Author: Kristin Zeisloft Camplese

  • Time is Running Out – Only Two Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Aid

    Time is Running Out – Only Two Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Aid

    HARRISBURG, Pa. — Survivors of the storms and flooding that ravaged central and eastern Pennsylvania have only two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. The deadline to register is November 14, 2011. Individuals who live, work, or own a business in the 29 Pennsylvania counties designated under the disaster declarations for Hurricane Irene and Tropical Strom Lee are eligible. The counties are Adams, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming, and York.…

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  • It’s Your Turn:  Santa Needs Our Help

    It’s Your Turn: Santa Needs Our Help

    It is the first day of November and many thoughts are now turning to the holidays.  Flood victims are the primary concern as the holidays can be a difficult time for those who have suffered major losses.  One victim who no one has been talking about, however, is Santa Claus.  Unfortunately, when the flood waters came, even his cottage wasn’t spared.  Stored at the Public Works building in Bloomsburg, it incurred significant damage and is currently being repaired by those in the Public Works Department. We talked with Tim Wagner from Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. (DBI, which runs the cottage) and he…

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  • Run to Rebuild 5K to Benefit Flood Victims

    Run to Rebuild 5K to Benefit Flood Victims

    When Ginny Larson and Brooke Wilson met as graduate students in the Student Affairs program at Bloomsburg University, they had very little idea that they would eventually work together to become disaster recovery organizers.  Larson, a Bloomsburg native, 2004 graduate of Central Columbia High School, and 2008 graduate of Bloomsburg University, was drawn back to town for her masters degree for this simple reason:  “I love the area.”  Wilson, a native of Rockport, Massacusetts, discovered Bloomsburg when she decided to pursue her masters and received a graduate assistantship in the Sports Information office at BU. Both, however, were incredibly affected…

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  • Most Power Restored from Early Snow Storm

    Most Power Restored from Early Snow Storm

    The early snowstorm that affected our area on Saturday continues to wreak havoc for many Pennsylvania residents.  The storm, which dumped between 7 and 10 heavy inches of snow on trees still holding their leaves, knocked out power to thousands of PP&L customers.  As of Saturday night, PP&L said that about 200,000 customers were without power. Fortunately, as of 7:30 AM this morning, only 59 households in Columbia County and 20 in Montour County were still without power.  This was down from 1652 in Columbia County and 100 in Montour County as of 7 AM yesterday. Customers to the southeast…

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  • Sunday Slowdown:  On Women, Beer, and Brewing

    Sunday Slowdown: On Women, Beer, and Brewing

    Everyone (including us) moves pretty quickly during the week. On Sundays, it’s nice to take a little breather. The Sunday Slowdown column will feature links, stories, articles, videos, or other interesting things that our writers find during the week. We will all contribute and try to share things that we find interesting, thought-provoking, and sometimes even a bit silly. But remember: this is community journalism, so if you find interesting things to share, make your voice heard and share with us at info@thebloomsburgdaily.com. If you take a drive around the area, it is quite easy to see that brew pubs…

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  • BU Welcomes Students’ Parents and Families

    BU Welcomes Students’ Parents and Families

    BLOOMSBURG— Families of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania students will get to sample campus life during this year’s annual Parents’ and Family Weekend Friday to Sunday, Oct. 28 to 30. The weekend’s events will include athletic events, professional entertainment and recreational opportunities. BU President David Soltz will welcome family members during an open forum Saturday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. in the Kehr Union Fireside Lounge. Other weekend events include: -A show by comedy magician, Adam Trent, Friday, Oct. 28, at 9 p.m. in the Kehr Union Ballroom. The event is free for BU students and family members -BU’s Quest’s open…

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  • Your Thoughts: Building Permit Fees for Flood Victims

    The Town Council meeting last night was not the only place where the issue of building permit fees for flood victims was discussed.  Our article commenters and Facebook groups have contributed many interesting and thought-provoking viewpoints on the subject.  (Original article, Building Permit Fees Cause Lively Town Council Debate).  Add your comments here if you haven’t had a chance to weigh in on the discussion. Here are some of the opinions of our readers: This is a very sticky situation. Could they possibly reduce the fees for flood victims? — Diane Building permits cover the cost of a building inspector…

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  • AGAPE in Dire Need of Volunteers

    AGAPE is in dire need of volunteers. The need for help (especially during the day) is now critical with the new applications for financial assistance coming in as well as an increased demand for furniture, appliances etc. as flood survivors begin to get back on their feet. In the words of an AGAPE employee, “It was a zoo yesterday and as you know not one person there is a paid employee.” The crisis is over but the emergency is not. AGAPE is requesting volunteers to fill positions at the dates and times listed below. Please understand that any part of the…

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  • Disasters Can Severely Impact the Elderly

    HARRISBURG, Pa. — The losses following Pennsylvania’s storms and flooding last month may be magnified for the elderly. Seniors previously living on their own may be dependent on others for food, shelter and the necessities of daily living. Those used to assisted living may face upheaval in their normal routines or a change in their usual caregivers. Additionally, the stress of the disaster itself can cause significant challenges. Symptoms of stress unique to the elderly include: Reliving events in their lives when they were traumatized or suffered severe losses. Fear of losing their independence or self-sufficiency. Fear of a decline…

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  • Look Out for Signs of Post-Disaster Stress

    HARRISBURG, Pa. — The initial trauma from Pennsylvania’s two late-summer disasters – Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee – has passed, but the psychological effects can linger. Stress caused by loss or a traumatic experience can sneak up on people and influence behavior and emotions. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable to stress after a disaster and may require special considerations. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have developed a list of things to look for and tips for helping yourself and others get through this difficult time. Some common signs of stress are: Trouble…

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