Elders Quorum Update 2

Today (Wednesday) is the clean up at the central primary and intermediate schools. This was scheduled to start in the am, but has been postponed and will now begin at 1pm tomorrow.

Saturday the Kehr farm will be cleaning up as well and are asking for help. I believe the address is 28940 County Road 2800 N. In Washington. Someone please correct me if that is incorrect. The cleanup will be going on throughout the day from am to dusk. 

Also on Saturday the Selden's should be moving. Look for more info on times later on. 

Thanks, 

Ben Coombs

Central School Clean-up Update

The City of Washington has extended the no entry time to 12 tomorrow, so Central Schools are moving their community clean-up project from the morning to 1-3pm.  If you are available they would love help.  We are also very excited that Central Schools announced today that children will return to class Dec. 3rd.  Thanks!

Our ward is still meeting at Matt Hancock's home to clean up as well:

Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm  

Thursday (Thanksgiving day) 8am to noon

Friday 8am to 4pm

Saturday 8am to 1pm

For further details call Matt Hancock at (309) 363-2409

Free Portraits for Families

Jacob Braun is a local photographer who sent out this message:

In conjunction with the Thanksgiving Dinner at East Peoria High School, we are putting together a portrait opportunity for all families affected by the tornadoes in the Central IL area. We are raising funds to help purchase supplies to provide a FREE 8X10 print of their family. If all funds are raised, we will be able to provide these prints to the families before they leave the Thanksgiving Dinner event, and THIS IS OUR GOAL! Please help make this happen.
Along with the print, the photos will be available electronically for each family so they can make holiday greeting cards or get more prints for themselves and their families. We will provide a way for them to order professional-grade prints, greeting cards, etc., online at cost.
We have contacted area retailers who are willing to provide many of these supplies at substantial discounts, so your donations will stretch very far!
All extra funds will be donated directly to the recovery effort (either the Red Cross or another service provider). This surplus donation will be announced here or on Facebook.


https://fundly.com/free-family-portraits-for-tornado-victims-in-central-il-on-thanksgiving-day/

If you would like to help his efforts you can donate to the link above.  If you have been affected by the tornado go get your family picture taken!

Other Service Oportunities

If you are looking for opportunities to serve you can try to contact ICC - I believe Americorp is using the college as their headquarters.  I do not have any official information from them though.

From Central School:
"Central Schools Clean-up Day Set for Wednesday, November 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please join us the morning of Wednesday, November 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to clean-up the grounds around Central Schools. Much of the large debris has been moved toward the curbs and Washington High School student volunteers will be on-site tomorrow to continue that process. Our specific needs during Wednesday’s clean-up day will be to rake and pick-up the smaller debris and move it to the curbs to be transported away. In addition, we will need help sweeping the playgrounds, sidewalks and entryways and washing exterior windows. If possible, please bring work gloves, rakes, and wheelbarrows (some gloves will be available at the site). The Holford Gymnasium foyer will be open as a warming center and to offer indoor restroom facilities for volunteers. We hope you will be able to join us. We will provide water and the Salvation Army will bring coffee and hot chocolate."

Also, Juanita Smith in our ward has been working up at Crossroads Methodist Church and she may know of some volunteer opportunities available there if you would like to contact her (foodstorage@mchsi.com).  I believe they are trying to find volunteers to help serve a main daily meal.

We are not officially involved with any of these organizations, but they may have needs if you would like to offer your help on an individual level.

Elder's Quorum Update

For those who are able and want to continue to help out with disaster clean up this week please keep in contact with Matt Hancock. The Hancock home will continue to be the command and control center for coordinating cleanup for our ward.

The schedule for cleanup at this point will be as follows:

Tuesday and Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm  

Thursday (Thanksgiving day) 8am to noon

Friday 8am to 4pm

Saturday 8am to 1pm

For further details call Matt Hancock at (309) 363-2409

Also, the Selden's will be needing help moving later in the week. Details will be forthcoming. Likely they will move at 3pm after church on next Sunday, but it may be sooner in the week. Watch your emails for that. 

