Uncategorized – Page 26 – Gold Country News and Notes

Gold Country Volunteer Making an Impact Across the Country

Hen jeremiah 6 ry Braxton was among the first to assist the American Red Cross when he and his neighbors were caught in the path of rising water in the Natchez, Louisiana, area. Every day for nearly a week, he did whatever he could do to lend a hand, from helping to distribute cleanup kits to showing volunteers flood-damaged areas.

“The Bible says put my hometown first and put myself last, and I think God will bless me for that,” Henry said one recent evening at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Natchez, where the Red Cross offered hot meals, cleanup supplies, emotional support and casework assistance.

He was among dozens who attended, but he wasn’t there to seek help. Rather, he assisted people carrying cleanup supplies and other items to their vehicles.

Inside the church, Henry reached into his pocket and pulled out a Red Cross challenge coin that he received for his efforts—a coin that few receive and even fewer have ever seen. When he displayed the coin, it was obvious to Red Cross volunteers that Henry was a person who had been singled out for recognition.

“It was a high honor and brought tears to my eyes. I was just doing the best I could to help the people needing help,” he said.

Henry, a big man with rippling muscles and an infectious smile, said his late mother raised him to be kind to others and to go to church. To honor her, Henry said his philosophy is simple: “Any way I can help out, I will.”

As he talked, it was clear that Henry deserved more than the thanks of a grateful Red Cross. Henry said he hadn’t signed up with the Red Cross for help, and with that, he

jeremiah 3 — Jeremiah Norrell, a volunteer from Sacramento assisting Henry in Louisiana

was introduced to Jeremiah Norrell, a Red Cross Jeremiah Norrell, a Red Cross caseworker from the Sacramento, California area. Henry explained how he had lost his refrigerator, stove and furniture to rising water, which soaked his floors. Yet he hadn’t asked for anything.

Henry indeed qualified for Red Cross immediate assistance, as he and Jeremiah together checked a map to see that his home was in a flooded area. He was eligible for supplemental Red Cross assistance and in position to be referred to various partner agencies for things such as clothing and furniture.

As he left, Henry stopped and hugged volunteers who helped him get assistance. When he walked out the door, he turned around, waved and smiled before disappearing into the night.

—Carl Manning/American Red Cross

Nurse Assistance Training Program Opens at Sacramento Red Cross Office

By Marlene Stamper, Public Affairs Volunteer

25745337850_f277357b06_z On March 24, 2016 Rosiris Guerra, Red Cross Nurse Assistance Training Program Manager, welcomed attendees to a ribbon-cutting and open house to commemorate the opening of the Nurse Assistance Training (NAT) Program at the Sacramento Red Cross office. The American Red Cross is the premier provider of Nurse Assistant Training and has prepared individuals for work in the nursing field for over 100 years. The program is designed with input from educators, caregivers, and long-term industry representatives from across the United States.

The NAT Program is a 180-hour course that prepares students to take the state competency exam to be a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The program places a high emphasis on learning excellent communications skills and the Art of Caregiving to provide compassionate care for people in the health care system.

25745343770_b0f8e0c30a_z — Gary Strong Opens NAT Training Center

Gary Strong, CEO of the Red Cross Gold Country Region, performed the ribbon cutting honors and formally opened the Sacramento training center. The training center includes a traditional classroom and a hands-on clinical training area equipped with hospital beds, practice mannequins, and various medical equipment. Mr. Strong was enthusiastic about the future of the NAT Program, and excited to welcome NAT students to the Sacramento office.

Lisa Lopez, Red Cross Registered Nurse and NAT Program coordinator described the training and what students could expect over the six-week course, “we do everything hands-on,” said Lopez. “We don’t simulate any practice. We like to make sure all students are ready and prepared…”

25745341370_bd0c261127_z — Liza Lopez explains how the NAT Program benefits the community

In addition to Sacramento, the Red Cross offers the NAT Program in Santa Rosa, Oakland, San Jose, and Yuba City. Scholarships are available on a limited basis to eligible students.

For more information, visit http://www.RedCross.org/GoldCountry.

