Local Red Cross Announces Volunteer Promotions!

Arlene Blaum	Sue Curcione	Jim Rich

Newton, NJ, April 30, 2010 – Arlene Blaum of Sussex, Sue Curcione of Vernon and Jim Rich of Andover have a lot in common; all are Red Cross volunteers in Sussex County who provided assistance during the relief efforts in Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (as well as other disasters since then) and all are still active volunteers today – having recently assisted in relief efforts and disaster assessments during the heavy flooding in Northern NJ. More recently all three have been promoted to Supervisory levels with the American Red Cross! Recommendations for the promotions were made by Sherry Clain, Emergency Services Chair, who expressed pride in the “wonderful, giving and knowledgeable people” the chapter has on its volunteer force.

Arlene Blaum was promoted to Supervisor in Disaster Health Services and Sheltering and both Sue Curcione and Jim Rich were promoted to Supervisors in Disaster Assessment.  In addition to the many hours of training these volunteers have completed they have also displayed a commitment to support their community as well as the mission of the American Red Cross. Their compassion, ability to work with diverse populations of people, willingness to be on call at a moments notice and a variety of other skill sets has set them apart. All have demonstrated skill levels that warrant these performance based promotions.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.sussexredcross.org or call our office at 973-579-1600.