Before you start, I want to say that I am sorry for the length of today’s post but I wanted to tell you about everything at ONE TIME!!  You may have to read it a different times so you are not stuck in front of the computer for an hour. Ha!

Well, I told you in yesterday’s post that I had something to share with you that not only would you want to be a part of but that you SHOULD be a part of as well.  It is something that is very important to me and I have great passion for it even more this year (like I am sure many do.)

It is the 3rd Annual Carlos Serrano Memorial PHP 5K which is benefitting  Jackson County Christmas Charities.  It is an event that is important to me for many reasons.  One being that Carlos was a great friend to me and taught me more about “striving to be your best in all that you do” and he was such a motivator to all he came in contact with whether is was on the job, personally, health wise, etc.  It is also close to my heart because I serve on the Jackson County Christmas Charities Board and have for MANY years. (cannot tell how many or you would know how close that I am to turning 40! Ha!)  And, then I am fond of it because it is a COMMUNITY WIDE event and is for everyone (all ages and for those that are great athletes and then those that are not the best or the fastest….)  I think most of you know that I am a big supporter of Community Events and if it has a good cause, then you will hear my doing all that I can to “talk it up” to the best of my ability.

For those of you who do not know a lot about Christmas Charities, I thought I would give you a little background.  It has been a part of Scottsboro and Jackson County for over 25 years now.  There is a Christmas Charities Board that consist of 25 people; Jane Bergman, Ann Martin, Cindy Hymer, Karen Lovvorn, Cindy Butler, Lowell Bivens, Liz Lovelady, Jeppa Moody, Alan Garner, Becky Kellenberger, Sue Smith, Paulette Byrd, Anne Gibson, Jill Johnson, Madge Myers, Thelma Snodgrass, Darlene Lovvorn, Jerry Wheeler, Bill Knight, Sheenia Little, Jennie Adams and myself.  We also have “Center Directors” and those also attend the board members as well, they are; Nadra Lambert, Phillip Anderson, Rick Hanback, Sue Smith and Donna Chambers.

I can tell you that without this group, there would be families that would not be able to celebrate Christmas each December.  I can speak for all of them, that the “Board Members” are not the reason for the success but they are the “back bone” of the group.  The businesses, individuals, churches, Schools, clubs/groups and then the 5K Race are the real people that make it all come together.

JC Christmas Charities ONLY serve Children, Elderly (60 years and older) and the Disabled.  Children have to be 18 years  and younger to be served and they also have to be attending school.

The CC office is located in DHR Building.  We are fortunate to have a office there and that is where the “Volunteers” work during the CC Season.

CC serves all of Scottsboro and Jackson County.  All of the people that live in Scottsboro are served out of the DRH Office.  There are “Outlying” Centers that are ran by volunteers in the following communities; Bridgeport, Pisgah, Woodville, Dutton, Section and Stevenson.  These “centers” help out so much and take very good care of their community.

There is a process that an applicant goes through before actually receiving assistance from JC Christmas Charities.   It is very simple but works well.  There is a date set for prospect to complete an application and that day is in September and for those that were not able to make that date, they can apply at the “Make up” date which is held in October. 

We publicize this event with informing everyone of the dates, location, etc.  and this is taken care of via Television, Radio and Newspapers.  We also have flyer’s up around the County to so that everyone should be aware of the Application Dates.

After the applications are collected (which this year, the location is going to be at the Greater Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for Scottboro people), they will be given over to a “screening committee” (which board members)to make sure that they have met all of the requirements to be a recipient for that year.  One of those requirements is that they have to meet the Poverty Guidelines that are set by the State.  Applicants are approved if they are receiving any government assistance.  All of the applicants that are approved will then be sent over (the application) to the CC office where volunteers will put all of the applications into a computer program.  At this time, they are ready to be adopted by  individuals, schools, clubs businesses and Industries.  Volunteers “man” the CC Office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November to middle of December.

Our (the board members) goal is to get all families adopted.  Those that are not, then will be served through the CC office with monetary donations, toys and other items that have been graciously donated from various resources.  The proceeds from the PHP/Carlos Serrano Race is used to “service” those CC Applicants.  With so many layoffs, people are not finding new jobs, and the donations from individuals, businesses, etc. not able to be given like years ago- it is very important that any and all monies raised at the 5K is vital in allowing all the approved CC families.  That is why we need your help so desperately.

