Ice Cream Sundaes, Ice Storm Stories A Year Later Red Cross Celebrates Volunteers’ Work During Disaster

The food seemed appropriate: ice cream to remember the ice storm.

“Isn’t this better than last year at this time?” Peggy Berkaana asked as she stood near the M&M and peanut toppings. “Thank you, El Nino.”

Along with two dozen volunteers, the executive director of the Inland Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross ate ice cream Wednesday to celebrate their work during Ice Storm ‘96. As they covered their desserts with chocolate syrup and other toppings, they shared their memories of one of the worst storms in Spokane’s history.

“None of us wanted to remember (the ice storm), but we needed to celebrate the fact that we got through it,” said Joyce M. Cameron, Red Cross public relations director. “We have to acknowledge all the people.”

About 730 people volunteered last year to assist thousands who lost electricity during the storm. Volunteers served 14,000 meals at 11 area shelters. Many worked nonstop during the 19-day crisis.

People such as Fran Tilque will never forget. A year ago Wednesday, the lights suddenly went out as she sat inside the Red Cross office at 315 W. Nora. The roads were slick and she couldn’t go home.

Surrounded by candles and beams from flashlights, she worked for five straight days.

“It was more confusing than scary,” said Tilque, who’s been a Red Cross volunteer since 1978. “Power was going off everywhere. We didn’t know what was happening.”

Outside in the ice and freezing cold, people such as Bob Reimer struggled to set up shelters all over the city. Reimer drove from place to place, transporting cots, blankets and food. For nearly a week, he worked from 6 in the morning until 11 at night. Even when the worst part was over, he still volunteered at least 12 hours a day.

“I was just trying to meet people’s needs,” Reimer said as he spooned the melting ice cream.

Unless asked, most of the volunteers at Wednesday’s gathering didn’t talk much about their personal contributions. Despite their work and commitment, few had tales of glory. They simply were doing their jobs, they said.

“Everybody was called and we just did it,” said Gary Marcus, a Red Cross volunteer for five years. “It was something that needed to get done.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo