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Hurricane Katrina
FIRST has asked us to place this thread to chat with other teams to find support and potential teams for them to join if they have been affected by the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.
There are some existing threads discussing related threads; they have been closed and many relevant sources of information have been copied into this thread .. please continue discussion here. Thank You. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
I'm from down there, but Im in starkville at college. The infrastructure down there is completely wiped out, no phones or anything. If you want some videos/pictures go to www.wlox.com and www.sunherald.com. Thats the local station and paper, the whole area has been completely wiped out. This storm was worse than Hurricane Camille, which had been a benchmark of what is bad up until this point. Death toll is already over 80 and is expected to cap 200.
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Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
The following teams are based squarely in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina:
1304 - New Orleans Center for Science and Mathematics 1534 - Marion Abramson Senior High School 1550 - O. Perry Walker Senior High School 1589 - John F. Kennedy Senior High School 364 - Gulfport High School Based on what I've been able to gather from news and other sources, it seems given that these teams will not be participating in the 2006 FIRST competitions. New Orleans is expected to be uninhabitable for upward of four months, while the Mississippi coast is probably facing a similar timeline. In any case, rebuilding infrastructure, homes and businesses will be priority to piecing together the funds and manpower needed for a FIRST team. Also on the news, I've heard reports that the city of Houston, in particular, is preparing to make a temporary home for many of the millions displaced by these storms. Refugees are currently being moved to the Astrodome, former home of FIRST's Championship event. Houston's public schools are preparing for an influx of students from the affected areas and the additional needs that are associated with that. Schools need more room, more textbooks and more teachers. Students and families may need subsidized lunches and supplies. These new burdens require money that will assuredly be taken from other, less critical programs. FIRST is, as much as we might hate to admit it, a luxury that should lose funding for these important needs -- as should sports and other extracurricular activities. Genuinely, I hate to rally support without a clear avenue of action in mind, but the breadth and immensity of these events are staggering. I believe that, perhaps, giving the kids and mentors from the teams affected the opportunity to continue in FIRST -- in something familiar when all they have has been lost -- may be invaluable. What can we do to provide that opportunity? It may not be rebuilding a levee and erecting a house, but there must be something -- smaller, undoubtedly -- that we can do for these folks. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
I was talking to my contacts in the Coast Guard about what is happening down there and also from people at my fire house that know fire fighters that are in the effected areas they all say the problems have just started. Fires and looting are wide spread and most of the fires are unreachable because of the flooding. The Coast Guard SAR (Search and Rescue) calls have dropped from 2,200 a day once the storm started till the brunt of it was over are now at about 900 a day but many of them are once again in areas and places where getting to people is very hard.
The best way to help the people in need right now is to donate money or supplies to the American Red Cross and to also donate blood to your local blood bank as its need is at an all time high. |
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This may be one of the only replies from someone who rode out the storm. My family and I stayed in Gulfport at our church. Never have I witnessed destruction like Hurricane Katrina caused. When we were able to return to our home on Monday evening, we were blessed to find only minor damage to it. A tree on the roof, a few missing shingles, and one smashed car (along with the standard tree limbs everywhere) are the only problems we had. We have several friends who were not able to say the same. Trees through the roof, roofs completely gone, homes completely destroyed. So far, we haven't heard of anyone we personally know who lost their lives.
The problem right now is that there is no electricity, gasoline, or water, and very limited communications. Now, I can make it without lights, my computer, or even my cell phone, but I've got to have some water to wash my face with every once in a while. My wife and I decided that we would be better served bringing the kids and coming home to Arkansas to resupply. My son Brandon (bhweezer here on Chief Delphi) and I will be returning to Gulfport on Friday with supplies to last us for a week or so while we begin the cleanup and repair of our home and lives. My wife and our daughters will be staying here in Little Rock until we get things stable. We have heard that there will be no school for at least a month, and many people don't have jobs any more. Will Team Fusion be competing in FIRST during the 2006 season? I don't know. The golf course we use to hold our only fundraiser was destroyed and several of our main corporate sponsors had their businesses trashed. But I can assure you that if we don't, there will be a few of us who make it to Houston for the Lonestar Regional. Why? Because the "Team with the Psycho Fans" knows how important it is to try and get things back to normal as soon as possible. Please remember everyone along the storm's path in your prayers tonight. Some pictures will be posted tomorrow, if possible. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
Folks:
Obviously, this is a devastating event. The first priority for most of the people in the area is their personal safety and that of their families and friends. Some suggestions for those who are safe and able to participate in FIRST this season... (1) having all those FIRSTers who have had teams displaced by Katrina form one unified team to compete in FRC or VEX. Logistics might be tough, but it probably could be done. (2) focus solely on VEX this season and see if a slot can be reserved for these teams at official VEX events. VEX is less expensive and can be developed without significant facilities, which for affected teams are probably not available. I would imagine that, should someone be able to organize this, other FIRST teams may be able to contribute to the overall cost. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
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I got thinking about this whole devestation, and reading this post and Andy's statement really hit home:
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I'll upload the ribbon logos when I have them. The idea would be to put a thin laminate over them. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
Being a past hurricane survivor, the best thing we can help with is cash donations to the red cross, etc. FIRST has over 1000 active teams and if each team donated $100.00 the total combined effort would be more than 100,000. Better yet if each team was able to donate $1,000 then the total combined effort would be over a million.
