A day at the Rodeo

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I guess I should start posting actual articles. While the past few months I have just been getting my feet wet.. here are a few!

9/1/08: Area Shelters open doors to Evacuees

Pauline Rogers had planned to spend her Labor Day weekend in Biloxi with her family, but thanks to Hurricane Gustav found herself answering phones, directing volunteers and greeting evacuees at one of Madison County's Red Cross Shelters this week.

At least eight shelters in Madison County were filled to capacity through Wednesday as evacuees from the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast flooded the area starting Saturday evening.

Overall Madison County was spared the worst of Hurricane Gustav after it made landfall southwest of New Orleans on Monday.

With sometimes heavy rains and wind reported Monday and Tuesday, Madison County Emergency Management Director Butch Hammack reported a now serious flooding with a few fallen tree limbs resulting in isolated power outages.

Gustav made landfall about 9:30 a.m. Monday as a Category 2 hurricane about 72 miles southwest of New Orleans and veered into central Louisiana, hitting the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a 15-foot storm surge.

The National Weather Service reported wind gust in Madison County as high as 60 to 75 mph.

Hammack said that the power outages were do power lines being damaged by downed tree limbs and occurred Monday west of Interstate 55 at Colony Crossing and Tuesday on Rice Road.

At the county's multiple shelters volunteers of all ages offered medical services, food preparation, administrative assistance, youth activities, and comfort to those staying at the shelters.

Rogers, who acted as the Red Cross shelter manager at Ridgeland First Baptist, said she was also a shelter manager during Katrina.

"Everyone is more prepared this time around," Rogers said. "With Katrina we had on the job training, and that training prepared us for Gustav."

Madison County Emergency Management Director Butch Hammack agreed saying that the county response went very well.

"The only issues we had was that there wasn't enough space in the shelters," Hammack said. "We had several churches open additional space, but it got to a point late on Sunday that we had to tell people to keep moving north."

Shelter makes room for the elderly

New Orleans resident Barbara James and her family planned on evacuating to Little Rock Ark. Sunday to get as far away from Gustav as possible.

After many hours in traffic the family of 10, whose ages ranged from 67 to 83 years old, made it to Ridgeland First Baptist Church.

"This was as far as we could make it, we were too tired to go on," James said.

Though the shelter was already full by that time with 177 evacuees the family was allowed to stay.

"We didn't have enough beds for them," said Mardi Allen, a volunteer at the shelter. "They didn't mind sleeping on the floor but many of the teenagers staying at the shelter gave up their beds."

James sat with her family watching a weather broadcast projected on the wall of the shelter. "The shelter has been very accommodating to our needs," James said. "Now we are just waiting to see how the storm surge will hit and if the levees will hold up."

Food and medical donations were sent to Ridgeland First Baptist by way of World Vision and the Red Cross.

Pastor B.J. Bennett was on site assisting volunteers.

"There was an announcement at church yesterday and by 2 p.m. we had all the volunteers we needed," Bennett said.

Approximately 40 volunteers came out to help over the weekend.

Bennett said that evacuees were coping with the situation by watching the news and participating in planned children's activities.

Volunteers help keep spirits high

At Madison United Methodist Church children and their parents gathered around a table making necklaces, an activity planned by Renee Scales who was volunteering with her family.

"The crafts were planned for kids, or those who are kids at heart and it seems to be keeping everyone's minds off of the situation at hand," Scales said. "Shelters can be hard for kids so we are trying to break up the day a little and keep them active."

Scales along with her husband and daughter spent the weekend assisting others at the shelter.

"We have the whole family here and we had hoped for a quiet holiday weekend but this is a good way spend time together and help others at the same time," Scales said.

Shelter Manager Mike Scales said the shelter opened at 11 a.m. on Sunday and within 30 minutes they had reached capacity with 85 people.

" We have had a great turn out of volunteers and support from the congregation," Scales said.

On Monday afternoon kitchen manager Cynthia Lauderdale and volunteer Cindy Keller were busying loading styrofoam to-go containers with sandwiches and fruit.

"We had a family of 10 show up and even though our shelter was full we did not want to leave them empty handed," Lauderdale said.

The family had shown up at the shelter that afternoon and the volunteers directed them to another shelter and sent them on their way with dinner.

Lauderdale, who had volunteer during Katrina at the shelter said that things had gone smoothly compared to three years ago.

