President's Message
Monday, November 14, 2011 at 8:54AM 
Greetings and I hope that this message finds all of our local friends and supporters safe and dry. The 2011 Annual Festival along with our weekend of activities for families and friends was cancelled due to the extreme flooding that occurred in our area on September 8. The flooding that occurred in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania was devastating. We are so thankful that the Martha Lloyd facilities in Troy were spared any major damage; however, residents were moved from several homes down near the CopperTree, as the small stream came over its banks and into the lawn. The residents were moved to other facilities and were returned to their homes the next morning as the water subsided. No actual damage occurred at these homes.
Initially it was difficult to assess the damage that was done to this region; however, as the reports began to come in, we realized that we could not safely hold this event. Even now, weeks later the damage is still being assessed and dealt with. Roads, highways, homes and businesses were all damaged with many in the area left homeless. I recently talked with the Superintendent of Schools for the Athens school district and he reported that they have approximately 124 students who are considered homeless. Several of our staff were flooded and out of their homes for an extended period. State Route 6 east of Troy is down to one lane as the westbound lane was completely washed away. Many local roads are still closed with many detours in place. Martha Lloyd was just on the edge of this disaster. Driving to work on September 8 from my home in Mansfield, west of Troy on Route 6, I was stopped by State Road crews on two separate occasions asking me where I was going. They informed me that once in Troy, all other major roadways were closed. I began to get a sense of how bad this disaster was and that having the majority of Martha Lloyd up on the hill was a good thing.
Throughout the ordeal our staff kept doing what they do, taking excellent care of our residents. Donations and supplies have been collected and distributed to those staff in need. Our Team Appreciation Committee is currently soliciting donations for our local Red Cross. Our staff is amazing and their work ethic and generosity continues to amaze me. It is my pleasure to work with them.
This flooding disaster was the second significant weather related event in the past six months. Very high winds in the spring took down many trees and damaged several roofs. We have used our response to these events as an opportunity to re-examine our Disaster Plan. As with all plans, this is a fluid document and with new information, we adjust our plan. Our number one concern is keeping our residents safe and secure.
One of the events cancelled that weekend was the dedication of the swimming pool. This dedication was in memory of longtime board member Mrs. Polly M. Dawsey, who passed away unexpectedly in January of this year. The ceremony has been rescheduled for Friday, October 21 at 11:30am, prior to the next Board of Directors meeting. We anticipate the dedication to be well attended.
With this news, I ask that you keep the victims of this most recent disaster in your thoughts and prayers. Watching these types of events on television does not do the damage and the personal tragedy justice.
Live in Peace!
