American River Messenger-Community News

County Supervisor Susan Peters will be holding her first 2010 “Office Hours” for residents on Saturday, March 6, at Gibbons Park during the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District’s Spring Craft Faire.

Continuing a tradition started in 2005, Peters will set up a table at the event for residents who wish to drop by and talk with her about items of interest. No appointment is necessary but visits will be handled on a “first come basis.” She will be at the Craft Faire from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

“Establishing ‘Office Hours’ provides the opportunity to mix business with pleasure,” says Peters. “I’ll be available to talk about county matters while neighbors can shop for unique craft items.”

Last year Peters held her “Office Hours” at different locations in conjunction with scheduled community events that included the Carmichael egg hunt, Carmichael dog show, and the “Pops in the Park” concert series in East Sacramento.

The Craft Faire will be held in the Mission Oaks Community Center at 4701 Gibbons Drive. Admission is free and the event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District at 972-0336 or visit morpd.com.

Next month Peters will move her “office” to Carmichael Park for the annual egg hunt which will be held on Saturday, April 3. That fun starts at 10 a.m. sharp rain or shine and Peters will be holding “Office Hours” there between 9:30-11 a.m. For more information about the egg hunt, call the Carmichael Recreation and Park District at 485-5322 or visit carmichaelpark.com.

Sacramento City College Seeks Former Students for California Nisei College Diploma Project

Sacramento -- Sacramento City College has begun a statewide search for former Japanese American students whose studies were forcibly suspended in 1942, when Executive Order 9066 was issued. These efforts are part of the California Nisei College Diploma Project, an initiative that seeks to award all those who were impacted by EO 9066 with honorary degrees.

The California Nisei College Diploma Project is the implementation of AB 37, a bill introduced by Assemblyman Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach) and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 11, 2009. The bill requests that California Community Colleges, the University of California and the California State University systems “confer an honorary degree upon each individual whose studies […] were disrupted by Executive Order 9066, and […] allow a representative to accept an honorary degree on behalf of individuals who are deceased,” as stated in its text.

“AB 37 is a unique opportunity for our college and community to do our part in righting the wrongs of nearly 70 years ago,” said Keith Muraki, a Sacramento City College counselor whose late father, Tom Muraki, was interned in 1942. “For me, this is an opportunity to recognize and honor the Nisei [second-generation Japanese American], and to a large degree, the Issei [first-generation Japanese immigrants] for the many sacrifices they made for all of us.”

According to the California Nisei Diploma Project, more than 2,500 Japanese American students were affected by the order — among them were more than 1,200 community college students. It is estimated that approximately 224 Nisei were studying at what was then called Sacramento Junior College when the order was signed into law — this is the second highest number of students impacted by the order per institution, with Long Beach City College being the first, with 265 students.

“We hope to locate as many of our former Japanese American students as possible,” said Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, Sacramento City College’s president. “It is with great anticipation that we look forward to this rare opportunity to correct an injustice, to receive former students and members of their family, and to proudly acknowledge their pursuit of higher education.”

Muraki will be receiving an honorary degree on behalf of his father. He, along with former students or their next of kin, will participate in the college’s Commencement exercises to be held on May 19, 2010, at Sacramento City College, in Hughes Stadium.

To help facilitate its search, Sacramento City College has launched a Web site that includes, among other resources, a list in progress of former students who may have been attending Sacramento Junior College in 1942. For more information, or to help the college identify and locate former Japanese American students, please visit www.scc.losrios.edu/scc_nisei_diploma_project.xml or contact Kim Goff at 916-558-2054.

On January 21, at a special board meeting, the board of directors voted with a majority to appoint Randy Orzalli director of Division 3. Director Orzalli represents the community of Orangevale and parts of Fair Oaks and Citrus Heights. Randy Orzalli has been deeply rooted in the Sacramento region his entire life. For over 40 years he was associated with Grant Joint Union High School District (now Twin Rivers Unified School District) as a student, a teacher, and an administrator. We at Metro Fire would like to welcome Director Orzalli and thank him for his service to his communities.

At its January 19 meeting, the Sacramento County Board of Education approved Board Resolution 10-2 ordering an election to fill the board seat vacancy created when Trustee Christopher W. Woods resigned from his Area 3 post effective January 11, 2010.

Mr. Woods had served on the Board since 2002, having previously served as Board Vice-President and President. His term was scheduled to expire June 2010. He moved out of the trustee area he represented.

The Trustee Area 3 seat will be filled at the regularly election on June 8, 2010.

Area 3 represents the following communities: Arden, Arden Oaks, Arden Park, Campus Commons, La Riviera, Rosemont, Town and Country Village, and portions of Carmichael and Foothill Farms. Area 3 also represents portions of the Sacramento City Unified School District, the San Juan Unified School District, and the Twin Rivers Unified School District.

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The Citrus Heights Community Marching Band is an all volunteer community program for novice musicians from teens to seniors. We are proud to announce our new Beginning Band program, the first of its kind in our area, which will offer the opportunity to learn to play and perform on a musical instrument.

We are also preparing to unveil our new Youth Music program, a free class that will allow children ages 8-12 to learn to play the Recorder, a low-cost flute-type instrument.

If you play a concert band instrument, or used to and would like to pick it up again, or even just want to learn to play music for the first time, please contact Beginning Band and Marching Director, Kody Tickner at chcmb@hotmail.com, or (916) 467-6783.

The Bands practice Monday or Tuesday nights at the Citrus Heights City Hall, and some instruments are available to borrow with membership. We perform a variety of parades and civic functions throughout the year, and we're looking for new musicians to join us in performing exciting music for our community!

SACRAMENTO, CA – “Assistance League of Sacramento will award $500 scholarships for the first time through its newly created Scholarship Program and application packages must be postmarked by February 26, 2010,” announced President Mary McPherson. She also said, “We are exhilarated that our members have contributed so generously to our new Scholarship Program capably headed up by Maureen Gormley.”

Maureen Gormley said, “We want to inspire, encourage, and support students in their pursuit of education through the granting of scholarships”. Gormley also said that many students cannot afford to go to college or have limited awareness of how to pay for higher education. Thousands of low and middle income students have demonstrated the commitment and perseverance needed to succeed in college but lack the financial resources to get there. Our goal is to provide college access for motivated local students. For our first year’s effort, students from five local community colleges will participate in our scholarship program. They are the American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, Sacramento City College and Woodland Community College.

Scholarship applications are available at sacramento.assistanceleague.org. For questions about the application process contact Maureen Gormley at mgormley43@gmail.com. The requirements are that students must: Have life circumstances that are more difficult than most; Be a continuing student who has successfully completed a minimum of 6 units; Currently be enrolled in a minimum of 10 units; Have a grade point average of 2.0 or above; Be a resident of California; Be willing to maintain communication with Assistance League of Sacramento; Use the scholarship for educational purposes (registration, tutoring, books, housing, etc); and Submit completed application form, two completed Reference Questionnaires, and a college transcript. The application package must be postmarked by February 26, 2010.

Assistance League of Sacramento is an all-volunteer, non-profit community service organization, founded in 1966 and chartered in 1968 as a chapter of Assistance League®. It has over 200 local members who concentrate their volunteer efforts on programs and services benefitting hundreds of thousands of people in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. For information about Assistance League, contact alsacmail@gmail.com or call (916) 488-0828.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Alyson Huber is hosting a series of neighborhood coffees during February. She invites residents of the 10th Assembly District to come join her for a cup of coffee and discuss state issues. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions, ideas and solutions regarding state legislative issues that affect the community.

Denio’s a Great Place to Buy Quality Holiday Gifts at Bargain Price
New and Established Vendors Earn Extra Cash During Christmas Shopping Season

ROSEVILLE, CA – Although economic news is more upbeat than a year ago, most experts are predicting only a modest uptick in holiday shopping as the Greater Sacramento region residents prepare to do their annual holiday gift buying.

Many high-ticket items will be passed over once again as holiday shoppers seek out the true bargains.

What’s new this year can be found at the 62-year-old establishment that predates all of the area’s malls and big box stores: Denio’s Roseville Farmers Market & Swap Meet, where a treasure trove of gift ideas is available each weekend in Roseville.

Numerous Denio’s vendors have been gearing their inventory toward the holiday season when most people will be looking for quality items at a bargain price.

Not only is family-owned Denio’s a great location for bargain hunters, it also provides an outlet for anyone who wants to sell un-needed items and earn some extra money for Christmas. It’s also the perfect time for prospective small business owners to test their product or service by operating for a nominal vendor’s fee during the holiday season.

Rod Smith of Bargain $mart has been selling holiday seasonal items since 1991 at Denio’s and always looks forward to this time of year when the popular Northern California destination gears up to accommodate the thousands of Christmas shoppers each weekend.

“We have a lot of gift ideas this time of year, like tool sets, pocket knives, key chains, gloves, and a lot more that sell very well during the holidays,” Smith said. “You get all kinds of people out here, millionaires and people without a lot of money, and the common denominator is they are all looking for bargains. That’s what Denio’s is known for.”

Since 1947, people from all walks of life have successfully sold new and used merchandise at Denio’s, which is located at 1551 Vineyard Road in Roseville. For years customers from throughout Northern California have strolled Denio’s long aisles, seeking out that unique "bargain" or "just right" item.

Most holiday shoppers depart Denio’s with an assortment of gifts chosen from the available new and used merchandise and specialty items located throughout the expansive 70-acre location. The many items include jewelry, toys, computers, cosmetics, books, games, hobby supplies, appliances, musical instruments, watches, car stereo equipment, leather goods, sun glasses, antiques and collectibles, back packs, golf clubs, novelty items, and much more. Denio’s also offers the area’s largest outdoor produce market. It’s a one-stop shop for all your Holiday needs.

Juan and Reina Velazquez from South Sacramento have been vendors at Denio’s for seven years. They sell women’s clothing, specializing in maternity wear.

“It’s like our family at Denio’s. The other vendors who are close by are like our neighbors,” Juan Velazquez said. “I feel like I’m at home when I’m working at Denio’s on the weekend.”

Denio’s is open every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, with convenient parking for only $3. The Friday outdoor market is also open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.deniosmarket.com or call (916) 782-2704.

Citrus Heights City and Police Staff Hosting Holiday Toy and food Drive to Assist Less-fortunate Families

November 25, 2009 – The City of Citrus Heights and the Citrus Heights Police Department are hosting their annual Holiday Giving Toy and Food Drive to assist less-fortunate families in the Citrus Heights community. The Ci

There are many ways the public can assist with this meaningful program. The City and CHPD are looking for donations of the following:

Donations are being accepted now through December 18th. The public is encouraged to bring donations to the bins located at the following places:

For more information, please call Krista Noonan at (916) 725-2448 or the CHPD at (916) 727-5500. Visit the City’s Web site at www.CitrusHeights.net for more details.

(NAPSA)-A picture might be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to holiday gift giving, the right picture can be priceless.

From everyday pictures to vacation photos and even pictures of family pets, few things spark emotions and memories like your pictures. And now, you can find a number of unique ways to share your favorite pictures on affordable holiday photo gifts.

For example, someone who spends a lot of time at the office might appreciate a crystal paperweight etched with a photograph of the family, while someone constantly on the run might enjoy a personalized canvas tote bag or travel mug.

A Web site called SeeHere.com by Fujifilm could help you find the right gift at the right price. Designed to be a complete, user-friendly photo site experience, its easy-to-use creative environment lets you quickly share, organize and design holiday cards, photo books and gifts. You can do just about anything your imagination and time allow.

Using the site's free-form composer tool, each gift can be designed to be as unique as the person creating it. Product creation is simple and you can even use pictures right from your desktop. Choose from a wide selection of photo gifts such as photo cards, poster collages, mouse pads, pillowcases, key chains, mugs, photo books, ornaments and more!

Organizing, storing and sharing your pictures can be quick and easy. Once you have uploaded your pictures to a Web album, you can organize and share them in just a few clicks. You can even sign up today and take advantage of 25 free* photo cards. At checkout, enter promo code sh-1209. For more information, visit www.SeeHere.com.

*Shipping not included. Free photo cards must be redeemed in one transaction. Offer expires December 31, 2009.

Toys, Train Rides, Santa Sightings & More At the California State Railroad Museum This Holiday Season
Museum Debuts “Some Assembly Required” Toy Exhibit on November 16 and Hosts “Train Time for Santa” Thanksgiving Weekend (November 27 – 29)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With toys, trains and even good ol’ St. Nick, the California State Railroad Museum is sure to capture and spread the spirit of the holidays with visitors of all ages. While coveted tickets to The Polar Express™Train Ride are completely sold out for 2009, there’s plenty more to see and do at North America’s most popular train museum, both inside and out. In fact, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a nostalgia-inducing new exhibit on Monday, November 16, titled “Some Assembly Required,” showcasing railroad-themed toys from the Museum’s collection.

Over the three-day Thanksgiving weekend (Friday thru Sunday), the popular “Train Time for Santa” event will take place—complete with festive Santa Steam Train rides—and the 13th Annual Toy Train Holiday Show in the Museum.

Amidst special holiday “Theater of Lights” activities throughout Old Sacramento that same three-day weekend—November 27 thru 29—visitors to the California State Railroad Museum will enjoy “Train Time for Santa.” Ride with Santa aboard his very own steam train! Then explore the 13th Annual Toy Train Holiday Show where hobbyists from around the region will proudly display modular and portable toy and model train layouts set up in the Museum’s Roundhouse surrounded by full size locomotives.

Tickets for Santa’s Steam Train—which include complimentary admission to the Museum—are $15 for adults, $7 for youths ages 6-17 and children 5 and under are free. Santa’s Steam Train tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and trains depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot at Front and “K” Streets in Old Sacramento.

For Museum admission only (which does NOT include Santa’s Steam Train regular museum prices are $9 for adults, $4 for youths ages 6-17, and children 5 and under are free.

Opening November 16, the California State Railroad Museum will showcase a special “Some Assembly Required” toy exhibit that is sure to inspire both wonder and delight with a variety of rare, intricate and colorful railroad-themed toys on display. The exhibit, with toys and games from the impressive California State Railroad Museum collection, will be featured through February 20, 2010.

For more information about the “Some Assembly Required” toy exhibit, “Train Time http://www.oldsacramento.com/for Santa,” the Toy Train Holiday Show or other museum related events, exhibits and activities this holiday season, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org. For more information about all of the activities throughout Old Sacramento, visit www.oldsacramento.com.

Operated by California State Parks with assistance from the nonprofit CSRM Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most-visited railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-sq. ft. Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill buildings in Old Sacramento. 24-hour info: (916) 445-6645 or www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

(NAPSA)-This holiday season, many people are finding ways to save by staying close to home and purchasing gifts that deliver all the comforts of home. With consumer spending down 3.1 percent, people are no longer buying expensive items such as cars and electronics, preferring simpler, more economical gifts and items for their own enjoyment.

Here are a few ideas for affordable gifts that sum up a warm, relaxing day at home-a comfy antidote for holiday madness:

Or better yet, buy a deliciously soft pair of slippers to pamper the tired feet of those you love.

Dearfoams offers a variety of affordably stylish and comfortable slipper styles for men and women. From striped, slouchy boots to ballerina slippers to classic moccasins, there's a variety of casual, cozy styles to choose from.

An added bonus is that toasty-warm feet often make it easier to turn the thermostat down and save on heating bills. For styles and information, visit www.dearfoams.com or call (800) 628-0322.

