Boy Scouts will tell you how important it is to be prepared.

But being prepared is much bigger than Scouting. A recent survey shows that Americans are less prepared for a terrorist attack than a year ago. The results of that poll have the Cincinnati chapter of the American Red Cross concerned.

"We have started a 'Together We Prepare' campaign, which illustrates steps to take to be prepared,'' said Ashley Young, director of communications for the chapter. "The Red Cross believes that the people of Cincinnati cannot afford to be complacent. It is important to be prepared for terrorist attack or any other disaster.''

A recent USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll showed that only 41 percent of Americans are prepared for a terrorist attack with a stockpile of food and water, down from 60 percent a year ago.

The Together We Prepare campaign simply outlines five steps to take, said Young. They are make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood.

Making a plan includes knowing what to do and where to go if there is a disaster, she said.

The Red Cross offers training on how to develop a plan and build a kit and teaches courses in saving lives, ways to volunteer and how to give blood.

For more information, call 579-3010.

Racing-themed gala

"... You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little,'' is a line from the movie Seabiscuit.

New Perceptions Inc., which helps infants and adults with developmental disabilities, will use that line today in a pre-Kentucky Derby event to illustrate the spirit of special needs children and adults.

The event is New Perception's second annual Spring Gala called "A Salute to Seabiscuit and Human Perseverance.'' It takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Turfway Park, Florence.

The gala is hosted by R.C. and Deborah J. Durr, Robert W. and Nancy A Zapp and Wilbert L. and Helen R. Ziegler.

Linda Bray-Schafer, director of development and community relations for New Perceptions, said the event recognizes and celebrates Kentucky's rich racing tradition.

"It will feature a menu of Kentucky flavors, including burgoo and mint juleps,'' Bray-Schafer said.

There will be a silent auction with Derby items, such as memorabilia signed by Northern Kentucky native Steve Cauthen, who rode Affirmed to the Triple Crown in 1978.

Northern Kentucky derby historian, Jim Claypool, will reveal tales of Kentucky's racing tradition.

Bray-Schafer said the event raised $60,000 last year to support programs New Perceptions offers to children and adults with disabilities.

Senior volunteers honored

Several hundred volunteers who do anything from teaching seniors to line dance to giving tax advice on taxes were honored Friday at a Volunteer Recognition Reception at the Hamilton Senior Center, 140 Ross Ave., Hamilton.

The 350 helpers who donate their time and talents heard a message from Brenda Corbett, vice president of Sasha Corp., about volunteering and how management and volunteers function in senior service settings.

Corbett spent 25 years in elder care in Canada and the United States. She has developed programs for senior day-care and drop-in-centers, and assisted-living and nursing homes.

Corbett is also the author of two books: More Than A Game and Volunteer With Me.

Pens for the military

Members of the SawMill Creek Woodworkers Forums are leading a Freedom Pens Project to provide custom handcrafted pens to American servicemen and women overseas.

The project is designed to offer moral support to military personnel.

The group welcomes participants. To join, visit the Web site: www.freedompens.org.