This Fourth of July, Think Beyond Fireworks

Chances are, you’re a little bummed about the fireworks ban and more than a little bummed about the cancellation of the big professional show in Scotts Valley.  This year is unfortunately exceptional; Santa Cruz County - once coined “asbestos county” because of its lack of wildfire - is exceptionally dry and prone to fire.  Any spark can start a fire that destroys the lives of the people and animals who live in the area.  We have seen 3 such destrutive fires in our county thus far, only one month into fire season.

On a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more reported outdoor fires in the United States than all other causes of outdoor fire combined, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  While highly vegitated areas and mountainous areas are most prone to wildfire, any fire can become out of control in the current conditions.  If you live in a highly populated area, you are not free of fire danger.

This Fourth of July, please think twice before you set off any fireworks.  One year without fireworks can make a huge difference in Santa Cruz County.

Alternatives to Fireworks:

• Scotts Valley will still be having the 4th of July Parade and concert by the Govenor’s Marching Band at Skypark. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. at Civic Center and Scotts Valley drives. The concert will start at 5 p.m.
• Join the 4th festivities in Aptos, including the “Worlds Shortest Parade” and Picnic.
• If you have children, consider these fun ideas from HGTV.com: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_entertaining_occasions/article/0,,HGTV_3115_1390110,00.html
• Go to a movie - see one with plenty of explosions.
• Go on a road trip to a location that has a professional fireworks show.
• Check out the Boardwalk - an original piece of Americana.
• Get a Pinata!  Explodes like fireworks, but with no fire - and the added bonus of candy.

Disaster Drill to be held May 17, Community Members Needed!

On Saturday, May 17 from 9am-2pm the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a disaster drill.

During the drill, emergency service volunteers will practice the skills they need during disaster:

 

– opening up a shelter for people displaced by the disaster

– preparing a meal for a large group

– providing for medical and mental health needs

– issuing client assistance

 

We need community members who are willing to act as our disaster victims. Lunch will be provided. This is a great chance to see what the American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County can do if our community is struck by a disaster. Please join us!

If you’re interested in helping or have any questions, please call us at 831-462-2881 x20.

Carmel Area Chapter Welcomes International Speakers

The Carmel Area Chapter, located at 8th Avenue and Dolores Street in Carmel, will welcome Benjamin Ajak and Dr. Ashis Brahma to their chapter on March 12, 2008 from 4-5:30 p.m.

Benjamin Ajak is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and co-author of the acclaimed book “They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky”.

Dr. Ashis Brahma served with the International Rescue Committee as the sole physician in the Oure Cassoni refugee camp in Chad.

Anyone is welcome. For more information, please call the Carmel Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at 831-624-6921.

Let us Wrap Your Gifts at the Capitola Mall!

 

Holiday Gift Wrapping at Capitola Mall

 

 

Now through Christmas Eve!

 

 

Open 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

 

(Open times are subject to change.)

 

Located just outside the food court, next to Cinnabon.

 

 

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the mall

I was running like crazy looking for a holiday haul.

I had promised myself to shop early this year

But I’d busy been watching specials about lighted-nosed deer.

So there I was running panicked through the stores

When I realized something I’d not thought of before

“These gifts must be wrapped!” I yelled, maybe too loud

As into the Santa Cruz Shoe Company I am no longer allowed.

Away toward my car I flew like a flash,

Wondering where I would find tape, wrapping paper… more cash!?

…and I haven’t eaten all day in my rush…

Then I saw a familiar sign of hope, and all around fell a hush.

“The American Red Cross will wrap my presents!” I said with a sigh,

They’ll do it while I rest with coffee and pie!

They’ll do it with all kinds of ribbons and bows!

They’ll do it and I can start speaking in prose!

For just a donation to help those in need

A donation to your local chapter, indeed

the Red Cross will wrap every present in sight

Happy Holidays to you, Santa Cruz, and to all a Good Night!

 

Santa Cruz Film Festival partners with Santa Cruz County Chapter for “Nosferatu”

Looking for something to do on Halloween Eve?

On October 30th, 2007, the Santa Cruz Film Festival (SCFF) will host a showing of “Nosferatu”, the original vampire movie, complete with a live and original score by local composer Phil Collins of New Music Works.

SCFF was kind enough to invite the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross to join this event. We will be taking pledges for blood donations at the door. Our fabulous UCSC Red Cross Youth Club will also be there and happy to answer any questions you might have about our new Youth Initiative.

It’s been great working with SCFF, and this promises to be a fantastic event! For ticket preorder, visit www.santacruzfilmfestival.com and click on the “event” tab.

