September 2025

Inside: Slides from our August Hurricane Prep event and an introduction to the new LWR CERT AED Network.

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As we observe National Preparedness Month this month, I want to recognize and celebrate the vital work our members do. This year’s theme, Preparedness Starts at Home, reminds us that readiness begins with individual action and our members' collective dedication helps build Lakewood Ranch community resilience.

Our members' commitment to responding, volunteering, and educating is the backbone of our local emergency readiness. Whether attending a neighborhood team meeting, informing neighbors, or stepping up during real crises, our members help bring calm to chaos.

This month, we encourage all residents to build emergency kits, make family plans, and understand local risks. We also honor our members — the dedicated resident volunteers who make preparedness possible. Their involvement in LWR CERT is more than volunteerism; it’s leadership, compassion, and courage in action. They are the reason our community stands stronger and safer.

See you around the neighborhood,

Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)

President, LWR CERT

941.404.8606

More than 100 residents registered for the August 23 Hurricane Prep event featuring Fox 13 meteorologist Dave Osterberg.

Dave's Hurricane Prep Tips:

• #1 place for hurricane info is the National Hurricane Center
• The European and GFS models are the most accurate spaghetti models; AI is untested
• Be careful who you follow on social media; it's best to follow your favorite local meteorologist
• #1 reason for deaths after a storm is inland flooding
• Hide from wind; run from water
• Have 5-7 days of food and water on hand

LWR CERT Director of Community Outreach Jim Curran shared Lakewood Ranch-specific hurricane prep information and demonstrated a few favorite hurricane supplies, including a Water Bob to store drinkable water in a bathtub and solar-powered flashlights that charge cell phones.

Click the graphic to view Jim Curran's Hurricane Preparedness presentation

Jim then introduced the new LWR CERT AED Network. LWR CERT has staged Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) outside 11 members' homes throughout CEVA, CCW, GBVA and SRVA. These AEDs are available for public use to provide possibly life-saving assistance to individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The locations of these AEDs are logged into the Pulse Point app (yellow version) which is used by 911 operators to alert callers to AEDs nearby,

Thank you to Jim Curran for moderating and producing the meeting, to Corrine Wagner and Bonnie Teske for registering attendees, to John Wilkey, John Moelhman, Jacky Resetarits and Mike Resetarits for serving as LWR CERT ambassadors, to Cynthia Olcott as backpack explainer, Anna Albano for tech support, to Andy Mattheus for his information on drones, and Paulette Kessler-Westerman for being our photographer.

The event was organized by Director of Community Outreach Jim Curran, with support from Communications Manager Karen Emanuelson and Events Manager Gloria Schroeck.

The new LWR CERT AED Network is up and running! This initiative adds an extra layer of safety for our neighbors by positioning Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout our coverage area of CEVA, CCW, SVRA and GBVA. These devices can help save the life of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

We currently have 11 AEDs installed, with 3 more on the way.

Why does this matter? When a loved one or neighbor goes into cardiac arrest, every second counts. Survival chances increase by 40-60% when CPR is started immediately and an AED is used within just 3-5 minutes. Unlike AEDs located in businesses, our devices are available 24/7.



You can easily find all AED locations using the PulsePoint AED app (yellow), available for both phones and tablets. We encourage you to download the app, create a login, check where the nearest AED is, and share this resource with your neighbors and LWR CERT team members.

Don't live in our coverage area? You can still download the app and locate AEDs nearest you. If you’re willing to help in an emergency, you can register to receive "AED needed" alerts. Once logged in the PulsePoint app, tap on the photo of the nearest AED and apply. Once approved, you’ll be notified by 9-1-1—at the same time first responders are dispatched—if an AED is needed within ¼ mile of that device. You can then deliver the AED to the scene and possibly help save a life.

Drone Manager - Andy Mattheus

Congratulations to Andy Mattheus for being named Drone Manager. Andy will lead our new drone team and program.

Andy graduated from LWR CERT Basic Training in October 2024. He brings experience with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) where he flew them for the U.S. Navy. Andy holds an FAA Part 107 Drone License. Welcome, Andy!