Thank you again for all the wonderful service and help that you are providing to the community! 

The Elder's Quorum Presidency

Weekend Clean-up

First of all I was told by our Bishop and Stake President to say THANK YOU! to all those who came out this weekend to help with the Stake Clean Up effort.  We were able to get so much accomplished!  Here is a link to an article covering the project and there are a few pictures below: 
http://www.cinewsnow.com/news/local/Warm-hearts-on-a-cold-day-233163991.html

Update from today:  Church members headed out again today (Sunday) to do more work at the golf course and help homeowners in the disaster zone clear up debris. I just got off the phone with Bishop Braun and he told me that today most of the debris was actually cleared at the golf course and a lot was done at homes in the area. We are so grateful to all those who came out to work and to those that helped at the church to watch the children so more parents could go out.

Bulldozers are now coming in and leveling the remaining structures so nobody can come in. Bishop  Braun said we are not organizing anything now for Monday or Tuesday, but hopefully we can regroup for Wed., see what was accomplished by the bulldozers, and assess what needs to be done then.  The tent is still set up at the golf course but all of the tools have been relocated to the church.  I know this is going to be disappointing for all those that want to get in and help, but we really can't do anything for now.  You can contact ICC or some of the local Washington churches to find out if there are any needs that they have right now.  If you find something to do on an individual level that would be great, but really we won't know until Wed. what more need to be done out in the disaster zone. 

Once again - thank you so much for all the overwhelming support we have received.  One huge blessing from this tornado has been seeing the community pull together, and all the surrounding communities pour in to support us in our time of need.  What a time to count our blessings as we move into Thanksgiving week.

Here are a few pictures from Saturday & Sunday (I got a few of these from Shanna Kurth and Rebecca Monson's facebook pages):

Golf Course - this used to be the mini golf area

Golf Course - Clearing all the fallen trees

Local News Coverage

Saturday & Sunday

I am re-posting the information for tomorrow so it is easier to find.  I have heard from some people who are asking why we aren't going into the neighborhoods tomorrow.  Please remember that some of these homeowners are still meeting with officials, insurance, and claims adjusters.  There are still strict limits on who and how many are allowed in.  We are expecting a couple hundred people tomorrow and it would be too chaotic to be going into that small area on such a large scale.  Our priesthood leaders have found a need that we can fill.  Please support our church leaders by coming, working hard, and having a positive attitude.  I want to thank everyone in advance for coming out and supporting our community!  

Update for Saturday:  There will be a warming tent available!  Also, transportation to Scott and Lori Johnson's home will be available for those needing more long term warming so that the rest of their travel group can continue to work.

Saturday 9am-3pm - Stake Tornado Clean Up 

Please park at

ICC Cougarplex

1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635

There will be buses provided by FEMA there to shuttle you to the stake clean up site. We will be helping with cleanup efforts at the Hillcrest Golf Course. The course is a private course that has been decimated and insurance is providing little support to the owner. We will all need to bring cleanup gear as we are able. Rakes, gloves, saws, chainsaws, axes, wheelbarrows, etc. Make sure to dress in many layers as the wind chill is expected to be 10 degrees.  Make sure you come in sturdy boots, bring gloves, and warm coats.  The only place to warm up will be a 12 passenger mission van if you need it while at the golf course.   If you can bring in wheelbarrows, rakes, etc. please drop them off at:

Hillcrest Golf Course 

1829 Washington Rd, 

Washington, IL 61571

before going to ICC to park.  There is not enough parking at the golf course for everyone.  Bring a lunch with you.  There will be portable toilets on site.  Work will consist mostly of raking and hand picking up of debris.  Please 18 and older only.  Children 12 and older will be allowed only with a parent.

