posted
I very happily received two checks in the mail today, they are written to Don Coplen and total $ 35.--!!!
Please - everybody - DO send him the 10 bucks. It's Christmas time, and he lost just about everything in this awful year of catastrophies. He is ours, and I miss him.
I am a little worried that he may have fared better if I had collected them and egged you on every now and then with progress reports. But when Sigh posted his address I felt I could just turn it loose. I hope I'm wrong and you will stop a minute and write him a check right now.
Did you do it? Now put it in an envelope and write on it:
Don Coplen 21531 Meehan Avenue Port Charlotte FL 33952
Don thanks you! Feel free to help keep this bumped up.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've planned on sending Don some xmas gifts myself. Talked about it in chat several times.
However, never could get a confirmed address. Now we have one.. And, I will be sending Don something right away.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'll send $10 - didn't realize he was in a bad way! Met him in FL and was indeed impressed with what he could do on the computer. He lost his jobb? Is that because of the hurricane too? Boy this is sad - what a nice guy he is.
-------------------- signs Posts: 535 | From: pa | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
Hey - 100 Letterheads x $10 would make for a pretty decent Christmas around the Coplen home, wouldn't it?
Do-able?
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I must've spaced out...didn't know anything about it. Had a terrible summer myself, but it looks like recovery is happening, so a little something from us.
Thanks Myra.
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Doesn't Don receive royalties on the Palm clipart series? If so, in the merchant section, letterhead sign supply is having a sale on this right now. It would be an even better way to help out and receive quality clipart also.
posted
Myra - my check ($50) goes in the mail today. Also, I ordered the Palm Collection earlier this week, so that might add a few more dollars to the bank account.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Sign folks are very generous when they know a brother needs help.
[ December 17, 2004, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just put mine in the mail Myra. You can add another $50.00 to the pot! I had a good year so why not help somebody else out. What goes around comes around.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
posted
Check is in the mail. This is a good thing you are doing, Myra. Don, hang in there! We all hope for the best for you.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Myra, would you mind offering a bit of an update on Don's wellbeing? Some here don't know his story. Is the address you posted for Don a temporary or permanent address?
Thanks for doing this!
[ December 17, 2004, 12:37 PM: Message edited by: Donna in BC ]
posted
I think Si Allen knows the most at this time, he has talked to Don about 2 weeks ago and he is the one who gave us this address.
About the actual occurrences, the first hurricane hit North Charlotte and Punta Gorda where Don Cheryl and Jay are. He simply lost everything and what he did not lose was not worth keeping. That's about how he described it to me.
Cheryl and Jay were also very much hit. But of the three financially and emotionally Don was the worst victim.
You might look back and re-read, or read, the incredible, worthy of publishing report Jay wrote of his experiences. And also Cheryl's reports.
I will never forget how I felt when I read that she said you have to poke a hole in your ceilings to let the water drain, so it won't hit you on the head. She was amazingly stoic.
Anyway, that's about all I know. Si and Cheryl are the ones who would know the most.
And Doug Allen: you are the best at retrieving things. If you could find Jay's report and then post one of your famous: "here"'s.
I do not know how to do that
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
Don, stopped by my shop earlier this week, needed to look something up on-line and pick up a special piece of mail. He, was in good spirits!
For those who didn't know, hurricane Charlie passed through the area where Don lived and worked. Soon aferward, he was asked to move from the home he rented, when the owner was ready to proceed with major repairs and hinted they considered selling the property. In other words, he needed to move on. Simular scenario's from his two previous employers, in the area.
He's still living in the FEMA travel trailer, in Port Charlotte. From what I gather, he doesn't have to pay to live there, but does not have phone or cable access, (no internet) though he does have satallite TV and a cell phone. He spoke of a 'rumor' that those living in the FEMA travel trailers may be soon relocated to larger mobile homes.
Shortly after the storm, he received financial assistance from FEMA and began receiving unemployment compensation. Over time, he hit the pavement, passing out resume's. He hasn't landed a steady job, but recently has purchased a used MAC computer and has been doing freelance design work.
The address Myra & Si have listed, IS where Don has been receiving his mail. It's the address of the home he lived in before the storm. FEMA doesn't supply mail boxes for the assisted living trailers which requires obtaining a PO Box. Don, said he would be applying for a PO Box, soon and his mail will be forwarded.
As for Jay Nichols and myself;
Jay's trailer was all but destroyed during the wrath of Charlie! When he came out of the fog, he was forced to relocate immediately. He, managed to save most of the things important to him and his livelyhood. He, has since moved to Fort Myers and gained employment at one of the larger sign shops, as a salesman and rented an apartment.
