New IDS News insert by the Spierer's.

The Spierer's have taken out an insert ad in the Indiana Daily Student Newspaper that will be published today, August. 29.  Here is a copy of the ad they would like to share with you all.

The poster is printed in the insert along with the following text: 

A couple of years ago Lauren told me about a contact I should add to my cell phone. The contact is ICE. For those of you who don’t know, ICE stands for “in case of emergency.” I am Lauren’s ICE contact. My husband is my ICE contact and so it goes. Unfortunately, Lauren did not have her cell phone with her when she needed it the most–June 3, 2011. There has been much speculation in the media about Lauren’s disappearance. However, this is a fact…Lauren last used her cell phone at 12:16 a.m., just after midnight as June 2 became June 3 when she was still safely in the confines of Smallwood. Consider that fact when you read about Lauren’s case or hear her story. Let me repeat it: Lauren last used her cell phone at 12:16 a.m., just after midnight as June 2 became June 3 when she was still safely in the confines of Smallwood.

The purpose of what I am sharing with you is not to speculate about what happened. The purpose of this is to encourage people to take precautions to be safe.

Recently, we decided to explore the environs of Bloomington at 3:00 a.m. It was shocking to see a lone girl walking home with no shoes shortly thereafter. We are living with Lauren’s disappearance every minute of every day and thought, quite naively, that everyone else is doing the same. I said to someone recently that I hope what happened to Lauren will never happen to another person. That people will learn from this horrific episode in our lives. Alas, he didn’t think that would be the case. Clearly, he was correct.

If one person reads these words and benefits from them, we will be thankful. You are not invincible. Bad things happen to good people. You owe it to yourself to be safe. You owe it to yourself to choose your friends wisely and know that they will do the right thing if you need their help. You owe it to yourself to be the person who does the right thing for a friend. 911–think about it. Three numbers could make all the difference in the world to you, to a friend, to an acquaintance. Be safe. Choose your friends carefully. Take care of each other when the situation presents itself.

Lauren is a daughter, a sister, a best friend. She could be you. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared on June 3, 2011.

Rob, Charlene & Rebecca Spierer

••••••••••••••••

SAFE is a simple word, just four letters, simply stated…
1. Affording security or protection from harm– a safe place
2. Free from danger– you’ll be safe here
3. Secure from risk; certain; sound–a safe investment; a safe bet
4. Worthy of trust; prudent– a safe companion


I emphasize the fourth phrase:
We are each ultimately responsible for our own actions. The reality is, you may find yourself in a less than safe situation at some point during your college career. I don’t think it is unreasonable to expect that the person you are with will have the decency to call 911 if necessary. Three numbers that could alter the outcome of your future.

What do you know about the disappearance of Lauren Spierer?
Anything Small Could Be Big. Speak Up. Your call could make the difference.
www.findlauren.com
Bloomington Police Department 812.339.4477
helpfindlauren@gmail.com
FIND LAUREN • PO Box 1226 • BLOOMINGTON, IN 47402
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Another successful #FindLauren Day!

Over 180 volunteers came out in Bloomington today to repost new posters for the search to #FindLauren. "Thanks to all the volunteers who made today a success to help #FindLauren," said Charlene Spierer. Volunteer Mary Ann Ryan (pictured here with Joe Bailey) sent these words to us today after she returned from volunteering in Bloomington.

"Today was #FindLauren poster distribution day. Hugs were plentiful and hope renewed as #FindLauren posters were hung with love and faith. Every step we took seemed to be another step closer to bringing Lauren home. The sweetness and love in Mrs. Spierer's eyes and the strength and love in Mr. Spierer's voice are so very defining; without a thought or so much as a doubt we are drawn into their determination to bring Lauren home. When some of us came across a wall with a shadow looking up and the words: "There Is Always Hope", we put Lauren's poster on the wall and just felt that HOPE. FAITH and LOVE just as real and concrete as the wall itself."

A group of volunteers from the Facebook group Voices for Lauren continue to remain active in their advocacy work to support the Spierer's and #FindLauren.

