It's not all disaster response here at the Charlotte County American Red Cross, although that is one of the many ways we help our community. We also find it important to provide everyone with an opportunity to give back to the community not only when disaster strikes, but in their everyday lives as well. More...

There is a disease that goes around at this time of year. Ordinarily people of my age group are separated from it by years and at least one generation. Not us. At the ages of 72 and 66 we have a really big case of it and it has nothing to do with social security, medicare or discounts. We own a teen ager who is graduating this spring. And when the decree came from on high that "no patched jeans or oddly logoed shirts could be worn to senior night at Disney" the kid's wardrobe was searched and found wanting. All his jeans have been mended with the favored look, either a red or a blue bandana, and although he has 273 polo shirts, mostly without any logos at all, he needed a new one to match the new look of no patch jeans. A trip to Marshall's was arranged with girl friend and buddy in tow and Grandma sprung for the outfit. I am guessing Grandpa will be hit up for shoes. So Disney night came and went. "How did it go?" "Okay." "Did you have a good time?" "Fine." "What did you do?" "Not much." This passes for conversation with a teen ager and since he got home alive, I have to assume it was truly "okay", if not the time of his life, which would have at least rated a "cool". He wasn't on the bus that caught fire, so it didn't even rate on the excitement factor level. Two and a half paychecks had already been spent on tickets for prom, tux rental and flowers! But they are saving big money by not doing the limo thing. I have been asked to intercede with the uncle for the use of the little silver sports car for the night. I probably will and he probably will lend it. He is a good and reliable kid. Most of the time. But it is graduation. And prom. Which means crazy making. One day's headline news was that the 'other' high school had to hold their prom in the gym, because someone had spent all the money on a very expensive DJ. We are aghast! You can't roll up to the gymnasium in a limo and remain cool. It's a GYM for pete's sakes! How can such a grand event be held in the room where you practiced lay ups and sweated out PE? Hey, terrific tunes, but don't dance into the goal posts? Keep your date away from the reeking wrestling mats. And be really, really careful using the rest rooms. They are in the locker rooms and GOD knows what is in there. HE really does, but no one else does. Certainly not the coaches or janitors. A gym just isn't sexy. It isn't rad or phat or any of the other words the foreign expensive DJ would use. Are those words right? I don't know! I'm a grandmother! But my grandson was as appalled as only a high school senior can be at the desecration of a sacred night. Thank heaven our school didn't have that problem. We have hired a real ball room. His description sounds a lot like a hotel conference room to me, but I know when to keep my mouth shut and I promise myself not to mention for at least one year, the fact that I attended Prom every year for four years in a gym mysteriously and imaginatively transformed by the junior class, teachers and moms into a magic kingdom where young love prevailed. But the gym mats were there just to keep it real. Somewhere there are photos of each of these Proms featuring me in a gorgeous gown created by mom. I doubt any of those at my grandson's event will know what kind of a Cinderella feeling that was. On the other hand I hope "Carrie" isn't there either. Then there is graduation its own self. Do you know how much they charge for caps, tassels, gowns, invitations, tickets? 60 buckolas to rent a cap and gown with an extra $25 for a tassel you can take home and use as a cat toy. The kid went to the linen closet and found a burgundy sheet and tossed it around his shoulders. The mouse ear chapeau from Senior night solved the cap part. I have his mother's tassel hanging on the bulletinboard in my office. If I wasn't so relieved that he was actually graduating, I would balk. Infighting over seats at the great event is the GNP of local graduations. The aunts, uncles and grannies who didn't make the cut, will cold shoulder you for weeks, but seats are limited and only the nearest of the dearest will be allowed in to sit in aching discomfort for hours in anticipation of the proud moment. My greatest fear is that by the time my pride and joy is due up, I will have to go so badly I will end up in line at the restroom when the kid finally walks the dais. I can only hope that the cheer from the stall in the ladies' room can be heard out front. More...

"McGruff" and Chick-Fil-A's "Cow" will make appearances at the YMCA Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 12th. Local businesses will be on hand to pass out information and free items and there will be games, prizes, face painting and the famous YMCA Tower Climb. More...