Spectrum staff

Sacramento County Collects Mercury Thermometers
The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and Catholic Healthcare West/Mercy are collecting silver mercury thermometers and exchanging them for free digital thermometers throughout the month of May.

Collection activities take place Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Memorial Day, May 31.

Old thermometers may be taken to the information desks at Mercy General Hospital, 4001 J St., and Methodist Hospital, 7500 Hospital Drive, Sacramento; Mercy Hospital, 1650 Creekside Drive, Folsom; and Mercy San Juan Medical Center, 6501 Coyle Ave., Carmichael.

Thermometers also may be exchanged at the following Mercy Laboratories suites: MedClinic Downtown, 3160 Folsom Blvd., and MedClinic, 8120 Timberlake Way, Sacramento; MedClinic Roseville, 406 1/2 Sunrise Ave., Roseville; and MedClinic San Juan, 6555 Coyle Ave., Carmichael.

Mercury, an element often found in old thermometers, can be harmful to the environment and human health if disposed of improperly. People bringing in old thermometers are asked to place them in a sandwich-type plastic bag for safe collection.

For more information, call (916) 875-6644.

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Sacramento Works Center Hosts Community Fair
Sacramento Works Career Center hosts its second Springboard to Health and Success Community Resource Fair, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., inside Sunrise Mall.

The fair showcases local agencies that provide a wide range of services to the community, including SMUD, Sierra College, Area 4 Agency on Aging, Legal Services of Northern California, Sacramento Area Brain Tumor Support Group and the League of Women Voters.

Free health screenings for diabetes and blood pressure are available, along with computer access provided by the Employment Development Department for online job searches.

Dinger, the mascot of the Sacramento River Cats baseball team, will appear from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Parkinson’s Association Wants Used Cars
The Parkinson’s Association of the Sacramento Region has announced plans to begin accepting used car donations as a fundraiser through its partner, cars4charities of Utica, N.Y.

Individuals may donate used cars, trucks, vans or sport utility vehicles and become eligible for a federal tax deduction. After the donated vehicles are sold, the net profits are donated to the Parkinson’s Association.

Cars4chairites accepts vehicles from 1993 or newer, and most classic cars. For information, call (866) 448-3487.

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Library Group Seeks Entries For Writing Contest
Friends of the Sacramento Library is accepting entries for its 18th annual Focus on Writers Contest. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in six categories.

Beginning May 1, all California writers are eligible to submit up to five previously unpublished manuscripts in the following fiction or non-fiction categories: First chapter of a book for young adults or adults; book or article for children; poem; first chapter of a novel and short story.

Entry fee is $5 for each non-returnable manuscript. First place winners receive $200, the second place award is $100 and third place is $50. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 31.

Winners will be announced Nov. 6 at the Focus on Writers Conference at California State University Sacramento. For contest rules, call (916) 264-2880 or visit www.saclibrary.org.

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Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Holds Benefit
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society presents its Grand Finale Gala Celebration to honor its Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year winners, 6 p.m., June 23, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento.

The Society’s Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year competition kicks off April 29 with a celebration at the Niello Land Rover Showroom in Rocklin, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

All funds raised during the eight-week competition are in honor of the Boy and Girl of the Year, two local children who are battling blood cancers.

Winners will be announced at the June 23 gala which features dinner, music and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For ticket information, call (800) 410-8170.

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Agency Asks for Help Filling ‘Emancipation Baskets’
The Independent Living Program, a service of Sacramento County Child Protective Services, is asking for help creating “Emancipation Baskets” for former foster care children who have turned 18 and are being aged out of the system.

ILP workers give laundry tubs filled with household goods, clothing, personal hygiene items, non-perishable foods, phone cards, small appliances and grocery gift certificates to emancipated foster youth.

Between 350 and 700 Sacramento County youths age out of foster care each year.

To donate household goods, call ILP coordinator Theresa Thurmond at (916) 874-9526. Items may be dropped off at 925 Del Paso Blvd. by calling the security desk at (916) 874-2054 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Furniture can be donated by calling DeWayne Norris at the Casey Great Start Young Adult Program office at (916) 263-1887.

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California Military Museum Opens Service Gallery
The California State Military Museum, 1119 Second St., Sacramento, has announced the opening of a new, Web-based service gallery to honor the individual stories of California veterans.

The Military Heritage Gallery represents all who served — in peacetime and in war — in all branches of military service, including the National Guard, Reserves, state military forces and personnel in support of U.S. Armed Forces.

Tax-deductible donations of $100 are being solicited from those who wish to reserve a place in the gallery. Participants may use a photo — preferably in uniform — and a military service statement, including medals awarded, duty stations, personal anecdotes and other details.

Families of California veterans killed or missing in action in the recent Middle East conflicts may request inclusion at no charge.

To view the gallery, visit www.militarymuseum.org/militaryheritagegallery.html. For more information, call (916) 442-2883.

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