Published Wednesday, November 27, 2002
at top of agenda
By Erin Palko
Herald Staff Writer
A six-member committee will oversee the Clark Tornado Disaster Relief Fund, which was established to disperse money to those who suffered damages or lost their homes in the Nov. 10 tornado.
At its first meeting Tuesday, the committee accepted a $500 check from Clark resident Christopher St. John, president of the Greenville Lions Club. St. John issued a challenge to all other Lions Clubs, service clubs and fraternal organizations in Mercer County and the surrounding area to match the donation.
Clark Borough Secretary Phyliss Parshall said $24,809 has been raised so far for the fund, which is held at First National Bank in Sharpsville.
Clark residents Wil White, Dan O'Neill and Carol Eberhart, and South Pymatuning Township residents Mike Reichart, Frank Nagy and Dr. Dan Baker, whose veterinary practice is on Valley View Road in Clark, make up the committee. White was elected president, Nagy was named treasurer and Mrs. Eberhart was appointed secretary. The committee also named St. John solicitor.
Of the six, only White suffered significant damage in the tornado. He said he doesn't anticipate having to make a claim but said he made his situation known in case of a future conflict.
Some of the committee members volunteered, others were recruited. To keep the committee's agenda apolitical, none of the members are elected officials.
"This is going to be quite a job," Clark Mayor Doug Bradley told the committee. "We do appreciate your stepping forward and making your services available."
Committee members discussed establishing criteria and an application for residents to receive money, but said they need to find out who needs what.
"I don't think we can make a criteria to disperse funds until we find out people's needs," Mrs. Eberhart said.
White said the committee could contact the American Red Cross or the Mercer County Emergency Management Agency to get a list of residents who suffered the most damage. He also suggested sending letters to those residents to let them know the fund is available.
"I think it's our obligation to probably prepare some type of basic notification letter to anyone who suffered damage, from a missing garbage can to a missing house," White said.
They agreed that cases would be referred to by number instead of name or address to protect residents' privacy and so the committee can remain impartial. Money from the fund will cover expenses not covered by private insurance, including deductibles.
The application process should be as simple as possible, White said, possibly just consisting of name, address and needs. Committee members also decided a process to verify information on the application may be necessary.
The fund will only be used to benefit residents of Clark, South Pymatuning Township and Delaware Township. None of the money will go to the borough, which has applied for several state grants to defray tornado-related costs, including a $3,000 loss in real estate taxes, Bradley said.
Bradley said he has faith in the committee members.
"I'm very pleased with the committee. I think we have a good selection of folks," he said. "I feel very confident it will be handled professionally."
The committee's next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Clark borough building.
Donations to the Clark Tornado Disaster Relief Fund should be directed to: First National Bank, 9 W. Main St. Sharpsville, 16150; or Clark Borough Building, Box 513, Clark, 16113.