My home and shop received substancial damange. Charlie's winds, removed the shingles from one side of my home, blew out both gable ends and caused major water damage to the interior. The tin roof over my shop was pealed away, leaving half of my work area open to the sky blue! In preparation for the storm, I had tarped all of my tools and equipment so no major losses, just a BIG mess of drywall to clean up.
The landlord repaired the roof over my shop, but there has been nothing done at my home. Between the insurance company, the mortgage company and contractor availability, I've all but given up! I've applied a temporary roof over my home, twice and it's now starting to go again. Got plenty of materials to do it, but need time and some extra hands...
The whole ordeal has been tramatizing to all of us, to say the least. Though, there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Cher.
**edited to add** Don, has gone to the library to access the internet and says he can read things here, but for some reason is unable to post. Also, I told him that some of you were going to be sending him money, he said to tell everyone Thank You...
[ December 17, 2004, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: Cheryl Lucas ]
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
We are at $ 305 that I know about, either coming to me or straight to Don! 1 check for $ 25 has come in, and another for $25 has been promised, both of those from people who no longer post - but who still stay in touch.
I like David's idea of buying the Trilogy, and therefore it is win - win; everybody gets something. If you can afford that right now, great!!! If you cannot, please do not let it discourage you from the original $ 10 check suggested. That way is just as much win - win.
Almost everybody can afford a ten dollar check and a stamp. Best thing is to just do it, and then forget about it.
Remember the penny that doubles every day? (I don't remember the staggering numbers, but it seems like a good analogy to bring up
I have a suspicion, and only time will tell, that 10 dollar checks are on the way that we don't know about. Be proud. Tell us, you secret BullBoard Santas, and keep this thing bumped up.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
One Andrew Jackson on it's way. Don Coplen 21531 Meehan Avenue Port Charlotte FL 33952 correct me if I have the wrong address, I remember reading something about him in a trailer park but is going to be relocated?
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
Hope your Sunday is marvellous, I know you are all busy and disjointed preparing for Christmas, but this post should not slip down too far.
I had a phone pledge of $ 20, other than what's on this Board, and another $ 10 we did not know about materialized.
I need a few more to start the count over
No fence sitting, or tire kicking. Just do it! I feel like the sheer thought of being in Don's shoes would let us write a check in gratitude for our own better fortune this past year.
If Don gets a sum that is something we can be proud of having assembled, just think of the very special dinner he could throw for our other two victims, who should not be forgotten.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I remember reading posts at time of Hurricaine, I foolishly assumed insurance and contractors would have everyone ok very soon. I'm glad I read this to see what it was about. Check's on its way.
-------------------- Michael A Latham Tee's Me Shirt & Sign 16462 Jefferson Davis Highway Colonial Heights Va. 804-835-3299 signdogopie@aol.com Posts: 379 | From: Colonial Heights, Virginia | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I will be leaving for South Florida in the morning. Parents house is still not repaired after a direct hit from two hurricanes. There simply is not enough "qualified" contractors around to do the work. Yes large commercial buidlings are getting repaired. But the average homeowner is waiting.
My parents lost two rooms and a car port and are not finished doing the repairs. No amount of insurance is goona make it any eaiser for anyone down there if there isnt a properly trained worker around.
Those people down there are all suffering either from the stress of living in a tore up house or from the trauma of having entire towns ripped up. Some have enough money to leave. But, many others do not.
So. sending Don some money is doing more than just him some good. It will help a lot of others from the ripple effect too.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5273 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
In keeping with the promise I made to myself I'm bumping this again. It's close to the last time, which as of now has not yet come .
It's also not yet Christmas- and I have learned that if it is kept bumped up, new people read it. Or people see it again, who have thought about contributing, and forgot to just do it.
I am so pleased with the ones that responded, and grateful in Don's name! He probably is pretty happy that he can't write on this board right now, because the attention he got might be a bit unsettling. (Actually I have had one person in tears who contributed, and said that Don was like a brother to him)
So I shamelessly keep this in front of you, it's not dead yet, and I think we can still do a little better..
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
thanks for the paypal option Myra! Merry Christmas Don!
Paypal is a convenient service, now may be as good a time to check it out so you have that option all ironed out in advance if you ever need to use it in a hurry!
![[Applause]](graemlins/applause.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Thanks]](graemlins/thanks.gif)
![[For Your Information]](graemlins/fyi.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic