August 2012

Service to the Armed ForcesNaples, Italy

Solferino8 km of History and Self-Discovery

Station Numbers

A Month In Review

Volunteer of the QuarterAnnelize Ruiters

The official newsleTTer for The naples american red cross saf

Great Shakeout

Are you ready for an earthquake?

On the cOver: Pilgrams walk the 8km (4.9 miles) that Henry Dunant made that inspired him to found the Internationl Red Cross Red/Crescent movement in Switzerland.

contents

4

6

12

7

17

8Summer Safety tipsAre you prepared for the summer heat? Grilling outside to enjoy the weather? Ensure you are prepared for these summer activities with these tips.

Station by the numbersNumbers from the significant, and sometimes just plain interesting, events surround our Station.

Meet the chair: Jeri SetaroMeet Jeri Setaro, our Hospital Chair as she tells us a little bit about herself and how she began a life of volunteerism.

health and SafetyCheck out when the next CPR or First Aid class is happening and be prepared to help others during an emergency.

15Great ShakeoutAre you prepared for an earth-quake in Italy? Join Jeff Arter and the DAT as they prepare Naples for the next great disaster.

cOver StOry - SolferinoHenry Durant walked through 8 km seeing the aftermath of war. Join one volunteer as he discovers what it means to be a Red Crosser.

volunteer of the QuarterAnnelize Ruiters volunteers in many places within the Naples Red Cross. See what volunteering means to her and the impact she has on our community.

20 closing ShotsSee volunteers in action around the community.

August 2012

Naples American Red Cross

Service to the Armed Forces

Station ManagerJacquie Mack

Chair of VolunteerSLewis E. Heuermann

health and SafetyJason Morris

diSaSter SerViCeSJeff Arter

hoSpitalJeri Setaro

reCordSVance Fochtman

illuStrationSCapt. Reddy (DAT Mascot)

Christopher DePrater

StoCk iMageShttp://www.sxc.hu/

Magazine deSign and layout

Lewis E. Heuermann

Main offiCeDSN: 626-4788

faCebookhttps://www.facebook.com

/NaplesRedCross

Originally printed at: www.ICRC.org

the Story of an ideaAn animated journey through the International

Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.

ThIs AnIMATIon bRIngs to life the story of the creation of the Red Cross, Red Crescent Movement and its history to date. The comic strip was created by

the world renowned artist Jean giraud, alias Moebius.

Ideal for a general audience, the animation presents in simple terms, the meaning of the geneva Conventions, the universal humanitarian principles underlying the Movement’s efforts and the general activities carried out by the different components of the Movement as they work together to help those in need.

Download the full version of the film:

http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/film/f00993.htm

Hello Naples voluNteers! We are yet at the end of the summer and your local red Cross would like

to thank all the wonderful volunteers who took time out from their busy schedule to help in our summer activities. They were a great success and we would not able to do it without you. Now the office is getting ready for National Night out where we promote fire safety in your homes and also the Back to school Block party. Here parents and students come out and meet the teachers and get the layout of the land. Both of these events are very important to our community and the red Cross will be there to lend a helping hand. please join us in helping and showing your support for your community. sign ups are going on now so call the off ice today to get your name on the list. July had marked a new year for our red Cross office and with that our volunteer leader-ship fulfilled their commitment and at this time I would like to extend a warm hardy Thank You! We had some great times and some bumpy roads, but we maintained and got through it. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves and get busy. volunteers get ready to see some great new tools to help enrich your expe-rience as a Naples red Cross volunteer. Friday 27 July was my office coordinator Marilyn Williams last day. she was only with us for a short period of time and due her husband retiring they are leaving us and Naples. Great thanks go out to Marilyn; she filled a gap in the office and added some new touches. You may not have had the chance to meet her or hear her crazy accent (I need to sell my ka) in australian British tone. lol Marilyn you will be missed and thank you so much. Now we are gearing up for the fall and looking for places to extend our wonderful volunteer services. so if you are aware of an area that may need a little extra help send them our way. Thanks again for a great year and I am looking forward to our next.

Jacquie Mack is the Naples Red Cross Station Manager. A 20 year Red Cross veteran, she has assisted with Hurricane Katrina, deployed to Iraq, and now serve the Naples community.

Station Manager

Station by the nuMberS:

57Number of active volunteers in the Naples Red Cross this

month.