The BASH 2016 – A Night to Remember

By Amy Magallanes, Public Affairs Volunteer

The first annual BASH benefit – A salute to service, took place on Saturday April 2nd, 2016. Inspired by the TV series MASH, the McClellan conference center whisked the guests away to another era. Military Jeep escorts to and from the building, dog tag souvenirs, and the Peter Petty Orchestra set the scene for an evening dedicated to celebrate and honor the military and the important work of the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program in the Gold Country Region.

The Red Cross SAF program has served more than one- million military families since 9/11, helping them prepare for, cope with, and respond to the trials of military service.

Close to 300 guests came together to honor three local Korean War veterans. LTC Robert Burns, Richard Austin, and John Murphree Lowery; as well as Susan Savage, who received the Spirit of Tiffany award for her philanthropic work in the Sacramento region.

Events like these have a hand in getting the word out to those who can help. LTC Robert Burns stood in service to our country during three wars, he enjoyed the evening with his wife Beverly, “many Korean War veterans have been forgotten,” said Robert Burns. His work with the Elks lodge, in conjunction with the Red Cross, spreads awareness to our community, as well as to those veterans unaware of the resources these organizations provide.

“We hope to create an event that is accessible to everyone in our community, in a fun, loose, and open environment,” explained Gary Strong, CEO of the American Red Cross Gold Country Region. This expands the neighborhood of people dedicated to honoring the men and women who have, and continue to protect our country.

Guests went to great lengths to pay tribute to the MASH inspired theme. Jeffery and Eleanor Snively took this very seriously, researching costumes to procure an accurate “Hawkeye” character. He and his two sons, who serve in the Army, are passionate about spreading the word, “people are forgetting,” said Jeffery Snively, BASH attendee. Jeffery and Eleanor’s attendance tonight is indeed an example that he and his family are breathing life into the SAF program. With the table set for one on the stage, in memory of those who didn’t return home from battle, the guests reflected on how important the work of revering those who endured the greatest sacrifices are to this great nation.

In compliment to the lovely evening, David Sobon led the auction, where attendee Dennis Smith bid and won, ‘Sutter’s Gold’, a painting by artist Greg Kondos. His father was stationed at McClellan, his mother worked on base as well. He was led to bid, as if completing a circle, started by the contributions his parents made. His enormous smile indicated his wish to honor them, and all those who serve, has been granted.

Much like the TV show in which was revived at the event, the stories of those who lived to tell the tale of the Korean War, remind us that we can all be called to honor those who valiantly pledge to protect our country. Volunteer. Donate. Spread the word. The SAF and the American Red Cross provide a platform, which allow us to appreciate, in whichever way we can, the men, women, and families, of our military, so no one is ever forgotten.

Check out all the fun we had at The BASH 2016 on our Flickr page.

Career Day Escapade

Last week, the students of Adkinson Elementary were in for a real treat – Career Day! I know, I know. Career day isn’t exactly a new thing, and everyone has been to one during their school years – and they might have been quite dreary – but this isn’t your grand papi’s career day!

The two assemblies – one for K-3 and the other for 4-6 – hosted presentations by a former principal, a marine biologist, a tae kwon do instructor and last but certainly not the least, American Red Cross. Yes my friends, THE American Red Cross was in the house!

Veronica, a Red Cross employee, presented an awesome and engaging power-point presentation about what the Red Cross does and how they help people. She even engaged the younger kids by telling them why she volunteers and how the “red cross” is like the bat symbol. As you can imagine, they were many “oooh’s”, “aaah’s” and “Superman is better” comments. Nevertheless, the kids were told that when the “red cross” appears, help is near! (see what I did there?)

The kids even participated in a mock activity where they help others in need. A few of the kids were quite thrilled to be dressed up as Red Cross volunteers – Helmet, lanyard and all! In the grand finale, Veronica gave some excited kiddies some chapsticks and little backpacks from the Red Cross. All in all, it was a very educational and entertaining day!

John F Kennedy Students Hold “Taste of Diversity” Fundraiser

Members of the Red Cross Club at John F Kennedy held their “Taste of Diversity” potluck Fundraiser. The event was held by their President, Theodore Tran, and his officers in honor of Red Cross month. Theodore spoke to a group of 30 Kennedy students about various lines of service of the Red Cross particularly, the Measles and Rubella Initiative. Students had the chance to purchase the Measles and Rubella pins in order to support the initiative. Here are some of the students showing off their new pins!!

