The American Red Cross of Ventura County will host its annual membership meeting and recognize its volunteers for their service at a combined annual meeting and volunteer recognition event at 6 p.m. Thurs., May 27 at Rockwell Scientific Company, 1049 Camino Dos Rios, Thousand Oaks. The event is free and open to all "members" of the American Red Cross of Ventura County, which includes volunteers, financial contributors and blood donors.

Special awards will be presented in categories such as Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year, Youth Services Volunteer and Volunteer of the Year in Disaster, Health & Safety and Armed Forces Emergency Services programs.

The chapter will also present the Stark Memorial Award for continuous volunteer service, named for Mrs. Howard Stark, a founding member of the local chapter of the Red Cross.

New members will be elected to the board, which will then determine officers for the coming year. Jason Smith, chief executive officer for the American Red Cross of Ventura County, will address the audience on the state of the chapter and successes it experienced during fiscal year 2004.

Those who wish to attend this event must make reservations no later than Mon., May 24 by calling (805) 339-2234, ext. 200.