By Annual meeting recognizes volunteers who have made outstanding contributions

Town Crier Report

Los Altos resident and American Red Cross volunteer Judy Boore was honored by the Palo Alto Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at its annual meeting last Thursday at Mountain View City Hall.

Boore, who received the Clara Barton Award, was recognized for her dedication and initiative as a mental health volunteer.

“In the nine years that Judy has been a volunteer with the chapter, she has been on 40 disaster assignments - local and national,” said Rita Castro Hawkins, associate director of disaster services. “She is a great example of an individual who gives of her time and talent to the community she lives and works in.”

Los Altos resident and longtime volunteer Vinnie Biberdorf was recognized for her leadership work with volunteers.

The chapter also presented a Special Recognition Award to Los Altos resident Pat Foerster. “Pat played an integral role in the success of the wine festival last year,” said Pilar Furlong, director of development for the Palo Alto Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Her persistence and thoroughness led to more than 70 wineries attending the event.”

Youth Volunteer Awards were presented to Jeanette Hayman and Rebecca Wang of Los Altos who worked with the chapter’s Safe Ride program. The program offers confidential rides home on weekends to teenagers who may have been drinking.

Los Altos Hills resident Laura Hernandez received the New Volunteer Award for her volunteer efforts in helping the disaster team.

The annual meeting recognizes volunteers who have made outstanding contributions of time and service helping the Red Cross further its mission.

The American Red Cross Annual Partnership Award was awarded to the Los Altos Town Crier.

“The Crier has played a significant role in helping the Palo Alto Area chapter fulfill its mission of helping people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies,” said Trish Bubenik, executive director of the chapter. “Their support has allowed the Red Cross to provide more individuals in our area with life saving skills.”

The annual meeting also was marked by Bubenik announcing her “Partners In Preparedness Initiative,” aimed at educating and involving the community to a greater degree in emergency preparedness.

The Palo Alto Area Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, as well as Stanford and Moffett Field.

It provides local communities with disaster assistance, disaster prevention education and health and safety education in the form of CPR and first aid courses.

The chapter provides services to over 22,000 people each year.

For more information contact Deepa Arora, public relations manager, at 688-0424.