Morton Ward members, if you need childcare let me know and I can get you a list of sisters willing to babysit for a few hours while you go out and work.

 Sunday - 9am Sacrament Meeting

We will have a brief sacrament meeting and then we will divide up into work groups. Come dressed in warm work clothes. Anyone unable to work or go out in the cold, and anyone willing to stay and help with kids please stay at the church so that as many adults will be able to help as possible. Child care will be provided at the church for those under the age of 12 until 1:30pm.  Please contact Beth Muraski (bmuraski@msn.com) if you can help watch children or if you are planning on leaving your kids so we know how many to plan for.

Peoria Symphony Fundraiser

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26^TH

7:00PM PEORIA CIVIC CENTER THEATER
$20.00 per ticket • 100% of sales go to Red CrosIllinois Tornado Relief Fund • Free Parking
Doors open and Youth Symphony performances in the theater lobby begin at 6:00pm

The Peoria Symphony Orchestra is spearheading a concert to benefit the Central Illinois tornado victims.  In collaboration with the Peoria Civic Center all proceeds from the ticket sales of the concert will be donated to the American Red Cross – Illinois Tornado Recovery. All parties involved are donating their talent and resources to the project. The concert will feature music from Handel’s Messiah and will include musicians and vocalists from in and around Central Illinois. The audience is invited to sing-a-long with the chorus.

ALL MUSICIANS AND SINGERS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE. The PSO invites all musicians and singers that would like to participate to immediately contact the PSO offices at 309.671.1096. Additional information can be found on the PSO website at www.peoriasymphony.org.

PSO Music Director George Stelluto said, “We wanted to do something and do it right away. Some of our PSO musicians and the PSO Board members lost their homes or suffered damage. In this time, so close to Thanksgiving, it is painful to imagine anyone without home or hearth. This concert is meant to show our moral and material support during this time – in the best way we can. Hopefully, it will help.”
The Civic Center lobby will open at 6:00 pm where music will be performed by members of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony. Refreshments will be on sale provided by Centerplate Catering with 100% of the proceeds going to the relief effort.

              
        

Tickets are $20.00 and are available by:
          
• Calling the Peoria Symphony Orchestra at (309)671-1096
          
• Visiting the PSO box office located at 101 State Street in Peoria, IL61602          
• Going online at www.peoriasymphony.org
          

• Visiting The Peoria Civic Center Box Office
          
• Calling the Peoria Civic Center Box Office at (309)673-3200

                    

           

Tickets will be available the evening of the performance beginning at 6:00 pm at the Peoria Civic Center Theater Box Office.  All seating will be General Admission.

   For more information contact:
   Viki Burnett, Marketing Manager PSO
   (309)671-1096 Ext.563
   vburnett@peoriasymphony.org

Fund Raising Concert

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing Juanita!

ROCK TO THE RESCUE to host a benefit for Illinois tornado victims.

-FEATURING STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON AND FRIENDS-

TO BENEFIT VICTIMS OF DEVASTATING MIDWEST STORM

* * * * *

FUNDRAISING CONCERT AT U.S. CELLULAR COLISEUM IN

BLOOMINGTON, IL ANNOUNCED FOR DEC. 4

* * * * *

TICKETS ON SALE SAT., NOV. 23 AT 10 AM

http://rocktotherescue.net/news/rock-to-the-rescue-to-host-a-benefit-for-illinois-tornado-victims/

Friday

Friday - Salt Lake City is sending in a semi filled with wheel barrows, chain saws, and other equipment that needs to be  assembled.  Please meet at the  

Morton Ward Building 

10:45

We couldn't find a place to store the equipment overnight at the middle school.  Please bring tools to help assemble wheelbarrows, chainsaws, etc.  

