2nd Annual Blood Drive set for June 22

[Valley Cat]

David,

I flunked the test again today - hematocrit level was 57, two points too high. The guy who told me a high crit level was okay for whole blood donors apparently wanted to get an appointment made as they are on commission.

In a man-bites-dog situation, if they were to take a pint of blood and pour it out, then in a month or two I could donate blood or just red platelets (or white platelets). I could probably go to OTR and find one of those plasma centers who would gladly take it, but that's against my beliefs. But I will head to Norwood and if that store that sells Sassafras Tea is still open, get a few ounces. Tea will reduce the iron level. This makes sense: back in the days when I was doing apherisis, I use to consume mass quantities of sun tea every day. I don't have the need to work outside as much so pretty much quit drinking tea. It looks like it is time to get back in the habit. I love Sassafras tea, so this is not a sacrifice.

As far as the chili - I know what real chili tastes like and it isn't that concoction firefighters try to pass off. But, if you ever want some chili powder (real powder, not the stuff you get at the store) let me know and Mrs. Cat will drop some off with your papers!

Mike

[David Strotman]

We had 61 units collected yesterday, well above the average despite it being on a sports night (baseball, swim meet). Even though we fell short of last years total of 73 units, we remain one of the highlights on Hoxworths schedule as they enjoy the food and atmosphere of our blood drive. Thanks to all who donated or tried to donate, because of you lives will be saved.

Local 450 would like to thank our local businesses,Klostermans who donated free buns and Scherpies who once again provided the sides. Its wonderful to have these businesses partnering with this community.

This city has once again shown its quality from the Service Dept. who do many of the unseen things which make each and every event a sucess, to the administration who allows us to put on this great event, the police who allow us to close off the street and keep it safe, and most especially to we the citizens of this city who generously donated our life saving blood to those in need!

We are still working out the logistics for a winter blood drive with the theme "Give a Pint, Get a Pint" or in other words Firehouse Chili for all those who participate. The Valley Cat will finally get to eat some "Real Chili" for a change.

Once again, Thank You!

[David Strotman]

Would you like a Hot Mett or a Bratt with Saur Kraut.

[Valley Cat]

Hoxworth just called me, asking if I would donate whole blood. I didn't know if I could because of my crit levels but he checked and I can.     

This may enable be to do aphresis in the future.

Mike

[Don T.]

OK Davey
it is Donnie

[David Strotman]

I believe I'll refer to my esteemed Ward Rep as Donny T. from here on out. As long as he spells  it Donny and not Donnie  . I will do a double also, the bar has been raised!

I have no idea about the hemocrit level, however, the workers on hand do a great job of screening and answering all questions. Blindfolds are optional

[Valley Cat]

For a few years, I was able to do apherisis - a process where they extract red blood cell. Once or twice I was asked top donate white cells, which meant taking a pill. No problem, except when this one nurse told me I had to watch the needles being stuck into my arm. I don't like needles, period! I can live with them being stuck in my arm, but I'll be darned if I have to watch it being done.

David, if you can find out if a slightly high hemocrit level precludes me donating blood and let me know, and I can do it, I'll show up.

Mike

[Don T.]

Dave
Who is Don Tobertge? lol
I will be there giving blood (a double) how about you?

[David Strotman]

The last blood drive was a smashing success. 73 Units of blood, hundreds of people benefitted from our communities generosity. I know we can do even better this time. Tell your friends and relatives and lets break the 100 unit barrier!

The one complaint I have heard is Hoxworth calls quite often to solicit blood donations every so often after giving blood. I know its a pain in the butt but Hoxworth is truly a great organization and the need for blood is endless. In the end, its well worth it to donate blood and answer a few phone calls if it save only one life, much less the hundreds of lives saved we had a direct hand in saving last year.

Who needs blood?

- Accident victims
-People underging surgery (even minor surgery)
-Elderly people who find themselves a bit "low" on fluids.
-Burn victims
-Cancer patients
-Dialysis patients

The list is far longer but in short it could be anyone of us.Won't you help this fine organization help those in need and get a fine meal cooked by your St. Bernard Fire Dept? I hope to see you there!

[David Strotman]

The St. Bernard Fire Dept. (Local 450) is sponsoring a Blood Drive on June 22nd at the Municipal Building in cooperation with the Hoxworth Blood Center from 2 p.m.-8 p.m.

St. Bernard is a special place. The sense of belonging to a COMMUNITY rather than just a place to hang your hat is evident by the amount of people who truly care about this Jewel Of The Valley. Community sponsored events were the norm when I was growing up, which helped to bind us together. It seems, sometimes, we have lost a little bit of this. Perhaps we are too busy. Perhaps we don't care as much as our parents did. Perhaps its because nobody is taking the ball and running with it. When I was growing up, individuals like my Dad volunteered their time to help this community and, perhaps, I myself have been remiss in taking up where my elders have left off. In the spirit of advancing this sense of community I have asked my fellow coworkers to work with me and sponsor a community blood drive. I believe this to be an excellant way to bring people together.

 One pint of blood goes a long way, as you may or may not know, helping multiple people with each donation.  Donors usually replace the lost volume of blood within 48 hours of donation.  Donors will not lose red blood cells if they donate frequently as the body more than adequately replaces the red blood cells removed during donation by the end of eight weeks. Are you still circulating the same tired old blood you were born with? Start replacing it a pint at a time and help others in the process.

Donating blood should not make you feel weak.  The process allows individuals time to rest and refresh the body with juice and light snacks before returning to your normal routine. Just to make sure you regain your strength we will FIRE UP THE GRILL for every blood donor and feed you such summertime favorites as Bratts, Metts, Hot Dogs, Salads, Saur Kraut and drinks. Originally we were going to cook up some FireHouse Chili and "Give a Pint For A Pint", but being summertime and all, we will Fire Up The Grill instead. 

Of course, this being the tight knit community we are, this is a true community event. Thanks in advance to the Service Department for all their help, the unsung backbone of this community, doing a thankless job keeping our city beautiful and clean. Our City Administration who are helping us with enthusiasm and bending over backwards to make this a big sucess. In fact, Don Tobertge has offered 2 pints of blood! The Police Dept. of course is providing us a safe and secure community in which to host this event. Many businesses will be helping us with food and drink and I will be sure to sing their thanks in the future when everything is finalized.

All  4 local news station have been contacted and also 700 wlw. Hopefully this will be a smashing success and spotlight St. Bernard in the positive light we deserve. Please help us help others, nobody thinks it will happen to them, but the lives we save might just be our own