Questions? Call Lindsay at 831-462-2881 ext. 14.

Watsonville Service Center Opens!

Thanks to an army of individuals and local businesses, the Watsonville Service Center is now open. We had a blast sharing our office space yesterday at our Ribbon Cutting Event. Four high school students even showed up to become volunteers for their service hours!

Pictured above are Board Chairman and Scotts Valley City Councilman Cliff Barrett, Board Member and Watsonville City Councilman Antonio Rivas, Immediate Past Board Chair Joyce Anderson, CEO Donna Jones, Emergency Response Vehicle Volunteer Driver Jerry Finney and Volunteer Clyta Amadeo.

The Watsonville Service Center would not have been possible if not for the efforts of Antonio Rivas. The Santa Cruz County Chapter extends it’s heartfelt gratitude for all of his hard work!

Thank you again to everyone who made the opening of this office possible. We are thrilled to have the improved ability to serve the city of Watsonville!

Drain your Vein!

In cooperating with the Santa Cruz Film Festival, we will be presenting our First Annual Halloween Blood Pledge Drive.

On October 30, Halloween Eve, The Santa Cruz Film festival will be presenting the first classic vampire movie, “Nosferatu” at the Del Mar Theatre in Downtown Santa Cruz. The showing of the 1922 classic silent film will be accompanied by an original score by Phil Collins. Tickets for the movie and live musical performance will be $18.00; however, those that make an appointment to give blood with us at the event will receive a $2.00 discount on admission.

We hope to see you there!

Red Cross Youth

Due in part to a generous donation from Dominican Hospital, beginning and maintaining our Youth Initiative has become a priority for us this year.

So far, two Red Cross Clubs have been started in the county, one at UCSC and one at Pacific Collegiate High School.

Here’s some more information for you from our fantastic new intern, Carolyn.

Jump Starting the Youth Initiative

The Santa Cruz County Chapter will soon join the 660 Red Cross chapters across the nation that have a vibrant youth program in their communities. Through Red Cross clubs, school supported service organizations established in local schools or community centers, students work directly with the local chapter and become active volunteer staff, supporting the activities of the American Red Cross. This fall, the Santa Cruz chapter will begin efforts to instate high school and college level Red Cross Clubs.

Many districts require their students to complete hours of community and/or service projects before graduation. Youth clubs offer easy and fun opportunities for high school and college students to become active with the Red Cross. Student clubs assist in several service delivery activities:

-Organizing and hosting blood drives
-Educating others in disaster preparedness or disaster response
-Teaching and marketing First Aid and CPR classes for younger children
-International Red Cross/Red Crescent(ICRC)activities such as promoting international awareness of measles, malaria, and other diseases

Clubs have the potential to initiate fundraising efforts and become involved in chapter governance. Whatever the interest of the student, the Red Cross can offer practice in building skills for future career paths. Youth are given challenging projects in which they can grow and develop a sense of belonging and personal social responsibility to their community. Red Cross Clubs give students hands-on experience in leadership and team work while strengthening the available volunteer base. A youth volunteer is twice as likely to continue their support and donate their time and efforts when they are adults. These are the future leaders, donors, and active members who will remain loyal to the values and the mission of the American Red Cross.

Local involvement of youth promotes a wider diversity of volunteers. This allows for potential outreach to local ethnic communities that would otherwise be lost. Youth can more effectively identify community specific requirements for young people and produce programs which meet these needs. This allows the Red Cross to expand its reach and get the necessary help to more segments of the public. With fresh enthusiasm for current projects and a unique insight into new fundraising and service initiatives, youth have the capabilities to impact their community in a significant way.

For more information or questions, please visit http://www.myspace.com/redcrossscc or contact Donna Rodoni at 831-462-2881 x 23.

 

Posted by American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County at 9:19 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 9, 2007

Golf, anyone?

This Friday, July 13 we will be holding our Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The tournament will take place at the De Laveaga Golf Course, 1:00 p.m. shotgun, 11:30 a.m. registration.

Each registration includes a cart, lunch, golf game, BBQ dinner and awards ceremony. There will also be a silent auction held at the event. Registration fee is $175.00 per person.

Spots are still available; please call Kendra Cleary at 662-4565 for more information.

Anything on your mind?

In order to “get the ball rolling” on our blog, your feedback is invaluable.

Please, let us know what is on your mind by leaving us a comment!

Questions will be answered to the best of our ability. If we cannot answer a question that you have immediately, we will find an answer for you.

Keep checking back! Eventually, we will be including blogs from our Disaster Services Volunteers and pictures from relief efforts. We want you to know how we are helping the community!