Readers' Corner: July 21, 2008

Thank You, firefighters
Ray Byers, of Byers Leafguard, sponsored a recent event to thank firefighters from around the country who helped put out the Yuba River Complex fires.

The appreciation event took place at the Nevada County Contractors Association building on Crown Point Circle in Grass Valley, according to John Coulter, who has helped arrange entertainment for firefighters at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Beer and pizza followed the ceremony in which firefighters received certificates of appreciation, Coulter said.



Win the battle of the Sexes

Here's a chance for you to outbid the opposite sex with your cooking skills - in public.

The United Way of Nevada County is looking for teams to compete in its second annual "BBQ Battle of the Sexes," with the first round cook-off from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 14 at the Gold Miners Inn Holiday Inn Express, Grass Valley.

The folks to beat are the SheDevils, led by Lisa LaBarbera. They won last year with smoky, saucy baby-back ribs.

The public is invited to either compete in the "battle" or come by as tasters and vote for the best all-men and all-women team. The two winning teams will face each other in a cook-off in September.

Plus, United Way will hold a raffle to win a week-long trip to Hawaii.

If you're a grillmaster or grillmistress, get your team together and call 274-8111 or visit www.uwnc.org.

All proceeds from the event go to United Way's Community Investment Fund. The United Way of Nevada County's mission is to improve lives by directing resources from the community toward the community.

New Flagpole dedicated at Railroad museum

Pam Reddekopp, a member of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, has donated a 25-foot flagpole in front of the museum.

Reddekopp dedicated the flagpole to her father, Gerald Farrar, and all World War II veterans. The flagpole was dedicated on Independence Day.

Sen. Barbara Boxer presented the flag, which has flown over the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

"We're flying the flag only during the day," said Brian Blair, curator of the railroad museum.

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.