Arden-Carmichael News - February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018 | www.valcomnews.com

Arden-Carmichael News — Bringing you community news for 27 years —

Historic Smith family estate to be placed on the market Property dates back to early years of Fair Oaks

School News............................................4 Crossword. ..................................................5 Lance Armstrong feature.............................6 What’s Happening.................................... 8 Classified. ................................................... 9

Thrill of the Chill:

Local actor’s cancer inspires ‘Treasure Island’ adaptation

Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics

5 Acres in Picturesque Grass Valley

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E-mail stories & photos to: editor@valcomnews.com Editorial questions: (916) 267-8992 Arden-Carmichael News is published on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Newspapers are available in stands throughout the area.

Publisher...................................................................David Herburger Editor............................................................................... Monica Stark Art Director.......................................................................John Ochoa Graphic Designer..................................................Annin Greenhalgh Advertising Director................................................... Jim O’Donnell Advertising Executives................ Linda Pohl, Melissa Andrews Copyright 2018 by Valley Community Newspapers Inc. All rights reserved.

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Vol. XXVII • No. 04 1109 Markham Way Sacramento, CA 95818 t: (916) 429-9901 f: (916) 429-9906 Cover: Courtesy of Smith Family Other photos by: Courtesy Cheryl Dawson

Thrill of the Chill Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics

By Laura I. Winn

While the Olympics in Pyeongchang will come to a close the last weekend of February, a local Olympic event will bring together a diverse group of zany, costume-clad participants, law enforcement agents, local business workers and special athletes. On Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., brave souls will run into the wintry waters at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center for the Polar Plunge, an annual event that raises funds and awareness for local Special Olympics programs.

Anyone who raises a minimum of $125 can partake in the chilly challenge, and “chickens” are welcome to fundraise without getting wet.

Since 2014, the Sacramento Polar Plunge has raised over $130,000 for free-of-charge athletic, health and educational programs, including the Schools Partnership Program, which serves over 4,000 Sacramento County students. Through the partnership, Special Olympics sports are available during the school day, giving special education students a chance to compete with the support of general education students who volunteer as teammates, coaches and mentors.

“The partnership program builds inclusion and understanding in our schools,” explained Tyler Krochmal, a volunteer coach who serves as Public Relations and Communications Manager for Special Olympics Northern California.

Money raised in the Polar Plunge will help grow the partnership in Sacramento. “We are working diligently to engage the local community and provide opportunities to create more inclusive schools through sports and awareness initiatives,” stated Emma Holcombe, the Sacramento Senior Area Manager of the Schools Partnership Program.

Athletes can begin competing in local Special Olympics sports at age 8 and continue for the rest of their lives. Sacramento offers 11 seasonal sports. Currently, hoops players are gearing up for the Sacramento Basketball Regional Competition on March 17 and 18 at The Well at Sac State. In March, athletes start training for competitions in swimming, tennis, volleyball, track and field, and especially popular on East Sacra2

Arden-Carmichael News • February 23, 2018 • www.valcomnews.com

mento courts, bocce. All competitions are free to attend.

By training and competing, these differentlyabled athletes gain valuable life skills. “A lot of the qualities you gain in sports – social interaction, confidence, team work and sportsmanship – athletes can use them to get jobs and be active members of the community,” said Krochmal.

For local athlete Karissa Krater, 26, the program has been life-changing. After Krater began Special Olympics swimming at age 12, the sport “built a confidence that wasn’t there before,” explained her mom, Christa Trinchera.

“Now she’s incredibly confident and takes on any challenge and conquers it. She has developed the spirit of a champion.”

Krater’s dedication in the pool, combined with her winning attitude, has earned her 50 statelevel gold swimming medals, as well as the honor of being named a Special Olympics Global Messenger and the 2015 Special Olympics International Athlete of the Year.

“The drive and determination of a Special Olympics athlete is no different than that of an average Olympian,” Trinchera said.

Coach Krochmal echoed those comments.

“Our athletes are so inspiring. There are so many obstacles they overcome on a daily basis that the general population takes for granted. Our athletes have to struggle every day, so winning a medal, finishing a race or just participating is really special for them.”

Although Krater loves collecting medals – she has over 200 – she said her favorite part of Special Olympics is meeting the law enforcement officers who support the organization by volunteering and fundraising. In 2017, Krater took the Polar Plunge twice, joining a group of officers from the California Department Of Corrections and Rehabilitation and another group from the Elk Grove Police Department, where she volunteers.

“The Polar Plunge is such a fun event,” said Trinchera. “Even if you don’t raise money, I encourage everyone to come be a part of the fun, and you’ll be hooked for life!”

To take the Polar Plunge, visit sonc.org/ polarplunge.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Local actor’s cancer inspires ‘Treasure Island’ adaptation

By Laura I. Winn

With a towering stature and bushy red beard, 41-year-old Taylor Lewis looks primed to play Long John Silver in Theater One’s production of “ Treasure Island” running weekends March 3 to March 25. Ask Lewis just how tall he is and he deadpans, “I’m about 6-foot-4. Well, I’m a foot shorter now.” It’s a bad joke that still elicits a chuckle from his director, Lonon Smith, 72.

Lewis lost part of his right leg to bone cancer in January of last year. But for the father of two teenage boys, the missing limb isn’t so much of a loss as a trade: a limb for a life. “I couldn’t think of a better thing to trade, and I’d do it again,” he says.

