The American Red Cross elects officers at 86th annual meeting

CHRIS PAGANO * cpagano@semissourian.com

The local American Red Cross elected new officers at its July 31 annual meeting. Seated, from left, were Mary Burton, executive director; Donna Denson, vice chairman; Allen Phillips, secretary; and Nancy Browne, past chairman. Standing, from left, were Christina Icaza, Bill Kiel, Clint Karnes, Clayton Smith, Sam Smith, Pete Poe, Cindie Jeter Yanow, Larry Essner and Pat Bira. Lt. Cmdr. Willie Stigler was unavailable for photo.By Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

The Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross held its 86th Annual Meeting at the A.C. Brase Arena Building July 31. The election of the 2003-2004 board of directors was held and recognition was given to numerous supporters, volunteers and retiring board members.

New board members include Pat Bira, Nancy Browne, Robert Cox, Donna Denson, Larry Essner, Ruth Hathaway, Christina Icaza, Cindie Jeter Yanow, John Johnston, Randall Kamm, Clint Karnes, Bill Kiel, Allen Phillips, Pete Poe, Dr. Clayton Smith, Sam Smith and Lt. Cmdr. Willie Stigler. Whitney Thomas was nominated for board member, and the motion carried. New board of directors include John Johnston, chairman; Donna Denson, vice chairman; Robert Cox, treasurer; Allen Phillips, secretary and Nancy Browne, immediate past chair. Board members may serve two three-year terms. Two retiring board members, after six years of service, were Dr. Morris Osburn and Duayne Williams.

Recognition, honors

Past heads of the board and those receiving emeritus board status, an honor reserved for those who have gone above and beyond in their service to the Red Cross and their communities, were recognized.

The Junior Red Cross, reinstated this year, was a very popular program during World War I. Icaza, chairwoman of youth services, along with advisers Vicky Abernathy and Phillips, have the backing of nine youths to serve as the foundation for the Red Cross leaders of tomorrow.

The in-house staff at the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross was also recognized at the meeting.

Volunteers of the Armed Forces Emergency Services were recognized for shipping over 1,200 pounds of care packages to troops from Southeast Missouri who were stationed in Guam. The volunteers also expedited communication between military personnel and their families.

Assistance from Jackson and Cape County officials, emergency personnel and management lightened the load for the American Red Cross during the recent Jackson tornado. Their graciousness and assistance was much appreciated.

The opportunity to develop an internship program enabled students to obtain professional experience while allowing the American Red Cross to expand programs and provide more services. Summer intern Angela Ahrens was recognized.

Joshua Wiley, another volunteer who has become an asset to the chapter, was also recognized.

Jackson resident Lisa Grady shared her American Red Cross experiences with the audience. Having been touched by the efforts of the American Red Cross in assisting her with food, clothing, shelter, medicine and recovery after the tornado in Jackson caused her home to be condemned, Grady became a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Sponsorship and fundraising efforts of Old Bavarian Sausage, Blue Bunny, Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, Procter & Gamble, St. Francis Medical Center and Hutson Furniture were recognized as well as support from the media in helping to educate the public to reduce losses and injuries and save lives.

A short video telling the Red Cross story concluded the meeting.