Steering Committee Minutes

Only 5 members of the Steering Committee were present for the January meeting. (Only 1 lives in the city limits.)
If you could accomplish one thing what would it be?
--bring community together
--end power struggle
--make sure action teams are successful
--have community project everyone could come together to work on

Derek Patterson will be taking Tammy Patterson's place on the Steering Committee.
A Public Square narrative must be written to apply for a matching grant from the Dept of Commerce.
      Monique Keith is writing that narrative and will have it at the February 8 meeting.
Decided to hold the regional conversation with Osage City on Feb 22 (tentatively).  Jerry Karr is setting
      the meeting up.
Angel was appointed the laison between the Steering Committee and Public Square.
Action teams / co-conveners are asked to attend the next meeting on February 8 to report on
the status of their projects.

GOOD USED GAS STOVE

Good used gas stove available.  If interested, contact Marion Jones (3471)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME

  It's Girl Scout Cook-ie time 

  It's Girl Scout Cook-ie time 

 Support the local girls 

FILL UP YOUR FREEZER NOW! 

Cookie sales begin January 21.  If a Reading Girl Scout does not knock on your front door,

please contact Amy Crawford or Heather Jones, leaders.  The eight varieties remain the 

same for your selection with boxes costing only $3.50 a box.  

Oh, Thin Mints and Lemon Cookies..........

RCD asks, "WILL YOU" ?

Reading Community Development leadership is now open for nominations.
If you would volunteer to share your  responsibility and follow-through skills with the community OR if you
would nominate a community member, contact Reta (699-3009).  Please speak to anyone you nominate to be sure they are willing to take on the role for which you have nominated them.

From J T Crawford

 
The next Park ActionTeam meeting will be this Wed. the 18th at the City Hall 6:30.
 
 
AGENDA
 
Review Playscape Proposal for Funders meeting
Look at KSU proposed designs of park
Finalize plans for donated $ (New Foundation Account, City of Reading, RCD Foundation Account, or Reading Bank)
Ball Field
 
Please let me know if you're unable to attend.  
 
Thanks,
JT

Wednesday Meetings

Park Action Team
6:30 pm      Reading School




United Methodist Women
6:30 pm     United Methodist Church
Supper then Bible lesson


Public Square Steering Committee
7pm          Baptist Church

TUESDAY MEETING

Tuesday, January 10
7pm       United Methodist Church
Reading Community Development

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

City Council Meeting
7pm        Thursday
City Hall

It is important that every city resident, land owner and city water recipient attend the
meeting and stay on top of plans.  PACK THE HALL!

VERIZON TOWER

Word is:     the Verizon tower will be in place here in Reading by September!   Yippee skippy!

Tonight's Park Meeting Postponed

J T Crawford has postponed the Park Action Team meeting that was scheduled for tonight.
He asks that team members and interested persons contact him with a date & time.

I was asked to repost this information:
If you have a concern with property that has trash and/or piles of "stuff", broken windows and/or doors, or there are multiple "homes" in unsafe proximity,  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.


County Health Department: 620-342-4864

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity

The Long Term Recovery Committee held the first of several organizational meetings with the Executive Board of Emporia Habitat for Humanity.  The original money donated from the car raffle was about $59,000 and Catholic Charities gave an additional $3,000 to help with the site supervisor administrative costs.  When there is a complete plan for construction,  funding, and interviews  in place, the recipient will be informed of their selection by HFH. 

NO recipients have been selected.  Those in the running will be interviewed and required to provide financial information by HRH.  There, also, is no certainty on the number of homes to be built.  There is only money for one.

Park Action Team

Park Action Team
Wednesday, January 4
6:30 pm        Reading School


If you are interested in helping to develop a new park for Reading, please attend this meeting.

Long Term Recovery

Long Term Recovery Committee

The Long Term Recovery Committee met the evening of December 21.  A list of cases were presented but
most could not be acted upon because the homeowner had not turned in paperwork -- bids, bills, insurance report, proof of ownership, etc.  It is impossible for the LTRC to help you if you do not give them the information so that they can help you!