Older adults are often the best storytellers in the family. Their many traditions and talents are just waiting to be shared. As we approach this holiday season, many older citizens won’t be near their families. Travel can become difficult if loved one lives far away.

What better way to honor seniors in your family and community than by undertaking a project together this holiday season. There are a wide range of projects that individuals, families, and social service groups can participate in with older adults. In fact, it is a great opportunity for organizations such as school groups or scout troops to get involved with our senior population.

These activities bring generations together, nurture friendships, encourage volunteerism, and broaden understanding and support in a community.

The older we get the more the holiday season becomes about spending time with family and friends and not about gifts and parties. Giving of your time is the best gift you could possibly give. Share a holiday dinner and movie favorite such as Miracle on 34th Street. This classic touches every generation.

The holiday season is a busy time for all. For most of us this means additional stress as we try to squeeze into our schedule, time for sending cards, buying and wrapping gifts, decorating the house, and cooking holiday meals. So during this time we must remember that many older folks have special needs during the holidays as well. The holiday blues can affect us all. Often thought of as the happiest time of year for many can sometimes mean sadness and depression for others. Being surrounded by family can often ease these feelings that are not uncommon in our senior population.

Holiday visits provide a good opportunity for adult children to gauge well-being and health of their elderly parents and family members. Discreetly taking notice during holiday visits of whether their family member has had a change in health, memory, living conditions or finances. Be aware of changing conditions and spend time with these family members to better understand what they may be going through.

Older adults are a vibrant,contributing part of our communities. They have a great deal of wisdom and insight to share, they deserve to be honored at this the holiday season as well as all year long. I know my life is enriched everyday by spending time with my senior friends.

Turn back the clock on water waste in Sacramento
California American Water encourages customers to turn off their sprinklers when they turn back clocks

Sacramento (October 30, 2009) – Daylight savings time ends in the United States on Sunday, Nov. 1 when clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. With the rainy season just getting underway, California American Water is launching a public awareness campaign to remind local residents to turn their sprinklers off – a simple step that can be done when you turn the clock back – to protect the environment while saving water and money during the winter months.

Irrigation experts encourage outdoor water users to reduce their irrigation run times and frequencies during the fall and early winter.

“Many of us continue to irrigate more than we need in September, October and November,” said California American Water general manager Andy Soule. “When compared to the peak water needs of June and July, outdoor water use in November should be reduced by 60 to 75 percent. Shorter days mean less sun - and your plants need less water.”

According to Soule, water company employees spot residents and businesses with their sprinklers running while it’s raining every year. “Not only do we see it happening, we see bills with hundreds or even thousands of gallons of daily water use, and when folks are using that much water in December or January, there’s only one likely explanation,” Soule said. “Sprinklers running in the winter account for a tremendous amount of water waste.”

“We want our metered customers to know they can avoid high water bills by controlling their outdoor use,” Soule said. “It’s good for their pocketbooks and good for the environment.”

In fact, it’s also good for home landscaping. Too much water can be more damaging to plants than drought. Landscaping experts estimate that 90 percent of plants killed die from overwatering. Soggy soil can prevent nutrients and air from reaching plant roots, inviting unwanted diseases such as root rot.

If there is a long break between rains, California American Water recommends manually watering landscape with a hose and a low-flow hose nozzle. One way to test if soil needs watering is by pushing a screwdriver into the ground. If it goes in easily, the soil is moist and doesn't need water.

California American Water offers a myriad of water and money saving programs for all its customers, including up to $100 rebates on water efficient appliances.

Customers can also sign up for a Water Wise home or business water survey, where a company conservation specialist will go out to the residence and conduct a comprehensive water audit for free. The representative will check the property for leaks and other areas of potential water savings and provide the customer with an in-depth report on their water usage in addition to providing tips on things they can do to save water. Customers can visit the website, www.californiaamwater.com or call our conservation hotline at (916) 568-4201 for more information.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

Crocker Holiday Art and Craft Festival November 27-29 at Scottish Rite Center
Regional artists and craftspeople provide unique gifts for holiday shopping list

October 8, 2009 – Sacramento, Calif. – More than 95 regional artists and craftspeople will offer their unique gift items during the Crocker Art Museum’s Holiday Art & Craft Festival at the Scottish Rite Center, located across from the main entrance of California State University, Sacramento, at 6151 H Street. Visitors will support the Crocker and local artists while they shop for everyone on their holiday list with an array of gift items and price ranges.

The artist’s creations for sale include jewelry, ceramics, paintings, gourmet food, a variety of unique holiday items and more. You can also capture the holiday season by having photos taken with a Victorian Santa Claus in the front lobby. Attendees will also enjoy free parking and a café by Ambrosia Catering.

Running from November 27-29, festival admission is free to Crocker members, $6 for adults and $3 for seniors, students and children. The Holiday Art & Craft Festival is open Friday 1-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The event is presented by the Crocker Art Museum and the Creative Arts League of Sacramento.

By Shauna Johnson, Culinary Instructor at Wellspring Weight Loss Camps. (www.wellspringweightloss.com) The holiday season is upon us, which means lots travel, unhealthy food, memorable moments, and our famous excuses such as, ”I’m traveling, there are no healthy options!” and “I’ll work it all off when I get home.” A typical American may gain upwards of 15 pounds during the winter months, including holidays. Why put you and your body through this when there are simple tips and ways around the holiday bulge?

Whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile, the only things moving are the means of transportation.

With these simple tips, you can help keep the pounds off while traveling this holiday season! Remember, being prepared is the key to traveling success!

About Shauna Johnson
Shauna has a passion for healthy living, including living and cooking a healthy diet. She has been the head instructor for flagship Wellspring Academy of California for four years, and has designed the curriculum for Wellspring Camps around the globe. Shauna earned her Nutrition and Culinary Education degree at Fresno State University. Shauna has also continued taking courses, including a recent “Healthy

Kitchens, Healthy Lives” curriculum developed by Harvard Medical School in association with Culinary Institute of America.

As part of the effort to keep the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s exciting nature programs running, the Center’s non-profit partner American River Natural History Association (ARNHA) was selected to participate in the Raley’s Quality of Life program. Each time a participant shops at Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill or Food Source stores, a portion of the purchase will be donated to ARNHA. There is no additional cost to the shopper to participate in the program.

Raley’s Quality of Life fundraising program helps raise funds for youth and education-focused non-profit groups. ARNHA was chosen because of the organization’s long-term commitment and dedication to environmental stewardship. Funds raised through this program will go to keeping the Center doors open and feeding the resident animals, including long-time residents Virginia, the Great Horned Owl and Bandit the rattlesnake.

“Because of budget cuts, we are depending on the support of ARNHA to help keep us going for children and families,” said Betty Cooper, Interpretive Specialist at the Nature Center. “We have built this program over the last 30 years and schools depend on us to help fulfill their state curriculum requirements.”

Quality of Life Cards are available at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, or by calling 916-489-4918, or by e-mailing Jamie Washington at washintonj@saccounty.net or Betty Cooper at cooperbe@saccounty.net. Anyone can participate and there is no cost to join. Learn more at http://www.effieyeaw.org/.

“There are many groups throughout the community that have benefited from this Raley’s partnership , and we hope that we can raise enough funds to continue introducing children to the wonderful animals and programs at our Center for years to come ,” said Cooper.

Arden Hills Joins the “Fight For Air Climb” & Offers Strength & Conditioning at Top Notch Facility
Coordinated by American Lung Association, Climb is Scheduled for November 14, 2009

Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa is proud to partner with the American Lung Association in the “Fight For Air Climb” scheduled for Saturday, November 14 in Sacramento. The challenge is to participate in a timed stair climb up 32 flights of stairs to the rooftop of the tallest building in the city located at 400 Capitol Mall. The fundraising event is aimed at improving air quality and striving for a world free of lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

As a special training incentive, Arden Hills is offering a four-week training package for community members who want to join the Arden Hills: Team Extreme team which includes the following: 1) Four-week team training effort on-site at Arden Hills that includes workouts led by Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) in their new, state-of-the art Strength & Conditioning facility (two training sessions per week beginning October 19); 2) Entry fee for climb; 3) Donation to the American Lung Association (each participant is required to raise $100); 4) Arden Hills: Team Extreme t-shirt.

The four-week special team training package is open to everyone and costs $205 per person. In addition to the complete team training package outlined above, Arden Hills is also offering four-week training for Climb participants on other teams (for $80) and an opportunity to be a part of the Arden Hills: Team Extreme but without the training sessions (for $125).

“Lung health is a cause near and dear to me both personally and professionally,” said Robert Linkul, Strength & Conditioning Specialist at Arden Hills. “This ‘Fight For Air Climb’ is a great way to raise awareness to the cause while also learning how to achieve a fitness goal and train effectively to ensure success.” For information about the Arden Hills: Team Extreme and other events, activities and wellness offerings at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, please call 916-482-6111 or visit www.ardenhills.net.

Alaska Airlines Brings Maui Service Back to Sacramento
New Flights to the Aloha State Begin March 2010

SACRAMENTO, CA. - Alaska Airlines today announced plans to start nonstop service from Sacramento to Maui on March 26, 2010. The new service fills a void left when Aloha Airlines ceased all operations in March 2008. Since that time, officials at Sacramento International Airport have been working to convince another airline to restart the popular service.

Sacramento County Supervisor Roger Dickinson and Barbara Hayes, Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO), assisted the airport with the pitch to Alaska Airlines. They traveled to Seattle in August 2009 with Director of Airports G. Hardy Acree and Deputy Director of Marketing Cheryl Marcell, to meet with the airline and talk about Sacramento's potential as a market for Maui flights.

"Having nonstop service to popular destinations is important to this region," said Roger Dickinson. "People won't have to drive to other airports to fly to Maui, and it keeps some of their travel dollars here in Sacramento."

"The renewal of this service is a testament to the strength of the Sacramento travel market," said Barbara Hayes. "Sacramentans are clamoring for more destinations, and this flight moves us in the right direction."

The new nonstop flights to Maui start just in time for Spring Break 2010, giving Sacramento travelers a terrific option for their tropical vacations. The once daily flight times are:

"Alaska Airlines' timing of the new flight is perfect," said G. Hardy Acree, "and it gives Northern California travelers one more reason to choose Sacramento International over other airports in the area."

Sacramento to Maui tickets can be purchased on the Alaska Airlines Web site at www.alaskaair.com at 7:00 p.m. on November 10, 2009.

Sacramento County Airport System is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county's four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. For more information, visit www.sacairports.org

For anyone who's dreamed of owning and showing off a world-class car collection– without having to wipe up the drips or check the tires– the California Automobile Museum's docent program might just be the answer.

The 25th Docent Training Class will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Museum. They are seeking men and women interested in automobiles and their history who wish to become docents. Docents are volunteer teachers/tour guides who interpret the Museum's story to people from around the globe; they are the Museum's personal outreach to its visitors. The California Automobile Museum's world-recognized docent course is a unique and enjoyable educational experience as well as an opportunity to get involved as a key volunteer in a fascinating Museum.

This 21-week program is presented by the docent training coordinator and taught by 45 subject-matter experts in automotive history, the world's many makes and makers of automobiles, and interpretation skills. These teachers will acquaint the class with the Museum and teach the history of the automobile, the early industry and its entrepreneurs, the cars in the Museum, the effects of the automobile on our lives and times, and how to present these topics to visitors of all ages. Also included are field trips to other automotive museums.

Extensive prior knowledge of cars isn't required, but candidates should enjoy working with people, have an interest in sharing automotive history, be at least 18 years old and able to donate two four-hour docent shifts monthly for two years following graduation.

A $95.00 fee covers the extensive course materials and a year’s Individual Membership in the California Vehicle Foundation, host organization to the California Automobile Museum. Scholarships may be requested.

The Museum contains a fascinating array of cars dating from the early 1900s to alternative power vehicles of the future, along with many exhibits illustrating automotive themes in American life. Being a docent is a wonderful opportunity to meet interesting people and talk cars and car lore. For further information call the California Automobile Museum at (916) 442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.

The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives.

Sacramento County Animal Care Facility To Open Later and On Weekends
Budget Reductions Prompt Change, but New Hours More Customer Friendly Facility to close Monday and Tuesday, October 12 & 13

Sacramento, Calif. – Due to dwindling state and local funding, Sacramento County’s new Animal Care Facility is shifting the hours they are open to the public. Effective October 14, they will now stay open later in the day and on both weekend days.

“We want to be open when it is most convenient for our customers,” said Pat Claerbout, Department Director. “By staying open after 5 p.m. and on both weekend days, we’re hoping that even with reduced resources, we will be able to increase adoptions and make it easier for people to retrieve lost pets.”

Hours the animal facility will be open to the public effective October 14, 2009:

This change will also mean the end of the popular volunteer-run event “Save Us Sundays,” a special day of adoptions that was held the first Sunday of each month. “Now, every Sunday can be a special day of adoptions,” Claerbout added.

The new animal care facility, located at 3839 Bradshaw Road, opened for business to on October 1. During the weekend of October 31, the public is invited to attend two days of open house and tours.

Mercy General Hospital Offers Free Living With Loss Workshop
Six week session meets on Wednesdays starting October 21

Living with Loss is an interactive, educational and experiential grief and loss program that runs for 6 weeks. The program looks at and honors the full dimension of the person: cognitive (thinking), affective (feeling), somatic (body), social (interaction) and spiritual (meaning). The 6-week sessions provide education on anticipatory grief, grief, and mourning that make up the constellation of complex feelings and actions associated with the death of a loved one. Participants identify their own process, and normalize their experience-which doesn’t mean it is not painful, while learning about the dynamic of grief and are given tools to cope and find hope. The sessions are in a closed group format, in other words, a “drop-in” model is not used. The format allows participants to establish trust and more fully share with one another. Participants are asked to commit to attending all 6 sessions as they build upon each other. The sessions are free of charge and donations are accepted.

The workshop is free but registration is required by calling (916) 453-4552. Workshop Facilitator is Nancy Cook, MDiv, MSW, BCC

Mercy General Hospital, Greenhouse A Conference Room, 4001 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819. Six-week session meets every Wednesday from October 21– November 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Kohl’s Celebrates Grand Opening of New Sacramento Area Stores
Kohl’s opening 30 new stores in California, creating more than 4,200 new jobs statewide

Kohl’s Department Stores officially opened its doors to three Sacramento-area Kohl’s stores on Wednesday, September 30 with ribbon cutting ceremony events. The new stores have created approximately 600 new jobs for local residents. Kohl’s is opening 37 stores nationwide this fall, including 35 former Mervyn’s locations. These California stores mark the largest number of Kohl’s locations to open in a single state on the same day. The opening of these stores brings the total number of Kohl’s stores in the state to 121. New local locations include: Citrus Heights, 6135 San Juan Ave, Sacramento (Point West), 1896 Arden Way, and Rancho Cordova, 11051 Olson Drive.

As a family-focused, value-oriented company, Kohl’s is committed to the communities it serves. Through Kohl’s A-Team, associates are encouraged to volunteer for local youth-focused nonprofit organizations, and Kohl’s matches their efforts with corporate grants. This year Kohl’s associate volunteers from more than 150 stores in the West are expected to raise more than $1 million in grants for nonprofits.

Kohl’s also sells special Kohl’s Cares for Kids® merchandise, like books and plush toys, year-round with 100 percent of the net profit benefiting children’s health and education initiatives nationwide. Since the program’s inception in 2000, Kohl’s has raised more than $126 million. This year Kohl’s awarded nearly $350,000 in scholarships and prizes to more than 2,000 kids nationwide through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® Scholarship Program.

