LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive

Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:

Here’s the April 15th edition of  “Comfort & Renew Online,” a weekly e-newsletter provided by LDRNY. If you have something to share, please drop an email to mikki@LDRNY.org.

Oklahoma City bombing anniversary April 19
April 19 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, the worst incidence of domestic terrorism in the United States. April 17-24 has been named the National Week of Hope, and several events have been planned in Oklahoma to memorialize those lost and spread a message of caring and tolerance. To read more, go to the www.LDRNY.org homepage.

Medical Examiner ends identification process of victim remains
The NYC Chief Medical Examiner has ended the process of identifying the remains of those killed on 9/11. For many people, especially the relatives and loved ones of 1,161 victims not identified, moving on is not an easy option. For LDRNY Executive Director John Scibilia's thoughts and more information, go to www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.

Help for flood victims
Upstate New York and parts of New Jersey have experienced recent flooding problems. While FEMA has not declared a disaster in the area, many people were forced to evacuate and are facing the consequences of property loss and damage. LDRNY offers hotline numbers in an effort to assist those in need. For information on getting help, check www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.

Tax Day reminds us to be financially ready and prepared
Naturally, your first priority in an emergency is to protect your family and property. But it's also important to guard against the financial consequences of a disaster. IRS tax deadline day reminds us of the need for financial protection. OEM encourages you to take steps to ensure your financial stability in the wake of an emergency. Insurance claims, increased expenses, and mounting debt are just some of the monetary issues you could  face if you are affected by a disaster. For more information, check www.LDRNY.org.

Briefing on 9/11 Memorial projects set for May 5
The Municipal Art Society is sponsoring the fourth and final briefing in a series of public forums entitled “Engaging Lower Manhattan: Remembrance and Interpretation,” May 5, 6 to 8 p.m. at St. John’s University Lower Manhattan campus, 101 Murray St,, between Greenwich and West streets. The briefing will involve a discussion by organizations representing three different types of memorial projects: temporary memorials, permanent memorials, and artifacts of the events. Contact Sarah Yackel, Municipal Art Society, 212-935-3960  yackel@mas.org  www.mas.org

SUNY Disaster Mental Health Institute hosts conference
The Disaster Mental Health Institute at SUNY New Paltz is offering a conference on Helping in a Time of Crisis, May 6, 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m. The conference,
which highlights best practices in disaster mental health, is open to social service and mental health professionals, teachers, emergency responders, clergy,
students, and community members. Contact:  Janine Colucci colucc88@newpaltz.edu  or visit www.newpaltz.edu/psychology/  To register, call: 845-257-3033, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Events, programs and training on www.LDRNY.org
You’re reminded to check the LDRNY.org website often for a complete listing of events taking place around Ground Zero and in lower Manhattan, and for programs and training relating to 9/11. They’re listed here:
http://www.ldrny.org/comfort/comfort3.asp

Art show of patron saints runs through April 17
There’s still time to visit the art show at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, Manhattan (ELCA) to see the sculptures of patron saints most affected by 9/11. The church, at 619 Lexington Ave. at 54th Street, is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The show, which runs through April 17, was recently covered in the Financial Times. The article by Clare Henry said, “With so much controversy over the official memorial at Ground Zero, it is encouraging to see one independent memorial already commissioned and achieved, with no fuss and a good result.” To read more, go to www.LDRNY.org.

Go Bags are a great idea
LDRNY’s Go Bag is the most comprehensive disaster-preparedness bag on the market today. The red standard backpack is filled with more than 50 items to help a person survive in the first 24 hours following a disaster or emergency. Items include a flashlight, water, energy bar, whistle, rain poncho, mylar blanket, hand-warmer packet, radio and compass, first-aid kit, toothbrush, hand-sanitizers, ID holder, DNA/fingerprint kit, pen and pad, and much more. The suggested contribution for the Go Bag is $70 each, plus $7.50 shipping/handling, and can be obtained by calling LDRNY at 1-866-864-1600, or by visiting the website, www.LDRNY.org. Click on the red logo on the homepage to get more information and an order form.

Take a planned Faith Walk around Ground Zero
LDRNY partner Koinonia NYC invites you to take a Faith Walk around Ground Zero. Faith Walks are inspirational and educational tours of Ground Zero and surrounding landmarks, encouraging healing and hope in the face of despair. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, or want to read more about others’ experiences, go to www.LDRNY.org. Participants always report back that they liked the Faith Walk. Here is a comment from one person: "It was informative, very moving, and certainly uplifting. In your very kind and thoughtful manner, you put us all at ease. Your friendly way made us all able to participate and enjoy this opportunity."

Make a gift to LDRNY
LDRNY is grateful for the gifts it receives. If you’d like to make a donation to honor or memorialize someone, send a check to LDRNY at the address below. Tell us who should be notified of the gift, and please provide an address. Thrivent members will have their gift matched.

You may now make a gift to support the work of LDRNY among the hidden victims of Sept. 11 online, thanks to Lutheran Community Foundation’s Charity Finder. Go to
http://www.thelcf.org/donors/charityfinder_details.asp?charity_id=145

Helpful sites you may want to visit
• Lifenet  www.9-11MentalHealth.org  1-800-LIFENET.

LDRNY contact info
To contact LDRNY, call 1-866-864-1600, or send an email to Mikki@ldrny.org Visit the website for information on any of our programs – www.LDRNY.org.

LDRNY
22 Cortlandt St.  10007
New York, NY
1-866-864-1600
212-406-9736
www.LDRNY.org
Dr. John J. Scibilia, Executive Director (john@ldrny.org)

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