I can look into setting up an account to accept donations and have the proceeds go to the red cross. Does anyone think else this is a good idea? I hope the teams affected by the hurricane can have a FIRST season. Even if they all combined into one team, or joined other teams. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
When I was a kid, my dad was a member of the local Rotary Club. As a Rotarian, he would volunteer to host exchange students from other countries. This added much to my childhood experience, as people from many cultures would stay with us for 3-4 months at a time.
We had young men from Germany, Brazil and Saudi Arabia stay with us. Once, a young lady from Australia was our guest. I recall asking her "what language do you speak in Australia?" (I was about 8) I am wondering if we could do this for students on these FIRST teams in the Gulf Coast area? Of course, this time, there would be no "exchange". It could be a placement program for FIRST students from teams in this area. Could this happen? Is it needed? What are some of the legal hurdles here? If anyone wants to help investigate this, PM me and we can start working on this idea. Andy B. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
The biggest problem my team competing would be funding. Most of our corporate sponsors are located on or near a major body of water, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were severely damaged or destroyed from flooding. Every year Team Fusion has a golf tournament which gets us a bulk of our funding for the year. I live about two blocks from a golf course and it was nearly wiped out, with major flooding and trees down. The course we use for the tournament is closer to where the eye of the storm crossed so it probably received even more damage. I can't see us getting the money we need to compete. I hope I'm wrong and I will try my best to get my team to a competition.
I think one of the scariest things about the hurricane is that there is NO communication along the coast. Cell phones will get service for about 5 minutes every hour, and even then you can not receive calls. I have only heard from one team member since the storm. I have another friend whose parents haven't heard from him since Sunday. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
Though I like the multi-team efforts that are being tossed around, it doesn't necessarily have to be an elaborate undertaking to give something back to these teams.
Back in 2000 when the homes of members of Bound Brook, NJ (Team 56's town) suffered flood damage, 237 stood outside their local supermarket with a can for a few hours on a Saturday. Not only was it an excellent teambuilding activity, but we ended up raising a couple hundred dollars - which ended up being matched by one of our mentors. It also helped build a bond between the two teams that is apparent years later. Because of the media coverage, giving money to hurricane relief is an easy sell, and much easier to implement on a team-by-team basis. PS - I know it's already been mentioned, but don't forget to give blood! Every 2 seconds someone needs blood, and with the hurricane, the already low summer levels are even lower. |
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I'd hate to see our donations go to pay high six figure salaries for the EOs of the Red Cross, or to get siphoned off toward "future disasters" the way the RC did with the 9/11 donations.
Does anyone know the relative administrative costs of participating charities? Really, does anybody know? All I know is that back in the 60s my fellow servicemen despised the Red Cross and recommended the Salvation Army because one would charge the needy for services, while the other did not. That has stuck with me since then. I want to know who gets what. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
A friend of mine, professional zydeco fiddler Lisa Haley, notified me today about The Louisiana Hurricane Relief Concert in Redondo Beach, CA on Sat., Sept 10 at Aviation Park from 12 noon - 7PM.
