No doubt you’ve seen plenty of horrifying images on TV of
destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, and the many, many people
left with nowhere to go.
No doubt you’ve seen plenty of horrifying images on TV of destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, and the many, many people left with nowhere to go.
Local Life Coach and Motivational Speaker Mary Ellen Salzano, writes me:
“You can help. MoveOn.org just launched a Web site, www.hurricanehousing.org, to connect your empty beds with hurricane victims who desperately need a place to wait out the storm.
“You can post your offer of housing (a spare room, extra bed, even a decent couch) on http://www.hurricanehousing.org or search there for housing if you need it.
“MoveOn will pass requests from hurricane victims or relief agencies on to volunteer hosts, who can decide whether or not to respond to a particular request. The host remains anonymous until they reply to someone looking for housing.
“I just posted my own offer. I hope you will too, or pass this on to people you know in the Southeast.”
Bonnie Williams, Special Events Director for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross writes me:
“I was searching the local archives for articles about real-life heroes in our local community and I came upon your July 29, 2004, article about Efka Palankova. And it struck me that you might also have come across other heroes in our area.
“There are ordinary people throughout our community who perform extraordinary acts of courage and selflessness that save lives.
“On Friday, Oct. 28, the American Red Cross, Santa Clara Valley Chapter, will honor the courageous and selfless actions of local South County heroes at its inaugural ‘Real Heroes’ Breakfast at the Coyote Creek Golf Club.
“Nine residents from Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy will be recognized for their heroic acts at the 1st Annual Real Heroes Breakfast. Each hero will be nominated by the members of the community in the categories of Animal Rescuer, Education, Good Samaritan-Adult, Good Samaritan-Youth, Law Enforcement, Medical Professional, Military, Professional Rescuer, and Workplace. A panel of community leaders will review all nominations and select the heroes to be honored.”
Proceeds from this event will go to the American Red Cross’ life-saving programs and services, while also honoring some of the “Real Heroes” who make our community a better place to live.
If you know of any organizations or individuals who might want to help sponsor this wonderful event, please contact Bonnie at 577-2112; 577-2050. If you know a hero that you would like to nominate, go to www.santaclaravalley.redcross.org and submit your nomination by Saturday.
Gaston, a Cajun crocodile, made an appearance in a puppet show at the Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill last Sunday, where he played tambourine by holding it in his jaws and vigorously shaking his head. The puppets were reassuring to the children in attendance as they discussed what can be done to help those suffering in the Gulf Coast region.
Thirteen amazing junior high and high school aged young people led the entire church service, playing flute, piano, and violin; singing, reading scripture, showing video clips, and even performing a rap and dance-style reenactment of the Gospel story from the musical, “Godspell.”
These same young people invite you to a car wash Saturday at the Advent Lutheran Church at 16870 Murphy Ave. (off Dunne) in Morgan Hill, from 8:30am to 3pm. Donations of any amount are accepted, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to help hurricane survivors rebuild their communities and their lives.
