(Pictured left to right: Jeff Voeller, Kathy Johnsen, Joyce Ownbey, Jean Leonard, David Libby, and Lloyd Crockford; Not present for the picture: Patricia Pratt, Randall Henry, Dave Newland, and Larry Shaw. Photo by Dave Dawson)

Greetings, Parkway Stewards and Friends,

Anticipating a hot August Saturday, 11 UUSS Parkway Stewards came out early a week ago on the 12th by 8am, dispersed and scoured our UU Mile, finding and bagging out good amounts of garbage for County pickup. Big kudos to Joyce Ownbey for spelling yours truly while I spent the day hiking and birding in Carson Pass; she did a great job getting people ready to head out for the clean up. Thank you, Joyce!!! And thanks to those who participated for your efforts!

A couple notes: I was told that we had unnamed help cleaning the parking area at the Northrop access. Thanks for your willingness to welcome those folks. Secondly, one of our group who participated this past weekend ended up with mild flu symptoms after the clean up, tested positive for Covid, and timely informed us which was much appreciated. As you know, all those who participated were promptly notified about the positive test and asked to monitor their own health. I trust that everyone has avoided any symptoms.

I think due to the continuing Covid variants which spread throughout the U.S. and locally, we have to remain aware, avoid complacency despite “Covid fatigue”, and find ways to prevent getting Covid when we Parkway Stewards do the clean up. Although what I am about to say may not be popular, my suggestion is that Stewards who intend to do the clean up, please Covid test as closely to coming out that Saturday to determine whether you are negative. If positive, get proper treatment and rest and wait a month to come out; If negative, surely come out (we need your help!), but mask up except when you are cleaning up by yourself or with someone else who is masked or can assure you they have tested negative. I’ll leave it to you whether you want to mask up or not when you go to Panera Bread to socialize after the clean up…

I welcome any feedback on what I said in the previous paragraph. I am always open to suggestions on how we can do a better job with our monthly clean ups.

Looking forward to seeing you back out there on Saturday, September 9th with an early start of 7:45am. I will be sending out a reminder notice earlier that week to everyone.

Cheers and thanks,

Eric Ross, Mile Steward
UUSS American River Parkway Stewards