That trade inspired Smith, a former Hollywood screenwriter, to adapt Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous pirate book for the stage. Smith and Lewis are poker-playing friends who attend Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, home to Theater One. As Smith tells it, in December 2016, the two were on their way to their regular poker game when the conversation turned to how Lewis’ upcoming amputation would affect his ability to get theater roles. “Well, you can always play Long John Silver,” Smith offered. After a moment of silence in the car, Lewis laughed and then said OK. With Lewis’ blessing, Smith got to work adapting the story of Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney’s voyage to find buried treasure with the help of Long John Silver and a 13-year-old boy named Jim (played by 15-year-old Anna McFatter). While diving deeper into the story of violence, mutiny and heroics in the Caribbean, Smith says he saw parallels to modern American society. “There was massive economic inequality.

There was no Social Security. The treasure was their safety net,” he said.

Photos by Cheryl Dawson

(above left) Taylor Lewis, Anna McFatter, Sarina Krastev (above right) Taylor Lewis, Anna McFatter

This, he adds, brings up questions about who had the right to the treasure and the lengths–including murder–they go to find it. Smith says his version touches on these issues without being heavy-handed.

To par down the book for a two-hour stage production with a cast of about 20, Smith says he looked at the long paragraphs of pirate talk and focused on the heart of what was being expressed. The result is a PG-13 story that takes itself seriously with violent deaths, an added “sizzling” love interest for Long John Silver, and a big set with a lot of moving parts. “You won’t hear one ‘argh’ on stage,” Smiths adds.

What you will see, Smith promises, is the charm and defiance Lewis brings to Long John

Silver. As unpredictable as his character, Lewis has been known to “plop his stump right on the table” surprising his cast mates in the middle of rehearsals.

Playing the peg-legged pirate gives Lewis a chance to to “one-up” the people who see his prosthetic and look at him with pity, he says. “It’s like, I’m going to be able to do all these things you think I can’t… plus. It’s almost like it gives me an advantage in a weird way.”

“Treasure Island” runs March 3 through March 25 with Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 916-521-1032. Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento is located at 2425 Sierra Boulevard in Arden-Arcade.

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www.valcomnews.com • February 23, 2018 • Arden-Carmichael News

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School News

Arcade Middle School teacher wins local Educator of the Year award

Deterding students use dance to prepare for Race for the STARS

Arcade Middle School’s eighth-grade physical science and STEM elective teacher Vicky Velasco was recently named the Middle School Educator of the Year for Region 3 by California League Deterding Elementa- er, Rebecca Snow, is hop- quarter,” said Pam Lapinski, of Schools — a nonprofit edry School fifth grader Aa- ing to incorporate as she in- executive director of the San ucators’ association dedicatshika Ansu has ran a 2.5K structs Deterding students Juan Education Foundation. ed to helping K-12 educarace before, and has been on cardio-related movements Individual schools get tors improve student learning working hard in teacher in dance along with proper $10 per adult registration through useful, evidenceRebecca Snow’s dance class stretching. and $5 per child registra- based professional developto increase her strength for “If you are interested in tion. Some schools in the ment and other resources.

Race for the STARS on doing track in the spring, district raise hundreds to Region 3 is one of 11 CaliforApril 22. this is a great way to get thousands of dollars via nia League of Schools regions It will be Ansu’s first 5K. ready for the race,” Snow registration. in California.

Photo by San Juan Unified School District She said she’s excited to join told her class. “We do a lot The San Juan Education Velasco started her teachVicky Velasco standing outside Arcade hundreds of other runners of strength and cardio in Foundation uses other pro- ing career in upstate New Middle School and stay after the race to for this class, your cardio exer- ceeds to award direct-to- York, nearly 20 years ago. a nutrition expo with live mu- cises give you the endurance teacher grants that go direct- She then traveled to Calisic, games, prizes, healthy eat- to prepare for this race.” ly to classroom needs. fornia in 1997 where she taught in Oakland for three ing tips and free food. RivThat her class can be used Local businesses take part years and has been teaching at Arcade for the majority er Cats mascot Dinger starts to help motivate students to in the Healthy Eating Expo of the time. the fun at 8 a.m. with the kids run or walk in Race for the with giveaways and prizes.

Velasco has an immense amount of passion for teaching and race, followed by the full 5K STARS is a bonus for the Marissa Recio, also a De- believes students should be having fun while leaning, coining run/walk at 8:30 a.m. physical education class. Ev- terding fifth grader, said she the term, “flerning.” Her passion was seen by Arcade princi“Dance class helps me ery registration for the race participated in Race for the pal, LeeAnn Hopton, who nominated her for the award. get ready for Race for the from Deterding brings a di- STARS two years ago, and “I love what I do.” Velasco said. “I’m super fortunate to STARS because it helps rect donation to the school is looking forward to it again have found the job that doesn’t feel like a job — the one build up my stamina and from the San Juan Education this year. that makes me happy and fills up the proverbial buckis also physical activity,” Foundation.

“Race for the STARS is a et of joy.” she said. “ The hardest part “Race for the STARS pro- really good race because you Outside of the classroom, you can find Velasco spending about dance class is having vides an opportunity for ev- get to meet new people and time with her husband and two children. Together, they enthe stamina to get through ery school in the district to run with your parents and joy the outdoors — hiking, camping, or playing a good famithe dance or get through raise money for their site spend time with your family,” ly board game. some of the moves.” and provides funding for she said.

Velasco now moves on to represent Region 3 in the state Ansu’s upbeat attitude is the foundation to award di- Visit www.raceforthestars. competition. exactly what her dance teach- rect-to-teacher grants every com to register today.

Source: Sanjuan.edu

Rio Americano CIVITAS program hosts town hall

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Arden-Carmichael News • February 23, 2018 • www.valcomnews.com

Rio Americano High School senior Jacob Osecheck recently brought the community together for a town hall meeting with U.S. Congressman Ami Bera at the school’s newly constructed Center for the Arts. Osecheck is a student in the CIVITAS program which emphasizes specialized learning in the social sciences and an enriched sense of citizenship.