Saturday 9am-3pm - Stake Tornado Clean Up 

Please park at 

ICC Cougarplex

1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61635

There will be buses provided by FEMA there to shuttle you to the stake clean up site. We will be helping with cleanup efforts at the Hillcrest Golf Course. The course is a private course that has been decimated and insurance is providing little support to the owner. We will all need to bring cleanup gear as we are able. Rakes, gloves, saws, chainsaws, axes, wheelbarrows, etc. Make sure to dress in many layers as the wind chill is expected to be 10 degrees.  Make sure you come in sturdy boots, bring gloves, and warm coats.  The only place to warm up will be a 12 passenger mission van if you need it while at the golf course.   If you can bring in wheelbarrows, rakes, etc. please drop them off at the 

Hillcrest Golf Course 

1829 Washington Rd, 

Washington, IL 61571

before going to ICC to park.  There is not enough parking at the golf course for everyone.  Bring a lunch with you.  There will be portable toilets on site.  Work will consist mostly of raking and hand picking up of debris.  Please 18 and older only.  Children 12 and older will be allowed only with a parent.

Morton Ward members, if you need childcare let me know and I can get you a list of sisters willing to babysit for a few hours while you go out and work.

 Sunday - 9am Sacrament Meeting

We will have a brief sacrament meeting and then we will divide up into work groups. Come dressed in warm work clothes. Anyone unable to work or go out in the cold, and anyone willing to stay and help with kids please stay at the church so that as many adults will be able to help as possible. Child care will be provided at the church for those under the age of 12 until 1:30pm.  Please contact Beth Muraski (bmuraski@msn.com) if you can help watch children or if you are planning on leaving your kids so we know how many to plan for.

For those displaced families, Central schools sent out this information:
This important information pertains to families displaced by the storms last Sunday. If you have been affected and are residing in a different location, please log on to the parent portal and update your address, emergency contacts, phone numbers and any other changes at this time. It is important to have the most up to date information, so that we can assist you in the transition of returning to school. If you are unable to log on to the parent portal, you may email updates to central51recovery@gmail.com.

All displaced Central students are welcome to continue at Central regardless of current residency. If you are now living outside of District 51 and need transportation, you may qualify for bus service. If you would like to request bus service for when school resumes, please email us at central51recovery@gmail.com.

List your current address and let us know that you are requesting bus service. Please include your student's name(s), grade(s) and current address, as well as your current contact information and emergency contacts.

Boil Order Lifted

For those who may not have heard, the boil order has been lifted in Washington!

Crossroads and Salvation Army

We are so grateful for all the community outreach going on right now!  Crossroads Methodist Church has been set up as a relief center right by the disaster area.  Here is information for those who need it.

From Juanita Smith "The link below provides information about meals being provided by the Crossroads United Methodist Church and the Salvation Army for storm victims and clean-up workers in the Washington area."


http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/1209/pressreleasewednesday.pdf

Needs

One immediate need some of our ward members have is boxes and packaging tape.  The families that have to move are needing to box up the items they have been able to salvage as they prepare to move to their temporary housing.  If you have any please let me know (home: (309)481-5140 or cell: (309)472-5481) and I will let you know where to bring them. UPDATE:  for now I think we may have enough boxes.  I will let you know if we need any more later.  Thank you!

Please scroll down to the previous blog post for information on what our ward is doing today and the next few days!

If you know someone looking for a small place to buy:  Craig Shurtleff informed me there is a home for sale at 103 E Jefferson.  He went through it this morning saying it is old but nice.  The owner wants to sell, not rent.  The home is 780 sq ft upper - 2 bedrooms, with finished basement 550 sq ft.  She is asking $114,000.  If you know of anyone who is interested please contact me and I will send you more detailed information or contact the owner Mary A. Eichorn 309-444-2412.

Connie Klein shared this message from facebook with me if you are looking for something to do to help in the next few days:

Becka Roach Richardson
11/20-3:31 pm CALLING ALL INTERESTED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WASHINGTON CHAMBER -- READ AND SHARE THIS!!!! PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I POST UPDATES IN ( ) BELOW WITH A TIME STAMP. THANK YOU!!!!

