Disaster Relief Help in Alabama by Congressman Mike Rogers

On April 27th, 23 tornadoes ravaged the South as parts of the second deadliest storms in United States history. As of writing, across the hardest hit areas in the state of Alabama, power is still out and searches for missing people are still underway with over 236 dead. The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, in an area of the state severely damaged, has cancelled classes for the remainder of this school year and delayed graduation from this month until August. Here across East Alabama, many lives were lost and homes destroyed. After the storms passed, I saw firsthand many of the devastated areas across Calhoun and Cherokee Counties, as well as Tallapoosa County. I am returning to these and other areas soon.People living in these counties, along with Coosa and Talladega, are eligible for individual disaster assistance by the Federal government. That will help, but more must be done. The damage we all have seen is unbelievable. All of our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and those who lost their homes and businesses. My office is assisting however we can, on the ground and in devastated communities. Through these tragedies, we have seen people come together.  Strangers working to help other strangers, an outpouring of donations and supplies, and spontaneous efforts of so many to donate funds to help support victims and their families. FEMA has been on the ground to help, along with the good people of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and countless other groups helping with the response. FEMA may be contacted at 800-621-3362 or go to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If anyone you know is having trouble getting the assistance they need, please let me or any of my offices know and we will provide any assistance we can. I know through this tragedy, Alabama & neighboring southern states will rebuild, and folks will come back stronger than ever because we are Americans and we are resilient. This was evident just this week, when almost a decade after the terrorist attacks on our own soil, the world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, was killed. Ten years after close to 3,000 lives were lost and our country changed forever, justice was served. It proves that we, the American people, can be brought down, but can't be kept down.  We are fighters, we are hard workers and we are believers. All of us across East Alabama should continue praying for the victims and families of these horrific storms.  But we should find hope in seeing neighbors who have never met lend a helping hand and folks across the country coming together to assist those affected by the storms. We are Americans, we are resilient and we will overcome the tragedies of April 27th. As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03. (Rogers, 2011) Sincerely, Mike Rogers Alabama's Third District Please check any issues that you would like to hear more about. Abortion Budget Debt Defense Economy / Jobs Energy Homeland Security / Immigration Medicaid Medicare Second Amendment / Gun Rights Social Security Taxes [Submit and Subscribe] Click to open Visit Me On...   Contact Information Washington, DC Office 324 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3261 Fax: (202) 226-8485 Anniston Office 1129 Noble Street 104 Federal Building Anniston, AL 36201 Phone: (256) 236-5655 Fax: (256) 237-9203 Opelika Office 1819 Pepperell Parkway Suite 203 Opelika, AL 36801 Phone: (334) 745-6221 Fax: (334) 742-0109 Montgomery Office 7550 Halcyon Summit Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 Phone: (334) 277-4210 Fax: (334) 277-4257 Rogers, M. (2011, May 10). e-Newsletter: Devastation and Recovery in Alabama. e-Newsletter. Anniston, AL, USA: Congressman Mike Rogers.

Kelsey–Miracles Happen

Watch this video it is amazing to see what this child suffered even before her birth and after…

Family Times April 18, 2011

Domestic Violence when Men are the Victim – Suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Mary Browning May 8, 2011

Male domestic violence victims oftentimes suffer from PTSD, which is a psychological trauma that occurs in victims after a traumatic experience. Male victims suffer from deep depression, and suicidal tendencies that psychologists associate with PTSD. According to new research from the NIH (National Institute of Health), male victims’ are suffering from PTSD (Preidt, 2011).

Preidt states, “Researchers looked at a group of 302 men who sought professional help after experiencing what the researchers called "intimate terrorism," which refers to high levels of violence and controlling behavior by female partners” (2011, ¶ 2). Moreover, Preidt speaks of statistical information from research found through phone research survey’s asking 520 males about their relationships with women (2011, ¶ 3). Many of the research group state that their female partners become violent and mentally abusive (Preidt, 2011).

Psychology of Men & Masculinity posted in the April 2011 issue that male victims are seeking help after victimization of their female partners (Hines, 2011). “A second study in the same journal summarized past research on domestic abuse against men. Prior research has found that men are less likely to report injuries from abuse, and police are less likely to arrest women accused of domestic violence against men” (Preidt, 2011, ¶ 7).