An audience of more than 200 – students and community members – filled the Center for the Arts for the town hall, which was planned and facilitated by Osecheck as part of his CIVITAS senior project. Osecheck and classmates Samantha Macriss and Carlos Nguyen formed a panel that reviewed and passed along questions from the audience to the Congressman.

The CIVITAS program encompasses a minimum of six semesters of instruction.

Prior to being admitted to the program, prospective students must pass a rigorous interview process beginning as soon as the eighth grade. After being accepted into the program, CIVITAS students take a variety of classes that emphasize civic and commu-

nity involvement that include internships.

From interview to senior project, CIVITAS students gain a unique educational experience.

“I’ve learned so much from CIVITAS that I would not have learned in the normal classroom setting,” said Osecheck.

Among the requirements is 100 hours of community service. Osecheck donated his time at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and the American Cancer Center’s thrift shop. When asked how CIVITAS has influenced his future goals, Osecheck said that he plans be an engineer, but credited his CIVITAS experiences for having influenced the scope of his future goals beyond career choices.

“I want to do something more toward the humanitarian side – I can see the benefit.

I think it would be a good use of my time helping people that don’t have the same advantages that I have had growing up,” said Osecheck.

For more information regarding the CIVITAS program, visit the Rio Americano website.

Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

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www.valcomnews.com • February 23, 2018 • Arden-Carmichael News

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Historic Smith family estate to be placed on the market Property dates back to early years of Fair Oaks

Photos courtesy of the Smith family

This early 1900s home, which was originally known as the A.L. Birchard house, is shown in the 1910s. It stood on the southeast corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Sunset Avenue.

By LANCE ARMSTRONG

One of the most unique and historic properties in Fair Oaks – the old Smith family property on Fair Oaks Boulevard, just south of Sunset Avenue – will be placed on the market in the coming week. And the future sale of this estate will mark the end of an era for this family in Fair Oaks.

For 99 years, the Smith family has owned the property. But following the March 11, 2017 death of the family’s matriarch, Barbara (Mooers) Smith, the family made the decision to sell their cherished estate.

The Smiths’ property has a rich history, which includes the former existence of a world-famous bird farm and a successful flower shop.

Many locals are familiar with this property for its scenic appearance alone.

Among the features of this 3.78-acre parcel are its timber bamboo patch, heritage oaks and cedars, camellia and persimmon trees and large palms. This parcel also includes structures from different eras.

As one of the more historic properties of Fair Oaks, the Smith family estate dates back to the late 19th century, during the beginnings of this community.

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Arden-Carmichael News • February 23, 2018 • www.valcomnews.com

Established in the mid-1890s as a 5-acre, model parcel, the property was originally owned by Fair Oaks developer George Prescott Robinson.

George, who was born in Massachusetts, lived in a home on the property with his New Hampshire-born wife, Fannie, and his Massachusettsborn son, Robert.

The 1900 voter registration for Sacramento County lists George as a 42-year-old Republican capitalist living in Fair Oaks.

The Robinsons’ residence is mentioned in the July 18, 1906 edition of The Sacramento Union as follows: “George P. Robinson is making quite extensive improvements on his home, ‘The Outlook.’” This house likely received its name from its vantage point on one of the highest topographical points of the Fair Oaks area.

Fair Oaks, which was developed as a “Sunset Colony” of the Howard & Wilson Publishing Co., of Chicago, grew quickly in its early years, as documented in an article in the November 1901 issue of Sunset magazine.

A portion of that article reads: “Fair Oaks has now a population of some six hundred, where six years ago, there was not a single house. They have, or are rapidly getting, the educational, religious and social advantages to which they have been accustomed in the East, while the transportation facilities are all that

can be desired, making the place, in fact, a suburb of Sacramento.”

Also mentioned in the article is George Robinson, who is recognized as master of the Fair Oaks Grange, and resident agent of the Raymond & Whitcomb travel agency, of Boston.

Fair Oaks, in its early years, was well-known as a citrus fruit – most notably oranges – and oliveproducing area.

The first Smith family members to reside on the former Robinson family property were W. Leland “Lee” Smith and his wife, Elma Adel (Bressler) “El” Smith, who were married in 1918.

Included in the July 17, 1953 edition of The San Juan Record is an article authored by El that includes her early recollections about the property.

El recalled meeting Lee in San Francisco in 1915, and hearing his praise of the Robinsons’ property, and his desire to live there.

Lee was familiar with that property, since he arrived in Fair Oaks at the age of 5 in 1896, with his father, Nathaniel R. Smith.

In the same Record article, El noted the effort that she and her husband made to purchase the property in 1919.

“It took all our savings and war stamps and bonds and a few borrowed dollars to pay costs, down payments, etc.”

After acquiring the property, Lee and El began developing the site with fruit trees, including oranges, as Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

(top) Lee and El Smith and their 7-year-old son, Bob Smith, stand alongside one of their property’s citrus trees in this 1927 photograph. (above) El Smith is shown in her flower garden in 1926. (left) A Lady Amherst’s pheasant roams the Smith estate in this 1931 photograph.

well as berries, rare plants, flowers, pens containing pheasants, duck ponds and other features.

Lee’s love for collecting game birds led to his creation of an exotic bird farm that ultimately drew worldwide attention. Among the hundreds of birds in that collection were various types of pheasants, jungle cock of India, and guinea fowl from Ethiopia.

An article about this bird farm is featured in the April 1936 issue of Motorland magazine.

The article notes: “Gorgeous pea-fowl – rare ones collected from Java and other parts of the world; dozens of varieties of beautiful, plumaged pheasants from the four corners of the Earth; wonderful collections of doves, partridges and waterfowl. That’s what we have in one group of pens midst the towering trees and flower gardens of a place (in) Fair Oaks, out of Sacramento.

