Not Again!!!

Over the course of the last few days, we have been reminded that preparing for disasters remains a priority for those living on the Gulf Coast. Almost seven years to the day after Katrina brought so much devastatioClydes Corner Not Again August 31 2012n to New Orleans, Isaac has brought more grief to this region. We are hopeful that all of our friends in New Orleans are well and have dodged the devastating impact of this storm. And our hearts go out to those who have been impacted.

Our fond memories of helping to build a home for a proud man and his sons, are now accompanied by the hope that Tyronne’s house was not damaged. We know it was built sturdily (we used a lot of nails), but I’ve spent the past few days wondering if his home is high enough should his neighborhood be flooded by the huge amounts of rain.

Looking back on the rewarding work we did in New Orleans, we recognize that our eClydes Corner Not Again August 31 2012 2fforts are much needed, as it takes a long time to recover from major disasters. I am hopeful that New Orleans will not need to rebuild and recover again. I am hopeful that damage is limited.

With our next volunteer day already on our radar screen in Philadelphia, please think about planning to attend DRI2013 and working with us to build a home, support a food bank, or do other meaningful volunteer efforts (maybe a community vegetable garden?).

Philadelphia, like New Orleans, is a town with equally interesting history, great food, and good music. Come on down and learn some new BCP best practices, take a course, build a house. You won’t be sorry.

Over the course of the next nine months or so, please take time to read this column to learn aClydes Corner Not Again August 31 2012 3bout all the treasures awaiting you in Philadelphia. Send me a note if you have a favorite spot in Philly.   And for those of you who wrote to me last week, your e-mail messages were day brighteners. Keep ’em coming!

And please keep New Orleans and the surrounding area in your thoughts. I’m sorry to say that it looks like a “here we go again” moment.

All the best,

Clyde

Director of Volunteerism and Vice President
cberger@driif.org