Readers' corner

Day brightener: This comes from a reader named Tom. "(Our daughter) Kelly Beck, suffering from morning sickness waiting for her second child, was resting on her couch when her daughter, 2-year-old Lilah, came into the room with a butterfly net and an explanation: 'Mommy, the sun was shining into my room so I caught this sunbeam to brighten your day and make you feel better!' Kelly said it did."

Grower's Market this weekend: The Nevada County Certified Growers Market is starting up its 26th season on Saturday with one of its longest and most dedicated producers, Arlene Tofte. Arlene has been a grower at the market since its inception in 1980. Her farm, Tofte Gardens, located in Chicago Park, will once again be present at the Saturday market with plenty of farm fresh produce. Arlene is a member on the board, currently serving as treasurer. This is not her first board position. She has held many other positions of responsibility over the years and has been a staunch supporter of the market. Linnie McNaughton said Arlene grows the best Swiss chard in the county! And, we're lucky to have Arlene working at The Union in our business office. Talented in many ways!

Poppy Days coming up: Grass Valley Mayor Gerard Tassone has proclaimed May 5 and 6 as Poppy Days. Wilma Meyers told me that veterans and auxiliary members will be offering poppies at various businesses in Nevada County. These poppies are made by veterans at the Yountville Veterans Home. This is one way that they make spending money. This poem was written by one of the poppy makers at Yountville:

"A scrap of blood red paper,

A twist of green and black:

We make these poppies in memory, Of the men who never came back

Far from home and loved ones, They sleep in foreign lands;

So wear this poppy proudly,

Remembering for whom it stands."

Dads at the Diggins: This fundraiser for the Nevada City Schools Foundation is this Saturday, so guys, get out your hiking boots! Rick Sharkey says you can register at 7:30 a.m. at Malakoff Diggins, the picnic grounds in the North Bloomfield downtown area of the park. You need to pledge at least $50 to hike. Nonhikers can volunteer. There will be a post-hike party for the families (spouse, significant other, kids, etc.) featuring the George Souza Band at the North Columbia Schoolhouse on Tyler Foote Road beginning at 2 p.m. The party includes a live and silent auction. The hike and party are rain or shine events. For more information, call Ken Newton at 530-470-9065. This is a companion event to Moms on the Mountains and both have been very fun and successful in the past. Help our local schools and get some good exercise as well!

ooo

Dixie Redfearn can be reached at 477-4238 or by e-mail at dixier@theunion.com, or by fax at 477-4292.