LTRC will meet again on January 5.  Please get all of the information you were asked to provide in to your
caseworker before that date.
Reminder:  LTRC can only fund tornado damage.

NEW YEARS' EVE

A family style New Year’s Eve Party will be held on Saturday, December 31, from  7 to 9 pm in the basement of Reading UMethodist Church.  There will be a chili bar and cookie bar.  Bring some finger foods and join in the fun!  Bring your favorite new game to share.

Girl Scout Gift

The Girl Scouts of Reading crafted table decorations for the Grand Opening of

The Miracle Café.  The girls tied 9 candy canes around a red candle so that the

candle stands on the hook of the cane.  How clever is that!

Baldwin City

Barbara Schlobohm will represent  the community of Reading at a joint meeting of service clubs and government entities in Baldwin City the evening of

January 23.

Barbara oversaw the funding and purchase of a game, sweatshirt and Miracle Café gift certificate for the Reading School tornado children.  Junior and Senior High students were provided a hoodie and gift certificate.  Thank you Nikki Senft, Heather Jones, Rhonda Sapp and Reta Jackson for all of the help in the sorting and distribution!  A huge thank you goes out to the Ruritans of southeast Kansas for funding this project for the children

Habitat for Humanity

The Long Term Recovery Committee held the first of several organizational meetings with the Executive Board of Emporia Habitat for Humanity.  The original money donated from the car raffle was about $59,000 and Catholic Charities gave an additional $3,000 to help with the site supervisor administrative costs.  When there is a complete plan for construction,  funding, and interviews  in place, the recipient will be informed of their selection by HFH. 

NO recipients have been selected.  Those in the running will be interviewed and required to provide financial information by HRH.  There, also, is no certainty on the number of homes to be built.  There is only money for one.

Long Term Recovery Committee

The Long Term Recovery Committee met the evening of December 21.  A list of cases were presented but
most could not be acted upon because the homeowner had not turned in paperwork -- bids, bills, insurance report, proof of ownership, etc.  It is impossible for the LTRC to help you if you do not give them the information so that they can help you!

LTRC will meet again on January 5.  Please get all of the information you were asked to provide in to your
caseworker before that date.
Reminder:  LTRC can only fund tornado damage.

Home Owner Rehabilitation Grants

Nine Readingites have had their homes inspected and a plan drawn up to repair or replace
various parts of their dwellings.  Jeff Lynch is responsible for the grant and can answer all
of your questions along with helping you to complete the paper work.

There is still grant money remaining and we want to use every bit that we can!  You can
contact Jeff Lynch, city of Emporia Grant Writer, or go to Reading City Hall for a copy
of the application form.

You DO NOT need to have tornado damage.  This grant has nothing to do with the tornado.
It is a golden opportunity if you are in the correct income bracket.  Check it out!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Remember taking shelter in the basement?
Remember going to meeting after meeting in the tattered sanctuary
      or piled high basement?
Remember filling out forms, meeting volunteers, picking up all types
      of  supplies/Christmas decorations/quilts/water, etc?

Reading United Methodist Church asks you to return for a time of
gratitude and solitude Christmas Eve at 6pm.  The service will include
Christmas songs, special music, readings and a candlelight service
of communion.

Come in your comfy Christmas Eve clothes and start your evening
truly remembering the reason for the season!

Henderson's

Yahoo for Henderson's.  They have new siding going on right this second.
That will make a great reason to celebrate!

A PERSONAL GIFT

This time of year is naturally stressful and hectic.  We all deal with it in different ways!
You have been given a gift of FREE counseling to help you through the frustration of the disaster,
the stages of recovery and the depression of life right now.

Call 620-343-2296    Ext 104  and ask for Nancy.  Each and every person in Reading can use
her counseling services and they will be paid for by Catholic Charities. 

Merry Christmas!

NEW YEAR'S EVE

Start the New Year with a gathering of friends in Reading!

