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Snow in Sacramento? Yes! On the dreary morning of February 27, an imposing collection of rain clouds could not diminish the spirits of a group of eager volunteers from Local 46 as they huddled under an awning waiting for snow to magically appear. American River College’s Project Stripe coordinator Mavis McAllister of Local 9109, joined Sacramento City Councilmember Lauren Hammond’s office and- of course- Carpenters Local 46 in planning the event. Councilmember Hammond is also the chair of the City of Sacramento’s 2010 Census Complete Count, so while volunteers from Project Stripe and Local 46 set up the day’s activities, which included face painting, police child-safety fingerprinting, a clown making balloon hats, food and games, other folks set up a stand where people could learn how important it is to be counted in this year’s census. About ten AM, the sky cleared, and a yell went out from the volunteers: "The snow is here! The snow is here!" Around the corner came four ten-wheelers full of what everyone had been waiting for—the cold white stuff. The trucks dumped their loads and the heavy work began. "While some were taking the
sleds down the run, others were climbing in the snow cave or having snow ball fights." One group built a ramp for a sled run, while the other started on the snow cave. With tons of snow to move and plenty of shovels ready to go, one volunteer yelled, "Get ‘er done!" In about an hour, the tons of snow were ready for a test run. A brave volunteer took the first sled ride on Little Whistler Mountain, and declared it open for the public. Throughout the day over 800 people learned the value of the 2010 Census, enjoyed the hot dogs cooked by local firefighters and frolicked in the snow. The smiles would have been the envy of every dentist in the area. Young children actually saw and touched snow for the first time in their lives. While some were taking the sleds down the run, others were climbing in the snow cave or having snow ball fights. A special thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to help: Gary Woodward, Local 152; Beverly Walker, Local 46; Matt Kelly, Local 46; Alex Kothny, Local 46; Carmen Lara, Local 9109; Katya Ripalda, Local 9109; Leonard Neely, Local 46; Manuel Rios, Local 9109; Rudy Chocooj, Local 9109; Brian Valhos, Local 9109; Janet Staples, Local 46; and Chris Seamans, Local 46. |
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