Old umbrellas as art

Richard Pennock, of Round Valley Road, was inspired by the famous poem by Joyce Kilmer that starts,

"I think that I shall never see

A poem as lovely as a tree."

Well, Richard's verse isn't as lyrical as Joyce Kilmer's, but he has made a great point in the tree-like sculptures he has recycled from old umbrellas. He writes of his work:

"... Perhaps to share with others who

Read a paper made from several of God's trees

And read by fools such as we."



Thanks to volunteers

Thanks to volunteers

Hundreds of volunteers in our area give generously of their time, talents and treasure to the many fine organizations serving western Nevada County residents.

Nearly 100 of them were present at a recent luncheon to receive their much-deserved accolades.

"They are the ones who provide the heart of our program," said Dena Valin, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County, an agency that depends on 80 volunteers to mentor children.

"None of our agencies could do what they do to serve the community without their volunteers," Dena told reporter Laura Brown.

Big Brothers Big Sisters recently put on the affair that honored their volunteers and those of five other United Way partner agencies.

Old trophies needed?

Reader Melisa Agness, of Nevada City, wants to know if any groups out there could use second-hand trophies. She writes:

"My boys have a large variety of baseball, soccer, football and basketball trophies they would like to give someone. The name plate can be removed and a new one added. It seems like a waste to throw them away."

If you know of anyone who can use these trophies (they're probably beautiful), please write to readers@theunion.com and put "RC trophies" in the subject line.

Readers' Corner is compiled by The Union staff. To submit items, e-mail them to readers@theunion.com, and put "RC" and your topic in the subject line, or call 477-4230.