Monday, December 21, 2009

Cold Weather Safety Tips from Missouri 2-1-1




United Way reminds you to take care during cold weather advisories, warnings and emergencies. For information on what to do during a cold-weather emergency, call 2-1-1 (cell phone users can call 800-427-4626). For senior citizens worried about not being able to pay for heating, call 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626 to find possible agencies that provide assistance. All calls are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.

Below are tips to help keep you safe and warm during cold weather emergencies.

Personal cold weather tips:
• Dress in layered clothing and wear some sort of head gear/covering
• Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation and wire condition
• Never place space heaters close to flammable objects, such as drapes or bedding or on top of furniture or near water
• Make sure fireplace flues are working properly
• Check extension cords for breaks or fraying
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors
• Check on your neighbors – especially the elderly
• Keep pets inside
• Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Insulate walls and attic.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls (water will be less likely to freeze).
• Service snow-removal equipment.
• Have chimney and flue inspected.
• Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer
• Prepare your home and car for cold weather – safety kits are available

Before a winter storm hits:

• Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies
• Keep a water supply
• Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:
o Battery-powered radio (for listening to local emergency instructions). Have extra batteries
o National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver (for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts)
• Find out how your community warns the public about severe weather
• Listen to emergency broadcasts

Winter storm warning terms:
• Winter weather advisory (Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.)
o Frost/freeze warning (Expect below-freezing temperatures.)
o Winter storm watch (Be alert. A storm is likely.)
o Winter storm warning (Take action. The storm is in or entering the area.)
o Blizzard warning (Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.)

Much more cold-weather related information is available at these sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Winter weather
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Power outages


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Emergency preparedness and response
• Red Cross – Preparedness fast facts

About United Way of Central Missouri
The United Way of Central Missouri is a local, volunteer-driven organization that helps local people in need and provides community solutions. United Way unites people and resources in the Mid-Missouri area by leading and coordinating a community effort for one another. United Way of Central Missouri 25 partner agencies and programs serve individuals in Cole, Moniteau, Osage, Miller, and Southern Callaway counties. For more information, contact 573-636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

About Missouri 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 call centers operate under national standards and are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. Information is available on a broad range of services, including food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.
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Thursday, November 12, 2009

United Way Announces Campaign Total


The United Way of Central Missouri marked the end of its formal fundraising period at a Thank You Celebration held at the Missouri Farm Bureau on Thursday morning. Prior to announcing the campaign results, organizers stressed that the total amount raised contains projections as donations continue to arrive at the United Way office over the coming weeks and months.
The projected pledge total of the 2009-2010 Community Campaign is $1,600,006. United Way leadership reported this total will make it possible to meet its financial commitment to the member agencies and the community. "Our first responsibility is to our partner agencies many of which could not exist without United Way funding", said United Way President, Linda McAnany. "This year's projected total will allow us to keep that commitment and have additional dollars available for one-time grants."
"Challenging times call for big hearts. It's no surprise that Mid-Missourians have answered the call to help their friends and neighbors" said Warren Krech, 2009 Campaign Co-Chair. "That generous spirit makes "Live United" more than just a slogan. In Central Missouri, it's a way of life."
"Once again, this confirms what a generous community we live in", added Mike Kehoe, 2009 Campaign Co-Chair. "It also shows the community believes in and trusts the United Way when it comes to determining and meeting the needs in Central Missouri". He added, "We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to count on our contributors year after year".
Money raised during the Community Campaign funds the work of the 25 member agencies and programs. United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway counties.

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Monday, November 9, 2009

United Way to Announce Campaign Totals

The United Way of Central Missouri will announce the projected total for the 2009-2010 Community Campaign during the Thank You Celebration this week. The Thank You Celebration is scheduled Thursday, November 12th at 7:30am at Missouri Farm Bureau, 701 S. Country Club Drive. The event is free and open to the public. A light breakfast will be provided.