This event will benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina in combination with the Redondo Beach Patriots Day event in memory of the victims of 9/11. Lisa is lining up several bands that play Louisiana style music, including her own band. Suggested Admission: tax-deductible donation of $15 to the Salvation Army, Redondo Beach Chapter, to be earmarked for distribution to Salvation Army relief efforts in Louisiana. If you live in our area, you could come and hear some fun music, maybe even dance a bit, and make a small monetary donation to help the hurricane victims. If you live elsewhere, maybe you could help local musicians organize a similar event. I was wondering how she organized this so fast, but I see she's working with the city to "piggyback" onto an existing event. (She's played concerts for city events numerous times before; experience helps!) Lisa's website is http://www.bluefiddle.com, but I don't think she's updated it yet to include this event. |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
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The University of Delaware and Delaware Technical are accepting students and providing as much housing as possible to students from all of those colleges that were affected we already have 3 people coming next week for Fire Eng from one of those schools. |
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http://www.samaritanspurse.org/MP_Ar...p?ArticleID=42 I followed Kim's link and see that they have a 4-star rating! cool! Thanks Kim ! :) We don't have to feel helpless about this tragedy, the best thing we can do for the victims of Katrina is to pray, today and everyday. --Mike O'Brien |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
For those who use the iTunes Music Store, Apple has added a one-click button to donate money to the RC, between $5-$200.
I feel so helpless, and guilty, in my concoon at Dayton, while some people are living with dead bodies around them and 20 feet deep water. |
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The best way to help right now is still a cash donation - then whatever charity you donate to can purchase the materials and supplies that are critically needed and get them to the people that need them. |
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i had gotten a list of ideas for raising funds including
penny war Fill the Fishbowl sell candy donation jars at various business team 75 also hopes to send some of the samples our sponsor J&j gives us, which include band-aids toothbrushes as well as other hygienic supplies. anyone else have any other good ideas |
Think globally, act locally.
Blood banks around the country are sending blood to the area, even while they are critically low themselves. I know in Northern Virginia, Inova Blood Donor Services, our major blood supplier has less than a days supply on hand of almost all blood types. Blood banks in New Orleans and in most places throughout the country are in a similar state. Less then 5% of the eligible population actually donates on a regular basis.
Tragedy strikes everywhere, help your community to be prepared. For most donation services, you only need to get 50 people signed up to host a blood drive. Teams that have space for a field have the room needed for a drive. You can use it as part of a team/Red Cross fundraiser in addition to getting blood. Get people to sponsor a donor much like a walk-a-thon with the procedes going to the team/a team support fund for the New Orleans area/whomever you want. Wetzel |
Re: Think globally, act locally.
Our school has a blood drive on Sept 6 and I'm pushing to be able to give blood then (I had open heart surgery as a child so I have to check with my doctor)
Also members of our team are thinking of starting a clothes drive. I have so many shirts in my closet that I probably don't need and I probably donate clothes about 4-5 times a year -- this time though, I'll really clean it out good. Everyone has a shirt or two to donate, and I'm sure the SALVATION ARMY can handle these big loads -- especially now. It'd be great to get other teams into this and start clothes drives with their own teams and at their own schools. Finally, in my art class, my art teacher is holding a money drive and she promised to match what we give. Just yesterday she collected 106 dollars -- just from students who had extra money that they didn't need, and that was through 4 periods in the day! It's not hard to donate some spare change -- maybe hold the dessert next time and donate that money to charity. Even if it's a little, it counts. Sitting through the mildest part of Hurricane Katrina, I cannot even imagine what people went through in mississippi, louisiana, and alabama. They need our help in every way possible, it's our duty to stand up to that. |
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I'm looking for a way to donate money and supplies to Red Cross as a team and as an individual, which is likely to pop up when I start school next week.
If we want to bring these teams to FIRST, we should. We first need to set up a means of sending funding to these 5 teams. I'm thinking of Paypal. While we accumulate money for the benefit of these teams, we can keep them in a universal Paypal account. Meanwhile, we send emails to members of the 5 affected teams about our efforts. Many of these team members are currently still unreachable. However, if they can respond to us in time, we can channel the funds to them. These team members have two options: 1) Form a unified team, so the total funds that we accumulate can fully support their facilities, tools, FIRST participation, and transportation. 2) Reform single teams. Our funds may or may not fully support them. If that is impossible, those funds can be a direct donation to the people in Louisiana. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Another option might be that we could send donations to FIRST, and FIRST could hold them in an account, for the funds to be used for registration fees (covering the Kit of Parts, at least), or to be distributed to cover travel expenses for teams to compete. Affected teams could "apply" for the funds and they could be used evenly by any teams that are able to continue.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
I know this is a crazy idea but I will throw it out there anyways. This is the time when we need to work as a team and help the teams/people out in that area.
