It seems that while I was away, a tremendous amount of energy
was generated letting everyone in town know that I was gone for a
week and a half. Well, if you all really want to know where I’ve
been, it gives me an opportunity to do a little bragging.
It seems that while I was away, a tremendous amount of energy was generated letting everyone in town know that I was gone for a week and a half. Well, if you all really want to know where I’ve been, it gives me an opportunity to do a little bragging.
On Oct. 2, I flew to Chicago to move my 22-year-old daughter to New York. She just signed a contract with the American Repertory Ballet Theatre and will also be teaching dance at Princeton University. From there, on Oct. 8, I flew to Cincinnati, Ohio to attend the National Youth Council. There are close to 1,000 CEOs and Executive Directors with the Red Cross and every three years one is nominated and selected to be on this council. I was nominated and asked to be on the council in September of this year. The expenses are paid by the National Red Cross.
What does being on this council mean? It will give me the opportunity to help the National Red Cross develop a strong program for youth in the Red Cross. It also gives me a chance to learn what is going on with other chapters across the United States involving youth programs. Grants that are becoming available to chapters and to help plan what will happen at the National Convention for the youth attending. Why is this so important to me? Developing a strong youth program in San Benito County is a priority of mine. Starting JARCA (Junior American Red Cross Aides) with San Benito High students is exciting. Dave Tari and I are advising this group of energetic students. For those who attended the recent Air Fair, out booth was manned by our JARCA members.
Though I’m sure the majority of you are not really that interested, but since Jan. 1, I have taken seven vacation days. Since I have been in this chapter, I have attended CEO training classes in Las Vegas (paid by National), a fund-raising workshop in February and the National Convention in May. Each of these events and trainings usually begin on Friday and end Sunday. In July, myself and the disaster coordinator attended a week long training (paid by the government) to attend training in weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. I have been out of Red Cross business a total of 12 working days since January.
Who is manning the ship while I’m away? Each time I’ve left, one to two full-time staff, plus two part-time people have been here working away. They are experienced and well trained to handle any situation that may arise. We have various volunteers working the front desk and answering phones. As for the office hour changes that occurred this fall, times are tough and cut backs must be made. I have one full time staff member on maternity leave. To ease the burden, we are now opening the office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. I still come in the office at 8 a.m. and usually leave after 6 p.m. and so do several of the staff members here.
As the director, I have spoken 22 times for different organizations since September 2002. I’m involved in Rotary, LaTip, attend the Chamber of Commerce socials and a few of the Downtown Association breakfasts. The clown at Kids in the Park was me. I’ve gone on several DAT runs to local fires, belong to the Safe Kids Coalition, put on the Together We Prepare Fair held in June, sold elephant ears at the Street Festival and was arrested for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in September. This past year, we trained more people in first aid and CPR than in years past, started a support group for the military families and did several presentations to groups and businesses on putting together a disaster kit.
I’m not sure what the “anonymous writer” meant by his/her comments (and by the way, the amount mentioned as my salary is actually less than that.) I don’t think driving a 7-year-old car and living in a one bedroom apartment is considered lavish. I came to this county to do my job, to run the San Benito Chapter for the San Benito County residents. With me came 14 years experience in working with the Red Cross and 25 years experience in running non-profit organizations. The job came with some obstacles I was not prepared to deal with but I felt I have handled them with a fierce dedication in knowing what is right and doing what my conscience tells me to do. This is a wonderful community and I have enjoyed meeting so many of you and look forward to continuing to serve you.
Kathryn Engelhard,
Executive Director