To celebrate the opening of its newest stores, Kohl’s offered grand opening specials throughout the store on world-class exclusive and national brands for her family, herself, and her home. Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com feature brands such as Levi’s, Carter’s, Jumping Beans, Nike, adidas, Vans, Hanes, GOLDTOE, Candie’s, Tony Hawk, Simply Vera Vera Wang, Dana Buchman, Bali, Mudd, ELLE Contemporary Collection, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Food Network. In addition, Kohl’s is now the exclusive U.S. retailer for LC Lauren Conrad, a new contemporary lifestyle brand for women designed by Lauren Conrad. Kohl’s offers shoppers a variety of ways to get great values on the brands they love. There are no merchandise or brand exclusions when using offers like Kohl's Cash coupons or Kohl’s Charge Card discounts. In addition, customers can layer on these discounts and maximize savings during special promotions and sale hours. Every store also offers an industry-leading return policy, gift cards, gift registries, convenient store hours, centralized checkouts and the Kohl’s Cares for Kids cause program. New Kohl’s stores also feature an inviting exterior to welcome customers with outdoor seating and music, plus redesigned Juniors’, Intimates, Jewelry, Children’s and Footwear departments.

As part of its green mission, Kohl’s is committed to being an environmentally responsible retailer. The company was most recently ranked first among retailers on Newsweek’s list of The Greenest Big Companies in America and was named one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) 2009 Green Power Partners of the Year.

ABOUT KOHL’S:
Based in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a family-focused, value-oriented specialty department store offering moderately priced, exclusive and national brand apparel, shoes, accessories, beauty and home products in an exciting shopping environment. By the end of September, Kohl’s will operate 1,059 stores in 49 states. A company committed to the communities it serves, Kohl’s has raised more than $126 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares for Kids® philanthropic program, which operates under Kohl's Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.kohls.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sacramento-based U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance workers left today for American Samoa to assist in the recovery efforts from the tsunami which struck the island on Tuesday, September 29, announced Alfred E. Judd, Director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center - West. “Our staff will begin arriving on the island Thursday evening. Over the next several days, we expect the number of workers on the island to grow to about 40,” he said.

“Given the widespread destruction of homes and businesses caused by the tsunami, SBA is launching a significant relief effort to help the island begin its recovery. SBA expects to remain on American Samoa for months to come,” Judd said.

“While in American Samoa, customer service representatives will meet with each disaster victim face to face. We will issue disaster loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Judd continued.

“This is not the first time SBA has responded to a disaster on American Samoa. In response to 2004’s Tropical Cyclone Heta, SBA approved nearly $7.3 million in low interest disaster loans to more than 1,030 American Samoa residents and businesses. SBA disaster loans are one of the largest federal disaster assistance programs for individuals and business owners and are a critical source of financial assistance essential to recovery,” he continued.

SBA disaster loans are the primary form of federal disaster assistance for the owners of private property. For disaster losses not fully covered by insurance, the basic federal financial assistance is a disaster loan from SBA. These direct federal loans are the only form of SBA assistance not limited to small businesses. These disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations.

For more information visit SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov.
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration

JAMESTOWN, Calif. -- Santa is taking some time out of his busy schedule to make special appearances at Railtown this holiday season. Steam-powered trains with Santa aboard will operate over the three-day Thanksgiving Weekend plus Saturday and Sunday, December 19 & 20.

New this year -- Santa’s Starlight Express
On one night only, Saturday, November 28th at 5:30 PM, bundle up and join Santa and his musical friends for a lighted Christmas train. This special train, filled with the music and magic of Christmas, will get you in the holiday spirit as you ride along in the lighted train, caroling as you go.

Tickets are $19 for adults, $9 for youth, and free for children 5 and under traveling with an adult. (Advanced tickets are recommended for all riders, as space is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 209-984-3953).

Santa by Daylight
Steam-powered Santa’s Express Trains also continue this year during daylight hours, on November 27th, 28th, & 29th, and December 19th & 20th. Trains run each day at 11, 12, 1, 2 & 3pm. Santa will be on board to greet visitors, and will be accompanied by Railtown’s Roving Fiddler, Dave Rainwater. Ticket prices are $13 for adults, $6 for youth, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at the depot.

Toy Train Central
The Depot Store at Railtown has a wide selection of toy trains and train related books and gifts for the train fans young and old. Open everyday except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

Operated by California State Parks with assistance from the nonprofit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offers year-round tours plus train rides weekends April-October (selected dates only November-December). Known as “The Movie Railroad,” the Park and its trains have been featured in hundreds of feature films, TV shows, and commercials. The Park is located at the corner of Fifth and Reservoir in Jamestown, reached by highways 49/108. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the Park’s operating hours vary by season: April-October, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; November-March, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call Railtown 1897 State Historic Park at (209) 984-3953, or visit our Web site at www.railtown1897.org

The City of Rancho Cordova has added a dynamic new element to its website, www.cityofranchocordova.org. Thanks to an arrangement with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, of which Rancho Cordova is a member, a virtual tour of the City of Rancho Cordova is now available online. Ten 1-minute videos about economic development, local history, real estate, education, among others comprise the Rancho Cordova Virtual TourBook.

Mayor Dan Skoglund greets viewers in the “Welcome” segment. Other segments feature Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce and Cordova Community Council, quality of life, and pastime activities via videos and colorful photos.

“We are very pleased to have this new virtual TourBook on our site,” said Nancy Pearl, City of Rancho Cordova Communications Director. “The video was provided to the City free of charge as part of a U.S. Conference of Mayors’ program to highlight the many positive and dynamic opportunities that our City offers,” she continued. The U.S. Conference of Mayors contracted with a private professional production company, CGI, to produce and edit the videos. They will be updated as needed to keep them current. Rancho Cordova staff coordinated with CGI throughout the process.

In addition to the informational videos, CGI worked with local businesses to create commercials for their businesses which appear on the individual subject matter sites. This created a sense of support and partnership between local businesses and the City. The City received no revenue from those commercials, the sponsors’ arrangement is with CGI which produced the announcements.

“This virtual tour gives website visitors both within our community and outside Rancho Cordova, a very real sense of the beauty and opportunities available here,” said Pearl.

The City of Rancho Cordova, CA was incorporated in 2003. City Hall is located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive; (916) 851-8700 (phone), (916) 851-8787 (fax), www.cityofranchocordova.org (website).

The STARS Come Out to Support Education
San Juan Education Foundation launches Hall of Fame to inspire students

The San Juan Education Foundation will bring Sacramento’s “stars” together in support of science, technology and arts programs during an event called an Evening with the STARS on September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the home of Deborah Baron, 421 Crocker in Sacramento.

A STARS Hall of Fame will be launched at this event to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves in their profession as well a given back to the community by supporting youth. Inductees will include baseball great Dusty Baker, scientist and inventor of a virus-seeking “chip” Joe DeRisi, and other alumni who have achieved success. The Supper Club will provide five star catering and attendees will dance under the stars to stellar jazz and swing music provided by Rio Americano and Bella Vista musicians. Live and silent auctions will help raise money for innovative learning grants.

The San Juan Education Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization formed as a link between the community and San Juan schools.

Tickets for the Evening with the STARS event are can be purchased online at www.sanjuanfoundation.org or by calling 916.989.0852.

The Order of Sons of Italy in America (O.S.I.A.) is the largest and oldest Italian-American fraternal charity organization in the United States. It was established in 1905 as a mutual aid and society for the early Italian immigrants. Today OSIA has more than 600.000 members and supporters, more than 700 chapters with 65 located in California.

The purpose of the Sons of Italy foundation is charity – having collected $100 million for scholarships, medical research (Thalassemia, Cancer and more), disaster relief, cultural preservation and other local projects.

The newly formed Milano Lodge in Natomas recently inducted the new president Daena Biondi, who is also the owner of local business, Hair Phases International.

The membership of the O.S.I.A. is mainly formed by Italians, but all nationalities are welcome to become members. The Milano Lodge meets every third Tuesday of the month.

For more information please feel free to contact PR chair Jay Minchilli at 916.285.0931 or www.SonsOfItalyCa.org

The following is a list of dates and locations for the meetings. These meetings are every month with the exception of Orangevale. Orangevale is scheduled for every other month. Additionally, due to the holidays, there will only be one meeting for Orangevale in November and no meetings at all for December.

It is with great pleasure that the San Juan High School Class of 1969 Reunion Committee is announcing the date time and place for our 40th Reunion. It will be held at the Sierra View Country Club on Saturday, August 22, 2009. Classmates are asked to get in touch with Jan Denning Newman at (916) 925-7010 or Bob Churchill at (916) 987-2471 for information. So, mark the date now on your new calendar and, whether you can attend or not, we’d love to hear from you.

American Cancer Society
Relay For Life of Orangevale

Cancer Survivor Dinner
September 2nd, 6-8 p.m.

To honor and celebrate the many cancer survivors in our community, we encourage local survivors and their loving caregivers to accept our invitation to this special pre-Relay celebration at the Orangevale Community Center September 2nd. A Mexican dinner donated by the La Placita restaurant, an uplifting and entertaining program, raffle prizes and gifts await our honored guests.

Learn more about the September 19 & 20 Relay For Life of Orangevale and all of the special ceremonies, services and surprises planned in your honor. Call Lorraine Silvera, Event Chair, for more information and to make a reservation: 806- 8261. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Join us in the fight for cancer!

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Orangevale at Louis Pasteur Middle School is fast approaching: September 19 & 20. Cancer survivors, relay team participants, parents, children, the Orangevale community – all will experience the power and enthusiasm of a community joining together in the fight against cancer. Uplifting ceremonies, team competitions, theme laps, live entertainment, a children’s camp—everyone is included, everyone wins ! You don’t have to be on a team to visit and experience the “magic” of Relay.

Don’t miss out on the chance to win the top raffle prize of Orangevale’s Relay For Life: 4 passes to Disneyland ! Thanks to the extraordinary efforts and energy of Mary King, our Sponsorship and Donations Chairperson, there are a variety of great raffle prizes this year. Gift cards to many local restaurants, hair and nail salons, edible arrangements, movie passes, guest passes to local gyms, skate rentals, bowling passes, free tux rental -- just to name a few. Relay teams will also be selling raffle tickets to many other exciting prizes. Your chances of winning are very high!

Over the past several months Orangevale’s twenty-one relay teams have organized many fun events and parties to raise money for their team and to promote Relay For Life in the community. Car washes, pizza nights, bunko and poker nights, a fire works booth, an aperitivo and luminaria party, rummage sales, and many more. Along with the generous donations of local sponsors, the teams are well on their way to reaching and surpassing this year’s goal of $60,000.

Each team has committed to educating the participants and public about cancer research, prevention and patient services. There is no finish line… until we find a cure ! Attendees will be encouraged to go on a “treasure hunt” visiting each campsite to search for answers to a variety of questions on their treasure card. Everyone who turns in the treasure hunt card will receive a gift and be entered into a drawing for a special prize.

Cancer survivors will receive a “royal” welcome at the Survivors’ Hospitality Tent: a purple survivor’s shirt, a gift bag, and a complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. Survivors along with their caregivers will be invited to walk the first lap of the 24-hour event after Saturday morning’s Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. As a prelude to the September 19 & 20 Relay For Life, local cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to a complimentary Mexican dinner donated by La Placita on September 2 (6 – 8 p.m.) at the Orangevale Community Center. Contact Lorraine Silvera if you’d like to attend the Survivors’ Dinner or learn more about Orangevale’s Relay For Life: (806-8261)

Emeritus at Citrus Heights Launches Home Visits Program
“You Don’t Have to Live with Us for Us to Help!---A Complimentary Service for Seniors
By Renee Lukenbill, Community Relations Director

Citrus Heights---Emeritus at Citrus Heights, an Emeritus Senior Living Community announced today that it has launched a home visits program, “You Don’t Have to Live with Us for Us to Help”—part of Emeritus Senior Living’s Safely Somewhere program. We are committed to making sure that every senior in our area in need finds the combination of programs and services that serves them best, even if they do not live with us.

At Emeritus Citrus Heights, we recognize that some of our area seniors may want to live at home as long as they can. We also know that these seniors may face a variety of challenges living at home, and may need assistance identifying all of their support service options. This is why Emeritus Citrus Heights is pleased to offer our team of dedicated health care professionals to serve these seniors and their families as a complimentary service.

“We realize there are many seniors in our area going without the vital health, social, and supportive services they need to maintain their quality of life at home,” said, Jay Anderson, Executive Director at Emeritus Citrus Heights. “Our Home Visits program helps these seniors cope with their challenges and provides a host of resources to help them stay healthy and connected to the community.”

A few of the services that Emeritus Citrus Heights will be offering to our local seniors will consist of: Nurse Evaluation to help identify care needs, Support system check to identify potential challenges based upon gaps in needed assistance, Referrals to other area providers as needed based upon needs uncovered, Post visit follow up coordination with families and referral sources after home visit, Access to Emeritus resources such as family lending library and senior safety tips, A listening ear and enjoyable visit.

If you know of a senior that could benefit from one of these home visit services, contact Emeritus Citrus Heights at (916)729-2722. Emeritus at Citrus Heights is an Emeritus Senior Living Community, a national provider of assisted living and Alzheimer’s and related dementia care services to seniors. Emeritus is one of the largest and most experienced operators of freestanding assisted living communities located throughout the United States.

Each year Orangevale Rotary recognizes people who have made a significant contribution to the life of the Orangevale community. This year’s Teacher of the Year Award went to Mike Hallen, , a history and psychology teacher at Casa Roble High School since 1974, who has a knack for making history come alive by telling engaging stories about historical events. He has also guided 38 student trips to Europe.

Renee Puentes, Store Manager at Walmart, earned the award for Business of the Year because , upon opening the new store in Orangevale, he began participating in community affairs and making donations to schools, libraries, etc. The Public Servant of the Year award was given to Coral Procter, Branch Supervisor of the Orangevale Library, who works diligently and competently to make the library all that it can be, offering to help patrons with all their library needs.

Bob Clouse, of Bob Clouse Insurance, was named Citizen of the Year because of his participation in virtually all Orangevale events. Past Master of the Orangevale Grange, he also served four years as Master of the State Grange, and eight years serving at the national level.

Carmichael, Ca August 14, 2009 A 33 year old male died at the hospital after receiving 3rd degree burns over ninety percent of his body. The apartment fire was at 4800 Marconi Ave. in Carmichael. A neighbor stated she heard the smoke detector and tried to awake the man by beating on his door but was over come by smoke and heat. Metro Fire arrived at 8:26am and quickly extinguished the fire and discovered the man during a primary search. The patient was treated and transported to UC Davis Medical Center.

Metro Fire would like remind our citizens that several smoke detectors should be located throughout your home for the best possible defense against a fire.

This year’s Fair Oaks Dog Walk takes place on Saturday October 3rd, 2009. The event features a two-mile walk for dogs and their humans along the beautiful American River Parkway.

Along the way, attendees will enjoy free treats and water, live music, vendor booths and raffle prizes. The many fun events include doggie contests such as musical sit (canine version of musical chairs) and the parade of pooches, many in unusual costumes! Registration for this family event begins at 8:30 a. m. in the Fair Oaks Village Park and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. The registration fee is $10 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog. T-shirts are available to order with your pre-registration. Additional information and online registration is available on the website: HYPERLINK "http://www.fairoaksdogwalk.com" www.fairoaksdogwalk.com.

