American Red Cross celebrates 110 years

This June marks the 110th year for the American Red Cross presence in Northern Nevada. While the Northern Nevada Chapter wasn't officially chartered until 1917, its origins can actually be traced back to 1898 when a group of volunteers in Carson City started a Red Cross Society after getting in touch with Clara Barton in Washington, D.C. While Clara Barton is credited with starting the American Red Cross in 1881 at the age of 60, she was first a teacher and is also credited with starting the first free public school in the mid 1800's.

On April 24 from 5-7 p.m., the Nevada Historical Society will have a display of artifacts at the museum on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno, for the reception honoring the 110th anniversary of the American Red Cross.

The official celebration will be Oct. 18 at the National Automobile Association in Reno. They will have a number of silent auction items for attendees to bid on as well as memorabilia to view on the history of the Red Cross in Northern Nevada. If anyone has any pictures or other information on families that received assistance from the Red Cross over the years in our area, you can contact Caroline Punches, executive director of the Northern Nevada Chapter, at (775) 856-1000. She is trying to put together an album showcasing the work of the volunteers and the Red Cross over the past 110 years. The Nevada Appeal will be printing a hardbound book commemorating the history later this year.

We are always in need of volunteers to help in a variety of ways. There are local disaster action teams that provide assistance to families that are affected by fires, floods, etc. For national disasters, volunteers who are members of the Disaster Services Human Resources database can provide assistance either through shelters or delivery of supplies to remote areas or in data entry for survivors to let friends or family know they are safe and well. There are many ongoing projects throughout the year that need volunteers on a short term basis. This is a great way to give back to your community without having to commit to anything long term. As an example, the Ride for the Red will be on June 7 this year. Motorcyclists will follow the 110-mile route as a poker run, and there is a need for volunteers to pass out water, as well as HAM radio operators for communication between stops.

On a more local focus, if you are interested in obtaining a burn permit, they are available at our Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department. You can find them in a container attached to the front of the station. It looks like this weekend might be a great one, weather-wise, for taking care of those yard clean-up projects. Be careful though with the amount of wind we have been having. We don't want any flames or embers to get away and start something.

Be sure to mark Saturday, July 19, on your calendar. That is the date for the annual Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department Neighborhood Bar-B-Q. It is always a fun time to meet your neighbors, dance the night away, and play games - and there are always some great silent auction items to bid on as well as raffle prizes for the lucky winners to take home.

Have a ramblin' good week!

-- Reach Gail Davis at ruhenstrothramblings@yahoo.com or call 265-1947.