Researching further into the media reports that provide news coverage on male victims, I found validation through Clark University that states the accuracy of the articles written from the news release on April 7, 2011 from Psychology of Men & Masculinity. 

Clark University reports on these accuracies stating, “On April 7, 2011, the American Psychological Association issued a press release entitled, "Male Victims of 'Intimate Terrorism' Can Experience Damaging Psychological Effects."  It highlighted the findings of our journal article on post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the men in our sample.  Over 30 media outlets picked up this press release soon after release, including U.S. News and World Report, and other outlets.  The press release contains the most accurate information and a link to the journal article” (Clark University, 2011).

References

Hine, D. (2011). Media mentions and corrections for the men's experiences of partner aggression study. Clark University | One of 40 "Colleges that Change Lives". Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.clarku.edu/faculty/dhines/Media%20Mentions%20&%20Corrections.htm

Psychology of Men & Masculinity, news release, April 7, 2011

Preidt, R. (2011, April 12). Male Victims of Domestic Abuse May Show Signs of PTSD: MedlinePlus. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved May 8, 2011, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_110899.html

**Female partners can cause psychological trauma to the men they abuse, researchers say

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_110899.html (*this news item will not be available after 07/11/2011)

Heflin Highlights

Heflin Highlights:

First Things First

I would be remiss if I did not start my column with a mention of the most important thing on our mind at this time. Our hearts are full of sorrow for our friends across the state who lost SO much in the storms of last week. Words are not sufficient, but our prayers are. There are also many agencies that are excepting monetary donations and needed items. (Red Cross, Salvation Army and all churches)

We will certainly celebrate the birthdays of these people. As a matter of fact, I think we should celebrate every day…don’t you?

May 5-Beulah Glasgow, Phillip Wilson, Renna Tippins, Cindy White, Casey Mataeo, Josh Maynard, Peggy Cheatwood.May 6-Scott Coefield, Audrey Gillis, Debbie Bass and Bernice Ledbetter. May 7-Mark Dryden, Darrell Cavender, Lula Summerville, Laura Cole Smith, Teresa Jenkins, Joshua Blakenship and Teresa Brown. May 8-Claudette Whatley, Allison Causey, Michelle Pate, Millard Morrow and William Powell. May 9-Beverly Casey, Ted Campbell, Jake Borden and Logan Pate. May 10-Leesa Cheatwood, JosephHunt, Zoe Swafford, Rose Grubbs, Richard Baker, Arthur Parris and RyanThompson. May 11-Stacy Estes, Billy Holley, Reese Morrison, Mike Thomas, Katlyn Brown, Trey Rigsby, Michael Bowen, Dejaun O’Neal, Amanda Finch and Travis McCary.

Once Again

Three couples (that I know of) selected a lovely time of the year to tie the knot. Now, it is their time to commemorate their anniversary.

May 8-Buster and Alice Miles…Dewitt and Tracy Sheppard. May 10-Barry and Amanda Humphries.

Sunshine List

Linda Cooper Birchfield, Nathan Jarrell, Karen Payne, Grace Davis, Mitch Holt, Bettie Houston, Nancy Campbell, Clarence Somers, Chad Roberson, Leighan Mashon, Danny Crowson, Pam McKnight, Jessie Willingham, Jarrell Hughes, Terry Benefield, Glenn Shortt Betty Thompson, Floyce Smith, Lowell, Anna Laura White, Dale Austin and Merrideth Haynes. Chad Robertson Vernon Sanders, Logan Davis, Tyler McTaggert, Jodee Robinson and Elaina Miller.

A Little Help Here

The Heflin Art’s Council along with City Hall are in search of pictures of former mayors. They already have pictures of many of these individuals, but still need photos of the following mayors: Coke Wier (1891), W.G. Milligan (1893), W.H. Holiday (1897), W.R. Hunnicutt (1898), E.W. Landers (1900), I.E. Hubbard (1901), J.L. Kitchens (1904), L.E Adams (1907), W.G. Porter (1910), Clyde H. Vann (1912) and W.S. Hincey (1944). If anyone has information on these gentlemen or even know a relative that might be able to help us locate photos, please call Cindy at City Hall at 256-463-2290. Copies of pictures will be made and returned to owners.

Speaking of the Art’s Council…

Here are some great events that you don’t want to miss!