Proceeds benefit FORDOG (Fair Oaks Responsible Dog Owners Group), TEAM (Teaching Everyone Animals Matter) and the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce.

The New Christy Minstrels will perform at St. Ignatius Parish Center at 3235 Arden Way , Sacramento on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 7:30 in the evening. Tickets are $35 for general seating and $25 for bleacher seating. V.I.P. seating including appetizers and wine is $50 (space is limited). For tickets, please call (916) 482-9666 ext. 212. Proceeds of this event benefit St. Ignatius Parish General Fund and Ministries.

The very first of the big folk groups of the '60s, the New Christy Minstrels was founded by Randy Sparks, who still leads the group today. With a total of five original minstrels—continuity almost unheard of in the music industry—the New Christy Minstrels features the very same performers who achieved worldwide acclaim in 1962-64, still dazzling audiences on a nightly basis. These five original artists have been joined by younger entertainers to achieve the same identifiable NCM sound that has thrilled folks who care about singable melodies and memorable words for generations. The restored group has broken attendance records in several prestigious theaters, and has never appeared in concert without a standing ovation. They not only offer a wonderful show, they promise it. Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors this will be a great trip down memory lane! You can check out the group at http://www.thenewchristyminstrels.com

On July 27, 2009, a memorial service was held for Kathleen Stone Wood, 52, a long-time resident of Folsom. Wood died on June 20, 2009 in a single-car accident on Highway 50, according to California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer, James Young.

Kathy Wood was returning home from an LDS Church Girls Camp where she and her husband, Kent V. Wood, were speaking to the youth group. Kent Wood was seriously injured and spent nearly one month in the hospital.

Born in Oakland, California, Kathy graduated from Downey High School in Modesto. She was very active in music, dance and theatre. Wood graduated with a B.Mus in Vocal Pedagogy from Brigham Young University in 1979. She was a well-known vocal performer with the BYU A Cappella Choir, the Oratorio Choir, and the Opera Theatre. During a tour of Europe with the BYU A Cappella Choir she performed before Queen Sophia of Spain.

In 1976 Kathy and Kent Wood were married in the Oakland LDS Temple. Following her husbands graduation from BYU, he attended dental school in San Francisco and later opened a dental practice in Antioch, California. While there, Kathy organized and directed the Antioch Children’s Chorus for 4 years. She and her husband performed lead roles in Civic Light Opera and Musicals such as Oklahoma and Music Man.

The couple later relocated the dental office to Folsom and in 2004 Kent retired from dentistry. He currently teaches Astronomy, part-time as an adjunct associate professor, at Folsom Lake College.

Kathy was also very involved in education as a teacher of music, both privately and as a substitute teacher for the San Juan Unified School District. She was a community activist and organizer devoting her time to issues related to children and families. She was the creator and director of W.A.I.T. (Wise Abstinent Informed Teens), a youth speakers group that visits local schools to promote abstinence before marriage. Along with her husband and children, she participated in several humanitarian missions to Peru, Tonga, and Mexico, providing service, goods, and assistance to needy families and communities.

She is survived by her parents and five siblings, her husband, Kent, who continues to recuperate from his injuries, and their six adult children; Elisabeth, 32, a musician based out of Berlin, Germany. Daniel, 30, studying neuroscience in Ontario, Canada. Sean, 28, a singer-songwriter based out of Brooklyn, New York. Eric, 25, is a pre-law student at Utah Valley University. Jason, 23, recently enlisted with the Marines and will be reporting for duty in February 2010. Christina, 18, will begin dental assisting school in Provo, Utah this fall. Mostly due to the diligence of their mother, all four boys attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

A life-long, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kathy served in various ward and stake callings, including ward and stake Young Women President and Music Chairperson. Her most recent calling in the Church was teaching high school students during early-morning seminary classes, a calling she embraced fully. She also frequently served in the Sacramento LDS Temple.

In the words of her husband, Kent, “Kathy is a woman of grace, integrity, compassion, and kindness. She is a woman of faith; a woman of God”. For additional updates, and to leave messages for the family, visit their family blogsite at http://kentandkathywood.blogspot.com/

The City of Rancho Cordova recently approved the operating budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, July 1, 2009- June 30, 2010. In order to balance the budget with the least impact on the community, it was decided that there would be seven furlough days. On those days, City Hall will be closed.

The furlough days are on days before or after a holiday so that it will be less of an impact on City customers. For more information, please contact the City at (916) 851-8700.

Buying an annual parks pass – the Passport – may have been on your list of things to do for a couple of years now, but with the economy straining everyone’s budgets a little harder this year, there’s no better time than now! Here’s why:

Did you know that in addition to the American River Parkway, the County Regional Parks Department oversees 15,000 acres of preserved open spaces throughout Sacramento County? Whether you visit the parks for biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, or simply to picnic with your family, County Regional Parks have something for everyone.

Starting at only $50, the Passport allows unlimited visits to all County parks for a full year, and all the funds raised go directly to keeping parks clean and safe. To find out more information about the annual Parks Passport, or how to volunteer with parks, visit www.sacparks.net or call County Regional Parks 916-875-875-6961.

The Rancho Cordova City Council presented a Proclamation of Recognition to Guy Anderson, Cordova High School’s baseball coach, at the Rancho Cordova City Council meeting on Monday, July 20th in the Council Chambers located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive.

Anderson has just returned from Chicago where he was one of 12 people inducted into the 2009 National High School Hall of Fame that is administered through the National Federation of State High School Associations. Being selected to this Hall of Fame is the highest honor that someone who is associated with high school sports can receive.

Anderson has been Cordova’s baseball coach since the school opened in 1963. In 2001, he retired from his teaching and administrative positions but he continues to coach the baseball team as well as the Junior American Legion team.

Molding and shaping young men into leaders is what Anderson is known for. Several of his players have gone on to play in the major leagues. A lot of them played on their college teams and many are university, high school, or Little League coaches. But Anderson’s “number one goal is to develop good citizens, making sure they are humble and demanding that they are aggressive athletes.”

The National High School Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and others for their extraordinary achievements in high school sports. Anderson was nominated by Pete Saco, Sac-Joaquin Section Commissioner.

43 Fourth Graders Honored at Governor’s Mansion
By Assistance League® of Sacramento and California State Parks

Sacramento, CA -- On a beautiful spring day at the Governor’s Mansion, 43 fourth graders from the greater Sacramento area were awarded certificates and prizes for their essays in the 30th Annual California Heritage Essay Contest, announced Betty Tice, President, Assistance League® of Sacramento.

The History in a Trunk Program chairperson, Karen Nemetz, Assistance League of Sacramento, said that the “California Heritage Essay Contest” was established in 1979 for fourth grade students who have participated in a History in a Trunk presentation, and who wrote essays about a day at the Governor’s Mansion in the 19th century. This year Assistance League members visited 23 schools in the greater Sacramento area and presented their program to 43 classes. The program includes a slide show presentation about the Historic Governor’s Mansion and artifacts from an old trunk that date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Presenting the awards to the students in period costumes, acting as Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gallatin the original owner and builder of the Mansion, were Mr. and Mrs. Al Howenstein (Elk Grove). Al Howenstein who is President of the Point West Rotary Club, and a member of the Assistance League of Sacramento’s Advisory Board said,

Mrs. Nemetz said that “Cash prizes from Assistance League along with certificates and gifts donated by the California State Parks went to the first, second, third and fourth place winners.” She said that there was a tie for the first place winner with both students given a $50 cash prize.

First place winners were Bobby Goforth of Carden School (Arden-Arcade), and Cessair McKinney of Earl LeGette School (Fair Oaks) San Juan Unified School District. The second place Winner with a $40 cash prize went to Lexie Campbell of Natoma Station School (Folsom), Folsom Cordova Unified School District. The third place winner with a $35 cash prize went to Jaspreet Dhingsa of Cowan Fundamental School (Arden-Arcade), San Juan Unified School District, and the fourth place winner with a $30 cash prize went to David Santiago of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton School, (Elk Grove). Other local students receiving certificates and prizes were: (Rancho Cordova) Folsom Cordova Unified School Dist. Cordova Lane School; Annie Gevondyan and Williamson School; Katrita Le and Joseph Hensel. (Arden-Arcade) San Juan Unified School Dist. Cowan Fundamental School; Hanna Wong. (Fair Oaks) San Juan Unified School Dist. Earl LeGette School; Eliana Schwartz. (Carmichael) San Juan Unified School Dist. Garfield School; Victoria Kuzmenko and Starr King School; Haley Eldridge. (Citrus Heights) San Juan Unified School Dist. /Woodside School; Tanner Smith. (Carmichael) Private/Our Lady of the Assumption School; Jessica Wagstaffe. (Arden-Arcade) Private/St. Ignatius Loyola School; Cambria Wilson.

Assistance League of Sacramento is an all-volunteer, community service organization, which was founded in 1966 and chartered in 1968 as a chapter of the National Assistance League©, and is currently one of 120 chapters. It is a non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization with over 200 members locally whose volunteer efforts are concentrated on programs and services that have benefited the greater Sacramento area for over 40 years.

Additional information about Assistance League of Sacramento can be obtained by accessing the web site: assistanceleague.sacramento.org, or by contacting alsac@sbcglobal.net. The office is located at 2528 Yorktown Avenue, Suite, C. Sacramento, CA 95821, (916) 488-0828.

OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING- SATURDAY, May 30th, 2009- Byers Gymnastics Center (FREE 30 minute trial classes, performances by our competitive teams, and an opportunity to sign-up for our summer camps): Just expanded its business to the City of Citrus Heights and opened its doors, March 2nd, 2009. Located next to the new CalFit Center on Antelope and Sunrise, Byers Gymnastics, will continue its mission to develop happy, healthy children through teaching the greatest sport on earth, Gymnastics! This new venture will extend gymnastics natural side effects: Focus, Determination, courage, and teamwork to youth in the Citrus Heights areas. Laura Menefee, long time coach and Mom of two, says, “Byers has been a vital part of my son’s body awareness for all sports he plays. What a great way to help children be successful in other areas of their life”.

Bringing gymnastics to the city of Citrus Heights will also strengthen the community by providing jobs (10 new positions and plan to add more) and proving that businesses can still flourish even in these hard economic times. “Our goal was to have 72 children registered by the end of April, and in just 2 short months we have doubled our projected enrollment! What a great feeling for the gymnastics industry and for the City of Citrus Heights.”, says Kim Bruns, one of the owners of Byers Gymnastics of Citrus heights.

Byers Gymnastics Center truly believes that gymnastics is for everyone and that is why we are including classes for children with Autism. This wonderful program, will allow children with special needs to receive the amazing benefits that gymnastics inherently provides: Gymnastics promotes reading-readiness through movements that cross the midline of the brain, it provides socialization, learning in a structured environment (so important, especially for children with Autism), and fitness, which is something so many children are missing out on these days. Byers Gym is consulting with Dr. William Brandon, behavioral specialist, and co-founder of The Learning Arts Center, an Autistic resource company, to ensure that our students receive the utmost quality of service. Byers Gym offers free trial classes…Check us out!

(Sacramento) – Area companies will be recruiting to fill hundreds of new jobs at Sacramento’s 18th Annual June HIREvent, Tuesday, June 24th from Noon to 4pm at the Lions Gate Hotel, Club Ballroom in McClellan Business Park. Admission is free.

Jobseekers can speak with representatives from dozens of employers in just one afternoon. Many companies have immediate needs to fill in the areas of administration, customer service, finance, law enforcement, marketing, communications, and more. Opportunities range from entry-level through management.

Candidates should dress for an interview and be prepared to meet with company decision-makers. Attendees can also have their resume reviewed by professional Career Specialists. For more information on this event, visit JobJournal.com or call 1-888-THE JOBS.

Nurture Kids' Creativity During Summer Vacation
Sacramento Children’s Art Expert Offers Five Art Project Ideas To Ignite Kids' Imaginations Over the Summer

(Sacramento, CA, June 1, 2009)– Summer free time is a welcome relief from the overly scheduled, competitive, pressured lifestyle that so many kids experience for most of the year. Children who have extensive commitments during the school year really need time over the summer to "play" and have the freedom to explore their own creativity says children's art expert in Sacramento.

"Summer offers lots of opportunities to keep kids' imagination in tip top shape," says Paige Schulte, executive director of KidzArt, a children's art education franchise in Sacramento. "Try incorporating the outdoors as inspiration for some fun projects and as a way to boost your child's creativity."

Schulte offers some clever art projects, involving nature or the outdoors, that will excite and involve kids of any age:

For more information on summer art projects, classes or camps, call Paige Schulte at KidzArt at (916) 574-9700 or visit http://www.kidzartca.com.

About KidzArt
Founded in 1998, KidzArt is an international art enrichment franchise company that helps kids of all ages explore their inner artistic potential. Through afterschool classes, camps and birthday parties, KidzArt offers a diverse, multi-cultural, multi-media drawing and fine arts curriculum designed to inspire kids throughout the world. KidzArt's "no mistakes" philosophy encourages children to try new things, explore their creativity and overcome their inhibitions or obstacles in order to grow and learn. Franchising since July 2002, KidzArt has franchised units throughout the US, China, the Middle East, Singapore, Indonesia, India and South Korea. To find out more about KidzArt visit www.kidzart.com or call 800-379-8302.

Sacramento CA – The Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SACDOT) has initiated construction startup for Phase 1 of the Hazel Avenue Improvement Project. This project will reduce congestion and improve safety and mobility for all modes of transportation in this corridor. As part of construction related activities, there will be impacts to the public which are summarized below:

This Phase 1 project will have impacts on users of Hazel Avenue, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and the American River Parkway. Motorists and hatchery and parkway users will be informed about construction related road and lane closures, bikeway detours and other impacts through press releases, newsletters and webpage updates. We ask for their patience during construction and to follow posted signage. Residents can check www.hazelavenue.org for current project information.

Phase 1 project construction costs are $20 million and will be covered with a combination of: Developer Fees, Measure A Sales Tax funds and State and Federal funding sources. It is anticipated that the Phase 1 project will be completed by December 2010. Roadway improvements included in Phase 1 project work include:

Please contact Dan Regan (Communication & Media Officer) at 874-7056 or regand@saccounty.net) for additional information.

The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the seventh annual 2009-2010 Leadership Citrus Heights program, which will commence on October 6, 2009.

The class meets for eight months and is limited to 25 adult participants. Mercy San Juan Medical Center is the event sponsor, hosting the classes each month in the medical center conference room at the hospital on Coyle Avenue, and providing dinner to the participants. The classes will be held the 1st Tuesday of each month for 4 1/2 hours with Graduation taking place on June 1, 2010

Contact the Chamber for an application. Last year’s Leadership Citrus Heights sold out so interested parties are encouraged to act soon. The Chamber can be reached at (916) 722-4545 or bettie@chchamber.com. Applications are available at the Chamber office located at Fountain Square 7115- A Greenback Lane. The class is open to men and women who live or work in Citrus Heights.

Kim Bruns, Owner/Director- Byers Gymnastics Center; (916) 781-2939 or cell: (916) 600-5111

Byers Gymnastics Center is a year-round gymnastics and fitness program for children. Our classes emphasize basic skill building on each of the Olympic events, as well as age appropriate warm-up and conditioning. We offer classes for ages walking thru teen, individualized autistic program (Citrus Heights only), Women’s Artistic Competitive Teams, Levels 4-Elite (Roseville only), and Group Gymnastics Teams. We also provide Field trips, Birthday Parties, Parents Night Outs, and Camps.