Beginning tomorrow 11/21/2013 EVERYTHING at the Country Side Banquet Center must be moved to the Sunny Land Plaza location. There is literally a warehouse of goods in this space. WE NEED BODIES AND LOTS OF THEM!!!!! Bring anyone, everyone. If you can pack, lift and move you are welcome. There is a monumental task ahead in the next few days to get everything moved over.

Share this far and share this wide. Please dress in layers and for the weather. It is going to be cold and mostly likely wet the next few days. Coffee and snacks are provided for the volunteers. There is SO much to be done. This is only for THURS 11/22 and FRI 11/23 please see update below on how to proceed as a volunteer for future dates.

EVERYTHING IS FREE FOR THE PEOPLE DISPLACED BY THE TORNADO. ALL FREE. We just need to move it over to the Sunnyland Plaza in the next few days so please help. If you know of ANYONE displaced, tell them about the Sunnyland Plaza. There is everything they could need there, clothes, food, water....I have never felt so humbled or so honored to be a part of an effort like the one I was a part of today. Let's get out there over the next few days and help our townspeople!

(4:08 pm Quick update because I forgot to post the time sorry! They are opening at 9 am tomorrow 11/21 and 8:30 am Friday 11/22. No time slots as far as shifts this time, just come out and help as you can. They are going to need a lot of people to pull this off!)

(4:54 update: I spoke with my contact at the Chamber. Anyone wishing to work the weekend shifts or into next week please e-mail volunteersforwashington@gmail.com with what you would like to help with [ie sorting, moving, etc..] your full name, and contact #. After Friday they will be contacting all interested parties and assigning them dates and times)

Questions? Contact me here on FB or at (309) 265-6910

Thursday

The City of Washington has announced that due to safety concerns with expected weather conditions, no workers will be allowed into the main damage area Thursday or Friday. Supposedly residents are not even allowed in on Thursday and potentially Friday. 

Thursday - if you can help, please meet at Jeff and Leslie Worthington's home beginning at 8am.

1604 Kern Rd

 The Worthington's home is outside the main path of the tornado so you can drive there.  They have several large trees down that need to be cleared. UPDATE: - Trees are cleared - thanks for all the hard work!

Friday - Salt Lake City is sending in a semi filled with wheel barrows, chain saws, and other equipment that needs to be organized.  We have received permission for the semi to park in the back of the Washington Middle School parking lot off of Washington Main Street.  We will be meeting there to organize for Saturday's service project. Time is still TBA

Saturday - The stake is hoping to get in at 8am - most likely meeting at:

Hillcrest Golf Course
 1829 Washington Rd,
Washington, IL 61571

President Johnson is still working on the details as we are taking each day as it comes and we don't know exactly what they will allow us to do yet, but this is the day we are hoping to get in.  Please look for further information to come.

Sunday - potentially more clean up at a ward level and any others who want to come.  As of now, it looks like Saturday and Sunday are the ONLY days in the next 6 days when people will be allowed in.

Monday and Tuesday are being reserved for City debris removal and most residents once again will not even be able to have access.  This is the information at the moment anyway.  Things are constantly changing so please check back!

Play date info update:  Monkey Joes half off admission is ONLY for those in the affected schools!  Tell them what school your kids go to in order to receive the 1/2 off price. Sorry for the mix up. 

Central School

Dist 52. Lincoln grade school, and Washington Middle School are open Monday but school is delayed 1 hr so classes start at 9:20

Washington District 51 schools received some damages and are closed until Thanksgiving Break - possibly longer.  Here is the information the school is putting out as of now:

Regarding Donations – The outpouring of support from those wishing to donate their time, money, and materials is greatly appreciated. At this time our energy is focused on a myriad of tasks to ready our schools for staff members and students to return. Two opportunities for monetary gifts are set up through the Washington Rotary Club and Washington Community Bank and the contact information is listed below. Please send gifts of clothing and supplies to Dozer Park in Peoria.

