Author: Jacob Minor

Arkansas Log A Load For Kids Celebrates 25 Years

by Jacob Minor

For the last 25 years, Arkansas timber harvesters, foresters,
affiliates and members of communities in which timber and
forests are central to lives and livelihoods, have made a significant
impact on the health and lives of children treated at Arkansas
Children’s Hospital (ACH). This year marks the 25th anniversary of
Arkansas’ Log A Load For Kids program, administered by the
Arkansas Forestry Association in cooperation with the Arkansas
Timber Producers Association. The program anniversary will be
celebrated on April 21st at the Clinton Center in Little Rock and at
fundraising events planned around the state. So much has been
accomplished by the program, not only in the support it has provided
to sustaining and even improving care programs and services at ACH,
but also the ways in which Log A Load for Kids has brought
communities together in recognition of their commonality: that forests
might be one of our state’s most critical sustainable resources, but
without a doubt, Arkansas’ children are our most precious resource!

 

Read more here.

Log A Load For Kids Makes a Million!

by Jacob Minor

On October 19, 2017, the 23rd Annual Tommy usher Log A Load For Kids Golf Classic celebrated the &1 million mark for donations made to the UF Health Stands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, FL.

The tournament, played at the Chiefland Golf and Country Club, fielded 124 golfers.

“The focus of this event is to raise awareness of and money for the Children’s Miracle Network,” said event organizer Lynetta Usher Griner. “All the fun people have while they’re here is just an added bonus.”

The tournament is named in honor of Lynetta’s late brother, who was killed in a boating accident. Because of this passion for forestry, his love of children and his well-known sense of fun, the tournament is the perfect way to honor him.

In a nod to surpassing the million dollar mark, this year’s tournament featured chances for two golfers to win $1 million each. There were also prizes for the lowest gross and net scoring teams, the closest to the pin, the longest drive, the longest putt and a random drawing for a set of clubs and bag valued at $2,500.

“It takes a great team of volunteers to make the tournament happen,” said Griner. “We are all thrilled to be part of an effort that makes such an impact on the lives of so many children and their families.”

Since joining the Log A Load campaign efforts in 1995, Florida’s forestry community and friends have raised more than $2 million for hospitals associated with the Children’s Miracle Network in Florida.

Log A Load for kids is a nationwide giving campaign through which the forestry community contributes to local hospitals affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) to provide medical care to children whose families cannot pay for treatment. For more information, please visit www.FloridaForest.org and select Log A Load For Kids under the programs tab.

 

Santa Claus Pays a Visit to the UVA Children’s Hospital

by Jacob Minor

Santa Claus paid a visit to the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital on Christmas Day to hand out gifts and spread Christmas cheer to children and their families who were unable to leave the hospital for the holiday.

Santa also had a special surprise to deliver to the seventh floor pediatric unit.

Special music, toys, and a jolly man with a red suit and white beard brought a little Christmas cheer to the hospital.

After Santa dropped off presents at kids’ homes on Christmas Eve, he made a personal visit to children spending the holidays in the pediatric unit.

“We’ve been here since November 28, so I know we haven’t been at home and we haven’t been discussing Christmas with him, but for him to come here today and just be with Santa is just a blessing for us so that’s everything that I could ever want,” says BJ Hayes, a father of a child in the hospital.

Santa handed out stuffed animals and games but he didn’t stop there.

“We hope we’re creating a memory for them,” says Santa.

He brought the children a new playroom with the help of Log a Load for Kids, just in time for Christmas.

“We got special permission to actually have Santa visit in the room today, and we are excited for the children to see it for the first time,” says Karin Skeen, who works at the hospital.

Log a Load for Kids was founded 30 years ago by loggers and paper companies to raise money for local children’s hospitals.

The new room officially opened on Monday, December 25, and will be a space where children can take a break from their hospital rooms and get a taste of the outdoors.

“I want to see these kids that are in this seventh floor to be able to when they go in here, however they get here – by wheelchair or walk – that they at least feel like they are a little bit outside with all the windows and with the trees and wood themes,” says Rich Palermo of Log a Load.