Nearly everything about my recent vacation in Florida was perfect -- the beaches, wildlife, sunsets, you name it. My only disappointment? The way I got there.

I took a plane, as anyone who lives 1,500 miles away would. Not that anything went wrong; the trip was pretty stress-free. Instead, I was disappointed that I couldn’t take a train -- couldn’t stroll to the Amtrak station in my Vermont hometown, board a coach car with plush seats, leg room and picture windows, rumble down the Atlantic coast and really see America, rather than gazing blankly at clouds from 30,000 feet.

Okay, technically I could have taken the train. But to reach Fort Myers, I would’ve had to endure an overnight layover in New York, a 25-hour train ride to Tampa, and two-hour bus ride. I wanted to see America, but not lose a third of my vacation before even arriving at my destination.

It shouldn’t be this way. Americans, known for technological innovation, shouldn’t have to be embarrassed that Europe and Asia have faster, more convenient and reliable passenger rail systems. Railroad travel was once ubiquitous in the U.S., but since the 1950s -- when the automobile and interstate highway system began replacing it -- passenger rail here has become a shell of what it once was. Amtrak’s annual ridership was up 11 percent last year, to 28.7 million (a record), but compare that to the nearly 650 million passengers taking domestic flights on American Airlines in 2008.

One big problem: when it comes to passenger rail, you can’t get there from here. While the U.S. claims more than 140,000 miles of Class I railroad line, and freight railroads haul more than 40 percent of all U.S. freight -- everything from lumber to vegetables, coal to chemicals, grain to scrap iron -- Amtrak travels along a mere 21,000 miles of those lines. As a result, many Americans aren’t even served by Amtrak today; it doesn’t even go to Wyoming or South Dakota, to most of Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Idaho or Maine. And on the routes that do exist, congestion and delays often happen because Amtrak shares most of its track with freight companies.

Adding insult to injury, our undersized passenger rail system has been grossly under funded. For decades, Congress passed bare-bones Amtrak budgets, with fiscal conservative legislators citing the agency’s lack of routes and stations as cause to shutdown the government-owned corporation. Amtrak critics claim they dislike propping up a transportation system that should, in their minds, pay its own way.

But if it’s public funding that budget hawks are upset about, why do they continue to provide the airline and auto industries with billions? What’s more, not a single well-functioning passenger train system in the world functions without public funding.

Those of us who love trains and appreciate their ability to reduce air pollution and cut carbon emissions know this is a perfect time for passenger rail to make a comeback. Not only are Americans fed up with congested highways and airport security lines, they’re also seeking travel options that reduce foreign oil dependence and don’t contribute as heavily to climate change.

Here, Amtrak delivers. In 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, Amtrak was 18 percent more fuel efficient than the airlines per passenger mile, and 24 percent more fuel efficient than cars. Amtrak has also swapped some diesel locomotives for electric ones, and trialed a hybrid locomotive. It’s even testing biodiesel fuel on its Heartland Flyer, running from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City.

High-speed rail too holds promise. In the stimulus bill passed by Congress in February, $8 billion was invested in high-speed rail projects that will benefit both Amtrak and state departments of transportation. The stimulus also provided $1.3 billion for Amtrak to rebuild infrastructure and upgrade safety. But after decades of neglect, Congress must invest far more if Amtrak is to catch up. Vice President Joe Biden, who used to commute from Delaware to his Senate seat in Washington on Amtrak, could be a real advocate for trains in Congress. But so must we.

Why not see if Amtrak can fit conveniently into your summer vacation plans? It goes to some great tourist spots, including San Diego, Orlando, Washington, and the Rocky Mountains; often the train is cheaper than the plane. Check for routes and stations at http://www.amtrak.com.

Better yet, lobby Congress for new routes and stations that service your region and hometown. Or recruit local train lovers and start an advocacy group. If hundreds of citizens showed up in Congress demanding passenger train service to Fort Myers, Fla., Cheyenne, Wyo., or Nashville, Tenn. that would get people’s attention.

It may seem old-fashioned to embrace a mode of transportation that had its heyday in the 19th century. But progress sometimes means taking a step back.

Caroline Abels is an independent journalist and editor of Vermont’s Local Banquet magazine. Previously she was a reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Tommy Ts Comedy Club Opens at Former Garbeau's Dinner Theater
Tommy T’s Comedy and Dinner Theatre will open at the historic Nimbus Winery this June

The comedy club will feature a 7,000-square-foot theater with seating capacity for approximately 350 people. The club will also feature a full restaurant and bar, with an extensive list of drinks and dinner specials. It will open in the Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre location, which will close its doors on May 31st.

Tommy T’s will be open 7 days a week. Monday will be open-mic night followed by karaoke, while Wednesday through Sunday will feature national touring comedians. Scheduled to headline in June at the club is Tony Roberts from BET’s Comic View, master of musical sound effects Jay Lamont and SINBAD.

Owner Tommy Thomas, who also owns Tommy T’s Comedy & Steakhouse in Pleasanton, celebrated his 30th year in the comedy business this year. Ed Tracey, General Manager for the new club is ecstatic about the new club. “Tommy T’s Comedy & Dinner Theatre will make an exceptional addition to the Nimbus Winery”, said Tracey, a comedian himself and host of a weekly television show in the bay area. “This will be the premiere comedy spot for comedians and patrons alike”.

The Nimbus winery is located at 12401 Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova and is easily accessible from highway 50, just off the Hazel Road exit. To order tickets or for more information, go to www.tommyts.com or contact Ed Tracey at the Pleasanton club at (925) 497-4537.

Rancho Cordova Lowe's Store Helps Make MDA History
More than 1,600 Lowe’s stores across the U.S. nearly double previous record by raising $4.3 million

RANCHO CORDOVA – Defying typical nonprofit fundraising across the United States this year, Lowe’s is at the top of a long list of retail and restaurant partners to report a record-breaking $18 million in Shamrocks Against Dystrophy sales. At the conclusion of the 26th annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign, Lowe’s reported $4.3 million in sales, nearly doubling the previous record of $2.3 million raised by one retail grocery two years ago. The $1 and $5 Shamrocks donations have now raised more than $200 million for Jerry’s Kids.

Generous customers of the more than 1,600 participating Lowe’s locations showed their commitment to the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign through donations starting at $1. Several partners, including Lowe’s, extended the program beyond the original March 17 deadline due to its overwhelming success and the greater need in tough times that has left nonprofits struggling to raise funds. Although a nationwide effort, all money raised stays in local communities and provides hope to families living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases.

“We want to thank our loyal customers for their tremendous support and are extremely proud of our Lowe’s team that got behind this effort 100-percent,” said Randy Sargent, store manager of the Lowe’s of Rancho Cordova. ”We’re grateful to our partners for reaching out to their customers, for even a small donation,” MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg said. “The overwhelming generosity of the local Rancho Cordova community demonstrates that there is so much good in the world. We can’t thank everyone enough.”

Through Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, $1 and $5 donations help fund research for treatments and cures, support group sessions, clinic fees, MDA summer camp, mobility and communication devices, and much more. For more information about MDA, visit www.mda.org.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA is the first nonprofit agency to be recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity.

Lowe’s is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2008, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $25 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. Lowe’s also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe’s Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe’s is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion and has more than 1,650 stores in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.

Everybody loves a long weekend. But this year's Memorial Day ought to be a lot more meaningful to all of us. We need to see it as a chance to pray for lasting peace and for our President, that he may lead our country to a new vision. Otherwise, our future will be marked by continuous open-ended global warfare, and we will have many more deaths to commemorate with each passing Memorial Day.

Today we should not only remember the dead, but celebrate life. We need to think about what Memorial Day really means--what the life of every deceased soldier means to his or her family, and to us.

These men and women were people like you and me. They loved their country and they loved their families. They had hopes, dreams and ambitions. They lived--and were willing to die--for a cause in which they truly believed.

I believe all war is wrong--and most people do. Who isn't for peace? As the old saying goes, "All war is civil war, because all men are brothers." But I also know that many of those who die in warfare sacrifice themselves to save others. Would we have the same courage?

Families who have lost loved ones in combat should be comforted to know that even though they are no longer with us, their lives can still serve a greater purpose. No person dies in vain; every death carries a valuable lesson for the living. Children need to learn about the importance of human life, and every life story has something to teach them. This is true education.

We need to channel our energies into positive efforts that will bring people together. Let's become better role models for our children. To do this we must put aside all our fears, frust

In this light, Memorial Day ought to be a time to visit our neighbors, local veterans, and nursing home residents. Too often, we don't even know who our neighbors are. Everyone needs someone to talk to. By sharing with others, we will find out that we have much in common.

When the speeches and parades are over, let's also take time to stop by the local cemetery to stand beside those who are still mourning. Let's grieve with them.

People are often reluctant to open up and share their needs with others. Yet only by allowing others to help carry their burdens will they find healing. Then the vision of freedom for which so many brave men and women died in past wars will become real.

Wherever people find one another and have community together, the peace that we all long for will be found. Let's pray for those that have not yet found this peace.

Alfredo Molano, a Colombian exile in Spain, once wrote, "The true end of a war is the rebirth of life--the end of fear, the right to die peacefully in one's own bed, and the return of laughter." Some of my best friends are veterans, and I have had to think of them in light of these words. I have seen the scars they continued to carry long after the fighting was over--in some cases right up to the present. These are wounds that only time and prayer can heal.

Fortunately, many have found healing--some by reconciling with former enemies and others by speaking out about their experiences and educating a new generation about the futility and evil of war. The result of these efforts is a strong faith and a deep peace. Through their work they have become an inspiration and role model to many children. They are taking part, as Molano says, in the "rebirth of life." These veterans are the real heroes of today's celebration. I'm thankful for each one.

Johann Christoph Arnold is a pastor and author of ten books, which are available at www.plough.com. He is also a co-founder of Breaking the Cycle (www.breakingthecycle.com).

Residents Love New Fair Oaks Village Signs – Too Much
First Sign Stolen Just Five Days After Installation

Business owners, property owners, and area residents gathered last week with County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan to celebrate the arrival of new decorative directional signs in the Fair Oaks Village. The signs at the Village entrances provide a pleasant welcome, while other signs guide visitors to the Village attractions such as the Fair Oaks Theater Festival amphitheater, or Village Park where concerts are held throughout the summer.

The colorful new signs are topped with a new Fair Oaks Village logo incorporating a chicken honoring the Village’s locally famous poultry residents. Villagers and visitors alike expressed enthusiasm for the new signs last weekend as they attended in the annual Fair Oaks Spring Fest.

Unfortunately, someone—resident or visitor unknown—liked the new signs so much that they felt a need to take one home.

“Of course, we are thrilled that the signs have been so well received, but it is very disappointing that someone would think it was okay to remove public property,” said Shenna Mealey, chair person of the Fair Oaks Village Enhancement Committee, the organization behind the sign effort. “Our committee is working hard to enhance the special character of the Village for the enjoyment of our whole community.”

The signs were produced and installed through a partnership between the Fair Oaks Committee and Sacramento County. “The committee has very little money and we all know what difficult financial state Sacramento County is in. It is very frustrating to have to replace a sign so soon,” Meally commented. Sacramento County transportation staff is working on methods to make it more difficult to remove the signs in the future.

In response to the popularity of the new signs, committee members will be producing small replicas of the “Welcome to Fair Oaks Village” sign, which will be for sale at local Village businesses.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - All aboard! The California State Railroad Museum's popular excursion railroad, the Sacramento Southern Railroad, officially returns to operation on the weekend of April 25-26, a few weeks later than planned due to construction on the riverfront promenade expansion project in Old Sacramento. Once underway, excursion trains depart every hour on-the-hour weekends through September in Old Sacramento. And, as a special opportunity during opening weekend, Kevin Hecteman, a crew member on the Sacramento Southern and author of the recently released Sacramento Southern Railroad book published by Arcadia Publishing, will be available for book signings and will also present a special lecture on the same topic in the Museum Theater.

Since 1984, more than one million guests have taken a ride aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad, served by all-volunteer crews fully trained and certified under Federal Railroad Administration regulations. Each spring, the Sacramento Southern Railroad takes center stage as visitors enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic, working steam locomotive as it rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River. Of appeal to all ages, the experience offers guests the chance to experience train travel from an earlier era. Interestingly, train tracks are actually on top of the levee, providing an excellent view of the river, including boats and other watercraft. Along the way, the train crosses Capitol Mall at Tower Bridge; passes under Pioneer Bridge; and rolls alongside the Miller Park Marina before stopping at Baths, an historical point along the line. At Baths, the steam engine then uncouples from the front of the train, "runs around" the train on a sidetrack, and couples onto the other end of the train before sounding its whistle to begin the return trip to Old Sacramento.

This unique experience and historic route is also the topic of the newly released book, Sacramento Southern Railroad, which is now available for purchase in the Museum store. Passionate rail enthusiast and new book author Kevin Hecteman will be available for book signings on Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. near the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket window. Proceeds from the sale of his book will be generously donated back to the California State Railroad Museum Foundation to support Sacramento Southern Railroad operations. In addition to the book signing opportunity, Hecteman will deliver a special 40-minute lecture about the Sacramento Southern Railroad in the Museum Theater on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 3 p.m.

Excursion trains depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento (located on Front Street between J and K Streets). Guests are treated to a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion along the levees of the Sacramento River. The train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats, and open-air "gondolas" with bench style seating. Regular excursion train tickets are currently $8 adults, $3 youths (ages 6-17), ages 5 and under ride free. For passengers desiring a ride aboard the first-class car El Dorado, tickets are $15 per person.

Reservations are not available for regular Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion train rides. All train tickets (including first-class upgrades to ride in VIP style on the beautifully restored El Dorado observation car) are sold starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located on Front Street between "J" and "K" Streets in Old Sacramento. Although tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, passengers may purchase tickets earlier in the day for a later train departure that same day. For updated 24-hour information or directions to the Museum, call (916) 445-6645 or visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

*Reservations are available only to groups desiring exclusive use of first-class car El Dorado; the same fee applies regardless of the size of group, from one to 30. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a non-refundable deposit applies. To reserve car El Dorado for your group, call (916) 445-3145.

Operated by California State Parks with assistance from the nonprofit CSRM Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Widely regarded as North America's finest and most-visited railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-sq. ft. Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill buildings in Old Sacramento. 24-hour info: (916) 445-6645 or www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.

Wondering what to do with old computers, televisions, and other electronic or “e-waste” that you can’t put in the garbage? Take it to the free e-waste recycling event that the City of Rancho Cordova will have in the City Hall parking lot on Saturday, April 18th from 9 to 1 p.m. City Hall is located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive, near the south Zinfandel exit on Highway 50.

“We will have staff on hand to unload so you won’t even have to get out of your vehicle,” said Steve Harriman, Rancho Cordova’s Integrated Waste Manager. Acceptable E-waste includes computer equipment such as desktop and notebook pc’s, monitors, keyboards, mice, zip drives, and printers. Other items that can be dropped off are televisions, VCR’s, stereo equipment and speakers, copy machines, telephones and cell phones, digital cameras, PDA’s, scanners, and fax machines.

What will not be accepted are household appliances, furniture, tires, and hazardous waste such as fluorescent light bulbs, pesticides, batteries, paint, used oil, and cleaning supplies.

The annual e-waste event is sponsored by California Electronic Asset Recovery (CEAR) INC and Allied Waste Services in conjunction with the City of Rancho Cordova.

“Last year, we collected 38,300 pounds of e-waste,” said Harriman. “We hope to increase that this year, now that people are more aware of the ability to recycle electronics.”

