Carmichael Elks 50th Annual 4th of July Parade
“Community Spirit in America"

At 10:30 A.M. on Friday July 4th, 2008, Carmichael splashes into a patriotic spectrum of 1000 plus parade participants and over 20,000 parade onlookers. The Carmichael Elks 50th Fourth of July parade will kick off at the corner of Fair Oaks Blvd. and Marconi. After the Sons of the American Revolution release a tribute to America in front of Carmichael Park, Grand Marshal and benevolent Elks charter member Col. William C. Cridland will start the parade along the two-mile route on Fair Oaks Blvd. to the Elks Lodge on Cypress Ave.

Fellow Elks charter members such as Jim “Jimboy” Knudsen, legislators Assemblyman Roger Niello and Senator Dave Cox, and numerous civic leaders like Jim Vargas, President of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, will join Bill Cridland. Several Ben Ali Shrine units will be featured, including the Key Stone Kops, the Motor Escort, the Cameleers, and the Cibara Go Carts. Bands include the Shrine Band, The Catholic Schools Band, The Sacramento Youth Band, and The Souza Youth Band. Marching units will include such units as the Pony Express Boy Scouts like Troop 386 carrying historical American flags. The over 125 entries include church floats, youth sports groups, neighborhood floats, antique fire trucks, classic automobiles including Larry Bunfill’s Cadillacs, and Sondra Fucson and Mustangs from the Sierra Mustang Club, and the Model A’s.

After the parade the Elks Lodge will be open for kids games, a giant BBQ, indoor and outdoor music and dancing, free swimming, and a hole in one contest. Parade awards will be given in the Elks Ballroom at 3:00 P.M.

Carmichael’s 4th of July parade salutes America’s birthday as a microcosm of a people who celebrate freedom in an American community. For further parade information , contact Jim Warrick, parade coordinator at the Carmichael Elks: 489-2103 e-mail: jdwarrick@lanset.com.

“Cubs of the Round Table” are ready to conquer the dragons in their lives now.

Over 325 Cub Scouts from 6 to 11 years old gathered at the LDS Church on Van Maren Lane the week of June 10 – 14.

The boys enjoyed a week of games, crafts, magic, archery, castle climbing, dragon slaying, and fun. They also learned the rules of Chivalry and were “knighted” when they were caught demonstrating the trait of the day. Merlin the Magician in the form of Jonathan Lopez, with Real Magic, presented a mouth dropping show for the boys on Friday night.

Saturday morning, in recognition of Flag Day, SFC Van Houten, an Army Recruiter with the Sacramento Batallion, taught an Honor Guard of four Cubs how to properly raise the flag. Boys, parents and siblings celebrated the day by wearing flag pins.The boys showed off their many skills to their parents and siblings on Saturday Family Day.

The Cubs were assisted by a volunteer staff of 50 adults and teens and many parents walking around with the groups. The camp was organized by Marie Simmons, Aileen Willis and Stephanie Thurtle, volunteers for the Pony Express District, Boy Scouts of America.

The camp is put on by the Pony Express District each summer and all Cub Scouts are invited to participate. For further information on joining the Boy Scouts of America call 929-1417.

Eagle Scout Robert Sewell Honored
By: Lisa West

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was recently held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Citrus Heights California Stake Center for the presentation of an Eagle Award to Robert B. Sewell of Citrus Heights. He is a member of Troop 618 in the Pony Express District, Golden Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America, chartered to the Rusch Park Ward.

Sewell, 18, earned the required 21 merit badges to become an Eagle Scout in such areas as First Aid, Fingerprinting, Swimming, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Community, Basketry, Personal Management, Camping, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness, Family Life, Communications, Woodcarving, Leatherwork, Orienteering, Astronomy, Archery, Pioneering and Cooking. Sewell also served his troop as Jr. Assistant Scoutmaster and Chaplain Aide.

For his ‘Eagle Project’, Sewell enlisted volunteers, and donations from Home Depot to build and install two redwood benches at Kilgore Cemetery in Rancho Cordova. Although the City of Rancho Cordova had recently done restoration work on the cemetery, there was no place for visitors to sit. Sewell was pleased to be able to make this important contribution to the cemetery.

Eagle Scout Sewell is the son of David and Terri Sewell, long-time residents of Citrus Heights. In his ‘Eagle Response’ Sewell indicated his gratitude to the special leaders who had helped him in his years of scouting and most importantly, his parents for their efforts, sacrifice and support in encouraging him reach his goal to become an Eagle Scout.

Sewell is currently a member of the California Scholarship Foundation (CSF) and the CSF Blood Drive Coordinator for Mesa Verde High School. Sewell holds an Academic Award and Honors Award at his school as well. Immediate future goals include graduating from Mesa Verde, serving a two-year mission for the LDS Church and attending college after his missionary service.

A well-attended reception was held immediately following the Eagle Scout ceremony.

City Rewards 1st City Semester Program Student

Rancho Cordova, CA-- Hardeep Sullan, a graduating senior at Cordova High School, is the recipient of the first City Semester Program scholarship from the City of Rancho Cordova. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship at her graduation ceremony and was honored at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on June 2nd.

Sullan began the City Semester Program in January – working five hours a week at City Hall for 16 weeks. Under the supervision of Mindy Cuppy in the City Manager’s Office, Sullan performed administrative tasks in the City’s City Manager’s Office and the Human Resources and Finance Departments.

In addition to the scholarship, Sullan also received five units of elective credit.

The City Semester Program was developed by Cordova High School teacher, Cameron Billeci. “I wanted social studies students to have the opportunity to experience local city government and to introduce them to civil service and politics,” he explained.

Sullan was selected as the first participant based on her written and oral skills, her grade point average, her collaborative problem-solving abilities, and her maturity.

“We are very proud to have had Hardeep as our first student to complete this internship,” said Rancho Cordova City Manager Ted Gaebler. “She learned about the challenge of maintaining a city while gaining knowledge about her local government. We think she learned, but we also benefited from her being here.”

Sullen was named Salutatorian of her class and was ranked number one with a grade point average of 4.44. She plans to study electrical engineering at the University of California, Davis this fall. She has been awarded the UC Davis Undergraduate Scholarship, the David Rudnick Memorial Scholarship, and the Cragen Scholarship from the Cordova High School Math Department.

The daughter of Amarjit and Sukhvinder Sullan, she has lived in Rancho Cordova for eight years and attended Mitchell Middle School as well as Cordova High School.

Billeci said that he is recruiting for this fall’s City Semester Program. He added that he wanted to credit both Pat Godwin and Janie DeArcos, Folsom-Cordova Unified School District Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, respectively, for their assistance with creating the social studies internship program with the City of Rancho Cordova.

The City of Rancho Cordova, located in Sacramento County, was incorporated in 2003 and will soon be marking its 5th Anniversary. The City is known for its innovative approach to government and its fiscal soundness. City Hall is located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670; phone is 916-851-8700; website address is www.cityofranchocordova.org.

Four San Juan Schools selected as California Distinguished Schools

Gold River Discovery Center, Cowan Fundamental, Sierra Oaks Elementary, and Thomas Kelly Elementary were among 343 elementary schools selected throughout the state as California Distinguished Schools.

"These outstanding elementary schools represent many different kinds of communities, organizational structures, and student populations," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell.

This year, the selection criteria for the Distinguished School program were more stringent than ever. Schools wrote a substantive narrative application and then were subject to an extensive site validation.

The California School Recognition Program is now in its 23rd year and identifies and honors the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools with the California Distinguished School Award. Although participation is voluntary, the award is highly sought after by schools in all areas of the state. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized during alternate years.

For the current year, 839 elementary schools submitted applications and were identified for eligibility on the basis of their Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress results.

Wedding Blesses Grand Opening Event at Community Service Center

On April 11th Jerry Lee Hayden, Jr. and Patrish Kail Billett became husband and wife at the new County Community Service Center in Fair Oaks. The ceremony was performed by County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, which was the first to be performed at the new facility. The private wedding was attended by about twenty close friends and relatives in the facilities chapel.

The new center was packed with more than 150 local residents, there to see the new 9,500 square-foot service center, listen to dignitaries speak about what it will do for the community, the many services it offers, and how Sacramento County has responded to the long-term needs of East area consumers. You can reach Municipal Services there at 876-5622, which includes building inspection, code enforcement, neighborhood services, planning and traffic investigation. The County Clerk Recorder Services are available at 874-6334, which includes birth, death and marriage record copies, recorded document viewing and wedding ceremonies.

The Center’s hours will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Many services are open to all Sacramento County residents, including the City of Folsom. To learn more go to www.dns.saccounty.net/CSAEastern.

The Center will also be the new location for the Fair Oaks Community Council meeting, held every first Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm.