After receiving gifts and a playroom from Santa, children and their parents said the hospital felt a little more like home.

But parents also wanted to make sure their children realized the most important part of Christmas.

“The main thing I teach him is the lord and savior, today is God’s day, so that’s the most important thing to me,” says Hayes.

Santa said his visit to the UVA Children’s Hospital was extra special for him because he’s a pediatric doctor.

He and the volunteers at the hospital want to thank the community for donating gifts to make Christmas Day’s event possible.

Mountain Loggers Cooperative Association delivers $50K donation and toys to WVU Medicine Children’s

by Jacob Minor

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Children’s recently received a donation of $50,000 from the proceeds of the 21st Annual Ted Harriman Memorial Log-a-Load for Kids Auction, which was held on Oct. 5 in Elkins.

The event, which is sponsored by the Mountain Loggers Cooperative Association (MLCA), auctions off loads of logs and other donated items under the names of contributors. Proceeds from the auction are donated to WVU Medicine Children’s on behalf of the participating forestry and wood-products companies.

MLCA members and their families presented the donation to hospital staff. Afterwards, Santa Claus and members delivered toys to patients. They also left gifts behind for Santa’s Workshop, which allows patients’ families to shop for holiday gifts.

“A number of our members have had children treated at WVU Medicine Children’s over the years,” Secretary Tim Pahl said. “As the Log-a-Load tagline states ‘trees may be our most important renewable resource, but kids are our most precious resource!’ The hospital is such a tremendous resource and a great option for families. We’re just happy to help and bring some joy to the children.”

To date, the MLCA has donated more than $1.7 million to WVU Medicine Children’s.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Mountain Loggers Cooperative Association has allowed us to make many improvements throughout the years while also assisting with outreach programs,” Cheryl Jones, R.N., director of WVU Medicine Children’s, said. “Just as MCLA members come from West Virginia and other states, their support not only helps our patients from Morgantown but also the surrounding region.”

The Mountain Loggers Cooperative Association Log a Load for Kids Fund is a component fund of Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc., a charitable, non-profit organization founded to promote philanthropy and build endowment funds to enhance the quality of life for those the organization serves.

ALC Annual Meeting in Natchez, MS, September 28-30

by Jacob Minor

Lisa Medici (Log A Load Advisory Member) and Kelley Mitchell (CMN Hospitals) attended the ALC Annual Meeting in Natchez, MS, September 28-30. Several ALC members purchased wooden logging trucks and made donations. A Stihl saw was auctioned off for LAL and for the second year in a row, Todd Martin and Jason Slatten of Southern Loggers Cooperative bid $1,000 for the saw but donated it back to raise more funds. Also for the second year in a row, Lowell Hubbard owner of Hubbard Logging purchased it for $800. All of the funds will be donated to the local CMN Hospital, Batson Children’s Hospital at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Raises $44,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

by Jacob Minor

The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine held its 22nd Annual Meeting Friday, May 5 with guests including U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin, and raised a record $44,000 for the Log A Load for Kids Foundation to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The event also included the presentation of awards to Congressman Poliquin, Maine State Senator Paul Davis, former Maine State Representative Jeff McCabe and many PLC members for their outstanding contributions to the logging industry over the last year.

Congressman Poliquin welcomed the crowd of more than 170 Maine loggers, supporters, forest products industry business owners and representatives, lawmakers, and family members attending the evening dinner and awards ceremony that followed a day of meetings, presentations, and the auction in support of the Log A Load for Kids Foundation.

Congressman Poliquin noted how important the $8 billion forest products industry is to Maine, accounting for 34,000 jobs including more than 7,000 tied to logging, and pledged to continue fighting for the logging industry and small businesses in Maine. He also noted the opportunities in the emerging forest economy for companies that can adapt and invest, and vowed to work toward a business climate that can help those companies succeed.