Remember March is Red Cross month!! It is that time of year when the Red Cross celebrates our community heroes. The students of John F Kennedy have shown anyone can make a difference and be a hero!!

RED CROSS SUPPORTS BILL REQUIRING CPR INSTRUCTION IN HIGH SCHOOL

The American Red Cross is proud to support AB 1719. A bill introduced by Assembly member Freddie Rodriguez in early January 2016. The legislation would ensure high school students learn CPR before they graduate high school. AB 1719 holds the power to create a generation of lifesavers.

“CPR is one of the most important life skills a person can have. I have been an Emergency Medical Technician for over 30 years and I have seen too many cases that could have turned out differently if a bystander had known how to administer CPR,” said Assemblymember Rodriguez. “By teaching CPR in high school, we are sending students into the world with an essential, life-saving skill. We have the ability to dramatically impact the rates of survival for sudden cardiac arrest and save countless lives.”

Under AB 1719, school districts would have the flexibility to teach hands-only CPR in any required class, such as P.E. or Health. The bill is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross who have led the effort to pass similar legislation in 27 other states.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States yet too few people know how to perform CPR,” says Gary Strong, CEO of the American Red Cross Gold Country Region. “Our lawmakers have a bill before them that could create a generation of lifesavers by requiring hands-on CPR training before high school graduation. We support AB 1719 as it will better prepare our students; therefore, build prepared communities.”

“The American Heart Association’s and the American Red Cross’ goal is to teach lifesaving CPR skills to as many teens and young adults as possible in California to help keep our communities safer, year after year,” said Dr. Franklin Pratt, former medical director of the Los Angeles County Fire “Having a new generation of lifesavers will deliver an increased amount of safety and security to all of our communities.”

The Los Angeles County Fire Department believes so strongly in the effectiveness of teaching CPR to our youth that they trained 9,000 students last year using the American Heart Association’s CPR Anytime program.

According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the most lethal public health threats in the United States. Nearly 326,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital each year, and sadly, only 10 percent survive. Effective bystander CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival, but only 32 percent of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from a bystander.

Bringing the Comfort of Warm Blankets to Our Vets in Redding

By Marlene Stamper, Public Affairs Volunteer

Isn’t it great to curl up with a warm blanket on the couch and watch your favorite TV show? Or what about that feeling you get when you wrap your child in their special blanket? Blankets bring us warmth, comfort, and even a feeling of security for some of us. Case in point: Charlie Brown’s best friend, Linus and his oh-so-important security blanket. No matter who you are, young or old, big or small, I bet you appreciate the comfort of a warm blanket. I know I do. So, that’s why it was a great pleasure and honor for me to ride along with two of my Red Cross friends, Lilly Wyatt (Director, Regional Communications and Marketing) and Tobrin Hewitt (Regional Services to the Armed Forces Manager) to deliver nearly 150 blankets to the Veterans Home of California in Redding. The Home is a 155-bed, long-term care facility for California Veterans.

When we dropped off the blankets, we had the opportunity to say hello to a few of our veterans. They were happy and appreciative to receive our unexpected gifts. And, I like to think when our vets use the blankets they’ll be reminded that their service to our country is greatly appreciated, today and every day.

The First U.S. Community Credit Union provided the blankets. The credit union partnered with the American Red Cross to sponsor a blanket drive that resulted in generous donations from their employees and members. This is just one of many examples of the community showing their support for California veterans.

The American Red Cross has a comprehensive program to support our veterans called the Services to the Armed Forces program. Tobrin manages this program and he said, “Providing blankets for a little extra comfort to our vets in just one aspect of our program.” The Services to the Armed Forces program also provides so much more to military members and their families, such as:

Emergency communication services by connecting military members with their families back home when an emergency strikes.
Emergency financial assistance by partnering with military aid societies to help military members and their families get assistance 24/7.
Information and referral services for counseling, guidance, and other social services.
Deployment services such as training, information, and support before, during, and after deployments.

