There will be free food, games and trinket booths, along with a Beer and Wine Garden. The Rotary Club is also offering a Patriot dinner with a menu that features a gourmet barbeque, for everyone in the Mission Hall, priced at $35 for adults and $15 for children, 12 and under. Valley wines will be available for purchase. Tickets are available at the Los Padres and Valley Oaks bank lobbies in Solvang. This years raffle will give you the opportunity to win a Patriots quilt, which was donated by The Tuesday Night Quilters. Contact Mary Jo McNamara 245-8868 to purchase yours. The Rotary Club also recognizes many corporate and individual sponsors; The Ann Johnson Foundation, Knight Broadcasting and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The fundraisers will support many charities and institutions that the Santa Ynez Rotary Club is committed to.

 

Public Service: A Way of Life

By Taylor Carty

 

 

I have just finished my first year of volunteer service at The American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter. It has been an amazing experience for me. I have learned several important life skills during my time there. For example, I have sorted, inventoried, and even shredded practically every Red Cross document that there is. Some people might call me a “paper pusher.”  However, it is clear to me, especially because of my experience in 4H, that documentation is one of the keys to organization. When disaster strikes, an organized plan will make the difference between success and failure.

The Red Cross has educated me on the importance of disaster preparedness.

It has given me the opportunity to help educate our community by speaking at elementary schools on fire and earthquake safety. As my public speaking skills progressed, I was asked to participate in community street fairs, representing the American Red Cross.

Through all of this, the most important things that I have learned are “Together We Can Save a Life,” and as a community, “Together We Prepare.”

 

HAVING A BLAST SAFELY

The Fourth of July is a celebration that can be spoiled by avoidable injuries. These injuries range from insect bites, to severe burns.

Start your Fourth of July off by assembling a first aid kit. Your kit should contain sunscreen, insect repellent, medicines needed, band aids and antiseptic cream.

Make sure that you put your kit in your picnic basket, beach bag, or backpack before leaving the house.

Our family tradition is fried chicken and lemon bars on the Fourth of July.

However, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, most Americans consider hotdogs to be the perfect food for the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, hot dogs present a serious choking risk, especially to children. It is recommended that you cut them lengthwise, then into smaller bits and most importantly, supervise your child while they eat. Other foods that can cause a potential choking hazard are whole grapes, carrots, peanuts and popcorn.

If you have young children, I would suggest getting certified in CPR with The American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter this summer. Any teens planning to baby-sit young children can take a baby-sitting or CPR class, also offered by The American Red Cross.

BARBECUE BASICS

Smokey the Bear says, “Be safe with fire.” When grilling, avoid long loose sleeves, use chimney starters versus lighter fluid to ignite charcoal, and never use an outdoor grill inside the house, a garage or an apartment balcony.

 

BEE PROTECTED

Lemonade and cool grass are just a couple of summer’s pleasures. Mosquito and tick bites are not! Take the time to learn protection tips against insect bites, bee stings, and most of all, avoid tick bites that can transmit Lyme disease.

 

ROCKETS’ RED GLARE

The Fourth of July firework celebration is right around the corner. It is a time where literally “bombs are bursting in the air”. As fun as they are to watch, fireworks can cause serious injury if precautions are not taken. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 70 percent of all firework-related injuries occur around Independence Day. More than 50 percent of the injuries are to children and teenagers. The top three injury-causing fireworks are firecrackers, sparklers, and rockets.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers some safety tips. First, only buy from an established retail outlet. Never experiment with homemade fireworks. Always read and follow the directions on the label. Only Use fireworks outdoors. Use one at a time, move away quickly once they are lit, and never attempt to relight. Last, have a responsible adult in charge at all times.

Don’t ever give fireworks to children and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.

If you follow these simple precautions, you can have a safe and fun experience with fireworks this holiday. I would also like to add firework safety for your pets. So many of us have pets here in the Valley. A loud noise can hurt sensitive ears, so please put your pets inside.

I am wishing everyone a safe and well prepared Fourth of July. Look for my next update on Summer Water Safety for you and your children.

You can also refer to The American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter Web site for more information at www.sbredcross.org. For a summer class schedule, please call 805-687-1331.