"While we won't have the final results of this year's campaign until early next year, this is an opportunity to thank the community for their support" says Linda McAnany, President of the United Way. Money raised will fund the work of the 25 United Way agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

United Way and Scholastic Team Up for Kids

The United Way of Central Missouri and Scholastic have announced plans for the 15th annual Kick-off for Kids. The carnival-like event is scheduled for Thursday, September 24 from 5pm till 7pm at the Jefferson City's Memorial Park.
Kick-off for Kids is a free event for children whose families are served by the United Way partner agencies. Organizers say this event is planned with the children's health, safety, and enjoyment in mind. "Both the organizers and the kids have fun at this event," says Lori Massman, Community Development Manager for Scholastic. "Because it is all about kids, this event fits well with what we do at Scholastic."
Several United Way agencies will provide games. A bounce house, kid friendly games and puzzles, along with a fire truck from the Jefferson City Fire Department will be some of the activities. Volunteers from the Runge Nature Center will also have a display.
For more information about Kick-off for Kids, please contact the United Way office at 573-636-4100. For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri, please visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

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The United Way Begins Community Campaign


The United Way of Central Missouri's 2009-2010 Community Campaign has officially started. More than 300 supporters attended the campaign kickoff luncheon which was held on September 3rd. The event marks the beginning of an eight-week long effort to raise this year's goal of $1,600,000.

Twenty-six local businesses and the United Way agencies have already completed their part of the fundraising during this summer's Pacesetter Campaign. The group held their employee campaigns in late July and August. This year's Pacesetters raised $593,269 which is 37% of the 2009 campaign goal.

While Campaign Co-Chairs Warren Krech and Mike Kehoe were satisfied with the preliminary numbers, they noted that there is still a lot of work to do. "To have 37% of the campaign goal pledged is encouraging," says Krech. "But we still have a long way to go." Kehoe added, "We know that a lot of people in central Missouri are hurting right now, but we also know the central Missouri community will step forward and help us meet the needs of the partner agencies."

Linda McAnany, President of the United Way of Central Missouri, says she is also encouraged with the preliminary numbers. "We knew this campaign would require a lot of extra effort. Our Pacesetter group worked very hard. The results show it. It will be close, but we think we are on target for the balance of our campaign."

Money donated during the campaign will be used to fund the United Way of Central Missouri's 25 health and human service agencies and programs. Last year, more than 91,000 people in Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties received help from one or more United Way agencies.

For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri Community Campaign, call 573-636-4100 or visit http://www.unitedwaycemo.org/.


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Thursday, July 16, 2009

United Way of Central Missouri Sets Campaign Goal


The United Way of Central Missouri set its annual fall campaign goal at $1,600,000. The goal for the 2009-2010 Community Campaign was announced during a news conference this morning.
Campaign Co-Chairs Warren Krech and Mike Kehoe acknowledged the 84-year history of the United Way in the Jefferson City community. “The United Way has encouraged agencies and individuals alike to unite in the effort to improve lives and build a stronger community”, said Kehoe. “The goal of $1.6 million is a result of the ever growing needs in the community. A number of families in our community have lost income due to layoffs.”
“These are interesting times”, added Krech. “Many of the folks who gave to the UW campaign last year are looking for help from the agencies this year.” Both Kehoe and Krech hope that those who have supported the campaign in the past will give just a little extra this year and that there will be a few new donors step forward this year.
Krech, Kehoe and the United Way staff will enlist the help of numerous volunteers to help spread the word about this year’s campaign. The 25-plus member Campaign Leadership Team will help to solicit donations and pledges from businesses and individuals throughout the service area.
The 2009-2010 Community Campaign officially begins at 11:30 AM on September 3rd with a kickoff luncheon at the Capital Plaza Hotel. Twenty-five area businesses and the United Way partner agencies will jumpstart the fundraising during the Pacesetter Campaign, which will be held throughout the month of August.
The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 member agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties. For more information, please call the United Way Office at (573) 636-4100 or visit http://www.unitedwaycemo.org/.

