City council tonight honored four unsung heroes who devoted their time to feeding people in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and who have traveled extensively to other parts of the country in the wake of natural disasters.The resolution honoring Disaster Immediate Response Team also recognizes the efforts of Herman and Ruth Moseley and Mike and Loretta Clark, local members of the organization.
The resolution honors the work DIRT founder Charles B. Atkins did to organize a team of volunteers in 2004 to have trained response teams throughout the country to provide medical care, prepare meals, distribute dry goods, begin cleanup and provide counseling.
The resolution, which was read by Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough, notes the Moseleys became involved with the ministry in 2007 when Mr. Moseley watched television coverage of tornado devastation in Lady Lake, Florida. They spent nine days cooking two meals a day under a tent when they met Atkins, who gave them a portable kitchen for use in disasters and to raise funds for the needy, churches and civic organizations. “The kitchen, which is towed behind the Moseley's RV, is used to provide meals in times of need at disaster sites for victims and first responders,” the document notes.
The document resolves, “On behalf of a grateful community that Herman and Ruth Moseley, Mike and Loretta Clark and the rest of the local DIRT organization be publicly recognized for their unselfish acts in the giving of their time and talents to serve the immediate needs of disaster victims and first responders.”
In accepting the resolution, Mr. Moseley acknowledged Scarbrough. “Not only were we out there, she was out there. Mike did a fundraiser Friday and then helped with that also. I'm proud to be a part of this community and proud to help you.”
Mayor Emery Doughtie said not only was DIRT involved in the aftermath of Irene but in the aftermath of the April tornado. “That says a lot for the people who give back.”
Mrs. Moseley said although they travel to disaster sites across the country, “Our first priority is this area. We will be here first.”
In a matter related to Hurricane Irene, Public Works Director Larry Chalker said the deadline to move storm debris to the road is November 18.
Grinding is 80 percent complete and once heavier debris is ground, stumps will be next and then cleanup of Ledgerwood Field, where the grinding is taking place, will occur. “The people doing the grinding have done a tremendous job.”
Carl King of the Federal Emergency Management Agency told council the agency has essentially been in Roanoke Rapids since the tornado. “We're making great progress.”
Some $54 million in federal and state aid has been dispersed to areas affected by Irene, King said. There have been 33,000 requests for aid across the state and the Small Business Administration has processed more than $27 million in loans.
FEMA has extended the registration deadline to November 30 for those needing assistance. They may call 1-800-621-FEMA to register.
To report storm related fraud call 1-866-720-5721.
In another matter council tabled a proposal from the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance to have the organization serve as an advisory committee to city council. The matter will be discussed at next Tuesday's council meeting.
