FB: American Rivers Conference

[Alfredeneumann]

Several people have sent PM's and emails about what they can do for the people of Parkersburg. I have heard some concerns about donating to the red cross or salvation army since it just goes into their general fund. I have no idea if its true and can just say that both groups are doing excellent work in Parkersburg. If anyone would like to donate to something local, they have set up a fund at Lincoln Savings Bank in Aplington and the phone # is 800-588-7551. There will be work opportunities obviously.

KWWL TV and several local radio stations are holding a telethon for LOCAL tornado victims
http://www.kwwl.com/global/story.asp?s=8384410

[DBQ1965]

Thanks to all of your for your stories, pictures and links about the storm ... especially about Parkersburg and the A-P football team.  After watching the clip of the A-P football coach talk about his family, his school, his players and his community ... I can only imagine what a night it will be next September when the Falcons run onto the field for the first time. 

With what you have been sharing here, you are reflections of the spirit of Iowa for those of us with Iowa connections but who live elsewhere.  Not only did I spend time in Dubuque as a student and as a faculty/staff member, I lived in Dunkerton one year while doing my M.A. work at UNI, so I have fond memories of not just of UD but of other parts and people in Iowa ... so your contacts here are reassuring.  Reflecting on the loss of life and property ... and how that impacts relationships and meaning ... I recall words I used in funeral services from time to time.  They come from a headstone in a small cemetery in Lancaster, New Hampshire ... and perhaps they are appropriate for this time when folk pull together when their communities literally have been shattered.

"It is a fearful thing to love that which death can touch."

Peace to all.

[Walston Hoover]

I hope FEMA is able to help those Iowa folks, and I'm not being sarcastic. FEMA didn't do the best job in New Orleans, but evidently they learned from that, because when the NW area of Oregon had terrible floods last year and a small town was completely inundated, FEMA was on the ball with assisting that community. It's okay to take the help when you need it, and it sounds as if some of those folks will. Their loss is unimaginable, and our hearts go out to them.

I have a buddy that was down in N.O. After Katrina and he was telling me last night how different the 2 scenarios are. He was down there several weeks after the hurricane hit and he said people were just complaining about not getting any help and waiting for it to come. From what he's seen of Parkersburg, the people there are all getting things done on their own I offered help to several people, and many just said they've got it taken care of.  That's kind of the way things are in Iowa.

[Alfredeneumann]

More information/photos

There is a FACEBOOK group called "Praying for Parkersburg". There are now almost 3800 members and 220 photos.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14494572355

[coco]

I hope FEMA is able to help those Iowa folks, and I'm not being sarcastic. FEMA didn't do the best job in New Orleans, but evidently they learned from that, because when the NW area of Oregon had terrible floods last year and a small town was completely inundated, FEMA was on the ball with assisting that community. It's okay to take the help when you need it, and it sounds as if some of those folks will. Their loss is unimaginable, and our hearts go out to them.

I have a buddy that was down in N.O. After Katrina and he was telling me last night how different the 2 scenarios are. He was down there several weeks after the hurricane hit and he said people were just complaining about not getting any help and waiting for it to come. From what he's seen of Parkersburg, the people there are all getting things done on their own I offered help to several people, and many just said they've got it taken care of.  That's kind of the way things are in Iowa.

I know what you're saying, WH, and I agree. The people in your hometown most likely are not like some of those in NO who were demanding the freebies, then complaining that they wanted more. I'm just saying that it will be a monumental undertaking to rebuild a community, and everyone needs help sometimes, no matter how strong and self-sufficient we try to be.

[doolittledog]

Trying to get my mind to football after last weekends terrible weather in our area.

47 - Career rushing touchdowns for UD's Jermar Jackson!!!

[Alfredeneumann]

Wartburg record for most Quarterback Sacks, Season-47, 2003

[Walston Hoover]

Several have asked about how to get into Parkersburg to help. They have a very coordinated effort going on right now, and if you would like to help the number to call is (319) 267-9111. They will give you instructions on where to go and they will set you up from there.
Lots of good kids around. I know several HS football teams from around the state have come in to help out. Wapsie Valley, NU and Waverly Shell Rock have been around already. Dallas Center Grimes, Humbolt, Dowling, among others to show up over the weekend.
Sad video on the DMR website this morning of A-P football players digging graves since everyone else in town is very busy.