CERA INC is a California state approved electronic waste collector and recycler. For optimal security, CEAR INC shreds all computer hard drives and their secure facility is monitored 24/7 by surveillance cameras.

For more information about the e-waste event, please contact Harriman at (916) 851-8718.

Third Annual Raley Field Brewfest Set for May 9th
Tickets on sale now for event that features opportunity to win a FREE Kegerator

Raley Field, in partnership with the Northern California Brewers’ Guild, will host the third annual Raley Field Brewfest on May 9th. This year’s Brewfest will feature a new element, with everybody who purchases tickets between now and April 17th being automatically entered in a contest to win a FREE Kegerator.

To purchase tickets and be entered in the contest, visit the Raley Field Ticket Office or purchase tickets online at raleyfield.com or ticketmaster.com.

The Raley Field Brewfest will feature tastings of microbrews from over 40 local and regional brewers, including Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Rubicon Brewing Company, Lagunita’s Brewing Company, Sacramento Brewing Company, Brew it Up, and many, many more!

The event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a V.I.P. Tasting Session from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tickets for the event, which include entry to Raley Field and ten 5 oz tastings, are available for just $25 in advance of the event and $30 on the day of. V.I.P. tickets, which grant access to the event as well as the exclusive early V.I.P. Tasting Session and an additional eight 5 oz tastings, are available for $40.

Raley Field will grant free entry to designated drivers. All guests must be 21 or older to attend. For more information about this event, or any other event at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

Seriously ill and dying individuals, and their families, often turn to faith communities for support during their illness. Yet faith leaders may feel unprepared to care for people coping with complex medical, ethical and interpersonal issues that surround a person’s last days. The Center for Healthcare Decisions will host Partners in Caring, an engaging seminar to help faith leaders gain confidence in supporting people near life’s end. The program will be held from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on Wednesday, June 3 at the Sierra Health Foundation Conference Center in Sacramento.

Partners in Caring is intended for community clergy, rabbis and priests; staff and volunteer chaplains; parish nurses and health ministers. Presenting faculty include physicians, other health professionals and faith leaders who will discuss:

Attendees have given high marks for the quality, value and sensitivity of material presented. Past participant Pastor Debbie Naramore with The Rock of Roseville Church notes that the program included “amazingly dedicated, professional speakers. This was one of the best seminars I’ve ever attended.”

“Partners in Caring grew out of interviews with area faith leaders who said that while they often are called upon to minister to families facing end-of-life issues, most haven’t received training about these issues in their educational preparation,” said Kathy Glasmire, CHCD Associate Director. “We designed this seminar to meet their needs.”

Partners in Caring is sponsored by the Center for Healthcare Decisions, a nonprofit organization that has played a leadership role since 1994 in local and state activities around end-of-life care, and the Compassionate Care Alliance, a regional coalition of healthcare professionals and community members encouraging discussion about end-of-life issues.

The registration fee for the seminar is $60, which includes a light breakfast, lunch and all program materials. If two or more people attend from the same congregation or organization, the cost is reduced to $50 per person.

For more information and a registration flyer, visit: www.chcd.org or call the Center for Healthcare Decisions at (916) 851-2828.

Sacramento Gold Country Division, Navy Sea Cadet Corps holds Awards Ceremony and Change of Command

The Sacramento Gold Country Division, Navy Sea Cadet Corps held their annual awards ceremony and personnel inspection on March 8, 2009 at the Navy Operational Support Center on Elder Creek Road in Sacramento. Petty Officer 3rd Class Tracy Johnston earned Outstanding Cadet honors from the Daughters of the American Revolution for his leadership as the Unit’s Senior Cadet. Cadet Johnson, a prior Unit Cadet of the Year, has chosen to enter Navy Submarine School following graduation from high school this year. Cadet Seaman Apprentice Emily Fisher was awarded the Navy League Youth Medal as Cadet of the Year for her commitment to Sea Cadet Values and contributions to the unit. Other Cadets received various awards and advancements.

The occasion also saw a change at the helm as Ensign Bert Lyman relieved Lieutenant Diane Alexander as the unit’s Commanding Officer. Visiting Regional Commander, Lieutenant Commander David Murphy lauded Lieutenant Alexander for her dedication to the spirit of the Sea Cadet Corps reflected in the unit’s outstanding performance. Lieutenant Alexander will continue in her service to our youth as the Regional Director of Recruiting Activities.

For almost 50 years, the Sea Cadets have fostered values of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and responsibility in America’s youth from ages 11 through 17. You can find out more about the Navy Sea Cadet Corps at: http://www.seacadets.org/public/. For more information call Joe Fraccola, Public Affairs Officer, 916-638-8720

Civitas Academy Enrollment Shatters All Expectations – Second Class to Be Formed

Rio Americano High School’s Academia Civitas, California’s only high school partnership academy offering specialized curriculum in government, public policy and legislative internships, completed its Fall ’09 recruitment earlier this year, resulting in a already-full class and a significant wait list for admission. In response, the Civitas enrollment deadline is being extended to May 1st, and a second class is currently being formed.

For those unfamiliar, Academia Civitas is a 4-year program, entering its sixteenth year in providing students a civics-oriented, college preparatory education, encompassing the study of public policy and issues on a local, state, national and international level. Students participate in internships, attend workshops and forums, direct community projects, and are exposed to a broad variety of speakers and perspectives. Additionally, students may receive up to a full semester of transferrable college credit for their Civitas classes.

If you believe your student would benefit from, or has an interest in exploring the world of government and public service, while developing the critical thinking skills that will serve him or her for a lifetime, then please contact Ms. Linda Reed, Civitas Coordinator @: 916-971-7517; or you may e-mail her @: lreed@sanjuan.edu. Applications and enrollment criteria for Academia Civitas may be downloaded at: http://riocivitas.com. Intra-district and inter-district transfers are available.

California State Button Society 2009 Show and Sale
“Celebrating the Art of Buttons”

Thousands of antique, vintage, and modern collectible clothing buttons will be exhibited and sold by dealers from across the country. The show will spotlight the changing styles of button art from the 1700’s to contemporary times. Artistic movements, seen in button designs, have chronicled wars, politics, and current events.

The hobby of button collecting was born during the Depression era of the 1930’s, when it became a form of inexpensive entertainment, provided by Grandma’s button box. Collecting clothing buttons is far from a mainstream hobby today, but many California collectors are finally recognizing the button as a miniature art form. Even though buttons have made a comeback in the fashion industry, as designers are embellishing the latest styles, collectors see buttons as much more than clothing fasteners. Now, these small treasures are highly valued for their outstanding workmanship and nostalgic past.

You’ll find 18th Century miniature paintings under glass, and the ancient art of Neo-Classicism alongside of Art Deco and Pop Art buttons. Studio artists continue to create contemporary collectible buttons, complementing today's imported designs from around the world. Whether you collect a specific type of art, or you just want to browse and discover your passion, this show is an opportunity not to be missed!

When you perceive the button as art, the creative possibilities are endless. Many collectors prefer to mount their buttons in shadow boxes (trays) to share their beauty. Grouping buttons by similar materials like glass, pearls, woods, plastics, ceramics, or enamels are striking when displayed in button trays. Be original and use picture buttons featuring subjects like architecture, children, transportation, sports, animals, or plant life, to suit your décor. You don’t have to be an artist to create a fabulous piece of button art to hang on your wall, or to change clothing into wearable button art. Most people are fascinated when they see collectible buttons for the first time, because they’re seldom seen in today’s marketplace.

The California State Button Society show and sale is returning to Sacramento once again this Memorial Day weekend, due to the popularity of last year’s event. Open to the public on Saturday, May 23, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, May 24, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sacramento Holiday Inn I-80 NE, 5321 Date Avenue. Suggested donation is $4.00.

SACRAMENTO, CA: Each year the Air Force Association’s Claude Farinha, Gold Rush Chapter 116, recognizes an outstanding teacher from the Sacramento area. The deadline for submitting applications for the 2009 TEACHER OF THE YEAR award (TOY) is March 27, 2009. The Chapter TOY award, which includes $500 cash, is given to an outstanding K-12 teacher who has demonstrated accomplishments instructing science, technology engineering, mathematics and or aerospace educational courses in grades K-12. Parents and students can assist school Principles, other school administrators and colleagues in identifying deserving teachers and encouraging them to submit an application for this prestigious recognition. The Chapter’s outstanding teacher is automatically entered to compete for the Northern California area and State awards, with the potential to receive a total of $2,000. Teachers should adhere to the following guidelines to apply:

Questions should be directed to Rich Taubinger at (916) 771-3639 or
E-mail, richardtaubinger@comcast.net
For information regarding Air Force Association Chapter 116, log onto www.afa-sacto.org.

SMUD hosts Youth Energy Summit
Nearly a hundred students attended regional 2-day event to learn about clean energy

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is investing in the energy future of the region. The electric utility hosted the Youth Energy Summit (YES) training event January 23 and 24. YES drew more than 85 high school juniors and seniors to learn about a wide range of energy issues. YES is a valuable opportunity to educate young people, who will be energy users and customers someday, about SMUD’s overall strategy to reduce the region’s overall energy use and create a more sustainable energy future.

The event, sponsored by SMUD, Roseville Electric, Lodi Electric and the California Energy Commission and coordinated by the LegiSchool Project of Sacramento State, was conducted at the SMUD Customer Service Center. The students, representing each of the utility districts, had previously submitted essays on the topic: “How Big is my Carbon Footprint” and then earned a spot to take part in the Youth Energy Summit, and Leadership in Action training event.

The students, all from local participating high schools, left the event with the tools to become civic-minded energy advocates. The summit featured highly regarded experts in energy fields including keynote speaker Chelsea Sexton, noted activist from the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?” and Ian Wright, CEO of high performance electric car manufacturer Wrightspeed and formerly of Tesla Motors, which also produces electric sports cars.

Students also attended educational sessions given by field experts to learn the basics of energy science; trends in renewable energy like solar and wind; new technology and efficiency; challenges and innovations in energy generation and transmission; “global warming”; new “green collar” careers; and what is known as “energy civics,” or energy- related legislation and policies. The students will use their newly acquired knowledge to complete energy-related service learning projects in their school or community.

Once the students have completed their service learning projects, they will document their experiences with displays at the state Capitol on Earth Day in April. Students will also discuss their work as well as share their experiences with legislators and the general public. Additionally, teams will make short presentations before a panel of judges from the California Energy Commission. The top five teams will be awarded scholarships, and all participating teachers who serve as mentors to the student teams will receive a stipend. The amount of scholarships and stipends will be based on the funds raised from the utilities and external sources.

See what SMUD customers and others are saying about the move toward a more sustainable energy future and for more information about SMUD and its green programs, visit smud.org and www.ourgreencommunity.org.

The State Capitol is looking for dynamic college graduates who are interested in public service jobs. Applications are now available in Senator Dave Cox’s capital and district offices in Roseville, Quincy and Jackson.

These positions pay a monthly stipend of $1,972 plus health, vision, and dental benefits. In addition, each individual earns 12 units of graduate credit from Sacramento State.

“Our state faces tremendous challenges ahead,” said Senator Cox who represents the First Senate District. “There is no better time to serve than now. This year-long fellowship allows individuals to gain hands-on experience in state government.”

The Capital Fellows Programs provide college graduates an opportunity to work in high levels of government. Qualified fellows are assigned to Senators, Assembly members, judges and senior state officials. These fellowships are jointly operated by each participating branch of government and the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State University.

Anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate of a four-year college or university by September 1, 2009 is eligible to apply. There is no preferred major. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are also encouraged to apply.

Applications are available in Cox’s capitol office, Roseville office at 2140 Professional Drive, #140, Quincy district office at 2094 East Main Street, the Jackson District office at 33C Broadway or by calling 916-783-8232. Applications and brochures are also available on the internet at www.sen.ca.gov/ftp/sen/fellows/_home/ and at www.csus.edu/calst/senate.

Senator Dave Cox represents the residents of the First Senate District, which includes all or portions of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Lassen, Placer, Plumas, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Sacramento and Sierra Counties. Contact his office at 916-651-4001, or via email at senator.cox@sen.ca.gov.

D3 LED and Clean Energy Systems are the winners of the quarterly recognition business awards sponsored by the City of Rancho Cordova and the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

Each quarter, one large and one smaller business are recognized for outstanding achievement. “The quarterly awards convey our appreciation to the businesses in our community and acknowledge their accomplishments,” said Megan McMurtry of the City’s Economic Development Department. “Our goal is to promote community prosperity and to retain businesses that we have here.”

The larger business, D3 LED, was recently in the news for creating nine LED displays for Times Square, including signs for M&Ms, ABC, and Walgreens. The Walgreens sign is one of the largest LED displays in the world at 17,000 total square feet. The company engineers and manufactures sophisticated LED digital displays in Rancho Cordova. They opened in 2006 and their sales have more than doubled each year. Winner of the Exceptional Enterprise award, D3 LED was lauded for exceptional business growth and success. “Rancho Cordova offers a business-friendly environment for us,” said George Pappas, Managing Partner.

Winner of the Neighborhood Pioneer award in the smaller business category, Clean Energy Systems is a clean technology company. “Our power plant in Bakersfield has no smokestack and uses our technology to generate power without pollution,” said Stephen Doyle, Executive Vice President. The company has completed the startup and research and development phases and is “ready for commercialization”. It currently has technology contracts with government and utility companies.

The two businesses were honored at a recent City Council meeting. The next awards will be presented in late spring.

For more information about the winners or nominating a business for future awards, please contact McMurtry at (916) 851-8782 or at mmcmurtry@cityofranchocordova.org.

The City of Rancho Cordova is celebrating its fifth anniversary of incorporation. City Hall is located at 2729 Prospect Park Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. The phone number is (916) 851-8700 and the web address is www.cityofranchocordova.org.

A landmark for twenty-seven years, Garbeau’s is now fighting to stay open in the face of a possible forced closure in March by their landlord.

Mark Ferreira, CEO and co-owner of Garbeau’s since June 2007, stated revenue was healthy and spiraling upward his first nine months of ownership. “Almost overnight, sales cut in half when gas first broke $3.50 a gallon,” Ferreira recounted.

Able to cover other costs of managing the theater and restaurant, rent has become the company’s primary shortfall. “For months we have been trying to negotiate a temporarily reduced rent considering the economy, but our landlord refuses,” said Andrea Castel, Garbeau’s COO and co-owner. Their building, the historic Nimbus Winery, is owned by Lakha Investments Co., which is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington.

Garbeau’s is launching an effort to raise one hundred thousand dollars to meet the landlord’s demands. “We are asking everyone who wants to see Garbeau’s stay in business to buy a season pass or gift card of any amount from $5 to $5,000,” said Ferreira. Those who purchase season passes will not be left empty-handed if the capital campaign does not succeed. Garbeau’s website lists a number of regional theatre companies who have pledged to honor Garbeau’s season passes if the effort fails.

Support has already begun pouring out for the troubled theater. “Garbeau’s is too great of an experience to lose,” wrote Duane Johnson of Comstock Johnson Architects, Inc. in a letter of support. Jim Pelley, VP of Folsom Lake Bank and Chairman of the Folsom Chamber of Commerce said, “Garbeau’s is a beloved part of this community and we have to do what we can to keep them in business.”

Ferreira is optimistic that the goal is not difficult to achieve if supporters contribute even small amounts: “For perspective, if the number of people who saw our production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change bought a $26 gift card, this financial mess would be over,” said Ferreira.

