We're having rain today from subtropical storm Alberto. It has rained constantly all day long. We are under flood watch, but there's no flooding near me.
I just got home from a community meal here at my building. One of the residents, "Miss Bertha" (who I've never seen, nor met) has a son who owns and operates a BBQ restaurant and/or food truck called Dem Boyz BBQN. He brought everything needed for everyone to have a nice meal! He told me he does this every year on Memorial Day and on Labor Day. I believe him, because he seemed to know all the residents who have been here for years, and he knew that a few of us are new! He's a big gregarious guy who seems to love what he does.
And of course, we're in the South, so his Mama prayed for our meal before we started.
He brought BBQ, which in NC is pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, sausage and a few hamburgers along with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, rice and beans, and potato salad. And, of course the Southern official dessert: banana pudding! His Mama made sure the banana pudding came! 😊
He told me he loves doing this more than we love having him come. There was so much left and he insisted we take home a plate for later or tomorrow. I've only had NC BBQ a couple of times, but this was by far the best I've had. Will look forward to Labor Day!
Monday, May 28, 2018
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Last Night of Citizens' Academy
Tonight was the last night of classes for the Jacksonville Public Safety Citizens' Academy.
The topic tonight was focused on the emergency services of
Our firefighters do "first responder" duties and stay with the patient until the Onslow County EMT unit arrives with paramedics. It's very interesting though because so many of the "first responders" are also paramedics. The system changed a few years ago from firefighters being the paramedics to Onslow County providing the paramedic duties. Many of the firefighters keep up their certifications to be paramedics.
I didn't realize that paramedics no longer are in contact with a Doctor or hospital during an event. That's old TV drama stuff. Paramedics are on their own, although they may call the hospital to give them a "heads up" on who they are bringing in.
The battalion chief who spoke to us tonight has been with Jacksonville for 28 years and is getting ready to retire in 2019, although he plans on being an instructor at a high school or college. He's tiring of 100 hour weeks he says.
Two of the paramedics who talked to us tonight explained how they "live" their work and are dedicated to their jobs. I don't know if I can explain this well or not, but I'll try. (Kind of a "You had to be there" thing). The battalion chief said he is always assessing people and situations even when not on the job, because he has to do that on the job. I think it's like, always wanting to be prepared. Just in case. Police Officers are probably the same way.
They have monthly continuing education classes which is necessary to keep up on medications and drugs and their uses and side effects, etc.
There were a lot of questions asked and discussion on their dedication and do they ever have PTSD. They acknowledged that, yes, they do get/have PTSD but they are all encouraged to seek help. It's not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength, to ask for help. There's a psychiatrist on duty, and they have chaplains. Battalion Chief said he is able to cope with traumatic situations on the job due to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He's the third officer of either department who told us they trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and not afraid to say so. I'm so impressed with all these men who conducted these classes.
Near the end of the night, Director Yaniero, who is in charge of the entire Public Safety Department came and spoke to us, thanked us for participating and for being a source of public relations for them.
They called each of us up, gave us our certificates and gifts, and shook our hands
Then we went outside to the front of the building to have a photo taken of the group with the officers involved. The director talked to us about volunteers and what kind of jobs are available to volunteers and asked if we wanted to take an application home with us. Several people said yes, so he went to get some in the office, but they were out of them. So, the Director of the entire department went and made copies for us. I admire that. He didn't send a secretary, he did it. Can I just say, these men are all humble servants and I feel honored to have been able to attend these classes and get to know what kind of men they are.
( Heard tonight we now have two motorcycle police officers. Have to watch out for them! ha ha)
Found out recently that Onslow County also has a Citizens' Academy. Maybe I'll do that one next!
The topic tonight was focused on the emergency services of
*First Responders
*Advanced First Responders
*and Paramedics
Our firefighters do "first responder" duties and stay with the patient until the Onslow County EMT unit arrives with paramedics. It's very interesting though because so many of the "first responders" are also paramedics. The system changed a few years ago from firefighters being the paramedics to Onslow County providing the paramedic duties. Many of the firefighters keep up their certifications to be paramedics.
I didn't realize that paramedics no longer are in contact with a Doctor or hospital during an event. That's old TV drama stuff. Paramedics are on their own, although they may call the hospital to give them a "heads up" on who they are bringing in.
Two of the paramedics who talked to us tonight explained how they "live" their work and are dedicated to their jobs. I don't know if I can explain this well or not, but I'll try. (Kind of a "You had to be there" thing). The battalion chief said he is always assessing people and situations even when not on the job, because he has to do that on the job. I think it's like, always wanting to be prepared. Just in case. Police Officers are probably the same way.
They have monthly continuing education classes which is necessary to keep up on medications and drugs and their uses and side effects, etc.
There were a lot of questions asked and discussion on their dedication and do they ever have PTSD. They acknowledged that, yes, they do get/have PTSD but they are all encouraged to seek help. It's not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength, to ask for help. There's a psychiatrist on duty, and they have chaplains. Battalion Chief said he is able to cope with traumatic situations on the job due to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He's the third officer of either department who told us they trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and not afraid to say so. I'm so impressed with all these men who conducted these classes.
Near the end of the night, Director Yaniero, who is in charge of the entire Public Safety Department came and spoke to us, thanked us for participating and for being a source of public relations for them.
They called each of us up, gave us our certificates and gifts, and shook our hands
Then we went outside to the front of the building to have a photo taken of the group with the officers involved. The director talked to us about volunteers and what kind of jobs are available to volunteers and asked if we wanted to take an application home with us. Several people said yes, so he went to get some in the office, but they were out of them. So, the Director of the entire department went and made copies for us. I admire that. He didn't send a secretary, he did it. Can I just say, these men are all humble servants and I feel honored to have been able to attend these classes and get to know what kind of men they are.
( Heard tonight we now have two motorcycle police officers. Have to watch out for them! ha ha)
Found out recently that Onslow County also has a Citizens' Academy. Maybe I'll do that one next!
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
May week of 2-9
I wasn't able to attend the citizens' academy for two weeks, but I will write again after tomorrow night's class.
I had a friend from California visit since May 2 through this morning (Judy, you know who you are!) It was nice having a California friend come spend the week. We had fun visiting a few local sites, shopping in thrift stores and eating out!
We also made a couple of road trips, thanks to Judy willing to rent a car (I don't trust mine away from Jacksonville). We had a nice SUV and had LONG road trips. One to Greensboro to an event with Diamond and Silk (political duo from FOX and Youtube videos) That was interesting. Picture a Trump rally with a few hundred Southern Belles in their 50s and 60s and a few husbands!
We also made a trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. The library is very interesting and in a beautiful setting, making use of the woodsy-ness of North Carolina for the setting. It's definitely an evangelistic place, as is fitting for Billy Graham.
A fun week seeing an old friend and seeing more of North Carolina!
I had a friend from California visit since May 2 through this morning (Judy, you know who you are!) It was nice having a California friend come spend the week. We had fun visiting a few local sites, shopping in thrift stores and eating out!
We also made a couple of road trips, thanks to Judy willing to rent a car (I don't trust mine away from Jacksonville). We had a nice SUV and had LONG road trips. One to Greensboro to an event with Diamond and Silk (political duo from FOX and Youtube videos) That was interesting. Picture a Trump rally with a few hundred Southern Belles in their 50s and 60s and a few husbands!
We also made a trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. The library is very interesting and in a beautiful setting, making use of the woodsy-ness of North Carolina for the setting. It's definitely an evangelistic place, as is fitting for Billy Graham.
A fun week seeing an old friend and seeing more of North Carolina!
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