Family Fun and Frivolity
Saturday,  December 31
7 to 9pm
UMethodist Church Basement
Chili and Cookie Bar provided -- bring a finger food to share

Games, Gab and Gaity Galore

January Happenings

The Communication Team met tonight to gather and organize the information from all of the
organizations, churches and teams.  The only groups we heard from were UMW, Park Action Team
and Girl Scouts.

Steering Committee, RCD, Housing Team, Incubator Team, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Lions Club,
Library, City Hall, Baptist Church and any other group that will have activities or meetings ---
PLEASE, send me the dates, times and places for any activities or meetings you will have in January and/or early February.         bjschlobohm@gmail.com

TORNADO KIDS GIFTS

To the parents who have been contacted about  Christmas gifts:

Due to a delay in receiving the sweatshirts, you will not be able to pick
up your child's gifts from the Ruritans until Wednesday, December 21,
between 2 and 7pm in the Green Room of The Miracle Cafe. 

Don't be late!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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

SCHOOL PROGRAM

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

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Sunday, December 11
      10:30 am -- worship at both churches
      Noon -- Christmas turkey dinner for all.......bring a vegetable or salad dish
             Drawing for the UMW quilt that rode out the tornado in The Miracle Cafe -- Marion Jones
             Kids Activities -- Amber Atchison and Ashley Barrett
             Decorating Town Tree -- Amber and Ashley
      Distribution of Christmas Decorations -- Barbara Schlobohm, Pam Barrett and Marion Jones

This is a day of celebration with your fellow Readingites.  Come, relax and renew your spirits!

HCCI Saturday

Credit Counseling has been arranged for all in Reading who chose to take advantage of the free offer.  Saturday, December 10, there will be four counselors coming from Topeka to work with
10 participants.  They will receive a $50 WalMart card at the end of tomorrow's initial work session.  When they complete the "homework" and phone conversation they will receive another
$50 card.

There is a possibility that this can be arranged for the month of January for those who did not get to participate this time around.

KSU PARK UNVEIL

What a wonderful adventure into possibilities Reading experienced last night!
Thank you to all of the KSU students and staff for their efforts to Redesign Reading
and upgrade our daily lives.

A huge thank you to USD 251 for the use of the building, RCD for purchasing the
chili ingredients, Virginia Barger for preparing the chili, Charles Schlobohm for
donating the bowls, napkins, spoons and crackers, Rosalee Voorhees for washing
all the dishes and cleaning the kitchen and J T Crawford for serving and cleaning
up afterward. 

It does take a village!

ps -- For transparency, I sent half of the extra chili and crackers with the students.
The other half was placed in the freezer at the UMethodist Church for RCD to use
at their discretion.

MIRACLE'S FIRST EVENT

Last night The Miracle Cafe hosted it's first event in the new facility.
Thank you to the Lyon County Extension Council for honoring Reta's Return.

Opening for all on Monday, December 12, at 9 am!

CITIZENS STATE BANK

Citizens State Bank and Trust
9am to Noon
1pm to 3pm          Wednesdays, 1pm to 6pm
699-3900

More Great Publicity

Working hard at this time of year to keep our wonderful little town
in the front of people's minds.  My goodness, we've been on all the
Topeka stations, radio stations and even a KC station along with the
Emporia Gazette.

REHABILITATION GRANTS

Of the Reading families that completed the application process for the Rehab Grants of up to $25,000
on their homes, nine have cleared the "financial" level and their applications are moving forward.

If you live in or within 2 miles of Reading in Lyon County, you can contact Jeff Lynch in the Grant Writing Office of the city of Emporia for a form and help completing it.  We have $250,000 in grant money available to residents.

Jeff said he will continue taking applications until all of the money is committed, so don't wait too long!