More information can be found at www.garbeaus.com or by calling Garbeau’s box office at (916) 985-6361.

awareness2009 is a media advocacy ad and support campaign for alcohol and substance abuse awareness, prevention and recovery. Our mission is to develop solutions to the prevalent disease of alcohol and substance addiction and abuse (including prescription abuse), and the toll it takes on our society, our lives - families, children, wives, husbands, brothers and sisters, livelihoods, health system, transportation system, prisons, jails and institutions, communities and economy.

There are existing groups like the Sacramento Native American Health Center and the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. They are to be featured in a later article as well as on our website (http://awareness2009.multiply.com). The difference in awareness2009 is the strength of the message. We want to stop people before they get their first DUI, before they lose their children to Child Protective Services, before they’ve destroyed their lives or the lives of the other innocent victims. Please join us.

We are kicking off a holiday campaign. “Tis the Season to be Sober”. With the economy the way it is and the stress of holiday giving and parties, it is obvious that more and more will turn to alcohol and other substances to mask the pain, despair and anxiety. More and more pressure will be put on our hospitals, trauma units, police forces, jails and prisons. See more of our slogans on our website blogs.

In this exciting start-up phase we need just about everything – people, their own ideas and energy. Long term we have needs for hotlines, web development, creative copy, space and time slots, advice and encouragement. We are building our infrastructure to provide a 24/7 hotline and website for those being victimized in this disease - those trapped in the hopeless grip of the disease and those suffering from it's consequences.

To join us, go to awareness2009.multiply.com. Simply click on Do you know awareness2009? Become her contact and follow the prompts. If you get stuck send us an e-mail - awareness2009@live.com.

But Most of All - To All of You and Yours - Have A Safe and Happy Holiday Season and New Year!

Sutter Medical Foundation is opening a new medical office building, the North Sunrise Care Center, to house new clinical offices for Sutter Medical Group physicians. The North Sunrise Care Center, to open Monday, Dec. 9, is located on 568 North Sunrise Ave., in Roseville.

Drs. Samuel Applebaum, John Doolittle and Stanley Leff, will provide family medicine services and Dr. David Padilla will provide pediatric and internal medicine services in the new care center. All are open to new patients by calling 916-865-1140.

Reinventing Folsom Boulevard in Rancho Cordova
Group Seeking Steering Committee Members

Rancho Cordova -- Owners of businesses or properties within a one-to-three block radius of Folsom Boulevard, between Bradshaw Road and Sunrise Boulevard, are invited to be on a steering committee for the new “Reinventing Folsom Boulevard” group.

Beginning in January, Folsom Boulevard business and property owners will begin meeting on a monthly basis to discuss ideas and implement solutions to reinventing the area. Security, signage, and image enhancement will be some of the topics of discussion at the monthly meetings.

“The purpose of the meetings is to have a dialogue regarding the strengths of the area and what needs attention,” said Megan McMurtry of the City of Rancho Cordova Economic Development Department

The steering committee will be responsible for setting the agendas for the meetings, keeping the meetings focused on specific goals, and publicizing meetings to businesses in the Folsom Boulevard corridor. The committee’s first meeting will be in December.

"Three people have volunteered to be on the steering committee but we are seeking two to three additional members,” said McMurtry. Signed up are Mike Muhareb, owner of the Waffle Shop; Beth Walter, president of the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce and a Folsom Boulevard property owner, and Martha Lake, Chamber of Commerce CEO. The time, date, and location for the January meeting will be determined after the steering committee reviews the completed questionnaires that were recently sent to the approximately 250 property and business owners in the Folsom corridor.

Five Folsom corridor property owners and eight business owners plus representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rancho Cordova attended a kick-off forum in October. The consensus was to continue to meet. The group’s long-term goal is to possibly evolve into a more formal business and property improvement district.

For more information about the steering committee and/or the “Reinventing Folsom Boulevard” group, please contact McMurtry at (916) 851-8782 or mmcmurtry@cityofranchocordova.org.

The City of Rancho Cordova recently celebrated its fifth anniversary of incorporation. City Hall is located at 2729 Prospect Park Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, phone (916) 851-8700, www.cityofranchocordova.org.

Blake Zvolanek is Really Going Places Now!
Local BeautiControl® Independent Director earns a New Ford Mustang®

Orangevale, CA (Grassroots Newswire) November 12, 2008 -- If you happen to see a sporty new red Ford Mustang® convertible zipping around the Orangevale-area, chances are it's being driven by BeautiControl Independent Director Sallie Blake Zvolanek. She earned the stylish car by sharing BeautiControl spa-quality products and empowering opportunity with others.

"I am both honored and proud that my hard work has enabled me to earn such an amazing car! This reward is very gratifying," Blake Zvolanek said. "I thank the BeautiControl family for their never-ending encouragement and support."

Unlike most company car programs, the Mustang is to keep, not for a lease. "BeautiControl was the first direct-sales company to reward the keys and title to a car, in addition to the opportunity Directors earn to drive a lease car," said Melissa Brisbois, executive vice president of BeautiControl. "We are proud that Sallie has joined the growing number of BeautiControl Directors across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada who are on the ride of their lives with BeautiControl behind of the wheel of this phenomenal car," adds Brisbois.

After building a team of successful Consultants and being promoted to the level of Independent Director, one of BeautiControl's most prestigious career levels, Blake Zvolanek also earned a dream vacation of her choice to Hawaii; Vail, Colorado; or Walt Disney World.

BeautiControl Consultants build thriving home-based businesses, thanks to the company's in-demand Spa ESCAPE, an at-home experience featuring innovative spa-quality products and complimentary spa treatments.

"I want everyone to know that they don't have to put their dream lifestyle on hold," Blake Zvolanek said. "BeautiControl provides you with the products, tools and a proven roadmap to empower your life and create the life you love. With BeautiControl you can have time for family, friends and fun while earning a great income and phenomenal rewards and recognition. Feel fulfilled because as you create the life you love, you are empowering others to do the same. With BeautiControl, it's easy to get started and be successful. It is the smart choice for individuals today."

For more information about BeautiControl, please contact Sallie Blake Zvolanek at 916-390-4821.

About BeautiControl
Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, BeautiControl, The Smart Company, is an international party-plan direct-sales company with more than 130,000 Independent Consultants throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, and home of the BeautiControl Research Institute. As the first direct sales company to bring the spa experience into the home through its in-demand Spa ESCAPE® and reward personally-owned Ford Mustangs®, BeautiControl empowers millions of women's lives through high-quality products at competitive prices, and a life-changing opportunity enhanced by unmatched training and phenomenal rewards. BeautiControl is a member of the Personal Care Products Council (formerly CTFA), and a member of the Direct Selling Association through its parent company, Tupperware® Brands Corporation. For more information about BeautiControl visit www.beauticontrol.com.

Homeless Pets finding Families at Petland Stores Nationwide
Survey Shows More Than a Quarter of a Million Puppies and Kittens Placed inLast 10 Years

Chillicothe, OH (Grassroots Newswire)- The results of Petland’s Adopt-A-PetSM survey mean good news for homeless pets at Petland stores nationwide.

“In the last 10 years, Petland has placed more than 270,000 homeless pets,” said Frank Difatta, president of Petland, Inc. “We want our Adopt-A-PetSM program to grow even stronger in 2009 so we are inviting more pet care organizations and more individuals to take advantage of the program locally.”

Companywide, participating Petland stores have placed 59,945 homeless puppies and dogs and 212,534 homeless kittens and cats since 1998.

“Some of our larger-format stores have separate Adopt-A-Pet Centers,” said Joe Watson, vice president of Retail Operations for Petland, Inc. “In nearly all of our Petland stores, we dedicate some of our highly visible retail display space to showcase healthy, homeless pets. Our goal, as with all of the animals we place, is to match the right pet with the right person and meet the needs of both.”

Adopt-A-Pet expanding at Petland
Ninety-five percent of the Petland stores in the United States have Adopt-A-Pet programs. Ninety-one percent of Petland stores say their community’s response to the Adopt-A-Pet program is “favorable” or “very favorable.”

Petland stores in Canada have an active adoption program called the Pets for Life Foundation. The foundation has placed more than 9,000 homeless pets since July 2001.

“The goal of Petland’s Adopt-A-Pet program is to do the right thing,” said Lacey Clever, Adopt-A-Pet program specialist for Petland, Inc. “We do not want to see any pet end up in a shelter. Petland stores donate pet supplies, sponsor shelter pets for adoption and conduct fundraisers for animal shelters and pet rescue groups.”

Shelter fundraising banks at Petland also allow the public to donate. In addition, Petland store operators have joined with local animal shelters, local pet rescue groups and with members of the local community to place accidental litters of puppies or kittens. Homeless mature dogs and cats are accepted, too, via adoption days outside Petland stores or mature pets may be showcased in Petland stores equipped with facilities to accommodate their size.

Healthy, well-socialized pets sought
Before Petland accepts a homeless animal for adoption, the pet must be at least eight weeks old and pass a wellness check by Petland’s local consulting veterinarian.

“The homeless kittens or puppies we offer to our customers must be healthy and well-socialized, ensuring they will make good pets for adopting families,” said Clever.

Once accepted, Adopt-A-Pets at Petland are given their vaccinations and de-wormings. In most cases, the pets also are microchipped for identification and are scheduled to be spayed or neutered. The pets generally are offered to customers at a modest adoption fee, enough to cover associated shelter or rescue group charges, veterinary care and staff labor.

Interested? Contact your local Petland
Shelter administrators, pet rescue representatives or any individual with knowledge of a litter of healthy homeless puppies or kittens should contact their local Petland store. A manager there can explain local Adopt-A-Pet program procedures.

“Placing homeless pets is a valuable service to our community. It is one of many community service programs at Petland aimed at enhancing the human-animal bond,” said Clever. New survey results for 2008 will be available in February 2009.

More community programs at Petland
Additional community service programs at Petland stores to aid homeless pets include:

Petland, ranked 202 overall in Entrepreneurâ Magazine’s “Franchise 500” for 2008, has more than 200 quality, full-service, pet centers across the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Chile and South Africa.

Petland always has been committed to doing its part to help find families for healthy, homeless pets. More information on Petland and its community service programs can be found at www.petland.com.

December 15, 1944 dawned cold and drizzly at Twinwood Farm in England. Major Glenn Miller and Col. Norman Baesell tossed their gear aboard the single engine C-64 Norseman and climbed in behind the pilot, Shorty Morgan.

"Happy landing, and good luck", said Miller's friend, Don Haynes, as he waved to them. "I'll see you in Paris tomorrow."

The small plane taxied down the runway, lifted off, and faded into the heavy mist. That was the last anyone ever saw of the plane and it's passengers.

All of America and it;s allies mourned the loss of Glenn Miller, the much loved musician, who gave his all for the country he loved.

Miller was on his way to Paris to arrange entertainment for the troops there. The rest of his band was to follow the next day. Upon arriving in Paris, the band expected him to be there to meet them. Phone calls trying to locate him turned up nothing. No one wanted to believe the worst. They went ahead with their broadcasts, hoping he would soon show up. But as time passed, and there was no word, they had to accept the inevetable, he was gone.

Miller, born March 1, 1904, in Clarinda, Iowa, was a true American hero. From humble beginnigs he rose to lead the most popular dance band in America. Then at the peak of his popularity and making thousands of dollars a week, he gave it all up to volunteer for military service during World War ll.

In 1940, with the war on in Europe, the military draft in America was stepped up. Concerened for the morale of the servicemen, Miller held weekly radio contests for them, rewarding the winning base each week with a combination radio-phonograph and a stack of records, all paid for with his own money.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, his concern for the troops intensified, as he catered to them with USO appearances and radio show. But, he still felt he could be doing more. So, in February 1942, though married and over-age, he registered for the draft, but was never called up. In July he applied to the Navy, which turned him down. Determined not to give up, he wrote to the Army requesting induction, and to be put in charge of a military band.

He must have convinced the Army they needed him. He was ordered to report October 7, 1942. After completion of basic training and officer's school, he began organizing the Army Air Force Band, recruiting several musicians from his civilian orchestra who had been drafted. The dull marching music of the last generation was not his style, so he began to jazz it up. The top brass was appalled, and immediately called him on the carpet.

"Look Captain Miller", his commanding officer said, "We played those Sousa marches straight in the last war and we did all right, didn't we?"

"You certainly did, Sir. But tell me, are you still flying the same planes you did in the last war?"

From then on the band played as Miller wanted it to. Their rendidtion of "St. Louis Blues", set to march time is one of his most famous arrangements. It blew everybody's mind.

The band performed radio broadcasts, played at bond rallies, and recorded V-discs to be sent to the troops overseas. But, Miller's greatest objective was to take the band to Europe to play for the troops there, to bring a touch of home to the men who were putting their lives on the line every day. He kept pressuing the military to send him to Europe. He finally got his wish.

Only one thing produced mixed emotins for him about going to Europe. Early in 1943 Glenn and Helen, his wife, adopted a baby boy. They were in seventh heaven with little Stevie. Glenn spent every spare moment with him. The adoption of their second child, Jonnie, didn't come through until several months after Glenn left for Europe. He never had the chance to see his little girl.

The band members, upon arriving in England, were immediately subjected to the horrors of real war by the Nazi buzz bombs that were devastating London and killing thousands of people. But the band went to workanyway, performing a dozen or more radio broadcasts a week, in addition to flying to bases all over England to entertain the troops in person. They performed in large drafty hangars, on flat bed trucks, and in hospitals. The troops, starving for music from home, greeted the band with loud cheers wherever they performed. Even the British fellin love with his music.

General Jimmy Doolittle said, "Next to a letter from home, Glenn Miller's music is the greatest morale builder of the war effort".

With the liberation of Paris, Miller, now a Major, was eager to get over there to entertain the troops on the front lines. Plans were completed, authorizing them to go in the middle of December. The band worked almost around the clock pre-recording broadcasts to be aired while they were gone. In eighteen days they recorded eighty-five half hour shows in addition to their live performances.

Miller's orders, issued by General Eisenhower, were for him to fly to Paris on December 14th. The band would follow later. However, the weather was so bad no military aircraft were flying. But, Miller's friend, Lt. Don Haynes, ran into a friend, Col. Norman Baesell, who told him he was going to Paris the next day and offered to take Miller. Lt. Haynes drove Miller and Col. Baesell to Twinwood Farm where they waited for the plane to arrive from Abbotts Ripton, a base about one hundred miles to the north. Flight Officer Shorty Morgan was to pick them up there for the flight to Paris.

The small plane had no de-icing equipment. Even at the low altitude they flew, in an effort to avoid icing, the temperature was freezing. It never reached it's destination.

The world may never know what really happened to the plane. Several outrages rumors surfaced over the years, such as, he was killed in a fight in a brothel in France, or the plane crashed and he was so disfigured he didn't want anyone to see him. Another rumor had Col. Baesell mixed up with the black market, and he shot Miller and the pilot and landed the plane himself. None of those rumor hold any credibility at all.

The one logical answer most everyone adheres to is that the plane iced up and plunged into the channel. But, in recent years another very valid theory has arisen.

On that same day a large squadron of British bombers were on a mission to bomb Germany, but the weather was so bad they had to abort the mission. They were ordered to jettison their bombs, which were set to go off at ground level, over the channel. One of the navigators, Fred Shaw, was looking down as the bombs exploded. Then he said, "Oh, oh, there goes a Kite in." That's what they called the C-64 Norseman.