Garbeau’s Man of the Year Campaign Kickoff

In less than one year of owning Garbeau’s, Mark Ferreira and Andrea Castel have made strong gains in revitalizing the community icon. With regular appearances on local television, radio, and in print media—including recognition from The Wall Street Journal—Garbeau’s is becoming a familiar face for entertainment and community involvement.

Now, co-owner and CEO Mark Ferreira is the youngest of six nominees for the annual Sacramento “Man of the Year” event that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Candidates "campaign" April 23 through June 21 by raising money for the LLS.

Ferriera kicks off his campaign April 26 with a “Mark and Friends” cabaret-style concert. With a small band and himself at the piano, Ferreira will be featuring some of his favorite vocalists in a revue with songs from Broadway and off-Broadway classics including Dreamgirls, Chicago, and other productions.

Tickets are $85 per person and include a four-course dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, and tax. Cocktail service and tip are not included. Doors open for dinner at 6pm with the performance beginning at 8pm. Proceeds will be donated to the LLS.

Information can be found at www.garbeaus.com or by calling (916) 985-6361 for reservations.

The Bow-Wow Beauties
“Putting on the Dog” in Gold River!

Kay Burton’s Bow-Wow Beauties, will hit the doggie runway at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 31, 2008. The location will be on the corner next to Hallmarks in Gold River. This event will benefit the Sacramento SPCA.

Special guest emcee will be Councilman and former Mayor of Rancho Cordova, David Sander.

Bel Air Market, in Gold River, will be selling Hot Dogs, Chile and Sodas at a special price of $2.00., which will be held outside in front of the Bel Air Market.

A large variety of dogs, all sizes and breeds will be dressed in the latest canine fashions. The pet’s performance will highlight the Sacramento SPCA annual Fundraiser.

The show brings people and animals together and helps make the public aware of the need to rescue and adopt the homeless animals.

Big Valley Federal Credit will be one of the local sponsors who will participate in the raffle with proceeds to benefit the Sacramento SPCA.

The public is invited...admission is free. For more information, call Kay Burton at 635-5590.

Community Members Wanted to Cultivate Community Garden in Citrus Heights
Initial public meeting taking place on Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 a.m. (Rain or Shine)

March 5, 2008 – On February 28th, in response to citizen interest in establishing a Community Garden, the Citrus Heights City Council authorized further action to negotiate a lease for a 1.85 acre parcel of land to become the City’s first Community Garden. The parcel is located on the southwest corner of Sylvan Road and Stock Ranch Road (7450 Stock Ranch Rd).

An initial meeting will take place (Rain or Shine) on Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 a.m. at the actual site for the future Community Garden (address: 7450 Stock Ranch Road). FREE REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED! Participants will be able to share their thoughts and ideas on the site plan and program for how the Garden will be implemented and governed, as well as sign-up to be part of the organizing committee and potential gardeners.

It has been proven that Community Gardens offer significant value and meaning to both the City where they are located as well as to the local residents. The typical benefits of a Community Garden are many. Besides providing a safe place to garden and harvest fresh produce and flowers, a Community Garden is an opportunity for socializing and community-building. These gardens also serve as a natural teaching and learning environment for all ages. In addition, the Garden will offer an opportunity for collaboration between the City and other entities, such as the Citrus Heights Water District, which will be providing drought-resistant landscaping around the perimeter of the Garden parcel of land.

The Citrus Heights Community Garden is intended to be community-led and community-managed, so the City is encouraging all interested parties to attend the kick-off meeting on Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 a.m. to express their interest and to learn more about this fun and innovative project. Please visit the City’s Web site at www.citrusheights.net for more information, or call (916) 727-4770.

Injured Paramedic Finds New Career In Jewelry

David Newton, of Carmichael CA, turns to a new career after becoming injured on the job. Newton was a Paramedic Supervisor in Yolo County until May 3, 2002. In responding to a call Newton was a victim of a “hit and run”, leaving him disabled and unable to continue his work as a paramedic.

After spending five years in recovery, including many surgeries, looking for a new job was frustrating. “There wasn’t anything that hit me, I couldn’t come up with anything I’d enjoy or was physically capable of doing,” said Newton.

The California Institute of Jewelry Training (CIJT) was that saving grace, “I was driving by the school and I thought that it seemed interesting so I dropped in.”

Now a full time student of CIJT, Newton is learning how to become a jeweler. With a Masters in Business from the University of Phoenix, Newton hopes to one day have his own store and he is already starting to build up clientele.