On Thursday evening, at 6:30 at the Ross Street Park, the first of the Music in May Concerts will be presented. Featured musicians will be John Howle, Ryan Robertson and Mark Truett. It is Country Music night Contributions for storm victim relief will be taken during the event.

The music students of Rhonda Lines (piano) and John Howle (guitar) will present a concert/recital on Friday evening at 6:00 at the Heflin Art Center on Martin Luther King Drive. Make plans to come out and enjoy the performances of these talented young people.

A Night to Remember

You have four more days left to attend the CAST performances of Boomers at the McClellan Theatre! This is a musical offering extraordinaire! The music is geared to Baby Boomers, but it will be loved and appreciated by EVERYONE! For more information, call 256-820-CAST.

Thursday night is “Pay What You Want Night” and everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this bargain.

Bye

Until next week…remember…There are three things that can get in the way of your personal happiness: 1. Judgement of others. 2. Negative thoughts. 3. Envy.

Relay

A big congratulations to all that who worked on Relay for Life and who made it a HUGE success!!!

Read more: Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts

References

Cleburne News. (2011, May 6). Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Cleburne News - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Retrieved May 6, 2011, from http://cleburnenews.com/bookmark/13139423

Amateur Video of Tornado Alabama - From YouTube

http://youtu.be/eF5rcxsTg40

Capricorn horoscope, free daily horoscopes for Capricorn

Capricorn horoscope, free daily horoscopes for Capricorn

OHATCHEE & PLEASANT VALLEY SUFFER TORNADO DAMAGE - CALHOUN COUNTY

May 2, 2011

By Mary Browning – AAV (Advocates for Violence)

http://www.aaviolence.org/

Ohatchee Alabama has a population of approximately 1,200 residents. On April 27, 2011 one of the multiple tornadoes that ripped through Alabama affected the humble people living in Ohatchee. Total Alabama fatalities are 251; an overall fatality count comes to 342 people across the South affected by these horrendous storms.

Tuscaloosa Alabama was the strongest and most published tornado that struck Alabama last week; however, many of the less published tornado damage goes un-noticed by many across the country. Ohatchee is one of the many less publicized towns covered by the media; also including a smaller neighboring community by the name of Pleasant Valley (near Piedmont – Jacksonville area in Alabama).

Ohatchee reports 9 fatalities across Calhoun County (includes Ohatchee, Pleasant Valley, Piedmont, Jacksonville, Oxford, and Anniston – to name a few). Currently, the media reports at least 4 of the 9 fatalities were in Ohatchee.

Lake Neely Henry in Ohatchee and Nesbit Lake Road in Pleasant Valley Alabama were among the tornado paths’ damages. The devastation and loss of lives and homes in these areas is similar to a war zone. The local authorities and volunteers congest the areas blocking access to anyone looking to “sight-see” the damages. Local authorities request that anyone not living in these areas try to refrain from visiting the damage sites – volunteers need access to help the residents pick up the pieces – they have suffered a horrendous loss.

According to USA Today, the fatalities in Ohatchee were near the Lake Neely Henry area; these residents perished in the storm while in their own homes (Keen & USA Today, 2011).

Other areas affected by the tornadoes were Shoal Creek near Ohatchee – trees were uprooted, homes destroyed and there are signs of extensive damages to the area. We tried to ride around the area to see some of the damage; however, closed roads to the public is limited to those helping clear debris, volunteers, and local authorities, because the residents need assistance and admission of public is extremely limited. Living in Alabama on and off the majority of my life, I have not seen damage of this magnitude from a tornado. The tornadoes path demolished so many homes and it will take time for people to recover from the damages.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

"The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Wednesday’s tornadoes to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Sadly, past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause" (Anniston Star, 2011).

Read more: Anniston Star - entry FBI Issues Tornado Relief Fraud Alert

"State Rep. Blaine Galliher, who represents Etowah and St. Clair Counties in the Alabama House, reports that St. Clair, Calhoun and Etowah counties received the designation for “individual assistance disaster” Saturday night.

For details on what this means, see: Individual disaster designation expected Monday

***

The Talladega County chapter of the American Red Cross encourages baseball fans to buy tickets for the Birmingham Barons home game on June 10.

Tickets are $20, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Red Cross locally.

For more information, call the Talladega County Red Cross at 256-362-2061.