Washington Community Bank
1895 Washington Road
Washington, IL 61571
Account Name: Washington Schools Relief Fund

Account Number: 568 511

Washington Rotary Foundation
c/o Gary Dieters - Past President, Washington Rotary Club
2075 Washington Road
Washington, IL 61571

Central families who lost their homes and need to relocate – Your children may continue to attend Central Schools for the remainder of the year and we want them to remain in our schools. We will put out an official statement tomorrow from the Regional Office of Education; however, we also want you to know that families displaced by a natural disaster may qualify for free transportation if they move within a 1 hour radius of Washington. Again, we will provide more details concerning this item tomorrow.

Clean-up – Central Schools are located in one of the affected areas and our parking lots and ring road have been used by Ameren-Cilco as a staging area for their trucks. We are planning to schedule a school clean-up day and invite volunteers in to help with clean-up efforts as soon as we get the all clear from the City’s crisis management team to allow for additional traffic on the streets leading into our schools.

Play Dates

Since some of us will have all our children home for the next few weeks, we thought it would be nice to get out of the house a little bit.  Lori Johnson told me that Monkey Joe's is offering half off admission this week and next. UPDATE - half off admission is ONLY for those in the affected schools!  Sorry for the mix up. So, here is the plan:

Friday Nov 22 - 10am

Bloomington Children's Museum

101 E Beaufort St.
Normal, IL 61761
Telephone: 309-433-3444

Admission is $6 per person ages two and above (including adults)

Children under the age of 2 are free.

Bring a sack lunch

http://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net/

Monday Nov 25 - 10am

Monkey Joe's

8901 N Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL 61615

(309) 692-5637

Open 10-8pm Friday

 7.99$ per child 2 and older

(Should be half off for those in affected schools)

Babies and adults are free if not on the equipment 

Kids must have socks

http://www.monkeyjoes.com/locations/peoria/pricing/

8901-B N. Knoxville Avenue
Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 692-5637 - See more at: http://www.monkeyjoes.com/locations/peoria/hours-and-directions#sthash.xrs4CV73.dpuf

Map to Hancock's Home

Please park at 5 points or Central Primary, entering from Business 24 up Wilmore Rd. then follow the map over to 806 Grandyle.

Thanks  Anna Oxborrow for putting these maps together!

If you have trouble that direction, a friend just put this on facebook "I just came into town from the south side. I went main to cruger and was never stopped by a road block. However there was a long line from the west on cruger at Dallas. Tell people to come from the east side to get in quicker."

Wednesday

The last few days we have been told to stay away - only homeowners and rescue personnel allowed.  Some people are being allowed into the damaged area now so we are getting more organized. UPDATE: It sounds like police are turning a lot of people away today!  If you can get in please meet at the Hancock home.  That will be the command center for now as it is a fairly central location.  People can begin heading over there at 8am - there will also be Mormon Helping Hands vest available there.

From President Johnson:  "Individuals able to do vigorous physical labor and who will be able to bring construction type equipment, rakes, brooms and shovels with them can begin coming to the Washington area to provide volunteer labor.  At this time, we recommend individuals with good work skills and appropriate tools over 18 years of age.  Youth under age 18 should participate only when accompanying a parent.  The assigned unit representative should organize carpooling where possible to minimize the number of vehicles requiring space in the area.  Please note as well that work in these areas is confined to daylight hours."

608 Grandyle Dr.

Washington, IL 61571

(As of Tues. people were parking at 5 Points or Central School and walking in. There are checkpoints set up and some let you in and some won't.  Yesterday you needed an escort from a person in the damaged area so you would have to contact one of them.)

If you are not allowed in, I have a few Mormon Helping Hands Vests at my home.  I don't know if they will let you in wearing one but it is another thing to try.  Contact me at home: (309)481-5140 or cell: (309)472-5481 if you need one.