We also have to purchase food from the Food Bank in Huntsville, Alabama and that is always a cost that seems to increase each year like you would expect.  There is a great group of “MEN” and students that help with “manning” the Food Truck.  If the applicant is served out of the CC office, they are given a bag of food so that we know that there will at least be food for the Holidays.  The “Food Truck” people do an outstanding job each year and they know exactly what they are doing in being organized and efficient.

We also receive monies from United Givers Fund which is another great group that I will be “posting” about in the coming days.  UGF is extremely helpful in working with us each year.  Thank you!!!

So, now that you know a little more about Christmas Charities and it is very obvious to all of us that there will be even more than usual that are going to have to depend on Christmas Charities to allow them to have a Christmas this year.

Just know that by participating in the 5K you are helping us get one step closer to making many Jackson Countians have a Christmas that otherwise they would not.

The Scottsboro Tri-Sport Athletic Association, Inc. (STAA)

and Polyamide High Performance, Inc. (PHP)

present the

3rd Annual Carlos Serrano Memorial PHP 5K

benefiting

Jackson County Christmas Charities (JCCC)

Saturday, September 19th, 2009

9:00 a.m.

Goose Pond Colony, Scottsboro Alabama

I will be sharing more with you about the STAA Group in the coming days because you may just be interested in becoming a part of this local group.

Also, due to the death of  Carlos last week, the name of the race has been changed which I thought was only appropriate since  he was the “BRAIN” behind this event.

You can go to here to look at the Race Site and register too.  We would like for you to register online if at all possible. This way, we will know daily of the number of participants.  For those of you who have not participated in a 5K before, we are using the “chip” system this year which is an automated timing program. You will attach a small chip on your shoe that morning and as you cross the Finish Line, your chip (which is how your time is kept up) will be detected and your time will go into a computer program.  (We are “high-tech” this year and that was one of the “improvements” that Carlos had made this year.)

If you would rather complete your registration form and print it out, mailing a check with it- you are welcome to do that too.  On the site, you will see all of the instructions regarding Registration.

So that is about it for the “Race Information” and Christmas Charities but I want to show you some pictures that will help give those who have never participated in a 5K before, a better idea of what it will be like.

So, the event takes place at Goose Pond Colony (the area behind the pool is where this is).  Parking is from this point on down to the amphitheatre if needed.

 This is Marien, Carlos’ wonderful and beautiful wife.  Many of your kids may know her as Mrs. Amerigo (that is what she went by when she  was teaching for the Scottsboro City Schools).

 And this is Marisa Lusk, who worked with Carlos and did and is continuing to do so much to make this event not only a successful one but a time that you all will talk about for months afterward.  Just like last year,  it was the talk for a long time about how much people enjoyed it and how nice everyone was treated that participated.  She is one magnificent person!!

 And like I told you earlier in the post,  it does not matter if you are “FITNESS KING OR QUEEN” because look at my dad (on the left) here.  He not what I would call a “Hard Body” but rather a “Happy Body”.  He and my mom did the race and they were so proud of themselves when they walked across that Finish Line.  My mom had complete knee replacement 7 months before this race day and she did excellent.   So, I don’t want to hear the excuse that you cannot participate because you are not athletic, out of shape, etc.  because I promise you that you can start this race and  you can finish this race.  You do not have to run- you can walk the entire thing. You will be surprised at how you adrenaline gets pumping when you start…. Distance is not even on your mind.  Carlos started this Race 3 years ago because he wanted to promote fitness in the community and at the same time support a local charity.  So, get on those tennis shoes now and get outside and do a little walking or a little running OR a little of BOTH!!!  I just noticed the “towel” hanging out my dad’s pocket- I am assuming that was to wipe the sweat off of his brow or even more, his entire face. Ha! Oh, and don’t think you have to have “special clothing” to walk either- as long as it is comfortable and cool, you will be looking “fine”.

 And there were LOTS of kids last year and we want even MORE this year.  The kids get a great “Race Packet” (in the packet, you will get a shirt, the kids get choice of a basket ball of soccer ball and you will be “loving” all the goodies that you find in that bag- I am not going to ruin it for those who did not participate last year….I think those that did, will agree with me that the “Race Bag” of goods alone- is worth much more than $20) Carlos had a goal for this year….He wants 1000 participants this year!! Don’t sigh and say “WHAT?” because that goal can be reached.  We had 500 participants this year.  If everyone that participated last year will run/walk again this year and just ask one person- there you would have 1000 people.  I have had so many people tell me that they were definitely going to participate this year because they had heard so many great things about the PHP 5K from 2008.

