Memorials, preparedness, cleanup, a continued effort to raise funding to rebuild and the dedication of a home which has been replaced through that funding and hard work of others is on the itinerary.
It all began Saturday at Ace Hardware and will continue through the anniversary weekend.
Ace Hardware, McIntire and Associates and Cleveland-Bradley County Emergency Management Agency teamed together to give away and sell weather radios.
Cooke’s Food Stores donated hot dogs and collected donations for Long-Term Recovery Organization’s ongoing rebuild programs.
The Antique Auto Club of America also held a car show at Bradley Square Mall, raising donations for LTRO.
Cleveland Action Network (CAN) and Cleveland Cleanup is joining forces Saturday for a “Day of Service.”
Quite a few people will be volunteering with Cleveland Cleanup to do a blitz-clean, according to Laura Mountain, coordinator for Cleveland Cleanup.
“We appreciate all those who have stepped up to help our community and grateful for their generous donation of their time,” Mountain said.
Mountain and volunteers from schools, churches and businesses have been going into the neighborhoods where damage occurred during the 2011 storms and cutting trees and brush.
Mountain said the psychological effects of those in the paths of the storms that entire day are that they are constantly reminded of the devastation and death which occurred. This is the reason she established Cleveland Cleanup.
“Those survivors who have repaired or rebuilt in their communities may not have had the opportunity to do away with fallen trees and brush. That is a constant reminder to them of what happened and we can volunteer to help erase some of that memory and clean up debris which will make their quality of life better,” Mountain said.
“There is a lot of Cleveland and Bradley County residents who don’t live in the storm affected areas and don’t have to see this every day. There is still a great deal to do in our recovery,” she added.
According to Connie Wright, coordinator of the event, the Bradley County community is being asked to help their neighbors who were affected by the storms of 2011 and 2012 at a special Day of Service scheduled for April 28.
“The Day of Service will begin at 9 a.m. Work will continue through 4 p.m. that day, but could last longer depending on the specific crews plans at a work site,” Wright said.
Work orders will be distributed to those who volunteer at the former Food Lion parking lot off APD-40.
“We are hoping that area churches, businesses and civic groups will join in the effort. This will not only be for those affected by the April 28 storms, but those who had damages since then, such as from the early March tornadoes,” Wright said.
Wright also said for those who want to volunteer and may need child care, First United Methodist Church will be providing that service.
To find out more about the event, either to ask for assistance or ask about volunteering for April 28, call (423) 599-0757, or sign up to volunteer by visiting the Community Action Network website at www.cbcan.com/volunteer-teams.
On Friday and Saturday, Rock the Relief 3 will be held at Pappy’s Place on Morgan Road, which is the same location for “Boogie at the Barn” Veteran’s musical benefits.
Brian Jackson and others associated with Rock the Relief events have partnered with Grant Pirkle who has been instrumental in fundraising for the Veteran’s Home for Bradley County. RTR3 will also benefit LTRO’s rebuild efforts.
Performances will begin at 5 p.m. Friday until midnight and begin Saturday at 10 a.m. Bands and performers are traveling from Nashville, Georgia and Alabama and other states to join the effort.
Ross Tarver, whose home was destroyed by the most recent March tornado, praised the efforts of RTR committee members.
For additional information visit www.rocktherelieftn.com, or contact Jackson at 544-2020.
Also Friday evening, a special service by LTRO will be held at Lee University’s Conn Center.
“Recovery 2012” will be filled with information and thanksgiving about the past year and the future reaching toward the “New Normal.”
Rochelle Mayberry of Lee University’s Leonard Center said exhibition space is still available.
Beginning at 8:30 p.m., the family of Evelyn Johnson invites the community as well as any families who have lost loved ones to a special memorial and remembrance service.
The service will be held at the Waterville Community Elementary School track facility.
A dedication for the sixth LTRO full rebuild is scheduled Friday.
The Ron and Stella Yarber family along with their family, will receive the keys to their new home.
Their daughter, Lisa Pack, was one of nine people who died in Bradley County.
Pack’s home, their son Bryan’s home and their home were all destroyed.
Builders began swinging hammers in the hard-struck Leadmine Valley on March 5.
LTRO has been working with Habitat, Bradley Baptist Association, Men and Women of Action, civic organizations such as Sunrise Rotary and most recently as an ongoing commitment, Broad Street United Methodist Church as well as local colleges and many others to make this happen, according to Jim Polier, recovery leader with LTRO.
Donations are still being accepted and can be sent to the LTRO at 85 Ocoee St. S.E., P.O. Box 193, Cleveland 37364-0193. For additional information, call 715-3036.
