Latest news with #musicprograms
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Redwood Credit Union Birthday Bash Raises Over $31,000 for Youth Arts Programs
SANTA ROSA, Calif., June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A shared birthday celebration raised over $31,000 to support music programs for youth in the North Bay. The third annual Birthday Benefit Bash, hosted by Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union (RCU), and Mark Nelson, lead singer of Walking Mirrors Music, brought together 250 guests at HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol on Saturday, April 19. The sold-out event raised a total of $31,502, with all proceeds benefiting the Redwood Credit Union Community Fund (RCUCF). The funds will support three local nonprofits: Enriching Lives Through Music (ELM) "We're going to use the proceeds from RCU's Birthday Bash Fundraiser to support our Summer Music Program," said Andrea Lloyd, director of development for ELM. "It's a chamber music program where students come together to play without a conductor. They need to listen to each other, take turns leading, and work together. It's a great way for them to learn about collaboration, leadership, and other essential skills." Chop's Teen Club Music Program "We want to support our teens by having the right equipment, the right instruments, and professional recording tools they can use in the real world," said Melissa Stewart, executive director of the Chop's Teen Club. "It's an expensive program, so to have an infusion of money to ensure it stays here and has longevity is really important to us." Luther Burbank Center's Mariachi Ensemble "Our Mariachi Ensemble keeps growing, and so does the need for instructors, and uniforms," said Ashleigh Worley, director of education and community engagement for the Luther Burbank Center. "We plan to use the funds to make sure we have the staff to support this program and the crisp, beautiful traje de charro uniforms the students get to wear when they perform." "This was a fun and meaningful way for Mark and me to celebrate our birthdays while giving back to the community," said Martinez. "Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the incredible work of these three organizations, we're helping to inspire the next generation of musicians and artists." Walking Mirrors is a rock band formed in 2019 by Nelson and guitarist/producer Craig Bartock (of the band Heart), that donates proceeds from all performances to local nonprofits. "Celebrating with my good friend Brett while supporting causes we care about is a true honor," said Nelson. "It's exactly what Walking Mirrors Music is all about—connecting with the community through live music." The RCU Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, channels 100% of donations directly into the community, supporting financial education, disaster relief, housing, and community wellness initiatives. Visit to learn more. About Redwood Credit Union Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution providing personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the North Bay and San Francisco. With a mission to passionately serve the best interests of its members, team members, and communities, RCU delivers many ways for its members to save and build money through checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, digital banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, and more. Wealth management and investment services are available through Redwood Wealth Management, and insurance and auto-purchasing services are also offered through RCU Services Group (RCU's wholly owned subsidiary). RCU has more than $9.3 billion in assets and serves more than 497,000 members with full-service branches from San Francisco to Ukiah. For more information, call 1 (800) 479-7928, visit or follow RCU on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for news and updates. View source version on Contacts FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Redwood Credit Union Public Relations Department(707) 576-5224 | (800) 479-7928, ext. 65224 | PR@ Hi-Res Photos Available Here Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Howard County public schools reduce staff cuts in $1.6 billion budget
The Howard County Board of Education adopted a new operating budget after a tough budget season. The adoption of the $1.6 billion budget came after some last-ditch efforts to reduce proposed cuts by Howard County Public School System Superintendent Bill Barnes and board members. Some worked, while others didn't, with 102 positions cut. The fight to reduce cuts Before Thursday's meeting began, dozens of music students made their instruments heard outside to make the case for third-grade string teachers. Those students also filled the meeting, with their signs in tow. In the budget scenario the board approved last week, 12 third-grade string teachers were proposed to be cut -- effectively eliminating orchestra for that grade level. Ultimately, the board approved a budget with those cuts included. Before the vote, student board member James Obasiolu talked about how much having access to that class in third grade benefited him. "Having 3rd grade strings and that robust music education that so many people seek when they're moving to Howard County really allowed me to pursue those outcomes," Obasiolu said. Another cut that made it through was the loss of 39 positions to restructure the Elementary Gifted and Talented Program. Board member Meg Ricks did enter motions to increase the general fund balance to avoid these cuts; however, she wasn't able to generate enough support from other board members. Jolene Mosley, the board's chair, talked about her concerns about raising the general fund balance, saying those dollars will be needed for other things. "We have 700-plus incoming new IEPs. That staffing is not in this budget," Mosley said. These cuts left many students and parents who attended feeling defeated, including Anthony DeBella. His wife is a strings teacher, and his daughter is in the band. "It's a sad day when a program that started 50 years ago on the backs of parents, students, and teachers is cut out at the knees like this," DeBella said. Twenty-one elementary school media paraeducators and 12 high school teacher secretaries were also cut. What cuts were reduced, what's added In a move by Barnes, the number of health assistant reductions went down from 33.5 to 10. The number of float nurse positions was also dropped from two to one. While 13 athletic trainers will no longer be in the budget, 14 math and reading coaches have been added. There will also be two new student engagement liaisons.
