Editorial: Recycling, blood donation, State, symphony, new business

I've asked for recycling ideas and ways to reduce your use of plastic, and I've heard from two more readers. Although Placer County has announced restaurants can now serve indoors, many of us are still taking our food home. Richard Del Balso suggests encouraging "all local restaurants to train their staff to ask the customer first before throwing plastic utensils in their take-out bags. "I remember when it was 'controversial' to require that servers ask their customers first before filling their water glasses. Same with plastic straws. … Why not do the same for plastic knives/forks/spoons? Who knows – maybe our Auburn business associations could lead the way on this for other neighboring cities to follow." … Chris Sands has used "re-usable bags at the grocery store for at least 28 years. … A couple years ago, I even bought cloth mesh bags for vegetables and solid for bulk grains. Unfortunately, reusable bags have been a casualty of Covid. My husband (leaves) everything in the cart un-bagged and puts it into reusable bags at the car. … I've noticed more people doing this now, too!" … I recently parked near the cardboard recycling bins at Bell Road and Bowman and approached a couple of people. New Auburn resident Tom Dell wanted to get rid of his moving boxes, and he was happy to see these bins from I-80. "It's something good to do," he told me. "I've been recycling for 30 years." Meadow Vista denizens Duke and Margo Lambert, also recycling their cardboard, expressed delight that the bins seem to be in constant use. "Recycling is just a reasonable thing to do," said Margo. "This is a contribution to society that we can make," said Duke, who added they work to cut down on their plastic use. "We want to keep it out of the ocean." Got any ideas about recycling or reducing your plastic use? Let me know. … After donating plasma at Vitalant in North Auburn, I spoke to others donating as well. Doug O'Neil, 60, had just donated what he called a "double red" – a double dose of red blood cells. "I've donated since I was 18," he said. "It's a gift for the community." "It doesn't take long," said fellow donor Nancy Howe, adding, "Donating helps others. Those that can should donate." "It makes a difference," Ken Winter said, explaining why he was donating platelets. "It's something I can do." This guy's approaching 50 gallons, and that's just in Auburn. He started donating in Kansas City before he came to Placer County. Want to donate blood? Or platelets or plasma? Of course you do. Investigate vitalant.org or visit 11990 Heritage Oak Place Suite 2A, Auburn; or phone (877) 258-4825. … I popped in to the State Theatre office to see what was going on. Wow: Since March, locals have donated nearly $57,000 to support the theater, Executive Director Janis Wikoff said. And the interest and support of online movies and events is unceasing. "People have been great, really generous," said Tuesday ticket-seller June Haugen. Janis shared that plans are afoot to work with the Station House again, showing movies outdoors on spring evenings. And more live radio shows at the Pour Choice in Old Town, and, "We hope to air them on KAHI." And when the theater can open again, they'll present the radio shows on stage. Investigate at livefromauburn.com. So, lots of stuff going on. … And because the Auburn Symphony office resides in the same building, I talked to Executive Director Anne Brown and Board President Stephanie Snyder. Guess what? Lots of stuff going on. "We've never not been busy," Anne grinned. In particular, the Young Artist's Competition is scheduled at the State Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 7, and the recital is set for Sunday, April 11. Plus, the symphony is planning the year's Fundraising Gala, a virtual event – including music – scheduled for the end of March. Finally, with help from First 5 California, they're putting together a collection of short videos of music instruction for the "Symphony Goes to Preschool" program. Maestro Peter Jaffe narrates, and all videos will be available online for anyone interested. "We'll be able to reach a way bigger audience," Stephanie said. The videos will be out by April for use in schools. Investigate at auburnsymphony.com. … Have you seen the renovation going on at 875 Lincoln Way – the old Mickey's Boots? I contacted Bill Radakovitz, who said he and Nancie sold the building to The Pour Choice owners Jordan and Melinda Minyard. I contacted Melinda, who emailed me: "We are looking forward to it being the new home for our brand new business: Remedy Supply Co. We will be roasting specialty coffee, and opening a coffee shop, wine bar and bistro, hopefully this time next year. We are very excited to be in the heart of Downtown Auburn, and looking forward to serving our community from this space!" Investigate at remedysupplyco.com. … And if you missed reading about Poetry Out Loud in the AJ on Wednesday, please investigate this literacy-loving contest – with hard cash for the best reciters – for high school students at placerarts.org. That's my town. Got any items for me? Email me at goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com.