June 21, 2007

NEWS BRIEFS

Art show with a unique perspective

Monart School of south San Jose will host its annual art show at the Vineland Branch Library this weekend, located on Blossom Hill Road. The Monart method utilizes both a visual lexicon called the "elements of shape," which provides a way for students to learn how to see and translate objects in the visual world, plus a philosophy that creates a safe environment in which students can experiment, learn and feel safe from criticism or critique. The show is open the entire weekend and the reception for its students will be between 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday.

To learn more about the Monart method, visit www.bavaniart.com Monart School is located at Princeton Plaza (Blossom Hill & Meridian), 1375 Blossom Hill Rd., #25, (next to Mervyn's between Mervyn's and Michaels in front of the bakery) San
Jose, Calif., 95118. The phone number is (408) 264-7800.

Family's fireworks tragedy motivates July 4 safety outreach

Video campaign seeks to prevent fireworks accidents

The family of a young boy killed by an errant consumer firework is sharing their story through an online video in an effort to prevent similar tragedies from occurring during this year's Independence Day celebrations.

In partnership with the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the parents and sister of Michael Shannon are encouraging families to leave fireworks shows to the professionals.
"What we found is that there is no safe way to use consumer fireworks without a substantial risk," says Robin Shannon, Michael's mother, in the video.

Michael was killed when a legal consumer firework tipped over during a family July Fourth celebration in 1991.
The firework struck 3-year-old Michael in the head while he stood between his father's legs. They were more than 40 feet away from the fireworks when the tragedy occurred.

"If this video helps to save one child, one family, from the pain that we've experienced, that will be enough,"
says Robin. After Michael's death, the particular firework device involved was taken off the market, but similar devices remain available.

In 2005, 10,800 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, according to a recent report from the NFPA, which founded the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks five years ago with the American Academy of Pediatrics.

More than half (54 percent) of 2005 fireworks injuries were burns, according to the NFPA report. Approximately 29 percent of the injuries were contusions or lacerations. Fireworks also cause approximately 25,000 grass, brush, dumpster and other fires each year.

"Families need to understand the risks involved with using even legal consumer fireworks," says James M. Shannon (no relation), president and CEO of NFPA. "Consumer fireworks hurt many thousands of people and cause thousands of structural and vehicle fires. This year's severe nationwide drought raises additional fire risks."

"Year after year we stand with physicians, firefighters, and fireworks victims, sounding warnings. But injuries continue to occur," said James Shannon. "The willingness of Michael Shannon's family to share their experience
is truly admirable and may finally lead parents to think twice about home-grown fireworks shows."

NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896.
The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other
hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training,
and education.

For more information, visit NFPA's Web site at www.nfpa.org.

Almaden Super Lions named top club

Wen Doong accepted the Almaden Super Lion of the Year award from Membership VP Jeff Spedding and outgoing President Tom Smith.

The Almaden Super Lions won the coveted Frank Granito trophy at the Lions District Convention in Sacramento. This makes the club the best club in the 4-C6 District of approximately 47 Lions Clubs from Milpitas to King City. The ASL’s celebrated at a wonderful summer picnic in Almaden Lake Park where special awards were presented to members and new officers installed.

The incoming president is Eddie Dinsmore; incoming vice presidents are Jeff Spedding, Jim Hunt, Lois Ferber, Val Isaacson and Bob Froom; incoming secretary is Don Simpson; incoming treasurer is Nandor Krause; incoming “TailTwister” is T.A. Hunter; and “Lion Tamer” is Shelly Morales, all who were all installed by District Governor Bob DeUnger. Club Directors Judi Bennett, Harry Hall, Len Grilli, Judy Froom and Wen Doong were also congratulated.

Almaden Super Lions meets every Wednesday morning at Bakers Square on Almaden Expressway.

For membership information, contact Jeff Spedding at 221-1106.