Please come equipped with gloves, coats, rain gear, face masks, and sturdy shoes/boots as there is a lot of glass and debris.

We could also use food at the Hancock's home to provide lunches for the workers - easy to put together items like sandwich supplies, chips, cookies, fruit, carrot sticks, etc. and water.  Washington is under a boil order so everyone could use water.

For those looking for temporary housing:  NHS property is offering free rent through the end of the year or those who are effected by the tornado . Contact www.nhspm.com or (309) 689-8494 or
(309) 682-6212
(I don't know where NHS property is just that)

Wednesday's dinner will be at the church at 6pm.  To those wanting to donate, we could use

personal hygiene items
hand sanitizer

water
first aid kits
pain/cold medicine
power cords
light weight shelving

non perishable food

gift cards

paper plates, cups, etc 

coats/hats/gloves

boxes

storage bins

packaging tape 
face masks

We don't really need clothes at this time.  We will let you know of any specifics if we do.

Here is an update from Cris Braun:  "Just so you know, we are fine.  As of today, we are set - all utilities are back, our yard and home are cleaned up, and the adjustor has been here, so we having nothing hanging over our heads except for the repairs.  There you go - this is our update. On a personal note, prayers for the bishop are needed, now that I see the scope of the burden and the demands.  We have an awesome ward, and the priesthood response is tremendously encouraging, awesome, phenomenal, etc.  I just cannot speak any more highly for the coordinated effort that I have witnessed."

We do have a few sisters who could use babysitting during the day.  If you are available during the day (and in the Washington area) send me your name and I will start a list here.
Nuria Steever (309)648-8240
Jessica Heslop (801)671-4014
Anna Oxborrow (309)886-2352
Lisa Fossat (801)718-2795
Brittni Montgomery ((605)787-0680

The stake is working to organize a group to go in this weekend.  Your local Bishop's and Elder's Quorum Presidents should be receiving information regarding that.  More information to come!

Thank you so much to all those who have reached out in support! 

Photos of ward members helping rebuild homes today (I took these from Shanna Kurth's facebook :)

Tornado Relief

Dinner Tonight provided by Peoria Ward

Dinner Tomorrow provided by Bloomington Ward

Church Building 4:30 tonight, 6pm Wed. night

Please come even if you have power and food.  This is a time that we all need to pull together for emotional support as well as filling temporal needs.

If you want to bring a side or dessert to share that would be great.

We have members who have been getting in to help, you just have to have an escort from a member in the effected area - so for now you will have to contact one of them if you want to get in.  We are trying to register Mormon Helping Hands with the city of Washington so hopefully we can get in as a group in the next little while.  Those who are in have been given Mormon Helping Hands shirts.  If you have one and you are going in it would be great to bring it!  

We are also going to begin collecting donations at the church.  Here is a list of what some of the members need and general items. (I hear donation centers have received plenty of clothes for now.)

 Water (Washington is under a boil order)

Coats 
Storage Tubs

Gift cards

Personal Hygiene items

New Socks

New Underwear
Cleaning Supplies

Clothes for Tearsa and Ben, Cole is a size 6, Ellie size 4 and Dax 18-24 mo. Coombs found coats but not snow pants or complete sets of gloves. They found some hats in the yard that they can try to clean up.  Paper plates, Plastic forks/spoons/knives, Paper towels, Toilet paper, Laundry detergent, Soap, Size 4 diapers

Kristi Ortiz (Family of 4) Brianna (13), Miguel (11), Gabe (4).  No allergies. She said she would appreciate paper/plastic products such as plates, bowls, cups, utensils and nonperishable food items.  She is need of child care so she can return to work.  She is hoping to go back to work tomorrow

Jared and Amanda Rogers (Family of 7) Ethan (15), Austin (13), Thomas (12), Bella (3), and Tyson (1).  They are currently staying with the Mehrs and are hoping to get back into their home tomorrow.  They won't know what they need until they return home.  She will keep us updated.

