On Saturday, July 12, the North Sac News joined forces with about 20 volunteers and delivered something other than the paper. These men, women and young people – decked out in safety goggles and dust masks – gave more than 200 combined man hours to cleaning a section of Palladay Road in Elverta!
The smell of gasoline floated on the morning breeze as weed whips created a symphony all their own. The nearly one mile stretch of Palladay that was the focus of the volunteer clean-up has improved immensely with the efforts of the group. The tall, dry grasses that lined both sides of the road were cut down, raked, bagged and hauled away. Some fences were repaired; and the bridge and fence posts that had previously been white were all given a fresh coat of paint – with most of the paint getting on the fences regardless of the appearance of one of the painters! (Names have been omitted to protect the previously-paint-challenged individual(s)!)
The clean-up turned out to be one of those “Pay It Forward” moments in time as residents stopped to thank the volunteers for their hard work. Two kind gentlemen were so thankful, that after passing the work crew returned a short time later with sodas, Gatorade, ice and even a donation for dump fees. We don’t have identity of these men, but the crew is extremely grateful to them! One home owner offered the use of their well-shaded yard for a much appreciated break from the afternoon sun. While yet another Palladay resident provided lunch for the entire crew, complete with refreshing lemonade and ice cream treats! It definitely pays to give!!!!
The workers expressed that even though it was work, it was an enjoyable and rewarding time for all.
About a half mile from the Elverta Road intersection there is a sign 15-20 feet in the air that says, “Take pride in Palladay!” I know more than 30 people for sure that now have a deeper appreciation for those words, myself included. One small group of people can and do make a difference!