“This is the game bird farm operated by Leland Smith and admittedly much enjoyed by him, and to which visitors are welcomed.”

Because of the extensiveness of the bird farm, it attracted many different visitors, including famous individuals such as publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951), novelist John Steinbeck (1902-1968), zoologist Edmund Heller (1875-1939) and ornithologist Jean Delacour (1890-1985).

El’s hobby of enhancing the property’s beauty with flowers led to the establishment of her Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

flower shop, which operated on the porch of the family’s early 1900s home at the southeast corner of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Sunset Avenue until 1947.

In that year, a new shop was built on the property, where El operated Smith Floral Shop until her retirement 18 years later.

Lee died at the age of 56 on Sept. 22, 1948, and 12 years later, El sold the northwest corner of the family’s property to Texaco, and the old family residence (which was originally referred to as the A.L. Birchard house) was demolished.

A gas station was built on that corner, and a new family home was constructed on a hill on another portion of the property.

Lee and El’s life on their property included raising one child, Robert Leland “Bob” Smith, who was born on June 30, 1920.

In 1926, Bob contracted scarlet fever, and his grandmother, Susan Delila Bressler (18651934), came to live with the family and take care of him.

Bob grew up to acquire a deep interest in natural sciences, and built an extensive, private museum on the property by the time he was 20.

Bob, who although losing much of his hearing while serving as a gunnery officer in the Navy in World War II, never lost his passion for natural sciences.

With that passion, he would ultimately become an expert in rock and mineral identification, and a world-renowned volcanologist and scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He also became the world authority on obsidian glass, trained U.S. astronauts – from the Mercury through Apollo missions – in sample collection procedures, and identified the first lunar rock samples brought to Earth by U.S. astronauts.

With the exception of his three years of service in the war, Bob worked for the USGS from 1943 to 1993, when he retired.

Following El’s March 9, 1981 death at the age of 91, Bob and Barbara – who were married on Feb. 16, 1952, moved from Reston, Va. to the family’s Fair Oaks estate.

Bob resided there until his death at the age of 95 on June 17, 2016.

Preceding Bob in death was his son, Mike.

Bob and El also had two other sons, Leland and Dave.

In pondering the future of his family’s historic estate, Dave last week said that the decision to place it on the market was not a simple one.

“The decision to sell was exceedingly difficult,” he said. “ We never imagined not having that magnificent property in the family, but things happen, things change. The living need to keep living their lives and not those of their ancestors.” www.valcomnews.com • February 23, 2018 • Arden-Carmichael News

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What’s CHAUTAUQUA PLAYHOUSE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS “THE SECRET GARDEN”: Chautauqua Playhouse will present “The Secret Garden”, based on the novel by Frances Hodson Burnett, beginning on February 10 at the Playhouse. The show will run on Saturdays at 1 p.m. through Feb. 24. The performances are held at the Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Road in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael. Admission is $8 for all seats. Adapted from the story by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “The Secret Garden” tells the tale of young Mary Lennox, an orphan, who is sent to live with her conflicted uncle on his large estate. Finding the key to a secret gate, she strives to revive an overrun garden and bring joy and health to her invalid cousin. The direction is by Patricia Lee Schmeltz. Information and tickets are available through the Chautauqua Playhouse website: www.cplayhouse.org or call the box office at (916) 489-7529, during business hours. Because of the popularity of the Children’s season, advance purchase of tickets is advised.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24 THE ART OF FRANKENSTEIN-Revisiting a timeless classic with artist Stephanie Taylor and blogger/author Carrie Sessarego - In 1818, Mary Shelley crafted one of history’s greatest literacy achievements.

Two hundred years later, local artist Stephanie Taylor has created a new interpretation of Shelley’s Frankenstein, bringing her own vision to the story. Taylor’s illustrations have been published within the original work in a limited edition run from the I Street Press.

She and Carrie Sessarego will discuss the lasting impact of the book, the process of illustrating the novel, and the public perception of this iconic story it. A 15-minute Q & A will follow each hour-long discussion.

Call Melissa at (916) 429-9901 www.valcomnews.com

happening

This program is designed for adults. Saturday, February 24 from 3 to 4 p.m. at ArdenDimick Library, 891 Watt Ave., Sacramento.

CARMICHAEL ROTARY CRAB FEED: 5 to 9 p.m. at La Sierra Community Center (5325 Engle Road, Carmichael)

NUTS & BERRIES: NON-PROFIT WILDLIFE EVENT FEBRUARY 2018 MCCLELLAN PARK: Give Wildlife Another Chance to Live to Get Fabulous Prizes with Nuts & Berries. Help the volunteer heroes of nature at the non-profit Wildlife Care Association of Sacramento and give small animals and birds brought to them injured, orphaned and displaced across our region that second chance by participating in the annual Nuts & Berries Fundraiser! The event will be a raffle for more than $10,000 in prizes. The Nuts & Berries event will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 12pm-3pm at McClellan Conference Center located at 5411 Luce Blvd, McClellan, CA 95652. The festivities will begin at 12 pm when Wild Things Inc. will hold several presentations with exotic animals such as a Capuchin Monkey, an African Crested Porcupine, & a Crocodile. This will be a casual event which will include door prizes and refreshments. The event is open to the public $5.00 at the door, admission is included with raffle ticket purchase. In addition, we will live stream the raffle draw, so you can watch to see if you won, even if you can’t make the event. The raffle draw will begin at 2 pm and will be live streamed on Facebook @wildlifecareassociation. These regional volunteers in wildlife rehabilitation need your support to help thousands of small birds and animals recover to return to the environment. The Wildlife Care Association depends on your donation of time and money to save them. Visit www.wildlifecareassociation.com to learn more about Nuts & Berries tickets. $75.00 each or 2 for $140.00. If you’ve found injured wildlife call 916-965-WILD. Wildlife Care Association of Sacramento serves the public 10am6pm seven days a week year-round at 5211 Patrol Rd. McClellan Park.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27 BREWS & BOOKS – INTRO TO HOME BREWING - Local home brewer will present a variety of beer styles, describing the evolution of pale ale from England to here, with tastings of each. This program is for ages 21 and over with no children allowed. Registration is required, and you must present current photo I.D.