Schedule

PARK DESIGN REVEAL
Tonight        6pm -- chili        6:30 -- presentations & questions   Reading School

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday night       7pm         Reading School

COMMUNITY  CHRISTMAS
Sunday -- Worship at 10:30 am (both churches)
                  Turkey dinner at NOON -- UMethodist Church--bring a side dish or dessert
                  Kids Activity -- Amber
                  Drawing for Quilt -- Marion
                  Christmas bags -- about 2pm at the school

KSU PARK UNVEIL

Wednesday, December 7 (tomorrow)
6pm -- light chili supper
6:30pm -- presentations begin
Reading School

The K-State Architecture and Architectural Landscaping students will
present their plans to Readingites that are interested in seeing possibilities
for the new civic building and the new park facilities.

You will want to see this.

Here's a Golden Opportunity

The Reading Long-Term Recovery Committee is pleased to offer one-on-one financial counseling for Reading residents on Saturday, December 10, at the Reading Elementary School.

We know that recovering from the tornado has taken a toll on your financial well being, and we want to help you with your financial recovery.  We have contacted Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI) to send certified financial counselors to Reading to meet with those interested in developing a budget, receiving credit counseling and developing a plan to pay off debt.  This counseling session is being offered free of charge and will take one hour for the initial meeting with some additional on-line and telephone follow up over the following weeks.  A description of the types of counseling offered by HCCI are below.

To sign up for an appointment, please contact HCCI at 1-800-383-0217 and inform them that you’d like to make an appointment in Reading on December 10.  It is very important that you reference Reading immediately in your conversation. When you contact them, they can provide you with additional information about your appointment and what you will need to bring. Your appointment will take place in a classroom with just you and your financial counselor and is completely confidential. No information will be shared with members of the LTRC.

This counseling is available to all residents of Reading. For those who participate, the LTRC will provide a $50 Wal-Mart gift card to those who attend a counseling session on December 10 (one per household) and an additional $50 Wal-Mart gift card once you have successfully completed the follow up steps as directed by HCCI (one per household). 

The types of counseling available are:

Financial Counseling assists and educates clients in personal financial management such as setting goals, paying themselves first, tracking spending, completing paycheck-to-paycheck plans, identifying non-monthly expenses, prioritizing expenses, calculating general percentages of income spending, increasing income, and reducing expenses.  Financial counseling is used in all types of counsel and can include tracking property maintenance and/or rental expenses as well as personal budget expenditures.  Financial counseling includes identifying debt-repayment options available to them.

Credit Building Counseling educates clients regarding the importance of knowing what is on each of their 3 different credit reports, how to access their credit reports, how to read and understand them, how to dispute errors, how positive and negative credit affects them, and how to begin rebuilding credit for the future.

Bankruptcy - Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling and/or Education provides clients considering filing bankruptcy with budgeting information, a brief description of Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, other options and alternatives to repay debt, how each option affects credit, timeframes involved, and a review of the major changes in bankruptcy law.

Foreclosure Prevention, Mortgage Default, Loss Mitigation, and Rental Delinquency Counseling assists clients whose housing is at risk and may be facing eviction, mortgage default and foreclosure.  Counselors provide options for mortgage default, foreclosure and delinquency resolution. Counseling may include restructuring debt, arrangement of reinstatement plans, loan forbearance, and other loss mitigation tools. 

City Council Meeting

Thursday, December 8
7pm     Reading School

PANCAKE FEED

Today, December 3
5 to 7pm
UMethodist Church
Lions Club Pancake Feed
DONATION gets you pancakes, sausage & eggs, biscuits & gravy
     until you need to unbutton your britches!

ALL donations will be used for the children's treats when Santa
visits December 12.

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY --Do NOT Miss Out!

The Reading Long-Term Recovery Committee is pleased to offer one-on-one financial counseling for Reading residents on Saturday, December 10, at the Reading Elementary School.

We know that recovering from the tornado has taken a toll on your financial well being, and we want to help you with your financial recovery.  We have contacted Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc. (HCCI) to send certified financial counselors to Reading to meet with those interested in developing a budget, receiving credit counseling and developing a plan to pay off debt.  This counseling session is being offered free of charge and will take one hour for the initial meeting with some additional on-line and telephone follow up over the following weeks.  A description of the types of counseling offered by HCCI are below.