Lauren's childhood friend, Blair Wallach, has returned to campus and remains committed to bring home her best friend. She has been busy helping since she arrived back in Bloomington. 

Grateful to all the businesses that continue to allow signs and posters to be hung to raise awareness. 

Recent coverage on the volunteer effort today to #FindLauren:  Search for missing student intensifies as classes resume

Cardinal Fitness Health Club Supports Efforts to #FindLauren

Cardinal Fitness is offering one month free membership to anyone who makes a donation to the Find Lauren Fund.  Here are the details:

  

Cardinal Fitness Health Club of Bloomington, has generously offered one month free membership to anyone who makes a donation to the FindLauren Fund, now through September 30, 2011. You can make your donation on-line here via credit card or in person with your check payable to Hillel Foundation at Indiana University, with "Find Lauren" in the memo section of the check. Please present your receipt for credit card donations.

Call or stop by for additional information.

Cardinal Fitness Health Club
475 N College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404-3828
(812) 339-7865

BPD Searching at Sycamore Ridge Landfill

NEWS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
________________________________________________________________
August 16, 2011

For more information, please contact:
Captain Joe Qualters
Bloomington Police Department
(812)349-3317
qualterj@bloomington.in.gov

BPD LOOKING AT SYCAMORE RIDGE LANDFILL

The Bloomington Police Department has begun looking for evidence at the Sycamore Ridge Landfill related to the disappearance of Lauren Spierer. The operation began at approximately 7:00 a.m. today. The Sycamore Ridge Landfill is located in Pimento, IN (Vigo County). The Department is being assisted by agents from the FBI, officers from the Indiana University Police Department and a search expert from Team Adam affiliated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Approximately 20-30 law enforcement personnel from all of the agencies will participate each day. The area of interest within the landfill is estimated to be approximately 70’ X 120’ X 20’ and the search effort may take up to two weeks.

Preparations for this undertaking began within days of Lauren Spierer being reported missing on June 3, 2011. It should be noted that dumpsters in the area of 11th and College were included in the initial search effort by police that took place immediately after Spierer was reported missing. As an additional precaution, during the week of June 6th initial contact was made with the companies providing waste collection for the dumpsters located near 11th and College. It was determined that all waste from Bloomington is taken to a transfer station south of the city and then transported to the Sycamore Ridge Landfill. While working with the company that operates the landfill, Republic Services, waste that was taken from the city on and around the dates of Spierer’s disappearance was identified at the landfill site. That location within the landfill has remained isolated and secured since that time with no additional waste placed in the identified area.

As preliminary preparations for checking the landfill began, the decision was made to allow ongoing land search efforts to continue. Thousands of civilian and professional searchers covered a perimeter of 10-12 miles from Spierer’s last reported location. Additional specific rural locations that were identified as possible disposal sites were also searched both inside and outside of Monroe County.

The Team Adam landfill search experts affiliated with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children began working with investigators in early July even as other efforts continued. An extensive plan was developed including determining the number of personnel needed, what agencies would be able to contribute personnel, what safety equipment and tools would be needed and where that equipment could be obtained. Other logistical considerations include such things as wash stations, restroom facilities, shelter, food, water and daily transportation for search personnel from Bloomington to the Terre Haute area.

Once the plan was finalized, the week of August 15th was chosen as a start date for the operation. In the interim, the personnel and equipment resources that would be needed as part of the plan were identified and procured.

The following statement is being released on behalf of the Spierer family:

“Please keep all the members of the Bloomington Police Department and all other law enforcement agencies who are assisting in this incredibly complex undertaking to search the landfill safe. With sincere thanks and appreciation for their continued support in our efforts to find Lauren.”
Rob, Charlene and Rebecca Spierer

IMPORTANT!
NO INTERVIEWS OR UPDATES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE SYCAMORE RIDGE LANDFILL SITE. ANY UPDATES OR SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE SEARCH WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF A NEWS RELEASE OR NEWS CONFERENCE THAT WOULD BE CONDUCTED AT THE BLOOMINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH ADEQUATE NOTICE PROVIDED FOR TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS.