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Monday, July 13, 2009

United Way of Central Missouri to announce Campaign Goal

The United Way of Central Missouri will announce its annual campaign goal at a news conference scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 9:00 AM. The news conference is to be held at the NH Scheppers Community room located at 2300 St. Mary’s Blvd.

The 2009-2010 Community Campaign officially begins on September 3rd at 11:30 AM at the Capital Plaza Hotel. Twenty-six area businesses and the United Way partner agencies will jumpstart the fundraising during the Pacesetter Campaign, which will be held throughout the month of August.

The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 member agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties. For more information, please call the United Way Office at (573) 636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.


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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

United Way of Central Missouri announces Community Campaign Co-Chairs for 2009












The United Way of Central Missouri announced this year’s campaign leadership at a news conference this morning. Two longtime Jefferson City area residents and community leaders will serve as this year’s co-chairmen. Warren Krech has over 30 years’ experience in broadcasting, and is a 25-year veteran of Jefferson City radio. He is the current and 3-time winner of the News Tribune’s “Readers Choice” award for favorite local radio personality. He is a member of the United Way of Central Missouri Board of Directors. Mike Kehoe has over 20 years experience in the automotive industry. Mike is extremely committed to his community, something that is exemplified in the number of awards he has received at both the local and state levels. He is a member of the United Way of Central Missouri Board of Directors. In the past, he served as campaign co-chair in 2001 and on the nominating committee.

For more information please call the United Way office at 573-636-4100.


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Live United Flash Mob




Underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people. Connected, interdependent, united. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED!
We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, when people are healthly. Advancing the common good is less about helping one person at a time and more about changing systems to help all of us. Living United means being part of the change.

It takes everyone in a community working together to build a brighter future. Please help us share the message of what it means to LIVE UNITED!

United Way of Central Missouri to announce Campaign Leaders for the Fall Campaign

The United Way of Central Missouri will announce the 2009 Community Campaign Co-chairs at a news conference scheduled at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 22 at Jefferson City Day Care Center, 1002 Myrtle, during National Volunteer Week. The co-chairs and United Way staff will be available for questions immediately following. For more information please call the United Way office at 573-636-4100.

