WILMINGTON — Randy Riley spoke to the Wilmington Rotary Club which meets at noon at Damon’s Restaurant on Mondays about “Really Stupid Things I Have Done.”
Riley stated that he turns 69 in October and has had wonderful opportunities at his work, as an elected official and in his personal life. Diagnosed with cancer over 42 years ago, he was given a 15 percent chance of survival, and a 50/50 chance of living another five years.
This opportunity prompted Riley to enjoy his life differently — and he has.
Riley stated he follows the 50-50-50 club philosophy… that by the time one is 50 years old, he or she should have traveled to all 50 states and been to 50 other countries. It is just a guideline, but as he closes in on 70, he is still working on that.
Riley has walked with his mom and with his grandson in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life “first lap”, which is reserved for cancer survivors.
He has emceed fun events such as the CornOlympics, Holidazzle, Dancing with the Stars, and more;
Riley closed by stating that he feels incredibly blessed. He encouraged all club members to make a list – and to keep a list – of things they have done, and things they would like to do. Riley thanked the club for all that Rotary does for the community, locally and globally.
Emergency planning
Tom Breckel, Director of Clinton County Emergency Management, recently spoke to Wilmington Rotary about emergency management and disaster preparedness.
Every county to have an is mandated to have an Emergency Management program to minimize the effects of a disaster and to help the community recover. There is a four-stage process to the program:
1. Preparedness (planning)
2. Mitigation (identification and attempt to minimize risk)
3. Response (actions taken during the actual event)
4. Recovery (the work needed to return the community to “normal”)
Breckel also stated that Emergency Management also assists local communities in acquiring grant funds from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency to help offset the cost of various projects. Emergency Management utilizes the skills of volunteers to provide help.
Breckel said that on March 16 at 8:38 a.m., 90 percent of Clinton County went dark due to high winds that took down power poles and lines. He asked,” Were you or your company ready for a power outage?”
He stated that , when adversity strikes:
1. Know your hazards regarding power, winter, and severe weather events
2. Develop a plan – take care of your family first. Have a disaster plan, food and supplies on hand. If your family is safe, you can concentrate on your business and community after that.
3. Have a disaster kit
