Thursday evening I was in Kansas City preparing to be interviewed by
Ingram's Magazine to bring the tornado recovery efforts to the attention of
the businesses in the Greater Kansas City area.  Because of that, I asked
Heather Jones, a member of the Communication Action Team, to give my
report to the City Council.  As you can see from the attached report, NO
WHERE do I say I am leaving this position because I feel unappreciated!



The past four weeks have been hectic for publicity and fund raising here in Reading. Besides the standard news releases, interviews, and contacts with

media, I represented Reading:

  1. William Baker Choral Society Concert where a total of $2600 was donated to
    help people rebuild their homes. (Speech)
  2. Flip Flop Hop – Merry Lu Pasley of Lebo held this fundraiser and presented
    a check for $1500 to help rebuild homes. (Speech)
  3. United Way Board of Directors Meeting –walking tour of town followed by
    a speech.
  4. Ruritans of Southeastern Kansas District Meeting where a total of $1500 has
    been pledged to purchase a Christmas game for Reading tornado children following my speech.
  5. McCarthy Auto Sales interviews live with 94.9 radio and channel 5 and then drawing the winning ticket of the Camaro.
  6. Lunch meeting with Kate Fields of Heartland Habitat for Humanity.



I organized:

      1. the Free Medical Clinics for Reading area residents wishing to see a doctor or get free immunizations.
      2. 60 Rotary Club members volunteering to clear tornado damaged trees.
      3. KSU students initial viewing of Reading and discussion with park
        action team.
      4. The sales of 59 tickets through Reading for the Habitat home. $2360
      5. The collection of information from clubs, churches and businesses for the city newsletter.
      6. The distribution of 3 vans full of Christmas decorations.
      7. The distribution of approximately 45 quilts.
      8. A Credit Counseling opportunity for residents that will not only
        help them get control over their finances but earn them $100 in
        Wal Mart gift cards.
      9. The services of a counselor to help us all work through the stress,
        depression, anxiety and fear. Contact me if you want this free service.
      10. Contacting parents of Reading children, having them select a free
        game and give a size for a possible free sweatshirt for Christmas.
      11. The KSU Park Plan Unveiling















I attend Long Term Recovery Meetings representing the city and serve as the Public Information Officer for that group.



I will be featured in Ingram's Magazine out of Kansas City, MO. This is a business magazine that once a year features individuals that have made a difference in the

life of their community. The photo shoot is Friday morning.



I will be turning Reta Jackson's name into Larry Hatteberg for one of his features.

When I asked for nominations, Reta and I tied in votes with Heather Jones coming in right behind.



I want to inform the council and community members that ________ Reading families have now been helped by Long Term Recovery to the cost of a little over

$200,000.



Quilts have already been distributed to: Kevin Sorensen, Shyan White, Stephanie Smith, Billy Paige, Jeff Meek, Bill Hooper, Craig Croucher, Alan Barrett, Virginia Barger, Iven Woods (3), Jill Scales, Mike Scales and Doug Scales. These are all people that completely lost their homes.



All of the Reading Kindergarten students received a quilt. I am in the process of

collecting other quilts for distribution to those that suffered loss.



This Sunday at the Reading Christmas Celebration, each tornado family in attendance will receive a bag filled with Christmas decorations and other surprises.

This was made possible from an Overland Park contact.



The assistance Reading has received over the past seven months has been phenomenal. It will raise the living standards of the people and property valuations. This, in turn, will raise more tax revenue for the city and entice others to want to move to Reading. Billy told us that our current infrastructure can

serve 20 more homes. If you build them......they will come!



The Baldwin City Lions Club called and asked if I would be willing to speak to a

joint meeting of all the service clubs and councils in their area on Monday,

January 23. I have accepted that speaking engagement on your behalf. However,

after December 15 I will no longer be able to work for the city of Reading. If there comes a time that you need someone with my skills and abilities, please let me know.







The following information is accurate as of 10am, December 8.





21 households did not receive financial assistance from the LTRC. Many of them declined assistance or did not qualify because of insurance settlements or other resources available to them. However, many of the people on this list did receive the assistance of volunteer labor which was organized though Steve Burnett of United Methodist Disaster Relief.






65 households have received a total of $193, 436 in financial assistance. This averages out to roughly $3000 per household. These cases have no current business before the committee.






18 cases are currently active with requests in process. Of these individuals, roughly $8900 has already been allocated and we are working with them to secure estimates, order material, or obtain additional information about their gap.



The committee believes that all residents have been interviewed and have had an opportunity for their case to be presented to the committee. If you have not had an opportunity to speak with a case manager, please let us know.




The total cash dispersed to residents is just over $202,000.































Steve Burnett sends the following volunteer hour report:

5,663 hours of outside volunteer time has been recorded through Umethodist Disaster Relief



The first 3 days of volunteer time was kept by the COAD out of Emporia.

Because my work time IS refundable through FEMA, he will be adding 450 hours of my volunteer time that has not been included in FEMA reporting.



Here is an interesting stat: In the state of Kansas, the dollar value of one volunteer hour is $17.80.






5663 hours



X $17.80



$100,801.40






That means over $100,000 of volunteer time that has been reported has been donated to Reading. That is pretty significant. Thank you, Steve, for locating these people to help us!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Long Term Recovery Committee

Everyone is reminded that the purpose of this committee is to work
on damage caused by the tornado.  It's purpose is not to pay your
water bill, provide you with gasoline, etc., due to poor decision making.
HCCI is very willing to help you develop a budget and develop the
strength to stick to it.

If you have not been approached by a LTRC caseworker and have
tornado damage that has not been turned in, please contact Marion Jones. 

Public Health Concern

Information was given me today that if you have a concern with property that
has trash and/or piles of "stuff", you can report the property to Ann Mayo at
the Lyon County Health Department.  She has the authority to inspect the property
and condemn it if it is deemed a concern.

Monday, December 12, 2011

GRAND OPENING

The Grand Opening for The Miracle Cafe has been set for

FRIDAY, December 23
Mexican will be the Noon special with the evening brisket special
beginning at 6pm.

Bring your friends and neighbors!

MIRACLE CAFE

The Miracle Cafe opened at 9am TODAY!
Yes, there are those delicious cinnamon rolls along with
biscuits and gravy.  Then at lunch you can enjoy
REAL roast beef with REAL potatoes & gravy.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

DUMPSTER

Please clean up your yard, garage, basement and other property
so that our hometown will look pristene for Christmas!  The dumpster
is still located just south of the tracks and can hold a lot of "junk".

Fill 'er up and get it out of your hair!

READING CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

What a great day in Reading!
Over 120 people shared a terrific turkey and ham potluck meal
leaving with quilts and Christmas decorations to use in their homes.

Those who did not come missed out on a lot of good conversation,
food and a fun time.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Christmas Program at Reading Elementary
Monday night, December 12
7pm
Followed immediately by a visit from Santa