To sign up for an appointment, please contact HCCI at 1-800-383-0217 and inform them that you’d like to make an appointment in Reading on December 10.  It is very important that you reference Reading immediately in your conversation. When you contact them, they can provide you with additional information about your appointment and what you will need to bring. Your appointment will take place in a classroom with just you and your financial counselor and is completely confidential. No information will be shared with members of the LTRC.

This counseling is available to all residents of Reading. For those who participate, the LTRC will provide a $50 Wal-Mart gift card to those who attend a counseling session on December 10 (one per household) and an additional $50 Wal-Mart gift card once you have successfully completed the follow up steps as directed by HCCI (one per household). 

The types of counseling available are:

Financial Counseling assists and educates clients in personal financial management such as setting goals, paying themselves first, tracking spending, completing paycheck-to-paycheck plans, identifying non-monthly expenses, prioritizing expenses, calculating general percentages of income spending, increasing income, and reducing expenses.  Financial counseling is used in all types of counsel and can include tracking property maintenance and/or rental expenses as well as personal budget expenditures.  Financial counseling includes identifying debt-repayment options available to them.

Credit Building Counseling educates clients regarding the importance of knowing what is on each of their 3 different credit reports, how to access their credit reports, how to read and understand them, how to dispute errors, how positive and negative credit affects them, and how to begin rebuilding credit for the future.

Bankruptcy - Pre-Bankruptcy Counseling and/or Education provides clients considering filing bankruptcy with budgeting information, a brief description of Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, other options and alternatives to repay debt, how each option affects credit, timeframes involved, and a review of the major changes in bankruptcy law.

Foreclosure Prevention, Mortgage Default, Loss Mitigation, and Rental Delinquency Counseling assists clients whose housing is at risk and may be facing eviction, mortgage default and foreclosure.  Counselors provide options for mortgage default, foreclosure and delinquency resolution. Counseling may include restructuring debt, arrangement of reinstatement plans, loan forbearance, and other loss mitigation tools. 

Nancy Romine

Nancy is a certified counselor who is working with many folks in Reading
that are dealing with post tornado stress and depression.  PLEASE be willing
to just sit and talk with her -- it does help. 

Call:  620-343-2296   Ext 104

If you had heart problems would you not see a heart specialist?  Diabetis a doctor?
A broken foot an orthopedist?  Then give her a call.  It helps.

NEWSLETTER CORRECTION

The city newsletter will be mailed soon.  The date for the Community Christmas Dinner is correct
in the article, but was accidentally placed on the calendar December 4.  Please correct it:

Sunday, December 11
Noon
Christmas Community Dinner
Bring a side dish or dessert to go with turkey, dressing, potatoes & gravy.

FOOD PANTRY

I received calls from  different groups about the possibility of donating
food to a pantry here in Reading.  I found a wall at the Baptist Church
where we could put the donated food.

Thank you's go to Clifton-Clyde High School's FBLA and New Life Church.

If you are in need of food, please call Billy Paige.  I do not have a key to help you.

Sausage & eggs, pancakes, biscuits & gravy............

Saturday night supper is being prepared by the Lions Club members of Reading.
For a donation, you can eat until you pop! and donate so that the kids will have
treats from Santa.

Saturday, December 3
5 to 7pm
UMethodist Church Basement

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

How pleasant it is to drive through town in the evening and see houses with
some type of Christmas lighting.  Thank you, also, to Westar for rewiring the
poles uptown for public lighting, Schuman Electric for wiring boxes on the
poles and Tom & Galen for hanging all of the pole decorations.

What will you do to bring the Christmas holidays to light?

SEAMLESS UPGRADE

Seamless internet service is in town to upgrade your equipment.
Takes about 15 minutes and it runs faster.  For more information, call
seamless or Ed Sapp.