The Congressman praised the work ethic and generosity of Maine loggers, noting the funds raised in the Log A Load auction.

“I know how hard you folks work, I know what good people you are, and I know this has been a tough patch for your businesses,” Congressman Poliquin said. “To see the generosity and the love in this room for these kids at a time when it’s tough like this –  I am really proud to represent you.”

PLC members are well known for their generosity in supporting charitable causes benefiting children and are strong supporters of the Log A Load For Kids annual campaign which encourages loggers and others in the forest products community to donate the value of one load of logs, or any amount, to local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Log A Load For Kids is a national leader in CMN fundraising. For more information, or to donate funds to a CMN-affiliated hospital in your area, please visit www.logaload.org.

The PLC and the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS) Foundation have raised nearly $900,000 since 1996 for children in Maine. Donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. EMHS is a CMN hospital.

The Annual Meeting is one of the PLC’s major fund-raisers for Log A Load, and last year raised more than $36,000 in support of the cause at the auction. PLC Members were determined to exceed that this year, and they succeeded, setting the new record of $44,000.

“The generosity of this group despite difficult times in logging never ceases to amaze me,” Dana Doran, Executive Director of the PLC, said “Our members rise to and above any challenge, and continue to devote effort, time and resources to the Log A Load cause.”

“Our annual meeting is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate and a time to plan for the future. The PLC has made significant strides on behalf of loggers, forest contractors, and forest truckers in the past 22 years and stands ready to continue its work on behalf of the industry for years to come. Our members should be proud of what they have accomplished this year, and especially proud of what was accomplished here for the children tonight,” Doran added.

The meeting concluded with award presentations including the following:

PLC Logger of the Year Award: This award recognizes a PLC Logging Contractor for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession. The winner this year is; Madden Sustainable Forestry of Milford.

PLC Impact Awards: Each year, the PLC recognizes someone from the public sector who has demonstrated a commitment to the industry and has made a significant impact for its improvement. This year the PLC recognizes three individuals for this award. The winners this year are; U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin, Maine State Senator Paul Davis, and Maine State Representative Jeff McCabe.

PLC Community Service Award: This award is given annually to a PLC member, Supporting Member or affiliated organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to giving back to their community. The winner this year is; Dean Young Forestry of Franklin.

Acadia Insurance Safety Award: In 1999, the PLC and Acadia Insurance partnered together to make safety a priority in the logging industry by creating a member benefit for PLC contractors, providing training and education, reducing claims and increasing profitability. This award is given to a company that continuously demonstrates safety throughout their business. The winner this year is; J.L. Brochu, Inc.

PLC Supporting Member Award: The PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award is presented annually to a PLC Supporting Member that has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in Maine. The winner this year is; Cross Insurance.

PLC President’s Award: The President’s Award is presented to an individual or organization within the PLC which has had a significant and positive impact on the PLC and the logging industry in Maine. The winner this year is: Sappi.

Master Logger Supporters Award: The Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands recognizes outstanding supporters of the Northeast Master Logger Certification Program. The winner this year is: Maine Woodland Owners.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize the latest loggers to become Master Logger certified through the Northeast Master Logger Certification Program. New Master Loggers included:

  • B & D Logging, Inc. of Carthage, Maine.
  • Dean Young Forestry of Franklin, Maine.
  • Grady Forest Products of Whitefield, Maine.
  • H.B. Logging, LLC. of Monroe, New Hampshire.
  • Matt McGary Logging, LLC. of Merrill, Maine.
  • Thomas Richards and Son, Inc. of Oxford, Maine.
  • Tide Mill Enterprises of Edmunds, Maine.

Maine’s loggers are a vital part of the state’s forest products sector, which is worth an estimated $8.5 billion annually. Maine’s logging industry contributes $882 million to the state’s economy each year and supports more than 7,300 direct and indirect jobs in the state.

Lee Anne Fitzgerald of Arkansas Named 2017 Volunteer Champion

by Jacob Minor

The Log A Load For Kids Foundation has named Lee Anne Fitzgerald of Retif Oil & Fuel as the 2017 Volunteer Champion for her dedication and service in Arkansas Log A Load’s charitable efforts. 

