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Appeal Democrat 3-15-07

Caltrans honors E. Clampus Vitus

E. Clampus Vitus, Chapter 5978 was honored Wednesday night for its outstanding efforts in keeping a portion of Highway 70 south of Marysville clean.

The California Department of Transportation, District 3 named the organization its 2006 Volunteer of the Year in its Adopt-a-highway Program.

The chapter picks up litter along both sides of Highway 70 in Yuba County from Erle Road and Feather River Boulevard, a total of four shoulder-miles, gathering 60 to 70 bags of rubbish per month.

Caltrans presented the award during ceremonies at the Elks Lodge in Marysville.
 

Y-S joins fund-raising efforts

By
Daniel Witter
Appeal-Democrat


Efforts to raise money for the victims of the East Cost terrorist attack continued Sunday as people in the Mid-Valley held various fund-raisers to help those in need.

At the corner of Olive and Fifth streets in Marysville, members and friends of E. Clampus Vitus held a car wash and barbecue to help the victims of the terror attack.

Members, wearing red shirts with the club's name, scrubbed and washed cars, boats, RVs, bikes, or anything else - including a pet dog - to raise money.

Andrew Parks, one of the board members of the organization, said they have collected more than $2,554 as of 3 p.m. Sunday, well on their way to surpassing their goal of $3,000 which they hoped to raise.

Now a new goal of $5,978, the club's chapter number, has been set to be reached by the time the club meets again in mid-October.

"We've been talking about it for almost a week," he said. He added the desire to help the victims was the only consideration in helping.


But Andrews was not sure exactly who the money being raised was going to. He said the club will decide that at the next meeting, but said it will probably go to the Red Cross.

As he stood by the washing area, a parking lot in front of J.J. Boomers, other members and wives, friends, girlfriends and others stood down at the corner, cheering and calling for drivers to let them wash their cars.

There was no set price for the wash, the club was simply asking for donations.

"It's unreal how many people were stopping," he said. "This is way beyond our expectations."

"We're all getting together for a good cause," said member Tommy Ryan, who was wearing a Humbug pin with a black strip across it in remembrance of Sept. 11.

Meanwhile in Yuba City, Yuba City Fire Chief Marc Boomgaarden said the city's five fire departments have been accepting donations for the International Association of Fire Fighters, who assists families of wounded or fallen firefighters.

"We have been getting a pretty good outpouring from the community," he said Sunday. People have been waving to firemen, stopping them on the sidewalks and shaking their hands, Boomgaarden said. They have also been leaving cards, in addition to making monetary donations. Boomgaarden said the department is grateful and thanks the public for the support they have been receiving.

"It helps brighten our spirits," he said.

Boomgaarden said the loss of the New York firefighters has been heavy on the minds of Yuba City firemen.

"Obviously, we have a lot of feeling for our fallen brothers and sisters," he said. "We only hope that some of them can be rescued from the collapse site."

That feeling prompted the department to start up a collection for the firefighters, 100 percent of which will go to the spouses, children and families of the victims.

Boomgaarden said checks can be made to "The New York Fire Fighters 911 Disaster Relief Fund" and dropped off at the department.