Event Calendar Coordinator - John Moelhman

Thank you to John Moelhman for agreeing to create and coordinate the LWR CERT 2026 calendar of events. In his role, John will work closely with the LWR CERT Leadership team and Town Hall staff.

John graduated from LWR CERT Basic Training in October 2024. He brings experience coordinating a training calendar for 66 instructors. Welcome, John!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors - LWR CERT gives back

In addition to providing Basic Training for their new members, LWR CERT rehomed excess/obsolete helmets, gloves, vests and backpacks to newly establishing Cresswind Community CERT. LWR CERT Director, Responder Liaison John McInally is also providing assistance with their 501(c)3 application and sharing his knowledge of the basics of raising money and engaging with residents.

Thanks to Jack Sandelman, pictured center along with Cresswind CERT President Chief Marc Bashoor (left) and Cresswind CERT Vice President Jeff Mayhew (right), for the hours he has devoted to organizing the LWR CERT warehouse and for helping identify surplus and obsolete inventory worthy of a second life.

LWR CERT Director, Responder Liaison John McInally spearheaded a donation of surplus yellow safety helmets to veteran-led humanitarian organization Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon is an international, non-government organization specializing in disaster response.

After updates to the LWR CERT Team Kit inventories, LWR CERT Logistics Manager Jim Troeller (pictured) organized a donation of surplus/obsolete wool blankets to Mothers Helping Mothers, a local 501(C)3 which serves more than 4,000 families each year.

LWR CERT presented a donation of 25 yellow safety helmets to students in the Construction & Electrical Trades Program at Manatee Vocational and Technical College, providing them with a critical piece of safety equipment for their on-site training. Pictured in green (center) is LWR CERT's Jack Sandelman.

LWR CERT members share Hurricane Prep info

One of LWR CERT's missions is to educate our neighbors on disaster preparedness. LWR CERT members are actively sharing their knowledge throughout our community.

On August 12, Director of Community Outreach Jim Curran presented a Hurricane Prep presentation to residents of Esplanade.

LWR CERT member Corrine Wagner, a realtor with Coldwell Banker, has distributed almost 100 Manatee County All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guides to new families moving into our community. Corrine has also coordinated informational presentations about local CERT programs for local realtors.

Jill Perlin and Jordan Perlin presented a Hurricane Prep seminar to the Arbor Grande community on August 18 where they also shared a few of their favorite hurricane prep supplies.

John Moelhman attended the July Town Hall Resident Orientation meeting to spread the word about LWR CERT and our public events. The next Resident Orientation meeting is set for October 8 at 5 PM at Town Hall.

Mike Resetarits provides LWR CERT updates at the monthly CEVA Board meetings.

Steve Litschauer recognized at State Conference

LWR CERT member Steve Litschauer was awarded the Silver Star Award at the Florida CERT Association conference Aug. 16 in Cape Coral. The Award is presented to an individual in Florida whose dedicated, unselfish and enthusiastic service has contributed to the growth and development of the CERT and Emergency Management communities. Congratulations, Steve!

ECRN completes successful quarterly test

The quarterly test of the LWR CERT Emergency Communications Radio Network (ECRN) was conducted the morning of August 23. All hubs, the Incident Commander and the Medical Advisory Team reported clear communications.

New drone operator

Congratulations to Dr. Jim Schmidt who recently passed his FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test and obtained his Remote Pilot Certificate. He is now a licensed drone pilot.

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday to members Samuel Acquaviva (Team 28), Lenoire Bredt (Team 33), Barb Clemons (Team 23), Bruce Costella (Team 23), Marvin Crepea (Team 23), Barbara Hickey (Team 32), Magdalena Jones (Team 17), Shuxian (Tina) Liu (Team 36), Vijay Mahadeo (Team 11), Jennifer Mechling (Team 36), Nigel Pilling (Team 28), Robert Rizzo (Team 11), Michael Rogers (Team 13), Al Rolli (Team 22), Nancy Roush (Team 17), Susan Strahs (Team 28), James Troeller (Team 17), and Sheila White (Team 13)

Send comments, suggestions, and photos for future issues to communications@lwrcert.org.