Since 2006, Lee Anne has been a consistent, driving force in the Central Arkansas Log A Load For Kids, working hard to bring new energy and ideas to the local committee and the statewide program, which has raised more than $9 million for Arkansas Children’s Hospital since 1993.

Bobby Taylor, the Chair of Central Arkansas Log A Load For Kids said that he, “could not think of a more deserving person than Lee Anne. She is responsible for their golf outing every year, and anything that needs to be done, she makes sure it gets done. She will not take no for an answer when it comes to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.”

Log A Load’s chair, Sherri Hansen, made the announcement at the Forest Resources Association annual meeting.

FRA’S 2017 National Outstanding Logger Donates $1,000 to Minnesota Hospital

by Jacob Minor

Charleston, S.C. – The Forest Resources Association and STIHL Incorporated honored Hasbargen Logging, Inc. from Birchdale, Minnesota as the National Outstanding Logger at FRA’s Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina on May 3rd.  FRA Chairman Bill Johnson presented Kit Hasbargen with a wooden plaque, while STIHL’s Kent Hall presented Hasbargen Logging with a $1,000 check.  The Hasbargen family has announced that they plan to donate the $1,000 to Minnesota’s Gillette Children’s Hospital.

On stage to receive the award were Kit Hasbargen, Clarence Hasbargen, Al Hasbargen, Clinton Cook, and Zach Hasbargen.  Upon receiving the award, Kit expressed his sincere appreciation to FRA and to STIHL.  Kit related how sad he was that his father Alvin, who founded Hasbargen Logging, did not live long enough to receive the award that resulted from the work ethic and values Alvin instilled in all family members.

 

In April 2016, Hasbargen Logging was named Minnesota’s Logger of the Year by the Minnesota Sustainable Forestry Initiative® Committee.  Later that same month, the UMD Center for Economic Development named Hasbargen Logging a recipient of a Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Award.  In September 2016, Kit Hasbargen was named FRA’s 2016 Lake States Region Outstanding Logger.  All these awards cited Hasbargen Logging’s professionalism and community involvement as important factors.

 

The 5th generation of Hasbargens have now started helping in the office, a sign that the family business launched by Alvin Hasbargen in 1943 will continue the long-standing tradition of excellence resulting from a strong work ethic and family values.

Professional Logging Contractors of Maine raises record $44,000 to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

by Jacob Minor

The Professional Logging Contractors (PLC) of Maine held its 22nd Annual Meeting Friday, May 5 with guests including U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin, and raised a record $44,000 for the Log A Load for Kids Foundation to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The event also included the presentation of awards to Congressman Poliquin, Maine State Senator Paul Davis, former Maine State Representative Jeff McCabe and many PLC members for their outstanding contributions to the logging industry over the last year.

Congressman Poliquin welcomed the crowd of more than 170 Maine loggers, supporters, forest products industry business owners and representatives, lawmakers, and family members attending the evening dinner and awards ceremony that followed a day of meetings, presentations, and the auction in support of the Log A Load for Kids Foundation.

Congressman Poliquin noted how important the $8 billion forest products industry is to Maine, accounting for 34,000 jobs including more than 7,000 tied to logging, and pledged to continue fighting for the logging industry and small businesses in Maine. He also noted the opportunities in the emerging forest economy for companies that can adapt and invest, and vowed to work toward a business climate that can help those companies succeed.

The Congressman praised the work ethic and generosity of Maine loggers, noting the funds raised in the Log A Load auction.

“I know how hard you folks work, I know what good people you are, and I know this has been a tough patch for your businesses,” Congressman Poliquin said. “To see the generosity and the love in this room for these kids at a time when it’s tough like this – I am really proud to represent you.”

