November 2023
In this issue...update about hurricane protection lead times, reminder to check batteries in smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, meet our newest manager, plus see which team won LWR CERT Jeopardy!
From the top
November is a month for giving thanks. Thank you to:
  • our amazing members who were preparing to activate for Hurricane Idalia. We had 23 teams ready to activate, if needed. Gratefully, we weren’t needed in our area for this storm.
  • our leadership team as they plan for 2024. Our budgeting process has begun so we can prepare for 3 Basic Training classes, 4 Public Events, monthly member events, a simulation and more in 2024!
 
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday. It's also a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
 
Please be safe in the kitchen this month; don’t start the holiday season with a house fire. I hope everybody has a safe and happy holiday season.
 
See you around the neighborhood,

Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)
President, LWR CERT
941.404.8606
Want to meet our members? This event is open to the public.
Our annual Holiday Happy Hour is a great way to learn more about LWR CERT.
Congratulations to our Newest Committee Manager
George Haralampoudis has accepted the role as Member Engagement Manager. George graduated from Basic Training in August of this year and has also recently agreed to serve as Group Leader for Team 10.
 
George spent more than a decade volunteering as a Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of America and was a founding member of the Board of Trustees for the AHEPA Service Dogs for Warriors. He is currently the CEO of a private equity firm.
 
In his new role, George hopes to enhance LWR CERT's member engagement by developing a cohesive organization-wide strategy to communicate with members, making new members feel welcome and existing members feel valued, improving communication strategies and events that will entice members to engage in CERT activities year-round.
Congratulations to our Newest Team Captains
We are excited to announce several new Team Captains and the formation and reformation of several teams.

Thank you to :
  • Phil Westerman, new Team Captain of a newly formed Team 16 in Greenbrook, which covers the Banks, Terrace and Walk neighborhoods
  • Martin Hawkins, new Team Captain of a newly formed Team 1 in Riverwalk, which includes the Ridge neighborhood.
  • Maureen Corristan, current Team Captain of newly re-aligned Team 2 in Riverwalk, which now includes the Grove, Meadows and Hammock neighborhoods.
RECAP: LWR CERT Jeopardy! Champions Named
Attendees at the October Member Meeting were challenged to LWR CERT Jeopardy! The four teams each appointed a spokesperson: Team C - George Haralampoudis, Team E - Mike Resetarits, Team R - Susan Strahs, and Team T - Mike Modisett. Together they tackled questions and answers created by their fellow members including Emergency First Aid (contributed by Pat Knowles), In My Backpack (contributed by Cynthia Olcott), By The Numbers (contributed by Jim Hermiston), Storm Names (contributed by Karen Emanuelson) and What's in my Team Kit (contributed by Eddie Russell).

Adding humor to the event was MC Jordan Perlin, aided by Jill Perlin who served as the wizard behind the board and correct answer judge. Rounding out the event staff were Jim Hermiston serving as official scorekeeper and Arcinee Hermiston staffing the check-in table. President Jim Emanuelson began the event welcoming our newest members and introducing our three newest managers - Alan Blair (Radio Communications), George Haralampoudis (Member Engagement) and Kalena Ostrosky (Technology).

The teams jumped right in - choosing $1000 questions first! After many guesses, a few right answers, and lots of laughter, members of Team T (Mike Defferding, Sharon Defferding, John Harkey, Jack Mathews, Mike Modisett, and Rosemary Stack) were named LWR CERT 2023 Jeopardy! champions. They won a CERT helmet filled with Liquid IV Hydration Drink Mix sticks and Baby Ruth candy bars, which they graciously shared with their fellow competitors.
Upcoming Basic Training and HAM Classes in Manatee County

Trailer Estates CERT to hold November Basic Training
Trailer Estates CERT is scheduling CERT Basic Training classes November 7, 8, 13, 16, and 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM. The Saturday, November 18 class will go longer as necessary. The classes will be held in Trailer Estates, just north of the airport. Basic Training is free and open to all adults. For more information and to register, contact Sharon Denson at originaltr@cs.com.

Trailer Estates CERT to hold December HAM Licensing classes
Trailer Estates CERT is offering classes to assist in obtaining a HAM Radio Operator's License. The classes will be held in the evening in Trailer Estates on December 4, 7, 11, 14 and 15, if necessary. Training is free and open to all adults. For more information and to register, contact Sharon Denson at originaltr@cs.com.
Member News and Things to Know
party_candles_cake.jpg
Happy November birthday to members Dick Amesbury (Team 22), Don Avolio (Team 28), Robert Dapper (Team 1), David Forgash (Team 26), George Haralampoudis (Team 10), John Hess (XA), Denise Hogan (Team 23), Deborah Jernigan (Team 35), Robert Markow (Team 13), Mike Modisett (Team 31), Jean Bernard Ozit (Team 10), Jordan Perlin (XA), Thomas Quimby (Team 16), Gloria Schroeck (Team 10), Donna Speer (Team 23), Brian Thompson (Team 23), and Gerard Toner (Team 13).

Belated Thank You - We want to thank Arcinee Hermiston for stepping up to assist with check in during the September Member Event. It's always great to have someone walk into a meeting and ask how they can help.
Upcoming LWR CERT Meetings and Events
Executive Committee Meeting - Tuesday, November 7 at 11:30 AM Location TBD 
LWR CERT Election and Annual Meeting - Tuesday, November 7 at 7 PM
Basic Training Committee Meeting - Wednesday, November 8 at 4 PM
Board Meeting - Monday, November 13 at 7 PM
Radio Communications Committee - Tuesday, November 14 at 7 PM
Annual Holiday Happy Hour - Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at Linger Lodge Restaurant & Bar RSVP here
Send comments, suggestions, and photos for future issues to communications@lwrcert.org
LWR CERT 2023 Executive Committee

President - Jim Emanuelson
Vice President - Eddie Russell
Treasurer - Dave Cashbaugh
Team Captain Coordinator - Jan Kuhn
Liaison - Jim Hermiston

LWR CERT 941.404.8606
Newsletter Editor - Karen Emanuelson, Communications Manager

Proofreader: Jill Perlin