If every person in FIRST was to donate 5 dollars, do you realize how much money would be raised? Just think of it as you had a meal at McDonalds or even you put in 5 dollars of gas in your car to drive around. It will help someone out. How can it be done? Just like it was pointed out earlier, a Paypal account can be setup where we send the money for Katrina relief fund. ... 1000 teams in first, about 35 students per team that mean 35,0000 students in FIRST. Everybody donates 5 dollars, that's 1,750,000 Bucks. Think that would be a bit from one organization to help them out? |
Re: Teams Affected by Hurricane Katrina
WLOX
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But don't forget, it is not just students that are displaced, it is whole families. At a stressful time like this, I am not sure that a student would want to be separated from the family. I think that any solution would have to take into account the family members. Some of these families have lost everything, their jobs, house, car, clothes, and other belongings like TVs and computers. These families might just pick up and relocate if the situation was right, i.e. a job and a place to stay. I don't think that most of these students are thinking of FIRST. They are thinking, When will I go home? When can I sleep in my own bed? When will I get my next hot meal? When will I go back to school? It will be a loss if these students miss out on the experience of FIRST this year, but I think any money that might be raised by FIRST teams should be used to help the relief effort and we can think about helping out with registration fees next year. If you want to get a better idea of what is like on the MS Gulf Coast right now, the local television station WLOX has a lot of good video online. |
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Alright. I've been reading, thinking, and talking to many others about how we as a family can best help. Trying to synthesize all the best from above, here are my thoughts. Competing in FIRST should barely be on anyone's mind here. Without going into a complete lesson on Maslow's Needs, lets funnel the bulk of our energies toward anything that aids survival, safety, or recovery:
a. Monetary Donations: donating to FIRST directly and having them funnel money to sources adds to the workload of an overworked group and only slows the process. We don't need to know how much was sent or to which part of the relief effort, we all just need to send what we can - NOW. On the other hand, if we could work out something that sends a portion of our FRC registration fees, that could work. For instance, if registration fees could be increased by $25 and if there could be some sort of matching effort, we could generate a lot of cash over 1,000 or more registrations. b. Clothing or Supplies: If you can't write the check right now, you can dig around and put a bag of clothes together to quickly find out where to drop them off. Every event, offseason and regular season, should have the ability on-site to take monetary AND clothing donations to be sent off. c. Volunteers: My wife is a career nurse and I'm not afraid to do anything needed. We have already begun to try and figure out when we might be able to juggle the time. People will be needed for years in this effort to stabilize and recover. If you or a group can afford some time, organize things and go help. I believe the Red Cross is asking for a minimum 2-week commitment, but over time there will be lots of opportunities of all kinds I'm sure. d. If teams can be located, find out what they need to survive, find eachother, stabilize, and rebuild. If you want to host them, GREAT - open up your home and let them stay. Talk about robotics and participation only after all else is taken care of. Please don't forget about FLL here. As a Sr. Mentor I received an email from Nancy Paul about the status of our FLL partners and teams in the region. Some have been found, others may be among the missing. We have large numbers of FLL participants in New Orleans and on the Gulf Coast. e. Competing: In my individual opinion, I have very mixed feelings about raising any funds for extrance fees of displaced teams when there are homes, communities, and lives to rebuild. However, I like John's idea of focusing on the affordable (FIRST Vex Challenge perhaps, adopting team members, etc). I would love to see all students who want to participate as part of their individual recovery be able to do it. This is a time for compassion and sacrifice. If you want others to really look up to you, take the lead in a positive and kind way and make a difference (no matter how small) for someone suffering in the south right now. |
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Last night a caravan of 34 tractor trailers and 4 state police vehicles left from Vermont headed to Gulfport Mississippi laden with supplies. There were originally only going to be 10 tractor trailers in the caravan but, the outporing of support from the people of Vermont and the Champlain Valley was so great that this is now only the first of many supply carravans headed out from Vermont for the people of the affected areas. I am proud to see such an outporing of help and support from this area and hoping to hear of more areas that are doing the same. My hopes and prayers go out to anyone and everyone who was affected by this terrible natural dissaster.