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Donor Spotlight – McDonald’s Mother Lode Bringing out the pies to help families of the Butte Fire.

It has been a little over five months since the Butte Fire ravaged through the hills and neighborhoods of Calaveras and Amador counties. While those communities continue their recovery process, community members and businesses like McDonalds in the Mother Lode are still gathering the donations they received from their customers.

When the fire erupted that September 9 last year, Dennis Graspointner, McDonald’s owner/operator of the store in the Mother Lode called his local Red Cross to offer support.

He gathered his team of employees and his supervisor Ron Richards to come up with a unique fundraiser to assist those affected by the wildfire.

ButteFire_McDonalds — Mc Donald’s Mother Lode Team – Owner/operator Dennis Graspointer is in the middle and supervisor Ron Richards is to the far right.

They thought… “What is America’s favorite thing?” The All American Apple Pie, of course! Therefore, they kicked off a campaign where all proceeds from the purchase of pies would benefit the fire victims of the California Wildfires.

As soon as the campaign began, it was a hit in the community.

“Customers came by just for the pies, to help their friends and neighbors who had been evacuated,” says Dennis Graspointer.

Five months later, Liza Cruz, one of our major gift officers went by the store to say hello and to find out how the drive was going. “When I arrived the employees were so happy to have Red Cross there,” smiles Liza. “I was honored to be with such compassionate people.”

The pie sales raised more than $6000 dollars!

“McDonald’s is proud to be able to help, we benefited from the generosity of the customers, and they bought large quantities of pies, so thank you!” exclaimed Dennis.

The American Red Cross was able to help residents in Amador and Calaveras affected by the Butte Fire. Thanks to your generous support, we were able to:

Open 5 shelters providing over 1,750 overnight stays;
Serve more than 33, 000 meals and snacks;
Hand out 23,500 relief items, like comfort kits and clean up kits containing shovels, gloves and more;
And open 430 cases to provide one-on-one support to residents.

But, that’s not all; we continue to be in Calaveras and Amador counties to offer assistance to those affected by the fire with the recovery team “Calaveras Recovers.”

American Red Cross Provides Valuable Information at Calaveras Recovers Open House

On January 22, local American Red Cross volunteers joined about 20 other organizations and more than 100 Butte Fire survivors at the “Rebuilding Calaveras: A New Beginning” open house, sponsored by Calaveras Recovers, held in Mountain Ranch, CA.

Attendees were offered free expert advice on home building such as, tips on how to hire a qualified contractor, how to build fire and flood resistant homes, reforestation, and much more. Red Cross volunteers were on hand to distribute information on home fire preparedness, how to develop a fire escape plan, backpacks with fire safety information, and Disney coloring books for children.

Debbie Calcote, Disaster Program Manager, Butte Fire Recovery, was impressed and pleased with the enthusiastic attendance at the open house, in spite of the rain. She said, “It poured the whole evening, but that didn’t deter those who wanted information.”

Code Red, an emergency notification service, provided attendees information on how to sign up for the valuable service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email, and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications.

The Butte Fire was fully contained in early October 2015. The fire destroyed nearly 500 homes, more than 300 outbuildings, and burned nearly 72,000 acres. And unfortunately, two people were killed. Recovery from this level of destruction will continue for many years. The American Red Cross will continue to support recovery efforts through community work and as active members of the Calaveras Recovers Team.

Honeymoon Fire

A young couple of newlyweds moved to Auburn from Reno on New Year’s Day hoping to start their new life together in a new city, full of hope and new opportunities.

They moved into an unfurnished rental duplex and on January 20 the unexpected occurred – the clothes dryer caught on fire resulting in major damage to their new home.

The call came in at 4:00 pm. DAT volunteers Heath Wakelee, Chuck Snodgrass and Beryl Mayne agreed to respond to the duplex on Oak Street in Auburn.

The volunteers were able to talk to the young couple to get their information and provide the immediate assistance they needed – food, clothing and shelter.

“We know these young couple is resilient,’ said Heath Wakelee. “I’m glad we were able to be there for them to show how much we care and help them get some assistance for the next few days.”