FD366

with birth date at the door. Register online at saclibrary.org/events, by phone at 916-264-2920, or in person at the library.

Tuesday, February 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Arden-Dimick Library, 891 Watt Ave., Sacramento.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

SUNDAY, FEB. 25

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CELEBRATE THE ARTS AND SPIRITUALITY WITH A ‘SPRING FLING’!: Enjoy movement, dance, music with this workshop.Workshop for persons of all faiths, beliefs and diverse backgrounds at the Sierra Arden United Church of Christ at 890 Morse Avenue (Northrop and Morse), Sacramento 95864. Workshop goes from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is free, but donations are accepted. RSVP by emailing SusanStegenga@gmail.com. Questions?

Call Sue at (916) 599-6449.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 CELEBRATE THE ARTS AND SPIRITUALITY ON ST. PADDY’S DAY: Wordplay, poetry, journaling, dramatics will be a part of this special workshop. Workshop for persons of all faiths, beliefs and diverse backgrounds at the Sierra Arden United Church of Christ at 890 Morse Avenue (Northrop and Morse), Sacramento 95864. Workshop goes from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is free, but donations are accepted. RSVP by emailing SusanStegenga@ gmail.com. Questions? Call Sue at (916) 599-6449.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 8 ANNUAL EASTER SEAL BENEFIT SHOW Easter Seal Society, 3205 Hurley Way (off Watt Avenue), presents this free admission, free parking annual event.

There will be millions of stamps at 2-cent tables. All proceeds to Easter Seal Society.

10 dealers. There will be snacks and sodas available. Unidentified, leftover albums, donations welcome; opportunity to work on merit badge for scouts; craft material, history, language and math skills, door prizes.

For more information, contact K Pavalasky at 916-972-0263.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 PAWS IN THE PARK: The Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District invites you and your furry friend out for a exciting dogfilled day at Eastern Oak Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come and enjoy the new dog park and have a fun day out socializing with other neighborhood pups. We will have dog show with unique categories for your dog to compete in - sign ups are $5. In addition, we will have raffles, vendors, and many other dog related activities! Eastern Oak Park is located at 3127 Eastern Ave, Sacramento, California 95821. Dog show categories include: Prettiest female, most-handsome male, best kisser, best costume, human/dog look-a-like, coolest trick, most unique mix, all stars.

THURSDAY, MAY 24 TUESDAY, MARCH 20 CARMICHAEL SHERIFF’S COMMUNITY MEETING: From 6 to 7 p.m. at Del Campo High School Library (4925 Dewey Drive, Fair Oaks.)

TUESDAY, MARCH 27 CONGRESSMAN AMI BERA LIBRARY OFFICE HOURS: 10 a.m. to noon, Carmichael Library (5605 Marconi Ave, Carmichael)

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 1 41ST ANNUAL BONSAI SHOW SPONSORED BY SEKIYU KAI: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Buddhist Church 2401 Riverside Blvd. Demonstrations both days at 2:00pm by Yuzo Maruyama, followed by a benefit raffle. The event will include trees and bonsai materials for sale and the food vendor Haole Pig BBQ. Admission and parking are free. For information, email BonsaiSekiyuKai@gmail.com

COMMUNITY MEETING WITH SUPERVISOR SUSAN PETERS AT THE CARMICHAEL PARK CLUBHOUSE: The meeting, starting at 6 p.m., provideS an opportunity for residents to hear a brief update on what is going on in Sacramento County and to ask questions.

The meeting will also have a guest speaker from a variety of county departments. 6 to 7 p.m. at Carmichael Park Clubhouse, 5750 Grant Ave.

THURSDAY, OCT. 25 COMMUNITY MEETING WITH SUPERVISOR SUSAN PETERS AT MISSION OAKS COMMUNITY CENTER The meeting, starting at 6 p.m., provideS an opportunity for residents to hear a brief update on what is going on in Sacramento County and to ask questions. The meeting will also have a guest speaker from a variety of county departments. 6 to 7 p.m. at Mission Oaks Community Center, 4701 Gibbons Drive Carmichael.

ONGOING STATE FAIR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ANNOUNCED: The Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2018 - 2019 academic year. The program offers 14 categories of scholarships ranging from $1,000 - $2,500 each with varying eligibility requirements. Categories include: agriculture, art, academic excellence, business, culinary/hospitality/event management, education, international relations, trade school, viticulture and enology. Applicants may apply for one scholarship category of their choice per year and will be evaluated based on academics, community service, quality of essay and recommendation. Top scholarship winners in select categories may be invited to compete for the $5,000 Ironstone Concours Foundation Scholarship Scholarships are not renewable; however, students may reapply each year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program is a collaboration between the Friends of the California State Fair, the California Exposition & State Fair, the California State Fair Agricultural Advisory Council, the Ironstone Concours Foundation, Blue Diamond Growers and Western Fairs Association. International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), an independent scholarship management company, hosts the online application process and disburses awards for the program. The deadline to apply is March 2, 2018. Learn more at CAStateFair. org/scholarship. For questions about the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program, please email scholarship@ calexpo.com.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP: Every first Monday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. Location: Sacramento.

Call 916-428-3271 for exact location. Description: Is your friend or family member in a domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking situation? This free, drop-in group is for you.