PLC members are well known for their generosity in supporting charitable causes benefiting children and are strong supporters of the Log A Load For Kids annual campaign which encourages loggers and others in the forest products community to donate the value of one load of logs, or any amount, to local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Log A Load For Kids is a national leader in CMN fundraising. For more information, or to donate funds to a CMN-affiliated hospital in your area, please visit www.logaload.org.

The PLC and the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS) Foundation have raised nearly $900,000 since 1996 for children in Maine. Donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. EMHS is a CMN hospital.

The Annual Meeting is one of the PLC’s major fund-raisers for Log A Load, and last year raised more than $36,000 in support of the cause at the auction. PLC Members were determined to exceed that this year, and they succeeded, setting the new record of $44,000.

“The generosity of this group despite difficult times in logging never ceases to amaze me,” Dana Doran, Executive Director of the PLC, said “Our members rise to and above any challenge, and continue to devote effort, time and resources to the Log A Load cause.”

“Our annual meeting is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate and a time to plan for the future. The PLC has made significant strides on behalf of loggers, forest contractors, and forest truckers in the past 22 years and stands ready to continue its work on behalf of the industry for years to come. Our members should be proud of what they have accomplished this year, and especially proud of what was accomplished here for the children tonight,” Doran added.

The meeting concluded with award presentations including the following:

PLC Logger of the Year Award: This award recognizes a PLC Logging Contractor for their commitment to the sustainability of the industry and logging as a profession. The winner this year is; Madden Sustainable Forestry of Milford.

PLC Impact Awards: Each year, the PLC recognizes someone from the public sector who has demonstrated a commitment to the industry and has made a significant impact for its improvement. This year the PLC recognizes three individuals for this award. The winners this year are; U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin, Maine State Senator Paul Davis, and former Maine State Representative Jeff McCabe.

PLC Community Service Award: This award is given annually to a PLC member, Supporting Member or affiliated organization that has demonstrated a significant commitment to giving back to their community. The winner this year is; Dean Young Forestry of Franklin.

Acadia Insurance Safety Award: In 1999, the PLC and Acadia Insurance partnered together to make safety a priority in the logging industry by creating a member benefit for PLC contractors, providing training and education, reducing claims and increasing profitability. This award is given to a company that continuously demonstrates safety throughout their business. The winner this year is; J.L. Brochu, Inc.

PLC Supporting Member Award: The PLC Supporting Member of the Year Award is presented annually to a PLC Supporting Member that has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to logging contractors in Maine. The winner this year is; Cross Insurance.

PLC President’s Award: The President’s Award is presented to an individual or organization within the PLC which has had a significant and positive impact on the PLC and the logging industry in Maine. The winner this year is: Sappi.

Master Logger Supporters Award: The Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands recognizes outstanding supporters of the Northeast Master Logger Certification Program. The winner this year is: Maine Woodland Owners.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize the latest loggers to become Master Logger certified through the Northeast Master Logger Certification Program. New Master Loggers included:

• B & D Logging, Inc. of Carthage, Maine.

• Dean Young Forestry of Franklin, Maine.

• Grady Forest Products of Whitefield, Maine.

• H.B. Logging, LLC. of Monroe, New Hampshire.

• Matt McGary Logging, LLC. of Merrill, Maine.

• Thomas Richards and Son, Inc. of Oxford, Maine.

• Tide Mill Enterprises of Edmunds, Maine.

Maine’s loggers are a vital part of the state’s forest products sector, which is worth an estimated $8.5 billion annually. Maine’s logging industry contributes $882 million to the state’s economy each year and supports more than 7,300 direct and indirect jobs in the state.

The PLC of Maine was formed in 1995 to give independent logging contractors and sole proprietors a voice in a rapidly changing forest industry. A Board of Directors made up entirely of loggers makes the PLC the only logging organization in Maine run by loggers for loggers. The mission of the PLC is to promote logging as a profession, advocate for logging professionals, cultivate responsible forest management, and sustain a strong forest products industry.

https://bangordailynews.com/community/professional-logging-contractors-plc-of-maine-holds-22nd-annual-meeting-raises-record-44000-to-benefit-childrens-miracle-network-hospitals/

 

Missouri Loggers Help Children

by Jacob Minor

Missouri lumberjacks, loggers and saw mills work together to help raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network for University of Missouri Children’s Hospital. This year, a business went above and beyond by donating their winnings from a 50/50 raffle to the Children’s Miracle Network.

