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.

Youth Coordinator position available!

Just out of school? Looking for a great opportunity in non-profit? We have just opened a new position here at the chapter for a Youth Services Coordinator. Our Youth Services initiative has only recently been created; This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills by helping it grow!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHAPTER

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: COORDINATOR-YOUTH SERVICES

Full-time, Temporary-to-Regular, Grant position

BASIC FUNCTION: The Coordinator of Youth Services is an entry-level training position that is responsible for coordinating Red Cross youth services in Santa Cruz County. This includes collaborating with other organizations in the community, establishing goals and objectives with youth, developing funding sources and strategic relationships related to youth activities, and inspiring a new generation of volunteers and supporters of the American Red Cross.

RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Chief Executive. Provides support to youth and other volunteer committees. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other Chapter manager and appropriate youth organizations (city, county and private) within the Chapter’s jurisdiction. Recognizes and builds capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS: BA degree in Sociology, Social Services, Child Development or a related field. Ability to multi task and work within a team environment as a member and leader; organizes events or projects with successful results. This individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong computer skills, including experience with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Must be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and ability to work effectively with others. A valid California driver’s license and own transportation is required. Bilingual in English/Spanish is required, able to work flexible weekend, early morning and/or evening hours.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

● Execute program goals, objectives, and strategies in collaboration with youth leadership.

● Recruit, train and support Youth Services volunteers for the successful implementation of ARC youth

programs.

● Work with other department staff to include youth involvement in all Chapter functions.

● Develop, establish, promote, and coordinate Chapter’s youth activities such as the Youth Leadership

Development Conference, Red Cross Clubs, Chapter Youth Council and Youth involvement in

Board projects.

● Evaluate and continuously improve the quality of youth service programs.

● Assist staff in the developing and maintaining community relations, serving as an advocate and

ambassador for youth programs.

● Consolidate and summarize youth program statistics for reporting purposes.

● Monitor and stay within the Youth Services department budget.

● Be an active member of the Chapter’s strategic planning process.

● Work closely with the Chapter CEO to identify funding sources for youth.

● Coordinate and implement fundraising projects and activities sufficient to generate no less than $25,000 by

June 30, 2008 and an additional $10,000 by November 1, 2008.

● Ensure Youth Services Department programs and services meet the requirements set out by youth grants.

● Work in conjunction with Regional Youth activities and National Youth Council.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the individual occupying this position. An employee is expected to follow any other job-related directions and to perform other job-related duties requested by the employee’s manager. Able and willing to lift program and event materials, stoop, sit, reach over ones head and climb stairs. Position will be based at the Watsonville Service Center from Monday’s-Thursday’s and the Santa Cruz office on Friday’s.

Compensation: $11 - $14 p/hour depending on experience.

To Apply:

Email or mail a cover letter and resume to the attention of: Youth Services Coordinator Applicant

Email: djones@sccredcross.org

Mail Address: American Red Cross
2960 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Applications will be reviewed as received and qualified candidates will be contacted. The position will be filled when the most qualified candidate is identified.

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.

Youth Services Coordinator Position Available!

Just out of school? Looking for a great opportunity in non-profit? We have just opened a new position here at the chapter for a Youth Services Coordinator. Our Youth Services initiative has only recently been created; This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills by helping it grow!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CHAPTER

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

JOB TITLE: COORDINATOR-YOUTH SERVICES

Full-time, Temporary-to-Regular, Grant position

BASIC FUNCTION: The Coordinator of Youth Services is an entry-level training position that is responsible for coordinating Red Cross youth services in Santa Cruz County. This includes collaborating with other organizations in the community, establishing goals and objectives with youth, developing funding sources and strategic relationships related to youth activities, and inspiring a new generation of volunteers and supporters of the American Red Cross.

RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Chief Executive. Provides support to youth and other volunteer committees. Develops and maintains strong working relationships with other Chapter manager and appropriate youth organizations (city, county and private) within the Chapter’s jurisdiction. Recognizes and builds capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS: BA degree in Sociology, Social Services, Child Development or a related field. Ability to multi task and work within a team environment as a member and leader; organizes events or projects with successful results. This individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong computer skills, including experience with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Must be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and ability to work effectively with others. A valid California driver’s license and own transportation is required. Bilingual in English/Spanish is required, able to work flexible weekend, early morning and/or evening hours.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

● Execute program goals, objectives, and strategies in collaboration with youth leadership.

● Recruit, train and support Youth Services volunteers for the successful implementation of ARC youth

programs.

● Work with other department staff to include youth involvement in all Chapter functions.