2Diasasters reported to the

Red Cross disaster team since January

4Active Red Cross caseworkers

in the Naples community

3Number of weeks until your CPR skills start to deminish after taking a certification class.

Station Manager

4 August 2012

V o l u n t e e r P o s i t i o n

P u b l i c i t y T e a m

P h o t o g r a p h y

W r i t i n g

S o c i a l M e d i a

R e p o r t i n g

G r a p h i c D e s i g n

a

a

a

a

a

Are you looking for an outlet for your creativity? Contact us today at 626-4788 or email

[email protected] to learn more about becoming a part of this exciting team!

H o s p i t a l

6 August 2012

a native of oneonta, New York, Jeri first started volunteering with the american

red Cross in october 2003, in Naples, Italy. The love of working with and helping people and encouragement from her husband, got her started as a volunteer at the us Naval Hospital Naples at Gricignano support site, Italy, working at the Kiosk greeting clients, answering questions and giving directions to clinics was her first position.

after a break in 2004, she was approached by the station Manager about taking the position as Hospital Chair. she

agreed and took this position in December 2004. although Jeri had not worked as a volunteer for the red Cross before coming to Italy with her husband, her activities included a love of volunteer time spent at her children’s schools and her church which gave her the experience of working in a volunteer setting. she did this while working full time. after another break in 2009, she started back in 2011 as Co-Chair at the hospital and is now the Chair. she works two days at the hospital and other days from her home. This is a love and commitment to serve in helping the volunteers that are interested in being a part of the wonderful world of the american red Cross.

In addition to her red Cross volunteering, she is a member of the american International Women’s Club of Naples, aIWC, since 2004 and has served as secretary, trips and tours and was co-president for two years.

she also is a member of the allied spouses Club, asC and the Navy overseas spouses Club, NosC, and volunteers at the NosC Forgotten treasurers thrift store.

With a love of travel and exploring little known and new places, Jeri and her husband, Mike, have traveled all over Italy, finding off the normal tour places to visit and explore. Mike has been researching his parents history here in Italy for 20 years and they have found many members of his family and have visited and spent time with them. When guests come to visit, they take them to many places here in southern Italy, west and east, introducing them to the culture and fabulous food.

after several trips to Italy, Jeri and Mike decided to retire and move here. arriving in august of 2002, they will celebrate their 10th year in Italy this august. They have 3 children and 2 grandsons living in New York, New Jersey and Washington state. Jeri likes to play the piano, ceramics and taking photos every where she goes. she and Mike share their adventures and pictures in stories with a long list of family and friends, in the states and here in Italy.

M e e t t he C h a ir : J er i Se ta r o

Naples American Red Cross SAF 7

H e a l t h a n d S a f e t y

hello everyone. With summer activities keeping everyone busy with travel plans, sports, kids being out of school, it’s hard to get the classes

you need, much less find time for just you. Let the Red Cross help. We offer a variety of classes available to members of the naples community at a very low price. Check out what we have to offer in August.

HealtH and Safety

The Health & safety program pace is picking up as we get ready for the fall. If you are interested in becoming an american red Cross instructor, we will be offering this course in september. Contact the red Cross office at DsN 626-4788 to sign up.

CPR/AED for Adult and Pediatric -- August 11thThe american red Cross adult and pediatric Cpr/aeD course helps participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and breathing emergencies.

The course teaches the skills that participants need to know to give immediate care to a sud-denly injured or ill person until more advanced medical personnel arrive and take over. stu-dents who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for adult Cpr/aeD and for pediatric Cpr/ae which are valid for two years.Cost: $50

C o u R s E D E t A i l s

Pet First Aid -- August 21stThe goals of the Cat and Dog First aid presentation are to teach participants how to be prepared for emergencies that involve a cat or a dog and how to protect themselves and the animal from further harm, injury or suffering during emergencies by teaching prompt, effective first aid actions and care.Cost: $35.00

Jason Morris is the Health and Safety Chair for our Red Cross community.

Jason teaches CPR/AED and First Aid courses, and is an Instructor Trainer for the Red Cross Naples community.

Jason can be reached at: [email protected].