Go to http://www.thechamplainchannel.com/index.html for more on the convoy. |
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For offering/finding housing for the Katrina Victims check out KatrinaHousing.Net
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Here's a great little script to add to your page that adds a red cross donate dog-ear to your website. Just don't hot link the image.......
http://alvey.weblogsinc.com/2005/09/...the-red-cross/ |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
A listing of colleges and universities which are offering assistance to displaced students (and in some cases, employees also) can be found on the Society for College and University Planning website.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
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The State of Michigan is asking local districts to assess community resources in order to assist in relocation of the students and their families. I would hope that all the states would soon do the same, if they haven’t done so already. We in the FIRST community can help return a sense of normalcy by opening our arms to the displaced students and their families. It may be a drop in the bucket considering the magnitude of this disaster, but that’s what it’s going to take for America to fully recover – each of us doing what ever we can. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
So I was getting myself all worked up driving home, thinking that I had heard nothing of other countries helping the US... when the tsunami hit, we were probably the very first to send aid, when problems arise around the world we are always there, but where was the world when Katrina hit??
Of course I was able to prove myself wrong (along the "search before you post", "search before you get too worked up") And there, right on CNN today was an amazing article on how many other countries have sent or offered to send help. It was amazing to see the world helping us when we needed it the most: http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/06/int...ows/index.html Its nice to know its really not so lonely here in the USA :) Thanks world! |
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Having read Andy's suggestion of having an "exchange student" type opportunity for students in the effected area, I cannot imagine an idea like that not working and at this time feel the "red tape" would be easy to cut through. I know it would be tough for and individual to leave family at a time of crisis but a year abroad (compared to the Gulf coast the corn fields of the Midwest could easily seem abroad) could turn the event into a unique growth experience.
If there are any students out there, effected by Katrina that would like to look into the possibility of an exchange for the year I would be happy to start diving into the process. I personally would not hesitate a second to invite any FIRST member into my home for a year. Unfortunately, I do not live in the community I teach but am certain my team members and their families would rise to the occasion. Carmel, Indiana is a suburb Indianapolis. Carmel High School (carmelhighschool.net) is a Blue Ribbon School of 3800 students that sends more than 94% onto post secondary education and was recently rated the best public high school in the state. The 868 TechHOUNDS are entering there 5th year in FIRST. After their rookie year in 2002 the TechHOUNDS have won a major judged award or placed as a finalist in every competition they have entered except one. A highly student driven team, the TechHOUNDs would welcome any new members from the coast. Dave Smith Faculty Lead Mentor 868 TechHOUNDS Please feel free to contact me at dsmith@ccs.k12.in.us |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
To all FIRST TEAMS:
After reading the discussions on Chief Delphi about how to help the Hurricane victims and checking the FIRST website for input, Team 494, the Goodrich Martians, would like to present the following challenge to all FIRST teams: Each FIRST team will raise $100.00 for the Hurricane Relief Fund. With close to 1,000 teams, the amount generated would be sizeable and have a real impact on the families that have been affected. It does not matter which organization you choose to donate to. There are several listed at both websites or you may add yours to a local community effort. Whatever you choose, let us know how much you raised, how you did it and who you gave it to. We will keep a running tally, a list of ideas and the service organizations. Send the reults of your efforts to nowalj@centurytel.net. Team 494 is determined to raise the FIRST $100.00 by selling water, juice and pop at our community festival this weekend. We will let you know how we did. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Gotcha, Team 494. We'll probably be selling food and maybe other items with our logos (frisbees, maybe?). Lets see how quickly the $100 will come.
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Open invitation to evacuees in Texas
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If you are in Houston then there are teams o'plenty and the regional director Lucia Svecik is who you want to call. There are several teams up in Dallas so you are in FIRST country here in Texas if you want to keep playing the game this year. |
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Hi, I run the G.R.A.Y.T. Leviathons, Team 1322. The kids asked if we could do something for the Red Cross. I told them of course we could. Our very small team of 9 stood outside a local grocery store for 7 1/2 hours collecting checks, change, returnable bottles and cash for the Red Cross. Our little team collected $1,121.00 in that short of time. We have challenged teams from our area to do the same. I would now like to challenge each of you to go back into your communities and try to raise money for the charity of your choice. We all think Red Cross but there are many others as well such as United Way, Salvation Army, Humane Society and Second Harvest. We are all very privileged to be a part of F.I.R.S.T. our mentors and sponsors give so much to us it is time we gave to others as well.
If there is anyone who has been displaced to Genesee County or the surrounding areas that needs a team we will be happy to take you. Unfortunately we are an unsponsored team but we have tons of fun and try to make the best with what we have. Good luck to all of you who rise up to meet our challenge. maltz 1881 Team 1322 G.R.A.Y.T. Leviathons :) |
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First I would like to congratulate the G.R.A.Y.T Leviathans on raising $1,121.00, that is an amazing amount!!! I'm sure the Red Cross and the people affected will be very grateful.