Free Veggies TODAY

Abundant Harvest, a non-profit charity that provides hot meals for the hungry, has received a surplus of produce. Since it cannot be stored or used before it will spoil, the public is welcome to come and take some today (Tuesday)  from 9 a.m. to noon. The address is 1028 Whittier Street.

DECEMBER'S FIRST WEEK

December
1 -- JrHi BB games beginning at 4pm
3 -- Lion's Club Pancake Feed, 5-7pm
4 -- Christmas worship, 10:30 am, both churches
5 -- Long Term Recovery Meeting
7 -- KSU PARK presentation 5:45 -- chili  6:30 -- presentation
8 -- City Council Meeting, 7pm, school

HAUL IT OFF!

See that "stuff" that piled up?  The huge sled trash pod is empty and waiting for you
to fill it up.  The one thing that makes a town "look" trashy and uninviting is exactly
that.....trash and piles of "stuff" sitting around. 

PLEASE get rid of as much as possible.  Your neighbors will like you a lot more!

PROJECT WARMTH DISTRIBUTION

TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 29
9:30-Noon,  1:30-4pm
209 W 4th Ave, Salvation Army Annex Building

FREE coats, hats, gloves, and blankets to those
in need.  LIMIT ONE COAT per family member.

RCD MEETS WEDNESDAY

RCD meets Wednesday at 7pm in the UMethodist Church basement.

PARK ACTION TEAM MEMBERS

Greetings All,

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!  With deadlines fast approaching it's important that we have a good turn out  to this weeks meeting. (6:30 Wednesday @ the school)

AGENDA

1. Finalizing Civic Building Plans
2. Preparing presentation for Dec. Donator Meeting
3. Adding new donated totals to our park spreadsheet.
4. Opening new account for Park @ Reading Bank.
5.  Preparing information to give to our Grant writing team.

Looking fwd to seeing you all, thanks. 

JT CRAWFORD

Lions Club Monday

Reading Lions Club Meeting
Monday, November 28
7pm       UMethodist Church

WalMart Donation

The Emporia WalMart has donated lights and a tree topper for our community Christmas tree that will be lit on Sunday, December 11.  Thank you, Amber, for making these arrangements!

PIANO

Blonde 1950's piano and bench -- good condition

Cost:  Load it, move it from Ottawa, unload it to an inside wall, let it set 6 weeks, tune it.

Contact -- Malonne Davies

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER

Thursday, THANKSGIVING
Noon    UMethodist Church Basement
Hosted by Rosalee and Warren Voorhees


The Voorhees' are preparing turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy,
rolls and drink.  You bring a side dish if you can....if you can't that's okay, 
there is plenty for all.

PARK ACTION TEAM MEETING

Wednesday, November 30
6:30 pm     Reading School


The Park Action Team will meet to continue plans and ideas for the
community building, ball field and park area.


You are still welcome to work on the team!

HOME REHABILITATION GRANT

If you live in Reading or two miles north, south and west, you are eligible to
apply for FREE GRANT monies that will help you update or repair your home.


You DO NOT need to have tornado damage!  This is for everyone that meets
the income guidelines. 1=$30,000; 2=$34,400;3=$38,700; 4=$42,950;5=$46,400
6=$49,850; 7=$53,300;8=$56,700


Barbara has grant forms or call Jeff Lynch, 620-343-4285.

FREE Coats, Hats, Gloves and Blankets

Tuesday, November 29
9:30am - Noon;  1:30 to 4pm
Salvation Army Annex at  209 W. 4th Avenue


PROJECT WARMTH DISTRIBUTION


If you or family members need a warm coat, hats, gloves
or blankets, this is your chance to receive them free.

LIMIT one coat per family member.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The Emporia Habitat for Humanity organization held a joint meeting with the Reading Long Term Recovery
Sunday afternoon at 3pm to begin the discussion of how to proceed, the guidelines to be followed, etc.
As responsible stewards of this money, the organization voted the following:

1.  To be selected to earn a Habitat Home, a family will be asked to make a mortgage payment that will include
     Principal, Taxes, Insurance and a Maintenance fund contribution.