Since the squadron had not completed thier mission, they were not debriefed when they returned. Not until years later, after seeing "The Glenn Miller Story" at the movies, did Shaw put two and two together. He looked through his old log books and discovered that plane was the only non=fighter reported missing on that day.

It's been 64 years since Miller's disappearance, but his music is as popular today as it was then. The Official Glenn Miller Band, led by Larry O'Brian, tours the world giving concerts, and the Glenn Miller Birthplace Society in Clarinda, Iowa puts on a three day festival every June to honor him. Fans, young and old, come from as far away as Japan, Australia, South Africa, England and other countries to revel in his music, which transcends all generations and nationalities.

If you haven’t been to your library lately, you’re overdue!” says Paula Poundstone, winning comedian and national spokesperson for libraries. And there’s no time like the present to see a new event at the Orangevale Library.

The very creative Friends of the Orangevale Library (FOL-OV) opened their holiday membership drive with a Bonanza of an idea: in appreciation for membership, new members receive a complimentary gift basket of their choice.

Lovely to look at, lovely to hold and lovely to take one (or two) home, the beautiful baskets are generously filled and fit practically any occasion. Ready-to-go, courtesy enclosure cards included, they make unique gifts for personal events: birthdays, anniversaries, get well, retirement, hostess and showers. For community and business affairs the attractive bundles can be used for raffles, centerpieces, door prizes, or an open house. Want to impress someone, uh, romantically? Such a thoughtful treasure can be warm, wonderful, perhaps even magnetic. Presenting a gift basket for every day acts of kindness like “thank you”, “ thinking of you”, or just “‘cuz” have also been known to spark lasting emotions. Ah, and for those with a sense of humor the choice could be a gag-gift basket. (Oh my.) Finally, and the most timely, think of the gift baskets for Holiday Cheer!

Why all this exhaustive collection by the Friends? “For several reasons and because it’s important,” says President Judy Nissila. “The more new members we can entice and enroll the more support we can count on down the road for getting the new Orangevale library built. Re-gifting donations with homespun creativity is an art, politically correct, and in this economy a lifesaver. And we are people who love the library.”

Already the Bonanza display at the Orangevale Library is creating its own justification and storyline. “The day we unveiled the baskets,” says member Dorothy Kilgore – “three people signed up instantly. One person, who chose the 49-er themed basket, commented ‘…a perfect Christmas gift for my brother.’ The second person needed and found a perfect baby shower gift, grateful to save shopping time; and the third just wanted “the basket”, a hot red chili-pepper shaped one. How perfect is that?”

On the not-so-perfect side, however, folks might want to visit the library, not only for the Bonanza production, but to see the high-end, most adorable, ornate, silver- gold dog bed Friends mistook for a doll bed! (What can we say; it didn’t come with an instruction book!)

The Orangevale Library is located at 8820 Greenback in Orangevale. Hours: Tuesday, 1-8, Wednesday and Thursday, 11-6, Friday and Saturday, 1-5. Closed Monday and Sunday. Naturally the early bird gets the best of the Bonanza!

Free Test Charts Risk for Heart Disease
Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute Offers Risk Assessment, Clinician Consultation

SACRAMENTO – The Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute, which serves heart patients throughout Northern California, this week is launching a Heart Health Risk Assessment tool on the Internet along with a free half-hour consultation with a clinician for those who are at risk of heart disease.

The assessment tool and clinician consultation are free to everyone with any or even no insurance. To take the 10-minute, Web-based assessment, go to www.sutterheart.org and click on the button to the right labeled “Heart Health Risk Assessment.” Through a series of questions, it will assess your current cardiovascular health status and identify those medical or lifestyle conditions that may lead to development of the disease. After the assessment, if respondents are at risk for heart disease, they can fill out a form for a 30-minute, in-person clinician consultation.

“Our mission is to improve the heart health of everyone in the Sacramento region and throughout Northern California,” said Dr. David Roberts, Medical Director of the Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute. “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and many people are unaware that, to a large extent, the disease is both modifiable and preventable. We hope everyone will take advantage of this risk assessment and consultation, and will take action to improve the health of their heart and their entire vascular system.”

The consultation with a registered dietitian includes cholesterol, body mass index, blood pressure and other tests, and individuals will leave with individualized information on how to reduce their risk of heart disease and whether they need follow-up visits with their physician or a cardiologist. The consultations are held in the offices of the Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute at 5301 F St., Sacramento.

The Heart Health Risk Assessment and Consultation isn’t the only program sponsored by the Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute in order to improve the heart health of men and women throughout Northern California. The Institute also sponsors two American Heart Association programs: The Go Red for Women movement promotes awareness for women's battle against heart disease, and Start! is a heart-healthy initiative that encourages walking as an on-the-job form of exercise.

For those without access to the Internet, the Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute can fill in your assessment information by phone. The Institute’s phone numbers are (916) 733-1777 and, toll-free, 1-877-50HEART.

City of Rancho Cordova Will Honor Two Businesses
Community Invited to Submit Nominations

Rancho Cordova -- Two quarterly awards which honor one small and one larger business in the City of Rancho Cordova will be presented at the December 15th City Council meeting.

The awards will recognize two local businesses that have recently made a difference in the way they do business. Judging criteria will include outstanding achievement in one or more of the following: customer service, green and clean technology, community involvement, expansion, industry achievement, product innovation, workforce development, and longevity in Rancho Cordova. Any business located within the city limits is eligible for the awards.

The Neighborhood Pioneer Award will be given in the “small” business category and the Exceptional Enterprise Award is for “bigger” businesses. “Smaller businesses are those with one or two local locations and the larger category award is intended for Rancho Cordova corporate companies that might have multiple locations,” explained Megan McMurtry of the City of Rancho Cordova Economic Development Department.

The first Neighborhood Pioneer Award was presented in August to Pearson, a software company that moved to the City in 2007, for its high level of community involvement. Auto Expressions, located on Monier Circle, was the winner of the first Neighborhood Pioneer Award. Nominations raved about the high quality of Auto Expressions’ customer service.

“Rancho Cordova businesses, from family-owned to Fortune 500 companies, play a vital role in our local community and economy and we want to recognize their special achievements,” said McMurtry.

The City of Rancho Cordova recently celebrated its fifth anniversary of incorporation. City Hall is located at:
2729 Prospect Park Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
phone (916) 851-8700
www.cityofranchocordova.org.

Carmichael, California – November 4, 2008. In a show of great excitement and enthusiasm, coupled with unique talents, the students at The California Institute of Jewelry Training (CIJT) have opened a Student Gallery just in time for the Christmas shopping season. Feeling inspired and festive and graduating at a time when the economy is wavering, these jewelry student designers have taken an opportunity to display their newly acquired talents, talk to customers about custom designs, redesigning and repairing.

Creative marketing has been added to their list of talents, the timing is excellent, given the circumstances and the season for giving lovely and personal gifts, student relations director, Ryan Rouse has added.

The Gallery opened Monday, October 20th and in continuing stages of development with students submitting their work for sale but it all started with three of the School’s shining stars as it’s center piece. You can see amazing work from Jenna Brammer, Trishta Waetcher and Robyn Beer. Owner and Director of CIJT, Dee Huth, is excited about her students and their work, “I’m so proud of our students and their accomplishments here at the school. When the students wanted to open a gallery I thought it was a wonderful idea. They all have individual talents and visions. Their work is amazing! We have one student making very contemporary pieces, while another is making jewelry using a variety of techniques from filigree to enameling. And, yet, another who is taking piercing to a new level.” All have been successful in achieving the development of custom jewelry for the public.

The gallery is a place that the school’s aspiring jewelry artists can get a first taste of having their work showcased in a retail setting. Any student is welcome to submit their jewelry, however, each item is juried before it is allowed into the gallery. “We thought it would be best to jury all of the items going into the gallery to keep the level of merchandise up to retail standards. We strive to have our students finish each piece of jewelry to a customer ready level. This means polished perfectly with no defects,” says Ryan Rouse, Student Relations Director.

The gallery is open and ready for business. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. The public is welcome and encouraged to come to the school and see the remarkable work that is being generated by the students. And watch for Saturday openings during the holiday season.!

For more information about the California Institute of Jewelry Training’s student gallery or our training program, please contact Ryan Rouse at 916-487-1122 or visit the school at 5805 Windmill Way, Carmichael or visit our website www.jewelrytraining.com. Call for information 916-487-1122.

Mercy San Juan Medical Center Secures Bill Van Duker as Community Leadership Council Member

CARMICHAEL, CA, November 21, 2008 – Bill Van Duker, owner of All-Star Printing in Citrus Heights joins Mercy San Juan Medical Center’s (MSJMC) Community Leadership Council. "It is my privilege to be associated with Mercy San Juan Medical Center during this time of expansion and innovation. The Community Leadership Council is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between MSJMC and the community it serves."

Mercy San Juan Medical Center makes medical miracles every day. Named a Top 100 Hospital in the United States by Thomson Healthcare for the second consecutive year and one of only four in California, Mercy San Juan makes it a priority to provide the highest quality healthcare along with compassionate care to its patients and visitors.

San Juan High School Celebrates 95th Anniversary
By Barbara Morarity-Van Dyke-San Juan Alumni Association

San Juan High School in Citrus Heights was established in 1913 and is celebrating its 95th Anniversary in 2008. There will be a San Juan ALL-CLASS Reunion Picnic on Saturday, October 4th, 2008 at Rusch Park in Citrus Heights from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. So if you attended, taught or worked at San Juan High sometime in the last 95 years, you are invited to attend this reunion, along with your family. This is an opportunity to visit with friends and neighbors that may have been in a different class year than you, also to visit with past teachers and faculty. You do not normally get to see these Spartans at your regular class reunions.

There is no fee to attend. San Juan High students will be selling various lunch items and treats at the picnic, to raise funds for their various student activities. So you can support their fund raising and buy lunch at the picnic, or bring your own picnic lunch. The box lunches will be prepared fresh by the San Juan Culinary Arts & Baking Academy, sell for $8.00 and include a croissant sandwich of turkey, roast beef or vegetarian, with potato salad, fruit, cookie and bottled water. Only 100 box lunches available, so first come first served.

Events and Entertainment are planned all day. You can also shine up your cool cars or motorcycles to bring out for the display. Our car show will be hosted by John Sweeney & Evonne Sotelo-Sweeney(Class of 1967) of Cruisin’ News Magazine & Cruisin’ Talk Radio. Our theme is ‘The Race Is On’! So wear your favorite motorsports or race team apparel. We will be lining up a couple of guest speakers, made up of alumni who are involved in the racing world. Attached is a form to participate in the Car & Motorcycle Show. This is not a judged event and there will be Participation Certificates given. Please let us know if your vehicle is classified as a ‘Race Car or Motorcycle’, as we will have special ‘Race Corral’.

The entertainment will include the award winning Citrus Heights Marching Band. The Opening Ceremony starts at noontime. We are also having a Musical Jam Session at 3:00, so those of you that play, please bring your instrument. To have more details e-mailed to you about this picnic, please send your request to sanjuanalumniassoc@gmail.com. Or call for more details to Richard at (916)332-2204.

Rancho Cordova, CA-- The City of Rancho Cordova recently participated in a sting operation that resulted in an arrest for two felonies and two misdemeanors.

“We were investigating and responding to code and safety violations but also discovered elderly abuse, drug dealing, and contractor licensing fraud,” said Howard Williams, Supervising Building Inspector.

About a month ago, a house in the Rockingham area had been cited by the City’s Building and Safety Department and Code Enforcement Department for numerous building code violations and illegal occupancy.

The home was officially lived in by the owner, an elderly woman in frail health, and her daughter and son-in-law. City inspectors found unsafe additions and remodeling projects that had been completed without permits. A garden shed had been wired for electricity and contained a working air conditioner and a bed. In addition, electric extension cords were running from the house to the garage and the water heater was in an open area in a bedroom, creating potential carbon monoxide and fire dangers to her and neighboring residences.

The homeowner was given 30 days to get permits and to remedy the list of violations. But even after an additional 10-working day extension was granted, inspectors found that most of the violations had not been corrected even though the homeowner had hired and paid a “contractor” to make the corrections.

Upon further investigation, City inspectors found that the “contractor” who was hired by the homeowner upon the recommendation of her son-in-law, was using someone else’s contractor’s license. They also discovered that the son-in-law and the “contractor” had persuaded the elderly owner to take out a reverse mortgage on her home to make the changes but shared the money with little or no being work done.

The sting was planned and carried out in a collaborative effort that included the California State Contractor’s License Board and Rancho Cordova’s Police Department, Building and Safety Department, and Code Enforcement Department.

During the sting, it was also discovered that the pick-up truck at the residence was a stolen vehicle and one of the residents was in possession of illegal drugs.

The net result: a $10,000 administrative fine was levied and arrests for two misdemeanors (elderly abuse and contractor license fraud) and two felonies (drug possession and extortion). In addition, the case was turned over to the District Attorney regarding insurance and real estate fraud. “The City is proud of our ability to work with other agencies to make our community a safe and clean place to live and do business,” said Williams.

County Code Enforcement Steps Up to Protect Neighborhoods from Blighted Neglected Properties

Do you know the role of County Code Enforcement when it comes to vacant properties? With the amount of foreclosed and abandoned houses on the rise throughout the County, it is Code Enforcement’s job to ensure that these houses do not become a neighborhood eyesore or a nuisance to community members due to disregard or neglect while they are in the foreclosure process or on the market to be sold.

“It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure that all the structures on the property are secure,” said Carl Simpson, Code Enforcement Chief. “By law, we are mandated to insure public health and safety not only for the community and adjacent property owners, but also for future property owners.”

According to Carl Simpson, Code Enforcement Officers have responded to more than 258 complaints of open, accessible and vacant properties in unincorporated Sacramento County since January of this year. Code Enforcement staff respond to these complaints within 72 hours.

While a vacant house is not in violation of the County Code simply because it is vacant, Code Enforcement will investigate complaints that a home is not properly secured and being accessed by unauthorized people. Once the complaint has been investigated, Code Enforcement is authorized to secure the property against intruders.

As part of the vacant house blight deterrent, Code Enforcement also monitors neglected landscaping in vacant homes. The County Code specifies that landscaping must be maintained by the property owner and that grass and weeds don’t exceed 12 inches to reduce blight, protect the public right-of way and reduce potential fire hazards.

If you see illegal activity or people who shouldn’t be on a vacant property, contact the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency contact line at 916-874-5115. If you see a vacant home whose landscaping has not be properly maintained, or would like to report a vacant home that is becoming a nuisance, you can file a complaint at 916-875-5656, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or at:
http://www.msa2.saccounty.net/dns/codeEnforcement/Pages/default.aspx

Rancho Cordova, CA—Mindy Cuppy has been named City Clerk for the City of Rancho Cordova. She will lead the City Clerk’s staff in coordinating and preparing City Council meeting agendas and minutes and will be in charge of record keeping of all official municipal documents. As the City’s Chief Elections Official, she will plan and conduct City elections.

Cuppy has been Rancho Cordova’s administrative support supervisor for the last 10 months. Other past employment includes being executive assistant to the President and human resources coordinator at Heald College in Roseville and Rancho Cordova. She was the start-up office manager for both TMC Communications and XO Communications.

She received an A.A. degree from Sierra College in Rocklin and a B.A. degree in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a graduate of Bella Vista High School.

“I look forward to the challenges of being City Clerk for an innovative and thriving city and I look forward to using my communication and organizational skills,” Cuppy commented.

The City of Rancho Cordova, located in Sacramento County, was incorporated in 2003 and is 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.