Here's the latest news from LWR CERT for you

September 2026

Inside: Celebrating our latest recognition award, top homeowners' and flood insurance tips, last opportunity to sign up for Basic Training this year, and so much more!

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From the Top

Dear LWR CERT members and neighbors:

I am proud to share a well-earned honor: our CERT team has been named the 2026 CERT Team of the Year by the Florida CERT Association. This recognition belongs to every member who gives their time, energy, and commitment to helping our community become stronger, safer, and more connected.

Thank you to our volunteers for showing what neighbor helping neighbor truly means. Your training, service, and willingness to step forward make a difference, and this award reflects the trust and respect you have earned.

As we celebrate, please remember that September is a key month to watch the weather closely for hurricane activity. We also encourage neighbors to join our next CERT Basic Training class, which begins September 30. LWR CERT members can help by inviting a neighbor to attend and experience what our team is all about. It is a great way to learn useful skills and be part of this award-winning team.

Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)

President, LWR CERT

941.404.8606

RECAP: What Your Insurance Really Covers Before the Next Storm

by Kathie Neal

As Florida homeowners know, preparing for hurricane season involves much more than stocking water, securing outdoor furniture, and knowing where to go during an evacuation. Understanding what your insurance policy does, and does not, cover can be just as important. That was the message at the August 22, 2026 public meeting hosted by LWR CERT at Town Hall.

The program, Hurricane and Insurance Essentials – What Every Lakewood Ranch Homeowner Should Know, featured Carisa Mitchell of Shepherd Insurance with the assistance of Brett Kalk. Mitchell provided an in-depth look at homeowners and flood insurance and offered practical advice for preparing before a storm strikes. LWR CERT member John Moelhman added practical tips on preparing for a storm and explained why joining LWR CERT is one of the best ways to stay informed and connected during emergencies.

Key takeaways from the presentation:

Click here or the key takeaways above to read the entire presentation recap notes

Click here or the graphic above to see the presentation slides

Thank you, John Moelhman, moderator; Corrine Wagner, producer; Jean Hritz, backpack explainer; John Wilkey, Polly Greene and Danny Mason, ambassadors; Karen Emanuelson, marketing and photographer; Corrine Wagner and Dave Charron, sign in desk; and Radio Committee Manager Alan Blair and Radio Committee members Frank Csorja and Tim Sherer. The meeting was organized by Events Manager Gloria Schroeck.

Did you know????

The LWR CERT Emergency Radio Communications Network (ERCN) can send and receive emails even during a full outage — no power, no phones, no internet. It’s one of the ways we stay connected when normal communication fails.

Each of our Amateur Radio (Ham) hubs is trained to use WINLINK, a radio‑based email system, and each Hub has the equipment needed to get messages through when other systems are down.

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday to members Samuel Acquaviva (Team 28), Bruce Costella (Team 23), Marvin Crepea (Team 23), Barbara Hickey (Team 32), Magdalena Jones (Team 17), Paulette Kessler‑Westerman (Team 16), Shuxian (Tina) Liu (Team 36), Vijay Mahadeo (Team 11), Jennifer Mechling (Team 36), Ofer Minka (Team 17), Nigel Pilling (Team 28), Robert Rizzo (Team 11), Michael Rogers (Team 13), Nancy Roush (Team 17), Nicolle Schultze (Team 33), Susan Strahs (Team 28), James Troeller (Team 17), and Sheila White (Team 13)

Board Member Dave Esslinger was awarded a certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration for completing the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent course, renewing his license for 2 years. Congratulations, Dave!

Members of Team 26, which covers the Augusta, Muirfield and St. Georges neighborhoods in the Country Club held a meeting August 4 at Town Hall. Group Leader Rich Svertesky reviewed the team's participation in the Hurricane Tim activation exercise and Team Captain George Jenckes provided an update on the latest LWR CERT news, followed by a hands-on medical refresher of the 3 killers and anaphylaxis. Guests included Board member Pam Charron and Team Captains Maureen Corristan (Team 2) and Jean Hritz (Team 22).Thanks to all who attended!

Area News and Events

LWR CERT AED Network now listed on NEAR Registry App

The LWR CERT AED Network includes 14 AEDs placed across our neighborhoods in Edgewater, Country Club, Country Club West, Greenbrook, Riverwalk, and Summerfield.

All 14 AEDS are now listed in the NEAR Registry app (formerly the PulsePoint AED app).

The app makes it easy to see the closest AED, and it helps 911 guide callers to the nearest lifesaving equipment.

Neighbors who register on the app for the AED closest to their home will receive alerts if an AED is needed nearby, saving valuable minutes before professional first responders arrive.