Learn how to support your loved one, and receive some support yourself among people who are in the same situation. Feel free to call My Sister’s House for more information: 916-428-3271. #METOO SUPPORT GROUP: Every third Monday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. Location: Sacramento. Call 916-4283271 for exact location. Description: This drop-in support group is free, confidential, open to all genders, and available to sexual assault survivors at any point in their healing. Feel free to call My Sister’s House for more information: 916-428-3271.

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Arden-Carmichael News • February 23, 2018 • www.valcomnews.com

ERIN STUMPF  916.342.1372  SOLDINSAC.COM Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Door-to-Door By pat lynch

We had to bring 36 valentines, all the same general size and style, and had to write,“Dear __________, Happy Valentine’s.” Then we had to print our name. This seemed far too cold and uniform. I wanted to give a special, fancy Valentine to my best friend, Jane, and another to a boy named Larry who fascinated because he had had an operation on his arm and wore a sling. He was now the most notable boy in our class at Sacred Heart School, the outstanding kid in the little kid’s play yard (grades 1-3).

There was no pre-school or kindergarten at Sacred Heart, so the First Grade was where we first learned about rank, human striving, fame and glory.

For example, I saw that Larry’s arm had catapulted him above the top strata of kids and saw further that he was sometimes stressed and uncertain in his eminence. But girls hugged Larry and made a fuss over him, and boys also hugged him, especially when the girls or a nun was looking. Everybody helped Larry take off his jacket and carry things. “Gently, children, gently,” Sister Daniel, our adored teacher would caution.

I knew I had to hug Larry to establish status but was immobilized by awkwardness. Though I knew the answer, I asked Jane, “Did you hug Larry yet?”

“Not yet,” she said.

A girl named Alice said, “If you don’t hug Larry and act real nice to him, it’s a sin.”

Jane did not like sin and was alarmed to discover that so many things fell under its shadowy purview. She said she was going to hug Larry the very next day. Valentine’s Day. I said I would too, though I didn’t fully mean it.

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That night I filled out my cards. I printed Jane and Larry’s name extra hard and drew little flowers next to them. Flowers were the only thing I could draw and they were stark in the extreme. My mother explained the reasons for everybody, friend or foe, getting a similar card from a package: it was so that no one would be left out. “Imagine being left out,” she said. “What if somebody got no valentines and everybody else got a lot? Or what if some children got a special puffy valentine and others just a plain one, or none at all?

None at all. Imagine that.” This was something to think about.

My mother could turn you into a bleeding-heart do-gooder in 30 seconds. I ended up drawing thirty-four more flowers next to the names of classmates.

The next day at morning recess recess Larry stood in the yard like a dazed little king. Kids ran to him, gently hugged him and said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Larry.”

Jane and I approached together, slowly, pretending we were looking elsewhere. I told Jane to go now and get it over with, but she, of course, said,“No, you first.” So I went. There was Larry, emerging from the hug of the most famous girl in class, Sandra with shiny blond curls. When Sandra skipped away I reached out, put my hand on his good shoulder, thrust my other arm weirdly at his back. I was stiff and still, and except for the arms, too far from him. So I jumped seven inches and entered the hug. I said,“Happy days, Larry,” because in the excitement I forgot to say, Valentine’s. I stepped back quickly.

“Thank you,” he said. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Before I could reply Jane flung herself at him, clutched his good arm and, eyes squeezed shut,

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shouted, “Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy Valentine’s Day, Larry.” She was so loud heads turned, and she herself turned a brilliant, pulsing red. But she had done it. She had defied her timid nature and hugged, and screeched, in public. She stayed red for an hour.

Such was her shyness and dread of sin. The bell rang and everybody got in line.

As he neared the line two top tier kids, a boy and a girl, went to Larry and said loudly, “Happy Valentine’s.” I didn’t have the word for it then, but there was something showy and mechanical about their offering and I thought maybe Larry felt it. I wondered if he felt bad about the coerced hugs from Jane and me.

After lunch we rose, one row at a time, and distributed our valentines to the rest of the class.

I had added an extra flower for Jane, this new one in ink. When I came to her I said, “This is a good Valentine’s Day because the hugs are over with.”

Jane said, “I love everybody but most of all Baby Jesus and the Blessed Mother.”

Sometimes her religious excitement wearied me, even at six, even on Valentine’s.

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you now,” and I said she was still my best friend and I would still talk to her forever.

After the card exchange Sister Daniel told us that Saint Valentine was a kind and prayerful bishop who gave up his life for God and the Church. When Jane heard this she looked suddenly suffused with glowing holiness, an irritating preoccupation that, I thought, took away from my new renown.

But when school was over she walked part way home with me and Lynn O’Neil, a second grader, and she told Lynn about the flowers and the personal touch. This was nice. Fame was nice, even for a day.

My mother had heart-shaped baking pans and we always had chocolate-heart cake on Valentine’s night. Everybody in the First Grade had made elaborate cards for their parents and when I presented mine, my mother put her hand over her heart and said, “This. Is a thing of beauty.” She put it up on the wall, and it stayed there for years, the first in her long train of crooked hearts, hearts with ruffles, smiling hearts, flowers like sticks, fancy flowers, rainbows, puckered lips, stars and printed, bent, overlarge words of love.

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When I came to Larry he looked at the card and said, “Why did you make a flower on it?”

A boy behind him, Patrick, who had already gotten his, said, “My flower looks like a stick.”

“Mine is pretty,” shy Jane blurted loyally.

Sister Daniel was suddenly behind me. She looked at Larry and Patrick’s cards, held Larry’s up for the class. “Do you know what this is, boys and girls? This little flower?” She paused, waited. Then her glorious smile.