At our local festival we raised $179.29 for the relief fund. We sold water and pop at $1.00 a piece and juice boxes at .50 cents. Our team had tons of fun and it was a success. We decided to donate to The Salvation Army. Okay so that is $1,300.29 who else is raising money? |
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Thank you Goodrich. I think what your team has done is pretty amazing as well. If we all take part in helping our fellow countryman then maybe they can find some solace in knowing that there are people who really do care. :]
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Great news everyone, The Team 75 Roboraiders raised $543.50 for the Salvation Army at their car wash last Saturday. We also have a bake-sale coming up where half the profits go to the Salvation Army. Our entire school system is going to be raising money too with in its self for the victims during lunches witch we will help with.
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Good News!!!
Team 1604 is going to be raising money for the Victims for the next few weeks. If anybody has transportation info please email me at Blindskater143@msn.com or call me at 407-433-2684. It would be greatly appricatied. |
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As a member of team 663 out of the university of lowell and whitinsville I would like to extend a hand to any firster who traveled up to mass and would like to get back on a first team. just send me an e-mail and I will see what I can do.
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Great job 75, you must have washed a lot of cars! That puts the total up to $1843.79 we have almost broke the $2000 mark between three teams!!! Let's hear from some other teams!
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::Edit:: My dad and I are going to show pictures from Gulfport here .. www.jdhiggs.com .. I put more on soon .. |
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Update on Team Fusion #364 Gulfport, MS
I greatly appreciate the calls and concern. At present we are trying to clean up the school (thank goodness we still have one)and get the kids back to some sense of normalcy. 5 student members, Mr. Gunkel (new team coach) and several engineers - including our master designer - Tom Holderer have lost everything. Tom's new machine shop received 5 feet of sea water. I've lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast all of my life. I survived Camille in my mother's arms a mere baby of 9 months. I grew up in the "restoration" period, a time of rebuilding and stories of the BIG ONE. Well at least on good thing has come out of Katrina - we never have to hear another word about Camille. Katrina has destroyed everything on the coast that I've ever known. Totally destroyed - not even a matchstick left of many of the buildings - just slabs. I've ridden down HWY 90 (beachfront) and taken pictures - when I get home and view them - I wonder what was I taking a picture of... slabs and debris piles all look the same after awhile. With so much destroyed, I am so joyed to hear laughter... to see or talk to the kids and engineers... to feel the desire they have to get over this tragedy and rebuild - even when standing in the middle of the home that is now gutted or has 4 in. of mud caked on EVERYTHING. The only thing not destroyed is our SPIRIT! We are truly blessed though - we all survived. Everything else can be rebuilt... and what better group to meet the challenge than a FIRST team. As far as the '06 season is concerned - you've got to be kiddin' right?... WE'LL BE THERE! Maybe with a cardboard kit bot - but present! :) With this being my first opportunity to check email in almost 3 weeks (307 in inbox :) I will try and respond personally to those that have tried to make contact. As for our needs... Prayer! Please continue to pray for those that have lost loved ones. Pray for the strength and resolve of the people of MS, LA, and AL - as they rebuild their lives. Please pray for all the men and women of the relief effort - regardless of what you hear in the news - they have done a WONDERFUL job under extreme conditions! Good Night! David Fava |
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Team 364 you are amazing. I only wish that we could all be as strong as what you are. Our prayers are with each and every one of you. I am sure that FIRST will rise to the challenge to help the teams that were affected out. If it were up to me you would receive your kit and 1st competition for free. Goodness knows that you are going through enough problems then trying to raise $6,000.00 for that when some have no homes. Good luck and God Bless each of you :D
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I think one of the best ways we can help Team Fusion is by assisting them with replacing machines in their machine shop. The money factor of the competition can be worked out. There are enough grants around to take care of that. This includes such grants as NASA grants, Houston Robotics grants etc. What #364 does need is tools! I would like to hear feedback from any of you regarding this. If you have a used drill press, lathe, hand tools, hand drills etc let Dave Fava know. He needs all of these items.
I look forward to hearing from you and your help in getting Team Fusion to the Lone Star Regional. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
I am one of the 5 members of Team Fusion that lost everything, I lived a block off the beach and my home was under water, but I am very lucky no one that I know was lost durring the storm.
