Haiti Needs Our Help

On January 12, a 7.0 earthquake struck 10 miles south of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince affecting approximately 3 million people with mudslides, collapsed buildings, and down power and communication lines. Eight days later, on January 20, a 6.1 magnitude aftershock hit the already devastated nation and sent thousands rushing into the streets in fear of their lives amidst the ruins of previously collapsed buildings.

Right after the initial earthquake an emergency response team from International Medical Corps responded in force to provide medical assistance to the earthquake victims. The Corps founded by volunteer doctors and nurses is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through relief and development programs.

However, even with the efforts of the International Medical Corps, thousands of injured Haitians are still seeking medical treatment with approximately 80% in need of surgery. For some, time is running out, especially with the tremendous aftershocks still devastating the country.

The Corps team is treating crush injuries, trauma, substantial wound care, shock and other critical cases with few available supplies. They’re in it for the long haul, but they need our help.

For more information on how to help, or to send a donation visit the International Medical Corps website at http://www.imcworldwide.org/haiti.

City adds Social Service Component

At a special meeting held December 31, the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners signed a contract with the Area Agency on Aging to take over as the lead agency for senior services in Franklin County commencing with the New Year.

The Area Agency on Aging will now make available to the City of Apalachicola approximately $480K per year to provide in-home services, lunches, and Meals on Wheels to the county’s senior population.

Elder Care Services, Inc. once served Franklin County seniors prior to their departure from the county on December 31, 2009. Dr. James Croteau, President, and CEO of Elder Care made it known to city officials during the latter part of last year the agency’s plan to leave the county.

However, while here, over the past year Elder Care provided 32,054 Meals on Wheels to 100 homebound seniors, 2,824 congregate meals at 2 sites, 3,260 trips to congregate sites, grocery shopping and other essential errands and 6,000 hours of in-home services, such as home making, personal care, and care management to 240 individuals.

With the move, city officials have effectively added a social service component to the operation of city government, something literally unheard in small communities.

During the transition, senior activities and congregate meals will operate out of the 6th Street recreation center until somewhere around mid-2011.

At that time, the renovation of the 81-year-old Holy Family School into a dedicated place for seniors using the $1.5 million dollar grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs should be complete and ready for use.

Two recognized at City Commission Meeting

Kenneth Wilson receiving recognition from the commission

The Apalachicola City Commission took a few moments from their regular scheduled meeting held on January 5 to recognize two members of the community for providing outstanding service to the citizenry of Apalachicola.

Both standouts reside in Apalachicola, Kenneth Wilson at 195 Ave L and unrelated Charles Wilson at 409 Brownville Road. Kenneth was selected employee of the month and Charles received recognition for his work with local veterans.

Kenneth employed in the city’s Public Works Department under the supervision of Wilbur Bellew was selected employee of the month for December 2009. Bellew cited Kenneth for dedication and going beyond the call of duty in carrying out his assignments for the residents of Apalachicola.

Charles one of the founders of the Franklin County Vietnam Veterans organization and the driving force behind the All-Veterans cookout held annually at Battery Park for Franklin County Veterans and their families. Drafted at the age of 18 and sent to Vietnam in 1967, Charles served as a demolition expert with the Cu Chi 25th Infantry Division until 1968.

Photo by Tami Ray-Hutchinson

New Administrative Office

The City of Apalachicola has reestablished a present in the downtown business community with the creation of the new Administrative Office at the site of the old City Hall located at 1 Avenue E.

“The creation of the new Administrative and Community Development Office has already proven to be a step in the right direction toward the continued progress of the governmental operations for the City of Apalachicola,” said City Administrator Betty Taylor-Webb.

Occupying the offices at the new location will be Webb, along with building inspector Gene Osburn, grants writer Cindi Giametta and Cindy Summerhill who assists with the Project Impact afterschool program.

Residents trying to reach the new office will simply dial the same numbers they would to reach City Hall. The callers will be transfer over and connected to the party they are trying to reach.

TDC Considers Next Step in Regional Marketing

When Coastal Vision 3000 closes its doors later this month, it opens a window for direct marketing communications between tourism boards stretching from Franklin to Escambia County. The Franklin County Tourist Development Council will continue to participate in the effort to market a unified region.

According to Helen Spohrer, Chairman of the FCTDC, “regional marketing through the area’s Tourist Development Councils is the next logical step in promoting the area, now that Southwest Airlines service is a reality.” Coastal Vision 3000 was instrumental in bringing Southwest Airlines to Panama City’s Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Southwest will begin flying out of the new airport in May.

Dedicated to building Northwest Florida’s tourism industry, Coastal Vision 3000 successfully created a regional brand, “THE BEACH” to unify a seven-county coastal area. The organization’s structure and assets, including a comprehensive website, will remain intact with coordination shifting to the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.

The FCTDC now has direct access to the organization’s media contacts, database, and marketing materials.

As a Founding Member of Coastal Vision 3000, the FCTDC literally placed Franklin County on the marketing maps, providing continued international exposure. Southwest’s decision to locate service at the Panama City airport rather than at locations further west was impacted in a significant way by the involvement of the Franklin County TDC.

Spohrer said, “Our TDC’s involvement in combined marketing efforts has been a win, win for everyone. We’re looking forward to continuing this work directly with the tourism councils across the region in the future.”