> SOUTHERN INDIANA — Get in the spirit of volunteer week



“Here’s to all volunteers, those dedicated people who believe in all work and no pay,” penned speechwriter Robert Orben.

This National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, the Buffalo Trace and Clark County Red Cross offices are celebrating our own dedicated volunteers and partners, the people who make the American Red Cross run.

Red Cross volunteers bring food, shelter, comfort and hope to families in times of disaster, such as home fires, floods and last month’s tornadoes. Since the evening of March 2, when the tornadoes swept through Indiana and Kentucky, the Red Cross has assisted more than 2,500 families and individuals, serving more than 82,000 meals and snacks, distributing more than 71,000 bulk recovery items such as tarps, shovels, racks and comfort kits, in addition to providing mental health assistance as families are recovering from the loss of a loved one or the loss of their home. All of these efforts could not be possible without the support of our trained volunteers.

Volunteers provide services to members of the military, veterans and their families, including communications linking military members to their loved ones during an emergency.

Red Cross volunteers teach first aid, CPR, swimming, baby-sitting, and other health and safety courses. They staff community fairs to encourage their neighbors to learn these lifesaving skills and organize celebrations to recognize people who use their Red Cross training to save lives.

If you’re looking to serve your community, become a Red Cross volunteer. To volunteer, contact the Buffalo Trace office (serving Floyd, Harrison and Crawford Counties) at 812-951-2288 or the Clark County Red Cross (serving Clark and Washington Counties at 812-283-8416.)

— Mary Kagin-Kramer, chair, board of directors, Clark County Chapter; Julie Naville, chair, advisory board, Buffalo Trace Service Center; Phyllis Wilkins, Clark County Chapter (serving Clark and Washington counties); and Karen Cook, director, Buffalo Trace Service Center (serving Floyd, Harrison and Crawford counties).



JHS grad supports Winningham for Congress



By now you’ve heard of Robert Winningham, 9th District Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress. You’ve heard about Robert’s professional experiences and his message. You’ve heard him talk about his passion for jobs, increasing economic development, preserving social security, supporting veterans and strengthening education. But let me tell you about a unique side of Robert you may not know.

I met Robert when I was 7 years old. He was my swim coach. I grew up in Jeffersonville and swam on the team Robert founded, Pacesetter Aquatics. I have many memories of my times with Robert, but one in particular stands out.

While Robert instructed, guided and encouraged me to be a stronger swimmer, he also shook my hand. At every practice, Robert greeted me with a handshake. A firm handshake. He expected it. And while I didn’t understand the importance of such a simple act as a young boy, I do now as a man. It instilled respect and honor in me. My coach was proud to see me each day and that made me take pride in myself, in and out of the pool.

I’m currently at the University of Florida training with the best swimmers in the world. I know what dedication and hard work look like when your drive is nonstop and your goal is an Olympic medal. However, taking all of that into account, the hardest working person I know is Robert Winningham. His drive is relentless. I know he will not only aspire every day to improve the lives of those living in the 9th District, he will work to make it happen.

From my time at Jeffersonville High School and Indiana University to today, Robert remains a mentor. I was excited when Robert told me that he was running for Congress. For years, Robert believed in my potential and pushed me to be a better swimmer, a better athlete and a better person. Now it is my turn. I have the opportunity to cheer on Robert and support him to achieve his goals. And that is very exciting.

On May 8, I encourage you to join in my excitement and vote for my coach and your next congressman, Robert Winningham.  

— Ben Hesen, Gainesville, Fla., Jeffersonville High School graduate