The Seldens will be moving from the Mickelsons to the Mehrs today.  They will possibly be staying there until December 1.  They have an application in to rent a home in Dunlap and are waiting on a response.  Their most pressing need is childcare while they are taking care of insurance needs and house hunting.  They could use clothes for Steve and Maternity clothes for Barb.  She found most of the kids clothes and winter things.  We are planning a Baby Shower for Barb on Dec. 3rd - 7pm at Charity Holcombe's home.  She is having a baby boy Dec 6th.

Elder Payne and Elder Blackner will be staying with Barb and Jim Johnson again tonight, Tuesday, and have said that they are to be moving into the Cape Cod Apartments in Morton on Wednesday. 

Craig and Heidi Johnson are without power and water.  They have a generator.  They wouldn't mind some paper plates and plastic spoons if they can get them.

The Brauns are still without power but have a generator and water.   

The Hancock's are back in their home and have power and water.  They are just cleaning up and of course there is the boil order.

Someone asked for specific food so here is a list of ideas if available:

Pancake mix

Cereal

Granola bars

Mac and cheese

Fruit

Chicken/ground beef

Eggs

Bread

Cheese slices

Butter

Peanut butter

Jam

Chicken nuggets
Pasta

We appreciate everyone wanting to help and anything they can give. Thank you so much!

Tornado Damage

I just wanted to let everyone know that all ward members are safe and have somewhere to stay. From what I have heard the Gibbons, Selden's, Coombs, and elders all have substantial damage. The bishop has damage to his roof and the Hancocks have damage also. The Ortiz family had a tree fall but I don't know if there is any damage to the house.  So far only residents are allowed in.  We may need homes opened to families in need of food and hot showers if power stays out for awhile.  Please let me know if you would be willing and we can get a list of homes together for families to contact.  So far I have heard that these families have power and can help: (PLEASE contact them if you need anything!)

Charity Holcombe(309) 241-6586
Barb Johnson (309) 339-8342
Clair Mensinger (309) 397-9777
Theresa Dias (309) 472-2739
Irene Hurst (309) 202-4284
Jennier Windland (309) 635-2136
Lois McAllister (309) 453-3146
Becky Mullen (309) 360-3850
Liz Mehr (801) 448-2603
Michelle Mullen (309) 258-4858
Jennifer Bickerstaff (309)550-8061
Juanita Smith (309) 453-7356

(*if you want your name and phone number added to this list please let me know!)

Also we are looking at having a spaghetti dinner at the church tonight (11/18) at 4:30 pm. Please contact myself by email or my cell phone (309)472-5481, or Charity Holcombe if you think you will come so we know how many to expect. (Time changed due to Washington curfew!)

The stake also sent out a message saying that they are going to be organizing cleanup for later in the week or early next week.  Thanks!

Also, we are going to go ahead and cancel book club tomorrow night.

PLEASE email or call Lois McAllister if you have specific needs.  She is gathering a list.
loismcallister@gmail.com    (309)453-3146

We have a few families who are going to need a somewhere to rent while their homes are being rebuilt.  If anyone knows of available rentals let Lois know asap!  It sounds like most of the members were able to get enough of their belongings out, including the Seldens.  They have a garage standing where they are able to lock up some of their things.

Play Group

Play Group: 9:30 tomorrow Tuesday, Nov 12th at Brianna Knowles.

Work Out Group

This week we will be doing yoga so bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Work out group meets at Kristen Hansen's home - 9:15 Friday mornings.  See you there!

Service Oportunity

If anyone is free today, Thursday, or Friday morning, Threads of Love in Washington is in need of people to help with painting - each day starting at 9am.

Also, FYI the gym floor is being refinished this week so no activities can take place in the gym.
Thanks!