***

VFW Post 4261, 67185 Alabama 77, Talladega, is accepting donations for storm victims in Ohatchee. For more information, call 256-362-0481.

***

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help in Pratt City, Munford Baptist Church will have a team leaving the church at 6:30 a.m. Monday. You don’t have to be a member of the church to volunteer.

For more info please call the church office at 256-358-4536 or Tim Thomas at 256- 591-2534 or email jerrydean@munfordbaptist.com.

***

The Riverside Storm Shelter has nonperishable food items and water available for residents of Riverside in need.

The pavilion and playground adjacent to Riverside City Hall is closed until further notice due to hanging limbs and other debris from storm damage.

Riverside residents may bring tree debris (limbs, branches, leaves) to the designated area in the northwest corner of Coleman Park on Depot Street. The designated area has tape around it. No construction or other house debris is allowed at that area.

Riverside residents are also encouraged to stack debris in neat piles along the street, but not blocking the street. Construction and house debris should be stacked separate from tree debris. Any residents able to take tree debris to the designated Coleman Park area are encouraged to do so.

— Elsie Hodnett

***

The American Red Cross designated shelter for all displaced residents in St. Clair County is Ashville Middle School, 33221 Highway 231, Ashville.

***

Any resident of Talladega County who suffered damage from the storms of April 27 should report that damage to the Talladega County EMA as soon as possible, says Public Information Officer Steve Dover. To report damage, call 256-761-2125.

Dover says it is important that all storm related damage be reported locally so that information can be passed onto the state EMA and FEMA.

***

As communities in Alabama work to recover from the devastating storms of the past few days, those affected are in our prayers.

If you've been affected by these storms, please call FEMA at 800-621-3362 for assistance.

If you can pitch in to help, please donate or volunteer your time by visiting www.redcross.org.

Thank you,

Jim Messina, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

***

The Talladega Junior Welfare League has teamed up with the Talladega County Revenue Office, the United Way and the Red Cross to collect items for those displaced by the tornadoes.

According to League President Jennifer Peters, members will be collecting donations at the Revenue Office on Tuesday. They will then work with a volunteer coordinator to determine which specific items are needed at which shelters, and then see that they are delivered there.

Currently, they are not asking for donations of clothing, but are looking for such items as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, shampoo, bottled water, baby wipes, diapers, baby food, formula, canned foods, can openers, plastic forks and spoons, new blankets, new pillows, paper towels, toilet paper and prepackaged snacks.

Peters said most of the attention was being paid to Cullman and Tuscaloosa, but she said the league would be focusing on those in neighboring counties such as St. Clair and Calhoun first, then sending the rest to the larger sites.

***

Tina Williams, owner of Tina’s home cooking in Talladega, is collecting clothes, blankets, toothbrushes and toothpaste and other personal items for those still living in shelters in Birmingham. She plans to deliver the collected goods Wednesday.

Donations can be dropped off at Tina’s Home Cooking on East Street North across from the public parking lot.

***

Tommy Davis of Davis Carpet, 59400 Alabama 77, Talladega, is filling a large enclosed container truck with various necessities for tornado victims. Davis says he hopes to deliver the goods in the next week or so, as soon as the truck is full.

Davis said the business will jumpstart the process by buying 50 cases of bottled water. Donations of everything from ice to chainsaws are encouraged.

Angeal Johnson wrote:

"We at Davis Carpet Serv is setting up a drop off point for the storm victims. We are gonna fill our freight truck & deliver. I will post a list at http://www.facebook.com/l/16d0f/ later. It will be in the Daily Home (Saturday). Put yourself in their shoes Let's everyone help out with this loss. Cell #'s: Tommy 256-310-8803, Holt 256-223-6053, Terry 256-310-8803 or Angeal 256-493-4964."

***

Christ Church in Odenville is funneling donations and coordinating relief efforts in the Shoal Creek community.

“Our focus is on Shoal Creek Road,” said Chris King, a deacon at Christ Church. “But we will do whatever we can to help anyone in the community.”

King said the church is helping coordinate food, donations, cleanup workers and more.

He said the church is nonprofit, and donations are tax deductible.

For more information or to donate call 205-924-3276 or visit http://www.christchurchbranchcove.com.