● Develop, establish, promote, and coordinate Chapter’s youth activities such as the Youth Leadership

Development Conference, Red Cross Clubs, Chapter Youth Council and Youth involvement in

Board projects.

● Evaluate and continuously improve the quality of youth service programs.

● Assist staff in the developing and maintaining community relations, serving as an advocate and

ambassador for youth programs.

● Consolidate and summarize youth program statistics for reporting purposes.

● Monitor and stay within the Youth Services department budget.

● Be an active member of the Chapter’s strategic planning process.

● Work closely with the Chapter CEO to identify funding sources for youth.

● Coordinate and implement fundraising projects and activities sufficient to generate no less than $25,000 by

June 30, 2008 and an additional $10,000 by November 1, 2008.

● Ensure Youth Services Department programs and services meet the requirements set out by youth grants.

● Work in conjunction with Regional Youth activities and National Youth Council.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the individual occupying this position. An employee is expected to follow any other job-related directions and to perform other job-related duties requested by the employee’s manager. Able and willing to lift program and event materials, stoop, sit, reach over ones head and climb stairs. Position will be based at the Watsonville Service Center from Monday’s-Thursday’s and the Santa Cruz office on Friday’s.

Compensation: $11 - $14 p/hour depending on experience.

To Apply:

Email or mail a cover letter and resume to the attention of: Youth Services Coordinator Applicant

Email: djones@sccredcross.org

Mail Address: American Red Cross
2960 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Applications will be reviewed as received and qualified candidates will be contacted. The position will be filled when the most qualified candidate is identified.

Trick or Treat?

By Rodoni Farms (www.rodonifarms.com)

Only a few weeks until all the littlest ghosts and goblins flood the streets in search of their feast of sugar! Halloween has been one of my personal favorite holidays since I was dressing up like Strawberry Shortcake in the mid 80’s; But, let’s be frank… Santa Cruz can get a little crazy around Halloween - especially for the little ones. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can keep your little monsters safe!

To See and Be Seen – A Look at Costumes

Whether your child wants to be frightful or delightful, ghoulish or goofy, costume selection criteria should include how safe it is for the wearer. The Red Cross offers these tips to help keep your little monster trick-or-treating for many years to come:

• Masks can restrict peripheral vision and hearing. If choosing a mask, ensure it fits well, offers good ventilation and has large eye holes. Or, go with non-toxic face paint instead.
• Big hats, helmets or scarves can be problematic as well. If you kids must have them, have them try hats on to ensure proper fit and secure hats and scarves well to prevent slipping.
• Select light-colored or reflective costumes to be seen by drivers. The same goes for props. If necessary, add reflective tape or trim to brooms, swords, scythes and the all-important candy bag.
• Purchase fire-retardant costumes. Check tags and labels to ensure they are flame-resistant .
• Large or loose costumes—including billowy skirts, sleeves or capes—can cause falls and may pose a fire risk. Select appropriately-sized costumes and keep trick-or-treaters away from candles.
• Don’t clown around with oversized shoes. Choose sturdy shoes that fit and be sure that shoe covers will remain secure while trekking around the neighborhood.
• Check costumes and accessories for loose pieces or parts, such as buttons, that might be choking hazards.
• Accessorize with care. Look for soft, flexible—not rigid or sharp—toy swords and other props. Select props and costume accessories at an appropriate scale for children.

Since teenagers and adults enjoy dressing up as well, the same basic rules apply for making smart, safe costume selections.

Getting to Know Jack

• Take proper precautions when preparing “Jack” (O’Lantern) for his autumnal debut:
• Select a stable, flat surface with good lighting for carving your pumpkin.
• Use blunt tools with serrations specially designed for cutting thick-skinned pumpkins.
• Grown-ups should do the cutting, and supervise children at all times during the activity.
• Draw and follow patterns on the pumpkin instead of freehand carving. Or, forego slicing up Jack and use paint, markers and other materials to decorate your pumpkin—not only is it safer, but it also means less mess from pumpkin “guts” and provides a longer lasting display.
• Consider battery-operated or electric lights for an interesting and safe way to illuminate your squash creation this year. One-use glow sticks also work well as an alternative to candles.