Missouri Forest Products Association Executive Director Brian Brookshire said this was the first year they had held a 50/50 raffle to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“We sold tickets for the 50/50 raffle at $1,000 apiece and we sold 30 of those,” said Brookshire. “Like a typical 50/50 raffle, 50 percent of the ticket sales goes to the charity and the other 50 percent goes to the winner.”

Brookshire explained $15,000 would have went to the Children’s Miracle Network and $15,000 would have went to Chris Harbison who owns Harbison Saw Mill in Potosi and Jonesburg Saw Mill in Jonesburg.

“He donated his winnings, which was $15,000 and it was an incredible thing on his part,” stressed Brookshire. “He donated his part of that raffle back to our charity, so we ended up raising $30,000 for that particular event for Children’s Miracle Network.”

Brookshire said they certainly didn’t expect him to do that and as soon as Harbison’s name was drawn, he immediately said his intentions were to give it back to the kids.

Sheila Marler, Harbison’s sister, who oversees Harbison Saw Mill in Potosi, said when her brother got the call that he had won the raffle, he told them he wanted the money to go straight back to the fundraising for the kids.

“They invited him up to do the check presentation pictures earlier this month and they went to the hospital,” said Marler. “They got to take a tour of the hospital and showed him some of the equipment they bought with the money that was donated to them.”

Marler said they have some really advanced equipment to help babies and kids and they were able to see it while getting a tour.

“They have all worked hard promoting this to the other loggers because some of the loggers in other sawmills maybe would not be part of this if they hadn’t spread the word,” said Marler. “Also by seeing this story, they may get involved in this next year and it will be even bigger.”

Marler said there are always new sawmills that have not been in business long and they get the loggers to join the Missouri Forestry Products Association. When they join it will give them more guys who constantly help with this.

“Instead of keeping his prize, Chris donated the money back to CMN, which increased the donation we will receive to $50,000,” said Kristen Fritschie, Children’s Miracle Network coordinator at MU Children’s Hospital. “I can not put into words how appreciative we are of his extraordinary act of kindness.”

“Both logging professionals and folks who own saw mills and wood manufacturing facilities in Missouri participate in a number of different fundraising type activities throughout the year to raise money for our charity,” explained Brookshire.

He added the primary way they raise money is loggers for example, purchase timber from private land owners and they typically sell those logs to a saw mill.

“Occasionally what they will do is they will take an entire load of logs to a saw mill and the saw mill will purchase those logs from the logger, but the mill will write a check to the Log A Load For Kids charity,” said Brookshire. “They essentially donate the value of that load of logs to the charity.”

Brookshire said throughout the year they also have golf tournaments, skeet shoots, various types of raffles and things like that where they raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“We have actually, throughout the year, given the Children’s Miracle Network approximately $70,000 during a 15-month time period,” said Brookshire. “Since the Missouri Forest Products Association has been involved in this effort, we have given the MU Children’s Hospital over $100,000.”

Brookshire said he continues to be amazed by the charitable giving the forest products industry in Missouri has been able to accomplish.

“My members are basically the salt of the earth kind of folks who get up and go to work every day, run their business and work hard,” said Brookshire. “The idea they are interested in donating to this particular charity for these kids to me is a very humbling experience. It’s fantastic to be part of it.”

He added Tag Truck Center in Farmington is a significant player in the industry and Bill Merical, who runs the operation and his wife Sarah are very involved with the charitable giving.

“As is Botkin Lumber Company in Farmington,” added Brookshire. “There are a number folk’s right there who are all involved in raising money for that charity. It’s something we are very committed to do and we are going to continue to do it, we are certainly not done raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network.”