I think that a big way for me to deal with everything will be FIRST I can already tell that it will be a way to escape, for me, and I can't wait for the season to begin. I just want to thank all of you for all of your kind words and your generosity. That is what we need to keep going thru out the day. Thank you all for everything. We will be seeing you in Houston and hopefully Atlanta. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Hey everyone. First of all, my heart goes out to those who are suffering from this disaster, and my team shares the same concerns. That is basically why I'm writing this. Our team, 103, would really like to help out the teams down there and everyone else who was affected by the hurricane. We were wondering if there was anything specifically that could be done. (For example: I lived in NY, on Long Island, up until i moved to PA a few years ago, and when 9/11 happened, my mom and I and a few other people set up this huge drive for supplies at the school and we had that stock up for a few days and sorted and organized it all, and then we rented a truck and brought it to a warehouse that was being rented out to distribute the stuff to whervere it needed to go. We also helped out at the warehouse for a few days. I was wondering if something like that would be helpful; although our area is very rural and we might not get a big turnout.) So if anyone has an ideas, let me know so we can get started with that. Thanks.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
More Bad news guys,
Hurricane Rita is now at Category 5 Status with sustained winds over 165+ mph. Hope everyone is ok, we're watching with you. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
As of right now the storm is heading for the Texas coast. BUT if it turns anymore then 10-25 degrees to the east then almost all of the already effected areas will be hit again with the same strength or storm.
Just to let you know also, as of right now a majority of the levees have been repaired but if there is anymore then 3 inches of rain they are once again in serious danger of bursting again and re-flooding the cities. my thoughts are going out to everyone that is in that area and I hope this storm season ends very soon. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
wow...just as surprising as Katrina's damage was there is an even greater affect on how it has come to bring all of us closer and in better relationships. I can't wait to see all of you next year it's going to be a blast. Thank you, all of you for your concerns.
Brantley |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
I know that people are being transfered (i cant spell) to michigan. if anyone knows of some one in the rochester hills area who are either A lookign for support. Money wise or just some one to talk to / work on a robot with team 245 is here. we are about 48 miles north or detroit i personaly am donating 300 to FEMA. my father works for FEMA and is currently in New Orleans. i was talking to him earler today. he says that all of the disaster workers have sevear coughs and are sick. i decided to donate towards the workers to help them get the supplies they need to help others and themselves. if anyone knows of people in the rochester/rochester hills, michigan area let me know. i am a seinior in high school and i have a good paying job so i am always willing to donate to a good cause.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
Things around here are starting to slowly return back to normal, we will be returning to school on Moday. Most of the areas affected in Mississippi now have power, water, and cable. The clean up started the day after the storm and it will take a long time for us to clean up, but already you can just tell that everything will work out for the best. I can only hope that this other storm does not make a turn and come for us, but i feel bad for the area where the storm will end up. I can only hope that they are ready for this storm and take it serously.
Thank you again, your words are what give us strength to get through the days. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
I'm sure all of you have seen tons and tons of pictures from the storm, but here are some from where my family rode out the storm. www.bayouview.org This should give you a little better idea of the damage that Team Fusion's community sustained.
I assume most of the workers in New Orleans would be getting sick from the mold and mildew everywhere. Some of the pictures from the site above show mold on the walls less than a week after the storm. Think of buildings being under water for two or more weeks like those in New Orleans. The mold alone in those buildings make it VERY dangerous. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
On a some-what interesting note, Google Maps has uploaded some updated images of the affected areas, showing how far the devistation has spread, with a new red tab entitled simply: "Katrina"
Here's a picture of what is one of the few American underwater interstates, I-10: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=29.99...4780&t=e&hl=en |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Quote:
Wetzel |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Quote:
Hi, My name's Bre from team 1304 (N.O.Botics) and I was displaced by the hurricane. I'm trying to started a team at my new school but the deadlines are coming up fast and I'm starting to drown doing it basicly alone right now. I was supposed to be our team's captain this year. I was wondering how I could get to all the deadlines up to the 2006 Peachtree Regional. Where can I find a timeline or somthing to help guide us. Also if you hear of any company's looking for a team to sponsor, send them my way. We REALLY nedd the help! And finally, last but not least, I would love to hear form my old coach, it would really mean alot to me and hopeful push me to continue. His name is Joe Dashbach and he moved to N.Y. this school year but he PROMISED that he would stay involved with the competition. So if you see or contact him or any one eles from N.O. PLEASE tell them to e-mail "Bre-Bre". Thank You for your time!!! I appreciate it. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Quote:
Hi, My name's Bre from team 1304 (N.O.Botics) and I was displaced by the hurricane. I'm trying to started a team at my new school but the deadlines are coming up fast and I'm starting to drown doing it basicly alone right now. I was supposed to be our team's captain this year. I was wondering how I could get to all the deadlines up to the 2006 Peachtree Regional. Where can I find a timeline or somthing to help guide us. Also if you hear of any company's looking for a team to sponsor, send them my way. We REALLY nedd the help! And finally, last but not least, I would love to hear form my old coach, it would really mean alot to me and hopeful push me to continue. His name is Joe Dashbach and he moved to N.Y. this school year but he PROMISED that he would stay involved with the competition. So if you see or contact him or any one eles from N.O. PLEASE tell them to e-mail "Bre-Bre". Thank You for your time!!! I appreciate it. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
I admire you for trying to start a new team on your own, under difficult circumstances. The timeline for deadlines can be found on the FIRST web site at http://www.usfirst.org/robotics/2006/frc_time.htm.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
An update on my family in D'Iberville Mississippi. . .