“It’s the personal touch.” She explained that when you added your own drawing or note to a card, “even a plain little flower,” you added something special of yourself as a person. That was the personal touch, and it was a good thing. And if you went to the extra work of adding a personal touch you were showing a warm heart.

The room was quiet, all eyes on the beloved, radiant Sister Daniel.

That’s how I became the new Larry. For the rest of the day kids thanked me for the flower and said it was pretty or beautiful or the best flower they ever got on a Valentine’s card. Jane whispered, “Everyone knows about

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RESERVE YOUR SPACE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! CALL 429-9901 www.valcomnews.com • February 23, 2018 • Arden-Carmichael News

9

SacFine Arts Magnum Opus XXIX now underway in Carmichael • Claudette Bleijenberg “Ibtsam” Fire clay original $4,000, Merit • Grace Cohen “Forever Blue” Acrylic and ink on canvas $1,500, Honorable Mention • Grace Cohen “From a Memory” Oil on canvas $2.000 • Peggy Colombo “Shell Table” $475 .• Valerie Dacpano “Wouldn’t It Be Nice If We Could Wake Up” Mixed Media: Watercolor, Oil Pastel $499.99 • Rodney DavisPlayful Rabbit Ceramic $200 • Lawrence Davis “The Sleeper and the Waker Oil on canvas $1500 • Sandy Delehanty “Chichicastenango Vendor” Watercolor $1,250 • Fay Deng “Imperial Kiln” Acrylic $750 • Dee Anne Dinelli “Homeless Child” Photograph on Metal $375 • Trina Drotar “Rainy Night on the Boardwalk” Wax, Ink $750, Honorable Mention • Darlene Engellenner “Copper Ferns” Copper and copper foil $750, Honorable Mention • Darlene Engellenner “Maori Garden” encaustic /blockprint $500, Merit • . Marilynn Fairchild, “Woman’s Plight” - Oil - 24” X 18”, $11,500 - plus frame • Chris K Foster “Crow Talker” Mixed Media on canvas $425 • Kate Grebitus, “The Beach” Pastel $500 • Richard Greene “Galveston, TX #2” Photograph $250 • Richard Greene “Quanah, TX #2” Photograph $250

PUZZLE SOLUTION

International Juried Art Exhibit, Magnum Opus XXIX, is now underway at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center, 5330B Gibbons Drive in Carmichael until March 18. A Second Saturday reception will be held on March 10 from 5:308:30 p.m. Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Inc. is open Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 916971-3713.

First place goes to Danielle Muzina for her piece, “boundaries”, which is pictured on this page.

The following is the list of artists whose work has been selected along with descriptions of their work.

• Linda Abbott Trap, “Seekers” Watercolor $425 • Linda Abbott Trapp “Narrative” Watercolor $550, Honorable Mention • Richard Ashby “Agate Macro- Gravitation Layering” Photograph $250, Excellence .• Richard Ashby “Playground Fantasy” Photograph $250, Excellence .• Ray Aubrey “Self Control” Mixed Metal $500. 2nd Place .• Pam Avery “Hot Orange Glow” Acrylic $800 .• Marbo Barnard “White Hat” Soft Pastel $500 .• Louisa Benhissen “Yosemite Falls Through A Screen” Oil on linen $3000 • Louisa Benhissen “Service Industry” Oil on linen $3000 • Constance Birdsong “A Looff ” Photograph $300

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Arden-Carmichael News • February 23, 2018 • www.valcomnews.com

• Linda Heath Clark “Crescendo” Scratchboard Acrylic $2500, Excellence • Linda Heath Clark “Capriccio” Acrylic on Scratchboard $1100 • Randy Honerlah “Aloha Nani” Acrylic on canvas $1400 • Rebecca Jaggers “Owens Valley Shack” Watermedia $300 • Rebecca Jaggers “Yosemite Falls III” Watermedia $350 • John Michael Keating “Norns At A Well” Oil on canvas $1200 • Barbara Kempe “Near the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey” Watercolor $750, 3rd Place • Barbara Kempe “Sidewalk Cafe, Aix-en-Provence, France” Watercolor $500 • Dawn Kincade “Yolo Sunset” Photograph on canvas $275 • Dawn Kincade “Love” Photograph $275 • Chris Knopp, Silver Fork Evening” Watercolor $800 • Chris Knopp “Catch of the Day” Watercolor $800 • Judy Knott “Tipping the Scales” Mixed media on wood $1200, Honorable Mention • Steve Kohr “Evening Grandeur” Oil on panel $500, • Skip Lee “Geometrics” Acylic on canvas $1800 • Sandy Lindblad “Meeting of the Clan” Pastel $495 • Jonathan Lowe “Heart and Soul” Oil $750 • Jonathan Lowe “Gimme Shelter” Oil $1400, Honorable Mention • Pamela Lowney “Lili Purple” Watercolor $275 • Blase Masini “Molten Core” Oils, Cold Wax Medium, and Collage $800, Honorable Mention • Marsha Mason “Old Vines” Watercolor and acrylic on canvas $1800 • Sandi Mathiesen “Facial Fantasy” Collage on paper $300 • Jolene Matson “Blue Horse II” Ceramic Sculpture $500 • Michele McCormick “Bagan Girl” Photography $275 • Carilyn Moyer “U.S. Postal...” Ceramic 3 pcs. $600.00 or $250.00 ea • Danielle Muzina “Boundaries” Acrylic and collage on panel $1,800, 1st Place