Friday, February 13, 2009

United Way Holds Annual Meeting





The United Way of Central Missouri officially began the 2009 business year with the Annual Meeting, held earlier today at Capitol Plaza Hotel. During the luncheon event, elections were held for the 2009 Governing Body and Board of Directors. Also, businesses and individuals were recognized for their commitment to the United Way in 2008.
Twenty seven members of the Governing Body were elected to three-year terms. Four new members of the Board of Directors, Vicki Myers, Department of Corrections, Dan Westhues, Central Bank, Laurie Roach, Premier Bank, and Ed Farnsworth, Capital Region Medical Center were also elected to three-year terms. Two additional new board members, Warren Krech, Zimmer Radio Group, and Barbara Prasad, JCMG Laser & Vein Center were appointed to fill two year incomplete terms. Four board members, Mark Towner, Towner Communications, Maurice Ledin, Modine Manufacturing, Mitch Rohrbach, Missouri Farm Bureau and Dr. George McElroy, St. Mary’s Pediatrics were re-appointed to another three-year term.
The United Way of Central Missouri recognized five outgoing Board members, Mark Kaiser, Missouri State Office of Administration, John Marquart, Schnuck’s, Gary Wilbers, Mid-America Wireless, Mike Moscato, River City Florist, and Scott Boltz, Zimmer Radio Group. Duane Schreimann will serve as the 2009 Board Chairman. Also, the 2008-2009 Campaign Co-chairs, Lori Hoelscher, AmerenUE and Greg Gaffke, EMBARQ were honored for their service and leading the community campaign by raising $1,603,444, which exceeded the campaign goal.
Several individuals and businesses were recognized for their service to the United Way. Don Smith, Clinic Coordinator, Family Counseling Center, was presented with the Ruth C. Meloy Award for Distinguished Service. That award recognizes a staff member of a United Way agency whose work and dedication exemplifies the mission of the United Way of Central Missouri. “His integrity and dedication are demonstrated daily as he reaches out to members of our community who are in need. He is resourceful and inspiring, yet especially kind. Most of us could only dream of being as selfless and professional as Don Smith”, said a staff member from Family Counseling Center.
Mark Kaiser, long time United Way volunteer, received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Mark has volunteered over 20 years for the United Way in many roles including board chair, campaign co-chair, strategic funding and fund allocation committee. He stated, “It’s beginning to sink in that after all these years and all the wonderful memories of remarkable people coming together to help those in need in our community, my time has come to move on. Please know that I’m not far away and you can count on me to help you and our beloved United Way any time you ask.”
Two central Missouri businesses received honors for their outstanding efforts during the Community Campaign. The William W. Quigg Awards were presented to GFI Digital and Cargill of California, Missouri. These awards were named after an individual who was not only a strong supporter of the United Way of Central Missouri but also the entire business community. Lutheran Senior Services was awarded the Outstanding Pacesetter Award.
The United Way also recognized the employees of five local companies for their workplace employee campaigns. This year, the top five workplace employee campaigns were: first place, Central Bank & Central Technology Services, second place, Missouri State Charitable Campaign, third place, Scholastic Inc., fourth place, Ameren UE, and fifth place was Jefferson City Public Schools.
A complete list of the nominees who were elected to office today is attached. The United Way of Central Missouri Annual Meeting was sponsored by KOMU-TV8. For more information about the Annual Meeting, please contact Theresa Verslues or Linda McAnany at 573-636-4100


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2009 Nominating Committee

Board Members Nominees:
Board of Directors:
3 Year Term – (2009-2011)
Vicki Myers
Dan Westhues
Laurie Roach
Ed Farnsworth

2nd 3-year term:
Mark Towner
Maurice Ledin
Mitch Rohrbach
Dr. George McElroy

Two-year Incomplete Term
Warren Krech
Barbara Prasad

Governing Body
3-year term (2009-2011)
Al Able
David Acree
Matt Alsager
Corey Backues
Brian Berhorst
Gary Collins
Kathy Crow
Jeff Davidson
Alicia Embley-Turner
William R. England III
Greg Gaffke
Barry Gentile
Sally Graham
Jayne Gratz
Jan Haviland
Lori Hoelscher
Dan Lenger
Bob Leonberger
Ken Littlefield
Bob Mazur
Terra Parris
Jim Perch
Dr. Bryan Pope
Jon Roberts
Dr. Jeffery Sanders
Donna Short
Lonna Trammel

Executive Committee 2009: (Voted on by United Way BOD on December 16, 2008)
Chairman: Duane Schreimann
Vice-Chairman: Dave Turner
Former Chairman: Bernie Fechtel
Secretary: Darrell Moore
Treasurer: Don Perdue
At-Large: Faye Edwards
Maurice Ledin
Gaye Suggett

Monday, February 2, 2009

United Way to Hold Annual Meeting, Deadline to purchase tickets nears

The United Way of Central Missouri will officially begin the new year on Friday, February 13 with the Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held at 11:30am at Capitol Plaza Hotel. Elections for the United Way’s Governing Body and Board of Directors will be held during the meeting. Several awards will also be presented during the meeting, including William W. Quigg Awards, Volunteer of the Year Award and the Ruth C. Meloy Award, which is presented to a paid staff member of one of the 24 member agencies.
The event, which is sponsored by KOMU, is open to the public. Tickets are $15 and will not be available at the door. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, February 9, 2009. Tickets can be purchased at the United Way office located at 1025 Southwest Boulevard, during regular business hours. For more information, please call 573-636-4100.

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