"This time around it has not been as hectic and anxiety has not been as high," she said.

The shelter's meals were provided by donations from the church and community members. Volunteers worked in shifts to provide three hot meals to evacuees each day.

Julie Bourg, from Houma La. evacuated for the first time in her life and came to the shelter at Madison United Methodist.

"I have always lived close to the coast but this is the first time I have evacuated," she said. "I just didn't want to risk it anymore after what has happened in the past."

"The shelter has been great to me and I have been provided with everything I need," Bourg added.

Evacuees Take it to the Court

The Basketball court at Broadmoor Baptist Church was filled with children and families shooting hoops to pass the time until the stormed passed Monday afternoon.

James Sasser, an evacuee from Hammond La. was giving a basketball lesson to a few fellow players.

"Having a place to play basketball is great the kids and run around and get tired, that way they fall asleep at night," he said.

Sasser and his family found themselves at Broadmoor, the same shelter they had evacuated to three years ago during Katrina.

"The people treat us right here and that's why we came back," he said.

Shelter coordinator Lance Allen said 75 people were waiting to get inside the shelter when the doors opened Saturday night at 10 p.m.

" We thought we might have 15 people trickle in when the doors opened so we were surprised to open the doors to so many people waiting," Allen said.

The shelter was filled to capacity with 144 people by the Sunday. The night had gone smoothly with the exception of a child who was sick with a virus and needed medical attention.

Lynda Gagle, a staff member of Broadmoor Baptist Church was busy assisting evacuees needs and coordinating donations.

"The response has been fabulous we have received more than enough beds, food, and toiletries," she said.

Today Show visits Madison Crossing 9/11

As the song "YMCA" blasted from a nearby speaker system Madison Crossing Elementary Principal Martha D'Amico joined her students in the hallway Monday arms flailing and smiles spread as they contorted themselves into letters. 

The students were doing what they normally do in the mornings -- spending the 20 minutes before school exercising. Monday was anything but a normal school day, however. 

The Today Show on NBC was scheduled to be in attendance, taping the children's activities. The segment will feature schools that are working to combat obesity and diabetes throughout the United States. 

D'Amico said the program started in conjunction with the Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and other government programs. The teachers at Madison Crossing took walking to a new level adding music and arm movements. 

"The program has had an overwhelming response, by coming to school earlier the students reduce tardiness and start their day with more energy," D'Amico said. 

D'Amico said the school is honored to be featured on the Today Show. 

"Were excited to promote fitness and healthy habits," D'Amico said. "It's a nice way for the state to fight diabetes and gain positive attention." 

Madison Crossing was referred to the Today show by Mary Fortune, Executive Vice President of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. Fortune learned about the program while teaching "It's a sweet subject,"  an educational series about type 2 diabetes at the school. 

"Its a program that makes you want to get moving," Fortune said. "Teache

rs make it energizing by moving with the kids and its a wonderful contribution to ensure that students have a healthy life in the future." 

Fortune said that type 2 diabetes, while often hereditary can be cause by a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, and obesity. 

Recently there has been an increase in children and adolescence being diagnosed with the disease. In an effort to prevent diabetes in children the Diabetes Foundation has hosted "Sweet Stuff" in 30 area schools within the last month. 

Jenny Hall, School volunteer and parent of a fifth-grader said her child looks forward to coming to school in the mornings. 

"It's a great way to start their day, it wakes them up and they perform better," Hall said. "It is definitely noticeable how much more alive they are in the mornings and ready to learn." 

The segment is due to air on NBC so

metime in Oct. 

Presidental Debate 2008

On Friday my boss let me have the day of to go to Oxford, Ms. for the first presidential debate.

I didn't have the all access media pass but I did get a goody bag and got to hang out all day. There was so much excitement in the air, Oxford had been prepping for 18 months for this. When McCain announced that he was showing up- the campus ignited. I met a alot of energetic, politically savvy college kids. There was lots of supporters for both candidates and the town square was blocked off for thousands of people to watch the debate on large movie screens.

It was quite an experience to be around so many Americans who were united for a brief moment by pure enthusiasm for their town. Southern Hospitality is an understatement for Oxford- everyone I met went out of their way. A young girl at the college even gave me a ride when I asked her for directions while I was walking to the town square.