First place winner “boundaries” by Danielle Muzina

.• Danielle Muzina “Scrambled” Acrylic on panel $1200 • Linda Nunes “When You Whisper My Name” Encaustic and mixed media $2100 • Darrell OSullivan “Zabriski Point, Death Valley” Photograph $250 • Mircea Ouatu-Lascar “Sunset Clouds, Keys View” Photograph $250 • Mircea Ouatu-Lascar “Intergalactic Double-decker” Photograph $250, Honorable Mention • Pratima Patel “Nostalgia” Acrylic on canvass $575 • David Peterson “Yosemite Patterns” Watercolor $485 • Brandi Pfleider “Boulder Perspective” Gunpowder/Mixed Media on canvas $2,485, Honorable Mention • Katherine Plumer “Oxford Old English Game” colored pencil on suede board $150 • Ellie Rosen “Irish Inspiration” Oil $400 • Benjamin Serpa “Concerto Grosso: Allegro” Oil on canvas $600 • Benjamin Serpa :Haystacks, End of Summer” Pastel on canvas $400 • Lynn Slade “Snags 6” Watercolor Collage $350, Merit • Marina Smelik “Turbulence of Desires” Stone $2500 • Judy Smith “Between Heaven and Earth” Acrylic on canvas $950, Excellence • Judy Sowa “Helicopter Parent” Ceramic and found object $325

• Judy Sowa “Whatever!”

Ceramic and metal $400, Best of Show • Daphne Stammer The Chase” Acrylic on canvas $625 • Daphne Stammer “East of the Bay” Acrylic on canvas $675 • Richard Stein “ The Kitchen Table” Acrylic on Canvas $950 • Jeffrey Sully “Spread the Wealth” Acrylic on sculpted wood panel $2500 • Jeffrey Sully “Silt Partner” Acrylic on shaped wood panel $3500, Merit • Randy Thacker “Green Machine” Acrylic on canvas $1200 • Randy Thacker “Purple Haze” Acrylic on canvas $1000 • Gary Wagner “Stormy Seas” Photograph $575 • Steve Walters “Chain Saw Blues” Watercolor $1,800 • Steve Walters “Flying Squirrel” Watercolor $1,500, Merit • Kristi Warren “Magnolia Pods 2” Watercolor $500 • Leslie Wentworth “CubaLook on the Bright Side” Acrylic $300 • Erin Wohletz “Uncomfortable” Mezzotint, Woodcut, Photo Intaglio, Colored Pencil, Acrylic Paint, and Resin $1000, Excellence • Richard Yang ”San Francisco View“ Oil on wood board $3,000 • Nancy Zberg-Jennings “The Abstracted Soul” Ceramic $700 Valley Community Newspapers, Inc.

Arden residents can receive free tax help through United Way Many Arden households qualify for Cal EITC tax credit but do not apply Arden households that earned $54,000 or less in 2017 can receive free tax help in person through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) effort led by United Way California Capital Region with support from Citi Community Development. Arden is one of the largest areas in Sacramento County where households qualify for the Cal EITC tax credit but do not apply for it. IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic tax return preparation with electronic filing, including help claiming tax credits, at the Department of Human Assistance at 2700 Fulton Avenue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon until March 29. On Feb. 10 and March 3, preparers fluent in Russian will be available. IRS-certified volunteers also will provide services at International Rescue Committee at 2020 Hurley Avenue on Feb. 17 and March 17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Feb. 20 from 1-4 p.m. Appointments may be required. Call 2-1-1 for more information.

For more sites available during tax season across the region, call (916) 498-1000 or visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org/FreeTaxPrep. Sacramento residents can call 2-1-1.

“We want to make sure more Sacramento-area households are financially healthy, and that starts with not spending unnecessary money on tax preparation and making sure

they receive all of the refunds to which they are entitled,” said Stephanie Bray, United Way California Capital Region president and CEO. Through VITA, the national IRS program that offers free help to people who make a limited income and need help preparing their tax returns, local IRS-certified volunteers will help Sacramento-region households claim tax credits, including federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC and Cal EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. This year, more households are eligible to earn up to $6,500 in federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, including those who are self-employed.

Many Cal EITC-eligible households are not legally required to file taxes due to low income, however if they do file, they can claim the state and federal credits for which they are eligible. Those who file for EITC, Cal EITC or Child Tax Credit should plan for their refund to be delayed until Feb. 27.

“We want to encourage people to plan ahead for this delay instead of using refund advance products that can end up being very costly in the long run,” Bray said. “And don’t pay a preparer if you qualify for free VITA services. You won’t receive your refund sooner.”

Local households that made $66,000 or less in 2017 can file state and federal taxes online for free at

MyFreeTaxes.com, sponsored by United Way Worldwide. The site provides households with free tax help they can trust so they can maximize refunds and credits. As with VITA, the site helps people save an average of $200 in preparer fees, guiding users through federal and state filing with software powered

by H&R Block. Users need a valid email address, income forms and Adjusted Gross Income from 2017.

Funding support from Citi Community Development will enable United Way California Capital Region to increase capacity and reach of the local VITA program to meet additional need and demand over the next two years. The funding will help expand the number of sites offering free tax preparation and increase the number of volunteer tax preparers.

“Nearly 20 percent of households in the Sacramento region are living on low incomes, and nearly half lack the savings to sustain an unexpected shock to income,” said Vicki Joseph, Northern California market manager for Citi Community Development. “By expanding access to free tax preparation services, United Way is enabling more families in need to benefit from this vital tax credit and help build their financial resiliency.”

Other sponsors of United Way’s 2018 free tax preparation programs include U.S. Internal Reve-

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Citi Community Development leads Citi’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment for underserved individuals, families and communities across the U.S. Through innovative collaborations with municipalities, community groups and leading nonprofit organizations, the group harnesses Citi’s expertise, products and services to help expand opportunity for all. For more information: CitiCommunityDevelopment.com, @Citi on Twitter, YouTube.com/Citi, http:// Blog.Citi.com, Facebook.com/Citi and LinkedIn.com/company/citi.

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www.valcomnews.com • February 23, 2018 • Arden-Carmichael News

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