Check out the FREE Firat Aid App available at:www.RedCross.org

8 August 2012

We love the hot summer months because they provide the perfect opportunity

for us to spend lots of free time outside. Whether it’s swimming in the pool, hiking through the woods, taking long walks, or going for a bike ride, there is something for everyone, no matter how young or old.We in the Red Cross hope that everyone enjoys this special time of year, but we also want to remind everyone that there are potential dangers during the summer months, and it’s important to be aware of what they are. The more information one learns about how to prevent illnesses and injuries, the less likely they will occur.

Water safetyAdult supervision is of paramount importance. Parents need to focus on their children 100% of the time with no distractions! Keep in mind that children can drown in many different water sources including: bathtubs, toilets, buckets, baby pools, backyard swimming pools, community pools, streams, creeks, lakes, rivers, oceans and other places.

Hiking and CampingWhile hiking or camping be aware of the following. Ticks are responsible for a variety of illnesses including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted Fever. These diseases can be very serious. Learn ways to protect your family. Learn how to recognize what poison ivy, oak and sumac look like, so that they can be avoided. Avoid bushy, overgrown areas and places which may contain these plants.

Jeff Arter is the Disaster Services Chair for the Naples American Red Cross.

S a f e t y T i p s

Supervise children •during water activitiesBe aware of •

dangerious wildlife in the environment you are inLook both ways when •crossing the streetWear appropriate •safety gear for the sport you are playingContinusously hydrate•Watch children near •outdoor cooking equipmentProperly refrigerate •foods to prevent spoilage

S t o r y B y

J e f f A r t e rD i s a s t e r C h a i r

Summer

Fun safety is the

goal


Try to stay on paths. Avoid stray or wild animals as they can transmit diseases such as rabies.

WalkingParents are highly encouraged to teach their children to walk, not run, across the street in appropriately designated crosswalks. Children should cross only with an adult or an older, responsible child. Whenever crossing the street, try to make eye contact with any drivers nearby, to be sure they see you. Teach children to avoid running out from between parked cars. While walking

along a road use sidewalks whenever possible.

Cycling, Roller Blading, and skate BoardingWhile cycling, roller blading, skate boarding or any other number of wheeled items. All individuals, whether adults or children, must wear an appropriate helmet for safety.

HydrationWhile outdoors, either working or playing in the hot summer sun means lots of fluid losses, so avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours (10 am - 6 pm). Look for shade and take lots of breaks. Keeping well hydrated is very important. Children and adults must remember to drink. seek medical attention immediately for any signs of heat-related illness.

outdoor CookingRemember to never let children near the grill. Itcan remain very hot even after it is no

longer being used. before you eat be sure to check the internal temperature of foods on the grill to be sure everything has been cooked appropriately. If on a picnic avoid leaving out foods that require refrigeration and/or foods that can quickly spoil.

Points to Rememberby remembering and following some basic summer safety tips will allow you and your family to enjoy the warm weather and make your stay in Italy that much more memorable!

DAT TeamTo learn more about teaching safety tips to the community, contact Jeff Arter at [email protected]

GetReady toShakeOut.

Register at www.ShakeOut.org/italia

October 18, 10:18 a.m.

TM

The Great Southern Italy

OfÞcial Participant

for the LargestEarthquake DrillinÊItalianÊHistory.

Join Us

Register at www.ShakeOut.org/italia

October 18, 10:18 a.m.

1 2

HOLD ON!TM

The Great Southern Italy

Solferino8 km of History and

Self-Discovery

Overlooking the battlefield of Solferino.

FeAtUre StOry

Arriving in solferino, a small town just north of Verona, we saw the entire place covered in Red Cross flags and signs. henry Dunant, the famed originator of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement, first encountered this town, and its tragic destiny, in June of 1859. History shows that Dunant walked from Castiglione to solferino, a total of 8 kilometers, after the

battle of solferino and san Martino witnessing the brutal aftermath of fifteen hours of fighting.

“I think it’s more like six,” replied Jacquie Mack, my travel companion and Red Cross veteran, looking equally worried.

Henry DunanWhen I first started learning about the American Red Cross

I encountered the writings of henry Dunant.

There were several parallels between our lives, and especially at this pivotal location.

We were not medical professionals, but we both longed to help others in need. he was on his way to solferino to meet with napoleon III to discuss business matters, and

12 August 2012

Driving through several golden hills of postharvest hay season in northern Italy, I kept thinking about the distance, “Eight kilometers, that’s about four miles - right?” I asked. “Dunant walked all this way?”