THE MEDIA WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OF SYCAMORE RIDGE LANDFILL AND THE SEARCH AREA CANNOT BE SEEN FROM ANY AREA ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COOPERATION.


###

Can you help to #FindLauren on August 28?

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN THE ONGOING EFFORTS TO FIND LAUREN SPIERER!
 

As the summer comes to a close we are still waiting for answers which will lead us to Lauren.  Sunday, August 28, 2011 is the day we are asking for volunteers to help once again.  Please join the effort to keep awareness of Lauren’s disappearance on the minds of everyone as we put up new posters in Bloomington and throughout the IU campus.  Posters, tape and areas for posting will be distributed from the front of the Copper Cup, next to Smallwood (College Avenue and 9th) between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm.  Whether you’re able to put up five posters or 50, your time is greatly appreciated.   We encourage EVERYONE to come out, help and show your support.

Charlene & Rob Spierer

Official new #FindLauren poster & letter from Lauren's parents.

You know the routine. Share this everywhere you possibly can!

Found here!

Our daughter, Lauren Spierer, disappeared on June 3, 2011. 

Every time we write, think or utter those words we are riveted back to the afternoon we received the phone call about her disappearance. It is impossible to explain, as we continue to search for Lauren, what the experience of having a missing child is like. There is no explanation for why this has happened. Imagine learning one of the most important people in your world has disappeared and there is not enough information available from friends and acquaintances to find them. There is no reason to think the people Lauren was last with, wouldn’t do everything in their power to help us find her. But, alas, there is deafening silence. That silence compounds our frustration, our desperation and our grief in not having found Lauren. It threatens to be our undoing but make no mistake, we will never give up. Just as someone in your life is special to you, be it child, friend or family member.

Lauren is special to us. As the new school year begins, we hope and pray that more information about Lauren’s disappearance will be forthcoming. We remain in Bloomington for one purpose...TO FIND LAUREN. 

Rob and Charlene Spierer

Posted on findlauren.com on 8/13/11.

Two months and a day later, words for Lauren.

From her family and closest friends...

Spierer-

As these two months have gone by there hasn't been one second that you have not been on my mind. Every day I wake up hoping that today is going to be the day that you finally come home. The amount you are loved and missed is so great. No one will ever stop until you are safely home there is nothing we wont do for you.

Love and determined more now than ever, Amanda

---
Lauren,

It is hard for me to put into words the thoughts running through my head. I miss you every single day. I woke up on June 3rd in Bloomington thinking my day would be like any other. That day now marks the day my life, as well as many other lives, changed forever. Everywhere I go, everything I do, the constant thought of you surrounds me. I want to hug you and yell "Spierer! Spierer!" over and over again like the last time I saw you. I would give anything to go back to that moment. One thing I can promise you is that I will never give up on you Lauren. We will never give up hope, for in the hardest of times hope is what keeps everyone going. We all miss you. We all love you. I will carry you in my heart wherever I go.

Love forever, 
Taylor

---

Dear Lauren, SP, sistaa, little mozzie ball,

With each passing day I miss you more and more. I can't even believe two months have gone by since we last spoke about our plans to sit by the pool eating Buon amici and Mac and cheese. Not a day goes by where you aren't my first thought when I wake up and my last thought before I go to bed. I know you are out there waiting to be found. I will never give up on searching for you. I can't get our summer song from 2010 out of my head.

"Can we pretend like airplanes In the night sky are like shooting stars? I could really use a wish right now, wish right now" B.O.B

Love always,  
Becca

P.S. To those of you who know what happened to Lauren the night she disappeared, put yourself in my shoes. Everyone has a person they speak to everyday, whether it be by phone, by text or by video chat Lauren is constantly around me. She is still around me everywhere i turn and everywhere I look, yet she is no where. Now imagine if that were your person and she was gone without a trace. You still have a chance to do the right thing, speak up and help us find Lauren.

