The theme of this year’s Hands Across Santa Paula was “Honoring Quiet Heroes” and event founder Beverly Samantha “Sammi” Frady found many who in their own way have acted heroically.
“... may we all be inspired to share kindness with the world,” prayed Pastor Jenny Crosswhite.
The Mercer-Prieto VFW Post #2043 had a Color Guard and Hector Sanchez sang The National Anthem.
Supervisor Kathy Long, the keynote speaker, and Santa Paula City Councilman Martin Hernandez was on hand as were Fire Chief Rick Araiza, Police Chief Steve McLean and even Sparky the SPFD Dog.
A true community event, Steve Lazenby had put plywood from Board Up near the fencing at the Skate Park to serve as easels to display the hundreds of student artworks submitted to the event, each holding a design and a wish.
Long urged the approximately 100 attendees to mirror in the own lives what the event represents and experience how kindness “can enrich your and other’s lives... I see bumper stickers that read ‘Everyday do a random act of kindness,’ “ advice that should be acted upon.
Even on duty public safety applies that adage, not only doing their job, but “so much of the unexpected” and meaningful acts of kindness.
President Truman had said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care about being recognized for it,” words that Long said still apply to things done for others, big and small.
Chief Araiza said he and the SPFD were “humbled to be asked to be here,” and be recognized as Quiet Heroes.
He added, “We all love our job,” whether fighting fires, rescuing accident victims, doing CPR, training or introducing Sparky to young children.
SPPD Reserve Captain Brad Tallent, a 20-year veteran of the force, said Reserves had donated 9,000 hours to the city this year alone, duty done not for compensation but rather “for the community... “
Reserve Sgt. Dave Curran and his wife Melanie were also honored for their work with the SPPD Explorers Post: “We have 18 now,” said Sgt. Curran, “and if we had 100 of these kids,” ages 14-21, “we’re have a much better community.”
Citizens Patrol was also honored with Richard Macias and Patrick McInerney getting special kudos and plenty of teasing for their parking ticket prowess.
“When it comes to unsung heroes,” said Chief McLean, “it’s Sammi,” who strives to bring kindness to the community and works hard as a SPPD volunteer.
SPPD Cadet Martha Reynolds-Brown was among those recognized by the chief for her community efforts, including strong advocacy and leadership of Neighborhood Watch.
“I love what I do,” she noted.
Hernandez said his council service is a continuation of his concern for the community.
“I love what I do and I do it because I hope to make a different,” and he noted, “I know you all do too... “
The honors kept coming for The Arc, Isbell Condor Choir Director Donna Nelson and the VFW Veterans who Frady said, “Served their county then came home and served their communities... “
Many others - SPIRIT of Santa Paula, Relay for Life, organizations and individuals - were also honored and recognized for being Quiet Heroes.
“This is an amazing event and I really like it!” said Richard Rudman of Santa Paula.
Rudman said there were two things that impressed him the most: “That there are so many people to thank and that people come out on a Sunday and show their appreciation,” for what others’ do as Quiet Heroes.
SPARC had a booth that urged people be Quiet Heroes by being kind and adopting dogs and cats and Ventura Community College East Valley Campus was on hand to urge people to be kind to themselves by bettering their knowledge through education.
Also kind was than providing great live music and dancing presented respectively by the Blue by Morning band and Kealoha & Company ... “Expressions of Polynesia”.
Bob Allen of KDAYTV.net was also honored as a Quiet Hero; visit www.KadyTV.net and the banner on the home page will take visitors to the Santa Paula Community Page, where the video is available for viewing.