As far as the debate goes I was disappointed by the consistent political rhetoric thats been said by both candidates over and over again for the past year. I felt like the issues were skimmed on the surface with vague plans. They both did refute arguments pretty well but I think most people feel like they aren't getting the real facts. I'm looking forward to seeing Tom Brokaw moderate the debate the third time around.

Also, the debate analysis by the huffington post- is quite good.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/05/presidential-debate-moder_n_117048.html

Media day at MS fire academy

On Wednesday I was invited to the MS state Fire Academy for a media personnel day. I jumped at the prospect of getting to be a firefighter for a day, and it was one of the most interesting things I have done in a while.

I got to drive two fire trucks through and obstacle course, use a hose, and put on gear and go into a smoke controlled building. It was definitely a challenge adding 40 extra pounds of gear on, in the 80 degree weather. When we went into the building it was hot, dark, and I could not hear a thing.

I was overwhelmed and had to mentally push myself not to pass out. I can't really explain why it was so intense but a million different thoughts go through your head once you enter into a burning building ( Its so hot, I'm about to pass out, I can't hear what my teammate just said, people are yelling at me, I hope my air doesn't run out, where is everyone? who is grabbing my arm? how do I turn on the hose? how do I remember where the room starts and ends? )

Anyway, I gained ALOT more respect for firefighters and had a fun time and in all I learned that I would make a really crappy firefighter.

Animal Shelter Story

Week one

I have made it one week as a journalist!
Where to start, where to start!

Well Mississipi is a state that gets bashed a lot and maybe that makes the people here a little more humble. So far I am enthralled by how genuine people here are. From politicans to grocery store clerks- everyone stops and talks to you.

When I came up here last Sunday I hit traffic escaping NOLA on I-55.When I got to Jackson I was so eager to start work that I actually called my boss and asked if I could come in on labor day. He, of course said yes. and I got to write about the shelters in the area.

I also wrote about a local bookstore that was closing, and I enjoyed these assignments very much.

Its still strange adjusting to a life with a somewhat normal schedule, taking my lunch break when I want, and the time that I have to think. Before this, I had been trying to get somewhere and be someone. I was tired of being a barista and wanted a real career.

Now I feel like the clutter in my brain has been cleared. I have this time and desire to really push myself to work hard on the task set in front me. I'll admit somedays I go cross-eyed after non stop googling and trying to understand words like millage and bonds. I envisioned myself working around the clock- staying at the office alone till late at night reading back issues of the paper.

But thats not sucess. When I take time to run, or read, or break off my mind is recharged and full of new ideas. I will get better but not all at once.

I am in a good place right now in which all the possibilties I have envisioned seem closer to reality. I feel focused and content with the complexity and roundabout thinking that my job requires.

The Hot Ticket

In an effort to remain an unbiased journalist I will refrain on my political viewpoints. I will however, make note of the differences in candidates, and campaign strategies.
Watching Sarah Palin give her acceptance speech of the vice presidental nomination I noticed several pins, mostly worn by old wrinkley men. These pens read: "Hoosiers for the Hot Chick VP" and " From the coldest state comes the hottest Vice president."
I had to wonder, how much does the "hot" vote count? What do asthetics represent in a political candidate?
Palin, who has been selected to woo Clinton voters could not be any more opposite from Clinton. Aproaching the podium in a skirt and flatering hairstyle one could not help but notice the feminine qualities that seperate her from the sisterhood of traveling pantsuits.
And while I subside my own feminist tone- I do find myself torn between championing "You go girl!"
to "But what about your kids?"
I am all for the progession of women in power but I am also a product of a stay at home mom. As a kid my mom was there, and not only was she there she spent countless hours reading with me. I attribute my love for literature and my now journalism career to my mother for that very reason.
I agree that its not fair for the media to pry into her personal life but as a woman this is going to be inveitable. Many are wondering if Palin is so great at managing Wasilla, shouldn't that mean she she equally excels at managing her five kids?
Having five children would seem to be for two reasons: the desire to have a large family, or poor planning. Having a child born with special needs and getting back to work three days later could be seen as a sacrafice for her country, or negligence as a mother.
This is the common struggle for women- wanting to have the same positons and respect as men but unlike men there are higher cost and more scrutiny. Being a woman in power is a balance between two worlds and I would like to see Sarah Palin address this.
In the meantime maybe the public will be swayed to forget this because, afterall in today's society being hot is a reason all in itself to vote for the opposite sex.