“My wife and daughters are very excited that I am learning to become a jeweler, so they can wear all the jewelry and my old employees and co-workers have already mentioned they’d give me jewelry to repair.”

Newton is married and has five children, his wife also a paramedic. His family is very supportive of his new career path.

“I can be creative and with that creativity I can build that into something I can be proud of and something others can enjoy. It gives me the freedom to stand, sit and walk around.”

His goal after finishing the program is to work in a jewelry shop for a year to learn about the business and eventually start his own store.

“Now being able to focus on something fun and getting a career is something I can do for the rest of my life!”

For more information contact Valerie Adams at Valerie@jewelrytraining.com or (916) 487-1122

County Seeking New Name for Goethe Park
Region’s park users and residents asked to weigh-in

Sacramento, CA., --The County of Sacramento is renaming C.M. Goethe Park, located along the southern bend of the American River. To gather ideas about possible new names and gauge public reaction to the five names previously suggested, a survey is being launched March 4 through March 30, 2008 at www.sacparks.net.

“It’s essential we gather input from a broad spectrum of Sacramento residents and stakeholders,” said Director Gary Kukkola. “To find a name that equals the beautiful 444-acre park, we are doing extensive public outreach. We hope to build some consensus before we make our recommendation to the Recreation and Park Commission and Board of Supervisors.”

The renaming process began as a response to citizen requests; the Board of Supervisors voted for the name change in January. Though the Park’s namesake was a renowned philanthropist and naturalist, the name was no longer considered appropriate since he was a promoter of a social movement known as eugenics.

“Suggestions from residents are important to us, and we want to hear from everyone,” said Dan Gonzales, Recreation and Park Commissioner. Residents wishing to weigh in via telephone, or to receive a survey in the mail, may call 916-875-6961. A self addressed, postage-paid envelope will be included to return their survey.

A naming committee comprised of two American River Parkway Advisory Committee members, one Recreation and Park Commissioner and two County staff members will sort through survey responses. The committee will choose a name to recommend based on several factors including community input and compliance with Parks naming policy. (The policy is available on the Parks website.)

The five names previously suggested include:

1. Nisek'aw Park – based on words from the Maidu Tribe of Native Americans meaning “our land
2. Leidesdorff Ranch- named after a prominent Californian pioneer in the late 1800’s
3. River Bend Park - based on a geographical feature of the park, as the river makes a significant U-shaped bend at the location of the Park
4. Willow Bar - highlights the Park’s gravel bar that hosts variety of willow trees.
5. Live Oak Park - inspired by the unique abundance of Live Oak trees
6. ounty staff will make recommendations to the American River Parkway Advisory Committee, and the Recreation and Park Commission, both in April. Final recommendations should go before the Board of Supervisors for approval in May.

Assemblyman Niello Honors SMUD GM Jan Schori as Woman of the Year
Her leadership of SMUD and her Community Efforts are recognized in Capitol Ceremony

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks), honored Jan Schori of Sacramento as the 2008 Woman of the Year for the 5th Assembly District during a special Assembly ceremony at the State Capitol on Monday.

“Jan will be retiring as General Manager of SMUD later this year and her efforts there for the past 29 years, and especially as General Manager for the past 14 are to be commended,” said Assembly Niello. “In addition, her community service as an active volunteer are also greatly appreciated and set an example for others to follow.” Under Ms. Schori’s leadership, SMUD ranked first in the nation for the district’s excellent service to its business customers and has consistently topped the California utility list for residential and business customer satisfaction. SMUD has consistently been a leader on environmental issues and energy efficiency and has pioneered solar power on rooftops and planted hundreds of thousands of trees locally to save energy.

In addition to her work at SMUD, she has been an active volunteer in the Sacramento region for many years, helping youth foster children transition to adulthood through the United Way’s Women in Philanthropy initiative. She has received both the Distinguished Service Award from Valley Vision and the 2006 Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award from United Way

“She is a model of community and public service, and I am proud to have nominated her for this award at the State Capitol,” said Assemblyman Niello “I am honored to have been named Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Niello. I am inspired by this award and will continue to work to improve the lives of others in our community,” said Ms. Schori.

The Woman of the Year ceremony is an annual event to celebrate remarkable women in California who are making a difference in their communities. Honorees from throughout the state were recognized during Monday’s special Assembly floor session. Assemblyman Niello awarded Jan Schori with an Assembly resolution in recognition of her community service.

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