Red Cross chapter has opportunities for folks to serve

NEWS OF NOTE

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

"We are pleased to participate in United We Serve project and thank the president for making this call to service," Mike Zabko, chief executive officer for the Southern Maryland chapter said in the release. "Everyone has something to give. By serving this summer, we hope more people will make an ongoing commitment to volunteering throughout the year."

Volunteers are needed to fill leadership roles on the group's board of directors, blood donors are needed every day, volunteers to help with local fundraising efforts, and disaster services has a year-round need to comfort local residents after a home fire or other disaster. The summer months are especially important because blood donations and volunteers typically decrease due to the warm weather and busy personal schedules, the release stated.

"A blood donation can save lives and only takes about an hour; volunteering to work at a disaster site, or help out in our fundraising efforts is also a great way to help your community with a small commitment," Zabko said in the release. "Each is incredibly rewarding, and the community depends on the local chapter to provide Red Cross services to the local community."

Volunteers are currently needed in Calvert, Charles and St Mary's counties to assist the Southern Maryland chapter. Call Bob Gretton, volunteer coordinator, at 888-276-2767 or e-mail BobG@SOMDRedCross.org.

For more information about United We Serve, go to www.Serve.gov, a Web site that allows visitors to find local volunteer opportunities or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families and neighbors. To find out more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, go to http://SouthernMaryland.RedCross.org

Chautauqua schedule set

Chautauqua is a seasonal tradition for history aficionados, families, tourists, social groups, and anyone who loves thought-provoking entertainment, according to a press release from the Maryland Humanities Council. Held at communities throughout Maryland, Chautauqua offers three nights of entertainment from performers and scholars who first portray a famous historical figure, then open up the stage for questions and discussion. Go to www.mdhc.org for a full schedule of sites, dates, and times, and for more information on the unique event.

In Southern Maryland, the College Of Southern Maryland will host performances portraying groundbreaking baseball player Jackie Robinson and president's wife and social activist Eleanor Roosevelt.

At the La Plata Campus, 8730 Mitchell Road, beginning at 7 p.m. July 8, a portrayal of Robinson will be performed

At the Prince Frederick Campus, 115 J.W. Williams Road, a portrayal of Roosevelt will be performed at 7 p.m. July 9. Both performances are free and will be outdoors with a canopied stage; in case of severe weather, the program will be held indoors in Room 120, Lounge at Prince Frederick and in the fine arts building theater in La Plata.Call Emmitt Woodey at 301-934-7827.

State group seeks nominations

The Maryland State Advisory Council on Physical Fitness is now accepting applications for the fifth annual Physical Activity Excellence Awards. The awards recognize efforts to promote physical activity among Maryland residents. Individuals, organizations, agencies, schools, communities and businesses in Maryland whose dedication, vision and service have helped increase physical activity among Maryland citizens are eligible to receive the award.

The council will recognize one individual and one group winner in each of three age categories, youth, 17 and younger; adult, 18-49; and older adult, 50 and older. Winners of the awards will be honored by the council in November with a state proclamation.

Applications are now available at www.marylandfitness.org and are due by Sept. 18. Nominations can be made by anyone who knows the nominee's accomplishments. The application is one page and must be accompanied by two references. Contact Erin Penniston at 410-767-6783 or epenniston@dhmh.state.md.us

Performances at college

This summer the College of Southern Maryland will once again offer a free, outdoor performance series at all three campuses. Concerts will be held at the Leonardtown campus on Tuesdays, La Plata campus on Wednesdays and the Prince Frederick campus on Thursdays. For a list of the featured musicians, go to http://www.csmd.edu/FineArts/Twilight%20Series/Twilight.html.