Story and Photos by Lewis E. Heuermann

Photos: (Top) Red Cross, European Union, and Italian flags flying over the battlefield of Solferino. (Top Middle) Cement mosaic at the base of the flags. (Bottom Middle) Participants from other nations preparing for the walk. (Bottom) Participants from all age groups came to show solidarity during the event.

I was here to meet with other leaders within the American Red Cross to do the same.

All I could think of was the distance. When was the last time I walked more than 6 blocks? The thought kept repeating itself. To add to the difficulty, I had on regular dress shoes and not sneakers.

Fully unprepared, like Dunant, I began the walk with more pilgrims than I could see at one time on the long stretches of road ahead.

And like Dunant, I was shocked by what happened in solferino.

solferino - Mile 1solferino was a geographically desirable location for anyone who wanted to rule northern Italy.

Dunant arrived to a surprising battle. According to Dunant in his memoir of the event, Memory of Solferino, “Although they were marching against each other, the two opposing forces [France and Austria] did not expect to meet and join battle as soon as they did.”

Dunant describes a battle of more than 300,000 men fighting for over 15 hours, with neither side offering quarter or mercy.

Mile 3“What do you think of all this?” asked a smiling participant from germany. his white polo, with Deutsches Rotes Kreuz written across the back, is wet with sweat. “It is very crazy.”

Crazy.

The word hangs in my thoughts for a moment as I start to realize what this walk actually means. I look over the rolling hills imagining the horror of so many men and animals fighting without relent.


“It is, indeed, excessively distressing to realize that you can never do more than help those who are

just before you.” Henry Dunant

14 August 2012

F e e d b a c kD i d y o u l i k e o u r s t o r y ? K n o w o f a

s t o r y w e m i g h t f i n d i n t e r e s t i n g ?C o n n e c t w i t h u s o n F a c e b o o k a n d t e l l

u s y o u r t h o u g h t s !

w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / N a p l e s R e d C r o s s

“The stillness of the night was broken by groans,” Dunant w r o t e . “ H e a r t - r e n d e r i n g voices kept calling for help.”

Mile 4Volunteering and helping without pay were always my motivations when I found my way to the door of the Red Cross.

As the miles rolled under my feet, I had all but forgotten that I was walking. I could hear their shouting, their cries for help, and I felt heartbroken.

What would I have done?

What could I have done?

Dunant spoke of his own meagerness defined in solferino. hearing screaming men begging not to be forgotten, Dunant, like me, encountered his own limitations.

“The feeling one has of one’s own utter inadequacy in such extraordinary and solemn circumstances is unspeakable,” wrote Dunant. “It is, indeed, excessively distressing to realize that you can never do more than help those who are just before you.”

Mile 5 - the FinishLarge groups were cheering and holding up candles. We entered a section of town where all the roads were made of brick and lit by candles.

“We made it!” exclaimed a young-man to my left. “We made the walk!”

I stepped to the side of the dimly lit road to gather my thoughts, and made way for more cheering parishioners.

Fear. sadness. horror. helping. Dunant.

Eight kilometers, or 4.9 miles.

All I can think about is the battle and the fighting. For the soldiers, reaching the town was just the beginning of the fight for their lives. For Dunant, it was the beginning of his fight to start the International Red Cross movement and the catalyst towards creating the first Geneva Convention article.

sitting in that meeting the next morning, I stared at all the other faces in the room. These people, diverse and caring, are all a product of wanting to help. To give more where more is needed.

I walked the path of henry Dunant, and I am eager to continue the journey.


G e t R e a d y t o S h a k e O u t !

During 2011 more than 12.5 million people worldwide registered to participate in shakeout drills. Participating is a great way for your family or organization to become better prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.

drop, Cover, and Hold on

Why is “Drop, Cover, and hold on” important to practice? In an earthquake, you may only have seconds to protect yourself before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. Practicing helps you to be ready to react. Visit ShakeOut.org/italia/dropcoverholdon to learn more.

This shakeout drill has been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

WHo Can partiCipate

Everyone can participate! Individuals, families, schools, government agencies, businesses, and other organizations are all invited to register.