2.  To earn a Habitat Home, a family must complete HCCI (Housing Consumer Credit, Inc) counseling.

There is much to be investigated, organized, planned and laid out before there is any hope to begin planning
the building.  No decision is possible as to the number of houses or who will receive them until all of the
paperwork and information is laid out and in place.

Ruritan District Conference

Left home at 2:45 today to head to Richmond.  The Ruritans brought truckloads of gatorade, water and
health / food product last summer.  They had me give a report during their business meeting on the progress
in Reading.  Several references were made to Reading during the banquet.  They had collected $850 in advance for the children's Christmas.  Mark, from Hillsdale, stood up and challenged each delegate  to match his $10 additional gift.  A check for $1,220 will be gifted.

This is an organization just like the Lions Club and is full of towns and folks just like us.  Princeton, Richmond, Baldwin City, Moran, Block, Uniontown, just to name a few.  Nice, NICE people!

Saturday, November 19, Schedule

Food Pantry Open --  10 am  to Noon -- Baptist Church


1pm -- Veteran's Memorial Relaying and Rededication -- City Park


4 pm -- Barbara attends business meeting of Ruritan Clubs of Kansas
             and speaks at their banquet.  Richmond, KS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW

The City Council wants you to know NOW that the December meeting will be
held:

Thursday, December 8
7pm
Reading School

FOOD PANTRY

Saturday, November 19
10 am to Noon
Reading Food Pantry located at Reading Baptist Church


You will be given a WalMart plastic bag and may pick up food.

Remember, you have a Thanksgiving Box to pick up at Reading School
on Monday between 1pm and 6pm.

Reading Calendars

Pre-tornado pictures are the memorabilia found in the 2011 Reading Birthday Calendar
that you can purchase from the Reading Community Development at the Miracle Cafe
or City Hall.

Besides community members birthdays, you have the last pictures taken of the main
buildings around Reading.

Get yours today.  I believe they are $5.

Special City Council Meeting

Tonight, Thursday, November 17
5:30pm


Mayor Sorensen reports the only agenda item is the
signing of the lagoon grant papers.

CAMARO tickets

Sales ended at Noon on Tuesday and the Emporia chairman, Jim Kessler of Modern Air,
has tallied the Emporia Area results.  There were a total of 224 tickets sold putting
$8,960 in the Reading Habitat for Humanity build.

It takes approximately $60,000 to complete a house.

PLEASE........

There is no reason to sit and mope.  There is no reason to get depressed or sad.  
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE......
Nancy wants to help you get through these feelings that ALL of us are having, especially
now with the holidays coming.


Call -- 620-343-2296      EXT  104 and ask for Nancy.
Tell her you are from Reading and I gave you her number.  It will be free.

THANKSGIVING REMINDER

If you were/are an actual resident of Reading on May 21, your name has been put on
the list to receive a gift food box from First Presbyterian Church in Emporia.  Be at
Reading School between 1pm and 6 pm to pick it up.

Voucher good for a Turkey or Ham only
5 lbs potatoes
Can of Chicken Broth and Dressing Mix
Green Beans/Mushroom Soup/French Fried Onions


If you have questions, contact Church Member Nickie Edwards at 
699-3827 during the day.

LONG TERM RECOVERY

IF  you know of someone who truly has never been approached by
Long Term Recovery please let Marion Jones know.  


IF you were approached, stated that you did not need or want help
but have since realized that you do......please contact Marion Jones.


Marion Jones -- 699-3471

COMMUNICATION

7pm   Tonight, Wed, November 16
UMethodist Church


Lion's Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, City of Reading, Reading Elementary,
Baptist Church, UMethodist Church, PTO, Fire Department and each business in town.............

You should have a representative present with dates/times/activities for the month
of December (and January, if you have it).

You should, also, have an informative 1/2 column article for the newsletter which must
be prepared early this year due to the Thanksgiving holidays.

Please check with these groups and remind them how important communication is
to our recovery process.