— Elsie Hodnett

***

The Greater Talladega Area/Lincoln Chamber of Commerce advises that donations of nonperishable items for disaster relief may be dropped off at the vacant lot next door to Townsend’s Lamps & Gifts and The Townsend Warehouse on 206 West Coosa Street in Talladega during the following hours:

Monday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Needed items include:

Baby food, diapers, water, flashlights, batteries, clean clothes

***

Bentley opens phone line to answer storm queries

MONTGOMERY (AP) — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has activated a "response center" in the state Capitol for residents to call with questions concerning the storms that have ravaged the state this week.

Bentley said people seeking answers to questions concerning the storm and resources that might be available to them can call 1-866-465-2241. Bentley said calls to the center would be answered from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.

Bentley said people who want to volunteer to help with recovery efforts or who want to make a donation should call the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at 877-273-5018.

The governor said he hopes having the phone number available will help people in areas hit by the storms.

***

Talladega Superspeedway has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in storm relief. The Superspeedway invites local race fans to join in the relief effort by driving your car around the track 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 6-8 for a $50 donation. Cash and checks will be accepted at the gate.

All cars must be street legal and have seatbelts for all passengers. No motorcycles or RVs.

***

The Daily Home offices in Talladega and Sylacauga and the Daily Home and St. Clair Times office in Pell City are collecting monetary donations for tornado victims on behalf of the American Red Cross.

***

All Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union branches are collection points for non-perishable items for Alabama tornado disaster victims. Donations can be dropped off at CPFCU branches at:

Sylacauga, 255 James Payton Blvd.

Pell City, 2708 Stemley Bridge Road;

Childersburg, 17591 Plant Road

Chelsea, Suite 190 Chelsea Corners (Winn Dixie) Shopping Center

Roebuck, 524 Red Lane Road, Suite B

Items will be collected until Friday, May 6.

Immediate needs are blankets, laundry supplies, personal hygiene items, feminine products, diapers and wipes, baby food, bandages and First Aid items, socks, bottled water, non-perishable food items (packaged), individually packaged juice, paper towels, tissues and toilet paper.

Monetary donations also accepted.

***

Anheuser-Busch is delivering drinking water in cases of 12-oz. cans to its beer distributors in storm-ravaged states.

Alabama Budweiser distributors in Birmingham, Muscle Shoals and Tuscaloosa will receive water today for use by families affected by the severe weather and the relief workers.

Birmingham Budweiser Distributing Co., 141 Industrial Drive, Birmingham

Shoals Distributing Inc., 100 Commerce St., Muscle Shoals

Greene Beverage Co. Inc., 6000 Grover Burchfield Dr., Tuscaloosa

***

Jacksonville State University is fully operational and back on our normal schedule. The first wave of storms took out our website and email, but all hardware and software repairs have been made.

The JSU Department of University Housing and Residence Life has a small number of spaces available to temporarily house individuals within the JSU family who have been displaced due to property loss. Anyone in need of assistance should come to the Housing Office, 103 Bibb Graves Hall between the hours of 8-4:30. This space is available immediately. (NOTE: We have already identified several employees who experienced total loss of their homes; however, I do not know if any have come forward to seek shelter at this time)

The JSU Student Government Association is also collecting clothing, household goods, and nonperishable food items daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Office of Student Life on the 4th floor of the Theron Montgomery Buildlng. These items will be delivered to the local Red Cross recovery efforts (Daily Home, 2011).

Read more: The Daily Home - STORM DAMAGE CENTRAL

References:

Anniston Star. (2011, May 2). Anniston Star - entry FBI Issues Tornado Relief Fraud Alert . Anniston Star - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.annistonstar.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-FBI+Issues+Tornado+Relief+Fraud+Alert%20&id=12997899&instance=gamecock

Daily Home. (2011, May 2). The Daily Home - STORM DAMAGE CENTRAL. The Daily Home - Local News, Business, Sports, Events, Blogs, Videos, Podcasts - Talladega and St. Clair counties. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://dailyhome.com/bookmark/12944079/article-STORM+DAMAGE+CENTRAL?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4dbe8768cfa7beba%2C0

Keen, J., & USA Today. (2011, May 2). Hurting Alabama town of Ohatchee digs out - USATODAY.com. News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2011-05-01-alabama-recovery_N.htm?sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4dbe1e2b87990052%2C2