---

Spierer,

I cannot believe it has been two months, and we are still searching for answers.  Everyday gets harder and harder, but I am still determined.  I miss you so much all I want to do is make plans to go to Urban, get Starbucks, pretend we listen to techno, bake cookies, and watch Sex and the City reruns.  Over the past eleven years you have been more than a best friend to me, but a sister, and I need you.  I wake up every morning and pray today is the day we find you and bring you home.  No matter how much time has passed, I am still hopeful and positive.  We will find you.

Love you so much,
Blair

---
Lauren, 

We miss those early day sleepovers… we are never too old for a great sleepover…come back to us soon sweetie…your smiling face is what we need….love all the Shenkers
 
Nancy Zucker

--- 

Dear Lauren,

You are on my mind and in my heart every minute of every day. Words can not express how much I love and miss you.  You are forever a part of me and I love you so much.

Love Always,
Rebecca

--- 

"Can we have breakfast in the tent?"  "I have the best idea - ice cream for lunch; potato chips for dessert."  Uttered from the mouth of Lauren as a toddler when I was helping out Charlene - my soon to be sister-in-law - and was Lauren's interim nanny.  Watching this little dolly was my first adventure into parenthood.   I took my cues from Charlene, and she became my mom role model.  Fast forward 17 years.  Now I have my own kids - Lauren's cousins.  My daughter always loved Lauren's style.  She wears a Hello Kitty necklace because of Lauren.  And she misses her.  As we all do.  

Marnee Spierer

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Lauren Spierer is a daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, niece and friend.  She is small in stature but larger than life.  We miss this magical sprite who lights up every room she enters.  We miss you Lauren and your family and friends need you! 

Love,
Mary Ann and Bernie Holand
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Spierer,

Its hard to believe its been 2 months. I become numb every time I think about it. I pray everyday that you are safe and in no pain. I hope you can sense the love and prayers that come from your family, friends, and strangers each day. There is not a day that goes by where I don't think about you and I hope you know the love all your friends will be sending to you, especially when we get back to IU. All your loved ones are just as determined as day 1 to find you and bring you back to where you belong. I love and miss you and will not stop until there are answers.

Love always,
Nicole Kronfeld (your little chocolate covered almond)

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Spierer,

I miss you more than words can describe. It has been two months and we are continuing to search for answers and more importantly, you. I don’t want you to ever worry because none of us will ever give up. We are all just as determined as we were on day one to bring you home safe. You are in my thoughts and prayers every second of everyday. As I wait for your return, I remember your contagious smile and all the amazing times we had together. I love you so much and I pray for some sort of answer or sign soon. Until then, my heart goes out to your family and all of your friends that miss you more than anything. Never giving up on you.

Love you,

Samantha

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Lauren,

I can't believe this really happening and is reality. Its just not right or fair. Picturing your face breaks my heart because all I want is to see it again. I'd literally give anything to have you back with everyone who loves, cares, and misses you. Every second without you is painful and unbearable. Nothing will be okay until you are found. I can't explain how much we all miss you. We're doing everything in our power to get you home to us. Praying for your safe return every second. I love you so much and will never give up. You're on my mind ALWAYS.

Come home soon,
Amara

---

Laur,

I can’t believe that I am doing this right now- I think about you every second of every day, yet writing this letter reminds me of how real this nightmare actually is. I miss you more and more as each week passes. I’d give anything to go two months back in time, and I want you to know that we will NEVER give up. You’re such a beautiful, sweet, amazing person and you have impacted my life in so many ways- I don’t know who I would be had I not met you. I love you so much Spierey, the world just doesn’t seem right without you.

Forever,

Julia

Ride4Lauren, July 30

Thanks to over 200 riders, volunteers and Bloomington Harley Davidson for raising awareness to #FindLauren this Saturday. Everyone feels so grateful to have the continued support and help.

The riders rode over 50 miles through Southern Indiana passing out flyers and talking to people.

Thanks to volunteers Joe Bailey & Mary Ann Ryan for taking and sending us pictures! 

WTHR covered the story: http://www.wthr.com/story/15179228/ride-for-lauren