On Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, the sixth anniversary of that sad day, county fire departments observed a full minute of silence at 6:58 a.m., the time that the first plane hit the first tower, in remembrance of those lost on Sep. 11, 2001. The observance is part of an annual ceremony, open to the public, held at all local fire departments in Santa Barbara County.

 

At the Santa Ynez Fire Department, fire fighters George Georgas and Tim Gailey, Engineer Rick Vatter and Captain Mitch Read stood around the flag pole while the American flag was raised to full-staff and then lowered to half-staff where it remained until the following day, to commemorate the lives of thousands of Americans.

 

 

 

Vikings Raise Funds

The Vikings of Solvang, founded in 1974, has brought in and distributed over $1.9 million dollars as of the end of 2006. These charitable funds were raised and then allocated in many forms to medically disadvantaged children and adults that live in our community.

 

On Friday, Sept. 7, the Vikings were at it again, hosting both a silent and live auction at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Solvang to benefit the Santa Ynez Valley Recovery Residence. The Vikings’ goal is to raise $7 million for the assisted living facility to improve the quality of life for those in residency. Approximately 300 community residents gathered to enjoy a steak dinner and bid on a myriad of prizes, provided by local businesses, which included the Los Olivos Café, Backdoor Boardshop, Antonio’s Pizza, Ariste Winery, Bellisima and Johnson’s Jewel Box.

 

For more information on the Vikings of Solvang visit www.vikingcharitiesinc.com.