So far my mom and family have received some funds from FEMA and local insurance. They have begun to rebuild the house since most of the walls and stuctures in the house were flooded. They so far have taking out most of the sheet rock and have begun to rebuild the rooms, and hope to have the house finished before the end of the month. Right now they are staying in a pop camper and the neighbors house down the street. Electricity and water has been restored but they cannot yet stay in the house. Their neghbors have been very generous and have let my family use their facilites. My little brother and sister are back in school kinda. My little sister goes to school from 10 am till 1pm and my little brother goes from 2 pm untill 5 pm because there simply isn't enough room for every student. For everyone still down there it will take time to rebuild but stay strong I know the people of the south will rise again and return to some what normal. My thoughts and prayers are still with you and I hope the rest of the CD community and the rest of this great nation still have you all in theirs. |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Here is the unofficial toll for the schools in New Orleans. Team 1589 - John F. Kennedy Senior High School took at least 3 ft of water and is closed and will probably be torn down. I do not know the status of Team 1304 - New Orleans Center for Science and Mathematics but I know that they took at least 4 ft of water. Team 1550 - O. Perry Walker Senior High School took wind damage and some rain damage and will probably be one of the few schools in Orleans Parish to open next year. Team 1534 - Marion Abramson Senior High School took water and wind damage and may open next year. All of the teachers have been laid off. Hurricane Katrina deliver a serious blow to First robotic in New Orleans. The Cougar-nator team 1589's robot has been rescued and now resting comfortably in Slidell (and still working) I am currently trying to get into O.P Walker to rescue MAX-XL. There is an effort to try to get all of the New Orleans robots and get them back to working order. Kind of a testament to surviving the storm.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
A special note to all the Louisiana and Mississippi teams that were affected by Hurricane Katrina: please read through the 2006 NASA Grants application very carefully. If your team is still planning/able to participate in the 2006 FIRST program, you may apply for a NASA University Space Grant (USG) sponsorship. You are eligable for a NASA USG sponsorship even if you are a veteran team, and even if you did not receive a USG sponsorship through Louisiana State University last year.
Note that this applies only to teams from Louisiana and Mississippi. -dave |
Re: Hurricane Katrina
Is anyone in touch with Team 1421, from Miss.? I am trying to reach their teacher, Mr. Giglio.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina
All right folks you want to help we need your help. The four New Orleans schools will not be competing this year. I have been trying to get five north schools to enlist. The problem is that Hurricane Katrina has devastated all of the local funding available to the new schools. The schools will not be able to do their own fund raising due to a school board order and a lot of the local business have also been damaged and cannot afford to give support. The school systems do not have any funds available to give to the program. Louisiana Space Grant Consortium has funding to give to five rookie schools in the amount of $10,000 each. This will just about cover the building of the robot but will not cover the cost of the travel and expenses for the regional competition. We need some way to raise at least $25,000 to get all five schools to the competition. I looking for ideas.
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Re: Hurricane Katrina help
Team 379 has raised some funds, its not much, but it can help.
However, I've sent 3 private messages to team members who posted here that their team needs help, but I haven't received a response. If I can't make contact with a team by mid-Dec., the school superintendent says we have to give the money to the Red Cross, a great cause, but our team raised the money with the intent that it goes to a team who is still intact but having fundraising difficulties due to Katrina - is anyone out there? |
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