The Northeastern Recruitment and Certification Team had its annual Foster Parent Appreciation picnic at Flatwoods City Park on June 5. There was a catered lunch, door prizes and a training opportunity about college financial aid programs available for foster and adopted youth.

We are in need of foster and adoptive homes every day. We appreciate our families who care enough to make a difference in the life of a child.

We thank the following sponsors who so generously gave donations to show our foster parents how much we appreciate them: Boyd County Ford, Wal-Mart, Fiesta Bravo, O’Charley’s and the Christian Appalachian Project in Louisa.

Lanna Skaggs, Lacey Mantle, Melinda Arnett and 3 others, Recruitment and Certification Unit , Ashland



The Northeast Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross has just completed its first HEROES campaign, which raised almost $20,000 for disaster relief and other services for residents of Greenup and Lewis counties.

On behalf of the chapter, I thank those who supported this effort with their time, money and in-kind donations. The campaign’s success is due in large part to honorary chairman Vance Huston, event chairman Rob Marshall, William (Shady) Mays, treasurer, Hope Mays, assistant treasurer, and the captains of the following committees: business, Bill Schaefer; canister collection, Stefanie Scott; community/civic, Velma Lane and Dr. Ron Lewis; education, Pam Jordan; faith-based, Diana Williams, RN, and government, Pat Hieneman.

Because of my oversight, our chapter failed to recognize the contributions of Celebration Supporters AmVet Post 95 and VFW Greenup Post 1168 and Chapter Friend Plum Grove Baptist Willing Hearts. I deeply appreciate those organizations.

T. Cody Wales, Chairman of the Board, Northeast Kentucky Chapter, American Red Cross



CAReS acknowledges the community churches, businesses and individuals who made our Christmas in June such a huge success. Without such generous community spirit it would be difficult for CAReS to continue to provide services to our neighbors in need.

Thank yous go to Ashland Office Supply, Boyd Fiscal Court, Caniff Funeral Home, Centenary United Methodist Church, Disciples Class and Crusaders Class, Community Presbyterian Church, Community Trust Bank, Ann Cossett, John and Robin Crawford, First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, Hilliard Lyons, Jennifer Johnson, author of “The Jinx,” Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, Phyllis Profitt and Ida Bayes, Starbucks Coffee, Wildwood Ministries First Church of God, Toby Williams and the CAReS Board of Directors.

In addition, we’re grateful to First Baptist Church for use of their Christian Life Center, to Outback Steakhouse for the wonderful food, to Chic-Fil-A for the beverages and to Bare Bones, our entertainment.

Kathy Schneider, Resource Development, CAReS