To register for or if you want more information please visit the website at http://www.shakeout.org/italia/index.html. Click on the links at the bottom of the page for the NAVSUPPACT Naples, NAS Sigonella, American Consulate general, and the American Red Cross for unique and specific information relating to these organizations participation.

We are all invited to join with our italian hosts who will “Drop, Cover, and hold on” on

october 18th at 10:18 a.m. in the 2012 Great Southern Italy ShakeOut! This will be the first ever earthquake drill of its kind in the naples area involving both the italian and american communities.

FastFacts

When shaking starts: Drop, Cover, and Hold on

Practice makes perfect. Do drills as a family to stay ready.

Visit the Shake Out website to learn more about staying ready:

S h a k e O u t . o r g / i t a l i a /dropcoverholdon

D i s a s t e r S e r v i c e s

WHAT: Great ShakeoutWHEN: october 18thtiME: 10:18 aM

Jeff Arter is the Disaster Services Chair for the Naples American Red Cross. Jeff has several years of disaster and emergency management experience, and shares his knowledge with our community.

To learn more about becoming a DAT member contact Jeff at [email protected].

V o l u n t e e r P o s i t i o n

Disaster Action

Team

Tr a ining

Pr e pa r at ion

A s s i s ta nc e

G u ida nc eJoin the Disaster Action Team today and help others in our community when disaster strikes.

Contact Jeff Arter at [email protected] or call 626-4788 to find out how you can become a DAT member today.

V o l u n t e e r o f t h e Q u a r t e r


Annelize RuitersAnnelize Ruiters came to the Naples American Red Cross

with one goal: Volunteer at the hospital on the Support Site base.

“I have always enjoyed working with people and helping out wherever I can, that’s why I chose a career in the medical field,” said Annelize. “Volunteering at the Red cross gives you the opportunity to use your skills for the greater good.”

One of the volunteer programs offered here in the Naples community is the hospital volunteerism program. Annelize, a licensed physical therapist, looked forward to working with others in this field.

Sometimes the in processing can be long when working at the hospital. Annelize did not let this slow her down. She offered to help in the Red Cross office during the absence of the Field Office Coordinator, a paid position in the office.

Annelize came to the Station several times a week and helped with answering the phones, preparing materials for events, and planning future fundraisers.

“It felt pretty good to read that our recent event (Festa Americana) was such a huge success,” says Annelize. “Especially knowing that I was one of the many volunteers who helped out.”

Help from Annelize, and other volunteers, saved the Festa Americana event from disaster. Initially the Naples Red Cross was told that items meant to be sold at the event as a fundraiser might not arrive.

Using great creativity, volunteers came up with an inventive idea to use fresh local produce with a sweet twist -- chocolate covered bananas. Along with fellow volunteers, Annelize worked tirelessly to complete over 50 chocolate covered bananas, and other fresh fruit treats, to meet the deadline of the festival.

Luckily the order did show up, but the chocolate covered bananas remained the highest selling item throughout the fundraising event.

When asked where she saw herself within the volunteer community in six months, “I am hoping to get really involved in the physical therapy department in the hospital,” she responded.

E v e n t C a l e n d a r

8:30 - 12:30 ss gym

CPR/AED Adult and Pediatric

Cost: $50

8:30 - 12:00Pet First AidCapo, Admin 2Cost: $35

EVENT:national

nightout

support site7-9PM

EVENT:back 2 school block Party

support site3:30 - 7PM

18 August 2012

For more information about upcoming events or classes contact the American Red Cross office at 626-4788 between 8:00 - 4:30 M-F.

VOLUNTEER REMINDER:

Turn in your hours at least monthly to the office by calling

626-4788.

V o l u n t e e r O p p o r t u n i t i e s


WHAT: national night Out

WHERE: Support Site

TIME: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

National Night Out is a community wide event where we demonstrate safety techniques, and show others how to be safe in a variety of environments. We will have an information table with some giveaways. Join us to help educate the community!

WHAT: Back to School Block Party

WHERE: Support Site in front of the Schools

TIME: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Back to School Block Party is hosted by the USO to welcome back students and community members from their summer vacations. We will have an education booth and new volunteer sign-up forms. We need volunteers to work the booth and talk about the many programs the Red Cross offers in Naples.

C l o s i n g S hots

To find out more about volunteering at the Naples American Red Cross contact us today at

626-4788.

Documents

August 2012