Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Adopt-a-Highway

Since the loss of my nephew, Vaughn, we (his family) felt there was more we could do to keep his memory alive. As of October 7, 2008, we have become the "adoptive parents" of two miles of Delaware's Route 300 from Everett's Corner Road to Downs Chapel Road. This is the stretch of road where Vaughn lost his life.

According to Delware's Department of Transporation website, to adopt-a-highway the individual, organization or business is responsible for keeping that stretch of the highway clean for two years. We have the option of reapplying every two years, if we wish. In addition, signs will be posted along this stretch of road advertising that it's in memory of Vaughn Harris. My sisters, Carolyn (Vaughn's mother) and Arlene thought that this could be something we can do in Vaughn's name for the years to come. In addition, we are giving back to the community at the same time.


So, with that being said, if you are local and wish to be a part of the cleaning crew, let one of us know. We will schedule the cleaning days when possible and make sure that everyone knows when they will be. Please know that you are not obligated to participate. There will be signs posted on Delaware 300 to let you know exactly what part we are to keep clean. Please pass this along to whomever you think might want to be a part of this wonderful endeavor.


7 comments:

Suite B said...

Sorry for you loss and i must commend your and your family for doing this, it's a great idea and fabulous way to pay tribute to one's life and start a legacy.

Anonymous said...

I am Arlene, one of the sisters to Carolyn and the coordinator of the Adopt the Highway project. Some people may think that this will/may be a hard task for our family. But you have to look at it from our eyes. Vaughn was well-loved by everyone in his family and well-liked by everyone he met. So the best way for us to keep him smiling is to have people travel down that road and see the sign that says "Family of Vaughn Harris". We want to keep him in our lives whether he is here or not. He would be right there with us if it were someone else. So I say, kudos to the Rochester girls for getting their stuff together and keeping his memory alive in all of us and in all who knew him. I still have my moments everyday. But they make me realize just how short life is. Send your flowers now because tomorrow is promised to no one. He knows how each of us feels and one day, one day, yes one day, we will all be togther again. Much love to you nephew, rest your weary soul.

Anonymous said...

Hey. Of course we'll be there!!!

Lin said...

What a great unique way to remember Vaughn! Imagine if everyone did what you are doing instead of the roadside memorials--how beautiful our roadsides would be! I only wish that I lived near to help.

Petula said...

That is a great way to honor him and give back to the community. If I were there I would participate.

Anonymous said...

I AM CAROLYN(VAUGHN'S MOTHER)
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS,YOUR SUPPORT AND ESPECIALLY YOUR PRAYERS.
VAUGHN IS TRULY BEING MISSED,IN THE FLESH, BUT NOT IN OUR HEARTS.
I WORK @ THE HARDEE'S IN SMYRNA,DE.
I HAVE TO TRAVEL ON RT 300 EVERYDAY THAT I WORK. SO EVEN THOUGH I CAN'T SEE VAUGHN AND HEAR HIS VOICE I DRIVE PAST HIS HOME EVERDAY. AND I SAY "WHAT'S UP SON". I HAVE HIS PICTURE HANGING IN MY HALLWAY SO I GO PAST IT EVERY MORNING. AND I SAY "GOOD MORNING SON". I CAN HEAR HIM SAY "DUKES".WHICH IS WHAT HE CALLED ME.VAUGHN WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US.WE HAVE TO BE STRONG AND KNOW THAT HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH GOD, SMILING AND WATCHING OVER US ESPECIALLY HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN(ALL 5 OF THEM).KEEP HOPE ALIVE,KEEP THE FAITH,AND KNOW THAT WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN ONE DAY.REMEMBER HIM HOW HE WAS NOT HOW HE IS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Soulsearcher said...

I live in Illinois so, unfortunately, I will not be able to help with the actual cleaning. I think what you are doing is a wonderful memorial to Vaughn. He will remain in my prayers, as will you--his family!