[coco]

Geez, that is sad. High school kids shouldn't have to dig graves. Those kids are really stepping up and learning about life's hardships at a young age.

Your pictures are devastating, WH. I have a cousin in Cedar Falls who has been sending me similar shots. Again, I am so sorry.

[Alfredeneumann]

Several have asked about how to get into Parkersburg to help. They have a very coordinated effort going on right now, and if you would like to help the number to call is (319) 267-9111. They will give you instructions on where to go and they will set you up from there.
Lots of good kids around. I know several HS football teams from around the state have come in to help out. Wapsie Valley, NU and Waverly Shell Rock have been around already. Dallas Center Grimes, Humbolt, Dowling, among others to show up over the weekend.
Sad video on the DMR website this morning of A-P football players digging graves since everyone else in town is very busy.

One of the local TV stations had the same story last night (cannot find a link) but they talked to the asst. FB coach and a couple of players who where helping out and you could sense the "community pride" AND "reverence" in those young men in doing ANYTHING to help in any way. As expected the class of AP football on display.


A link from Green Bay TV about Aaron Kampan + Coach Thomas
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/kampmans-grandfather-injured-in-iowa-tornado/405641900

[Alfredeneumann]

What AP alums and NFL are doing to help tornado area

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080530/SPORTS05/805300386/1003/SPORTS

[Klompen]

Thanks, Parkersburg, for the wake-up call.  There have been a number of tornado warnings this year where absolutely nothing happened, I had really gotten to the point where I was ready to just ignore the sirens when they go off.  But when they went off in the wee morning hours and I wanted more than anything to ignore it, I thought of Parkersburg.  Got up, got the family to the basement.  Of course, about five minutes later they cancelled the warning for our area, but it was a good wake-up call that Parkersburg gave us.  Now, I'm not so inclined as to thank nature for the wake-up call as I was sleeping very well, but Parkersburg reminded me that warnings mean to take cover, not go on with business as usual or just go outside to look around.

[doolittledog]

From the FWIW, take it with a grain of salt department.

The CDS (Consensus Draft Services) D3 preseason all-American team came out. 

http://condraft.com/aa.php?team=Division%20III

1st team Rohan Malcom DE Dubuque
1st Team Travis Strowbridge DT Dubuque
2nd Team Steven Coleman OT Dubuque
2nd Team Jordan Wilkens DE Coe
2nd Team Tim Stover LB Simpson

[Kohawk Krazy]

From the FWIW, take it with a grain of salt department.

The CDS (Consensus Draft Services) D3 preseason all-American team came out. 

http://condraft.com/aa.php?team=Division%20III

1st team Rohan Malcom DE Dubuque
1st Team Travis Strowbridge DT Dubuque
2nd Team Steven Coleman OT Dubuque
2nd Team Jordan Wilkens DE Coe
2nd Team Tim Stover LB Simpson

What exactly is the CDS (Consensus Draft Services)?  Have they put out AA teams in the past?

[doolittledog]

From the FWIW, take it with a grain of salt department.

The CDS (Consensus Draft Services) D3 preseason all-American team came out. 

http://condraft.com/aa.php?team=Division%20III

1st team Rohan Malcom DE Dubuque
1st Team Travis Strowbridge DT Dubuque
2nd Team Steven Coleman OT Dubuque
2nd Team Jordan Wilkens DE Coe
2nd Team Tim Stover LB Simpson

What exactly is the CDS (Consensus Draft Services)?  Have they put out AA teams in the past?

Absolutely no idea.  That was the first I had ever heard of them.  I'll take a peak around their website and see what I can find.  They did have AA teams for D1, D1-AA, D2 and D3.  I'll see if they talk about how they came up with the teams. 

Ok, I am glad I originally said to take it with a grain of salt.  It looks like a bunch of guys that are just fans of the game giving their opinions on players.  You could use the site as a tool for helping you pick a fantasy football team.  Definatly doesn't look like a site run by professionals.  It does look like they have done all-american teams for a few years now but I doubt many people...other than school SID's...have taken a whole lot of notice.