Be Red Cross Ready - Winter Storm Safety Checklist
     Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community.
     Winter Storm Outlook: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
     Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.
     Winter Storm Watch: Winter storm coniditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
     Winter Storm Warning: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
     Read more to be winter storm safe...

    Melissa Seibert, Military Outreach Manager,
Named About Magazine Person of the Year

     The Stark County American Red Cross is honored to have one of their own named as About magazine's Person of the Year. Melissa Seibert, Military Services Outreach Manager, is only the second person to receive this honor.
     This award is one to add to her collection; this year alone Seibert has received acknowledgments from state Representative Christina Hagan and U.S. Representative Jim Renacci as well as the Ohio Commendation Medal, a prestigious military award.
     This wife, mother and grandmother has worked tirelessly to build the Red Cross Armed Services program into what it is today.
     Read the full story....

Stark County Red Cross Offers Military Family Connection Group

     With many local families dealing with the stress and emotions that come along with the deployment of a loved one, the American Red Cross Stark County Chapter offers a Military Family Connection Group.  This service is available at no cost to family members who have active members serving in any area of the Armed Forces.
     "The Military Family Connection Group provides a relaxed atmosphere where mothers, wives, sisters, fathers and service personnel can meet to support each other and gain valuable information on many local resources," said Melissa Seibert, Red Cross Military Outreach Manager.
    The Military Family Connection Group holds group meetings the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the American Red Cross Stark County Chapter. New members are always welcome.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.  Please contact Melissa Seibert at the Red Cross, 330-437-3742, for more information and to RSVP.

                                                                                                             Take a Class to Save a Life

        "At least one person in every household and on every office floor should be trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED," says Robin Holland, Red Cross Training Specialist for the Northern Ohio Territory.  First aid and CPR/AED are commonly taught to everyday people who may be the only ones able to respond during the crucial first few minutes of an accident or medical emergency.
     Nearly everyone is capable of learning and becoming certified in first aid and CPR/AED; just ask local Red Cross Health and Safety instructor Clinton Millikin.  Last spring, Clinton's baby son, just a couple of weeks old, started choking and gasping for air.  Clinton knew right away his son was in trobule and began administrating Red Cross life-saving infant back blows.
     "You think it will never happen to you, but it did to me and my Red Cross training saved my son's life," said Clinton.

To register for an American Red Cross training course, please go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Recent American Red Cross Training Changes:
*Two-year first aid and CPR certification  *Choice of FREE digital course materials or affordable printed versions
*Digital refreshers to help remember CPR  * Implementation of new Cardiac Care Guidelines, to "shorter" classes 

Making Charitable Rollovers From Your IRA is Set to End Shortly 

     This year may be the last time individuals can take advantage of making tax-free transfers directly from their IRA's to a charitable organization.  This special rule was first made available to IRA owners in 2006; originally enacted as a temporary tax benefit.  It was extended a couple of times, but is set to expire at the end of 2011.
     A charitable rollover is a great way to donate a portion of your IRA to a charity and avoid payment of any tax.  For anyone interested in a charitable rollover and have questions about taking advantage of the opportunity before it ends, contact your financial advisor.  We hope you will consider a donation to the American Red Cross in your plans.