Avoiding Frightful Accidents Inside and Out

• Clear porches, lawns and sidewalks of any debris, tools, etc., that could cause visitors to trip and fall.
• Have a well-lit path and consider adding a temporary fence around decorations—spooky decorative styles are available these days—if you have lawn decorations that could cause a fall, ruining an otherwise ghoulishly good time.
• Place jack o’lanterns away from doorways or landings.
• If electronic decorations have short cords, use a surge protector with a longer cord to reach outlets and plug into it, then use care in placing that cord so it is out of the traffic path. Be careful not to overload circuits, and for decorating outside only use items that are rated for outdoor use.
• Check and discard holiday lights or electronic decorations with broken or frayed cords or plugs.
• Keep exits and steps clear of decorations and other obstacles.

Treat Visitors to a Hauntingly Safe Time

• Consider string lights or other electronic or battery-operated lighting in lieu of candles to decorate your haunt. If you do choose candles, keep them away from all flammables (fake spider webs, paper streamers, dried cornstalks, etc.) and never leave burning candles unattended.
• Plan party menus with care. Avoid small, hard foods that pose a choking risk. While particularly relevant to small children, anyone eating while talking and laughing at a party could find a bite “going down the wrong way.”
• Select treats that are soft rather than hard candies that can get lodged in a child’s throat. According to the National Confections Association, most kids prefer chocolate anyway!
• Decorations also need to be age appropriate and hung correctly. Watch not only for objects that children might swallow but also for decorations that could trip or entangle visitors or have rough or sharp edges that cut or poke.
• Children aren’t the only ones looking to score sweet treats at Halloween. Before, during and after the holiday, store candy, particularly chocolate, where canine family members can’t get it. Even a small amount of chocolate can be fatal to dogs.

A Word or Two to Mummies (and Daddies)

Don’t wait until Halloween to teach children about safety. In the excitement of the costumes and anticipated sweet booty, your pint-sized pirates and princesses may forget instructions if given just minutes before departing. By talking with your children now, you can improve the odds of them remembering advice later. Try associating it with a holiday activity and repeat it often while preparing for the big day…or night.

For example, take a few minutes while…

• Carving pumpkins to review the rules of stop, look and listen for crossing the street and stop, drop and roll in case a piece of clothing were to catch on fire.
• Shopping for candy and costumes to talk with children about only going to houses they know with lights on and waiting to eat their candy until its been checked by an adult.
• Decorating your home or lawn to go over important rules such as not hiding between cars or darting into the street.

Finally, now is a good time to learn first aid and CPR. The Red Cross offers child and infant CPR classes that help caregivers recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children 12 and younger. Also learn to recognize the signs of choking and the proper steps to help them.

Remember, being prepared isn’t about not having a good time - being prepared for an emergency will give you the confidence of knowing what to do should an emergency happen. Having that piece of mind will keep you monster-mashing all year long.

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!

Youth Volunteers: Help design national’s next pin!

This came across our desks this afternoon.  If you are a youth volunteer ages 14 - 24, you are eligible to help the American National Red Cross design their next pin.

 

 

Pin Design Contest

Call for action! Gather your friends, make use of your talent and create artwork that will be used for the 90th Anniversary Junior Red Cross Pin. This is your chance to be part of history!

Act now and send us your Design!

The winning entry will receive a scholarship for The American Red Cross National Convention 2008!

A couple of requirements:

• You must be a Red Cross volunteer ages 12-24.
• When creating the artwork designs should be simple, using only a few colors.
• The artwork you submit can be a drawing. Electronic files in AI, PDF or EPS are highly recommended. If you opt to generate a JPEG file, the artwork should be fairly simple.
• All pin design submissions must include a description. Pin artwork descriptions must be at least 150 words but no longer than 300 words. Descriptions of the pin will help us better understand the concepts used in the pin artwork.
• All artworks have to be submitted by November 30, 2007. Applications sent after this date will not be considered.
• All submissions become the property of the American Red Cross Office of The National Chair of Volunteers and will not be returned.

Note that any display of the American Red Cross name or emblem must comply with American Red Cross graphic standards. Graphic standard guidelines are available on redcross.org. When incorporating the American Red Cross Logo in your artwork please download the logo from http://www.redcross.org/logos/sig.html.

When designing the 90th Anniversary Junior Red Cross Pin think on how we should cherish the legacy of 90 years of youth volunteers in a fun, easy to understand and popular way.

All applications will be reviewed by a team of National Youth Council members together with NHQ staff from Youth and Young Adults Programs and Services and Creative Services Department. The winning project will be announced by late December and the winning team will be awarded with a scholarship for National Convention 2008.

Please send a copy of your artwork on a CD, a description of your artwork together with this form no later than Friday, November 30, 2007 to:

American Red Cross
Office of the National Chair of Volunteers
430 17th Street, GL 62C
Washington DC 20006

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amelia Marian at MarianA@usa.redcross.org

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!