And when there is event an event this big- it takes LOTS of volunteers to help out with set- up, Race day and then take-down on Saturday.  PHP employees do a fantastic job with giving of their time and energy.  But, we are needing not only PHP Volunteers and CC Volunteers but ANYONE ELSE that would be willing to give and hour or so of their time.  It is such a great cause and how rewarding it is when you give of yourself and in return, you are making a difference in the lives of people in this County.  If you are interested in yourself, Boy Scout Group, Church Group, Business, etc. volunteering an hour or so of time, please email me at pennyg@scottsboro.org and I will get you on the list.  Thanks in Advance!!

 Everyone getting ready to begin the Race.  Don’t worry if you think you will be the last one to finish- So what if you are…..You at least FINISHED and that is something to be proud of!!!  Get your entire family to participate.  My girls loved running and walking this 5K last year. By the way, a 5K is 3.1 miles…..  You walk that much when you go to Walmart. Ha!

Carlos giving Dr. Chad Bradford his trophy for winning his “age group”.  You can see on the look of both of these guys’ faces –that they were proud of what had just happened.  A GREAT RACE!!!

 Mayor Potter making his way across the FINISH LINE!!!! He was ready for that wonderful meal that the Dock’s Restaurant had prepared for everyone that day.  You exercise and then you get to EAT!!!  Good food too.  I am confident that Carlos did not eat the food. (He ate bird food and would not put fried or a creamy, buttery food in his mouth. Ha!)

If you would like to see LOTS of pictures from last years race, you can click on pictures on the website and see them all.

So, I hope you see not only how much fun and rewarding that this could be for you and your family BUT that you have also just help make a child, an elderly or disabled person have the opportunity to have a Merry Christmas this year.   100% of the proceeds will be donated to Jackson County Christmas Charities.  That is what I call GENEROSITY!!! That is exactly what Carlos Serrano was all about.  

We (the CC Board Members) are forever grateful of the day that Carlos made the decision that JC Christmas Charities would be the one that benefited from the 5K Race.  It give us the “drive” and “motivation” to do all that we can to make Carlos’ dream and goal be reached!!!  We can do it but we NEED you to help us. 

Remember, this is for Runners and Walkers of ALL ages and skill levels  and are ENCOURAGED to PARTICIPATE!  If you have ever wanted to do something for someone but financially you did not feel that the little that you could give would really make a difference- THINK AGAIN because for $20 you can do something good for your heart and your body.  Along with that, you get a great running/walking shirt (not your normal cotton t-shirt), a bag full of GOOD STUFF (things you will actually get a lot of use from) and then afterward you get a TASTY meal prepared by The Docks Restaurant.  And then most importantly, you are helping in making this a great Christmas for someone is Scottsboro and Jackson County. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at pennyg@scottsboro.org or call me at 599-1507 and  I be happy to answer any question that you might have.

Sorry, that I got a little lengthy but you know how it is for me with those “things” that are important to me- I cannot seem to ever find a place to stop talking.

I was going to show you some more of my “Advertiser Finds” today but I will share those with you tomorrow.  I have some good “stuff” to show you too.

Until tomorr0w- PLEASE mark your calendar NOW for Saturday, September 19th at 9:00 a.m. at Goose Pond Colony.  You will begin seeing posters and posters up around town next week.  Please make sure to tell any friend or family member that you think would enjoy participating in this event- tell them to read my “Purse Post” and they will be all in the “KNOW” of what is being planned….

Until tomorrow- think about how rewarding and how fun this will be.  It will be an emotional day for those that knew Carlos and how excited he was about this day getting closer and closer.  When he spoke of the Race- you could see the excitement in his eyes– about what it would be like that day with 1000 people out there – that was what he loved is the feeling of  “reward -satisfaction”  of all the hard work that it had been preparing for the event. That is the dedication from the participants too.

How proud he will be of his community that he cared so deeply for being there in his Honor!!!  I can assure you that even though he will not be there is  “person”, he will be there in “SPIRIT”.  I bet he is working on a “Heaven” 5K Race that he will be over on that same morning.  That is just Carlos…..He was always striving to make himself better and those around him better in ALL WAYS!!!