Cheryl Cope stopped in the office to visit with nurse Lorna Beining

Cheryl Cope, sister to "Mama" Fuerst, wanted to thank Lorna Beining on the anniversary of her sister's death.

Last March, Putnam County Red Cross had to open a shelter due to flooding and "Mama" Fuerst was on of the occupants. Due to health reasons, Fuerst had to be resuscitated by Beining and was rushed to Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center and beyond where she later passed away.

Cope visited with Beining to let her know she is still appreciative of her service and aid even one year later.

Local agency is recipient of lifelong dedication

(pictured right)

OTTAWA – Some do what they can and Henrietta Morgan lived so she could ultimately give back.

Henrietta “Etta” Morgan lived in Ottawa since 1990 so she could be closer to her sister, Waltera Vissers after working many years as a nurse administrator in Virginia. She was active at SPPS Catholic Church ranging from a choir member to helping in the kitchen for their annual fundraiser. Etta enjoyed traveling and journeyed away whenever she could.

Etta lost her mother at 9 months and spent a portion of her life raised by friends of the family. Because of her upbringing, she felt it was necessary to help others…and she did.

Not only did Etta help in her community, but she also expanded her support to other countries. Since 1969 Etta sponsored a family of six in Quinto, Ecuadore and frequented ‘her family.’ Etta also sponsored a girl in Santa Domingo.

Etta possessed an irrefutable devotion to the American Red Cross and was an active volunteer in her local chapter in Martinsville, Virginia serving on the governing board and even aiding in local disasters.

She carried over her devotion to her new community by leaving a legacy to the Putnam County Chapter of the American Red Cross when she passed on December 21, 2008.

“When we were going over her estate, we all just cried because we saw how many people Henrietta was going to help,” stated Juanita Solseng, Etta’s niece.

Sarah Hermiller, executive director of the Putnam County Red Cross Chapter wants to use these funds towards a special project in memory of Henrietta and appreciates the legacy during the current economy.

Solseng commented, “She always said, ‘I just hope something good can come out of my death.’”

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**HAITI RELIEF INFORMATION**

To be cost effective, Putnam County Red Cross is collecting monetary donations for the Haiti relief. If you would like to help, mail or drop off your donation. Please be sure to list "Haiti earthquake" so we know how to distribute the donation.

You can also donate nationally in multiple ways.

Text Haiti to 90999 to make a $10 donation that will register on your phone bill. For more information click here.

Visit www.redcross.org and click on the red "Donate Now" button on the right side. Select the second radio button, "Haiti Relief and Development" and proceed.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS

Friends of the Putnam County Red Cross will be hosting "Love for Haiti" fundraiser on Feb. 20 at the Ottawa K of C Hall with the band, Groupo Decidido. Also performing is Eddie Molina with DJ Rene Flores.

The taco dinner will be served from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Carryouts are available as well.

The dance will run from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Admission is $5/person with kids 12 and under for free. Come out for an enjoyable time and for a worthy cause!

Thank you to all of the individuals donating to the Haiti relief fund. This is already the largest single-country personnel deployment in global Red Cross history. The number of emergency response teams in or en route to Haiti equals those that responded to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami-an emergency that spanned 14 countries (www.redcross.org).

We have had many individuals, organizations, businesses and even schools step forward to help. The need is great for short-term and long-term relief to rebuild.

Any questions on donating, call (419) 523-4810.

As always,

thank you.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office Hours:
Monday– Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday on call.

Office Number:  (419) 523-4810
Fax: (419) 523-4815
24 Hour Emergency Contact Number: (419) 233-4059

Email:  putarc@bright.net