To All the ALERT Shelter Helpers and Road Closure Warriors,I know a simple “Thank You” can not even begin to express my gratitude, appreciation, and how proud I am of you and to be an ALERT Team Member. Even more so now with the crazy hours put in by the Road Warriors and the managing of the Londonderry ALERT Emergency Shelter, it has become very apparent that ALERT is a very special team. Each day as we managed the shelter, I would look around in amazement (but not surprise) as I watched you – the ALERT Team Volunteers, taking control of what ever situation arose. It was such a great feeling of pride (and relief) knowing that it was not necessary to micro-manage. You knew what had to be done and took action. Your professionalism and dedication was very apparent and much appreciated.
I have always been a proponent of building camaraderie within ALERT. The ALERT Shelter proved to be a great team building experience. It became obvious that we enjoyed each other’s company when at most times there were more ALERT Members than there were guests.
I greatly enjoyed interacting with everyone of you whether it was exchanging stories of children, discussing communications, conversing with the Lovely Ladies of Registration, giggling over salad choices, wrestling with cot set-up and dismantling, sharing a meal, discussing marketing strategies, or having a few laughs over a cup of ‘coffee’ at 11:00 pm. I also have to admit that I really enjoyed watching the evolution of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of plain white paper turn into a descriptive, beautifully stickered Shelter Manager Sign. (That’s going in my scrapbook!)
Last weekend was not just about gaining experience in Shelter Operations. It was so much more! We made new friends within ALERT and external to ALERT. We gained experience in leadership, learned valuable lessons in communications, and proved to be not only a team that can assist in times of need, but a team that can lead. ALERT has gained a greater level of respect within the community. You showed the Public Safety professionals, Londonderry School District, Derry EOC, MRC’s, and the Red Cross that we are a dedicated, professional, trained (not to mention fun) group of volunteers that will always go the extra mile to ensure the safety and well being of our community.
Thank you ALL for everything you did to make the Londonderry ALERT Emergency Shelter a great success. George and Jim, please pass this on to Trish and Denise. I am anxiously awaiting their applications. A big “Thank You” also goes out to those die hard Road Closure Warriors.
Sincerely,
Colleen