VETERAN'S MEMORIAL

This Saturday, November 19, 1 pm, the Veteran's Memorial in the
Reading Jones Park will be laid by the Kansas City Area VFW.
Bud Sterling, of KC, reports there will be members of the
American Legion and the Legion Riders, Korean War Veterans,
Disabled American Veterans, VFW and VFW Riders and
the State American Legion Commander in attendance.


Please take the time to come to the park at 1 pm for the laying
of the stone and a dedication service.


One unique tale from this project is that to match the monument
base's color, they had to wait for a stone to arrive from China!

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday, November 17, 5:30 pm
There will be a Special City Council meeting in the City Hall to
sign the grant papers for the cleaning of the lagoon.

TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (NOV 15 & 16) ACTION TEAMS

Tuesday --Incubator Meeting at 7pm in UMethodist Church sanctuary.
                 Housing Meeting at 7 pm in UMethodist Church sancturary.

Wednesday -- Park Action Team at 6:30pm in Reading School
                       Communication Action Team at 7pm in UMethodist Church

UNITED WAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Members of the UWay Board of Directors will be holding their monthly meeting here in Reading today.
Some will be touring the town and seeing the progress being made prior to a meal catered by Reta.
Barbara will make a 30 minute presentation on the developments that have been made since May 21.
Then they will hold their monthly business meeting.

COUNSELING AVAILABLE

Many of us are exhausted, frustrated, angry, sad, depressed, confused, having trouble making good decisions,
or just plain 'ol scared!  It helps to talk to someone outside of our situation -- a neutral set of ears.

FREE counseling is available by calling NANCY at 620-343-2296  Ext 104.  You can go see her in Emporia
or she will meet you in Reading.  This service is being provided free of charge to you by The Catholic Charities of Kansas.

If you prefer I make the appointment for you, I'd be happy to do that.

A Gift for Your Family

Turkey or Ham voucher (cannot be used for anything else)
5 lbs potatoes
Dressing Mix
Canned Broth
Green Beans
Mushroom Soup
French Fried Onion Rings

Pick up your box on Monday, November 21, between 1 pm and 6pm at Reading School.
If you cannot make it during those times, call Mrs. Edwards at the school 699-3827.


This is a gift from First Presbyterian Church of Emporia of which Mrs. Edwards is a member.

PHONE BOOKS

If you are having your mail forwarded you must go TO the post office
to get your new phone book.  A phone book is 3rd class mail and will
not be forwarded.

Kansas Sampler Foundation-GET KANSAS!: Post office observations

Kansas Sampler Foundation-GET KANSAS!: Post office observations

"DINE UNITED"

Each Thursday during the United Way Drive, a restaurant in the area donates a
percentage of their sales to the United Way.  This week the restaurant is
Grand Central Hotel in Cottonwood Falls.  When you are able to go during the
lunch hour, the price of meals is comparable to Montana Mike's.

HOUSING AND INCUBATOR ACTION TEAMS

Both of these Action Teams are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 15,
at 7pm in the UMethodist Church.  Please meet upstairs as the basement is taken
with a dinner meeting of The United Way of the Flint Hills dinner meeting.

Housing can meet use the nice padded seats around the piano and the incubator people
can find a location toward the back in the pews.  There is plenty of room for all!

LION'S CLUB

Lion's Club will meet tonight, Monday, at 7pm in the United Methodist Church.
They would love to have you join in with them!

Questions?  Dave Garrison, President

PARK ACTION TEAM

The Park Action Team will meet Wednesday, 6:30pm, at the school to discuss the
civic building plans, grant information and park landscaping.

If you have any additional information, please come be a part and share.

Veteran's Reminder

Don't forget that Golden Corral will be veteran's with proof of service
a free meal today (Monday).

ANGEL GARCIA REQUEST

Angel Garcia and Kevin Sorensen have made a request for 4 LARGE signs
to put on the Reading Fire Department entry in the Emporia Christmas parade.
Contact them with questions.