Let's Go! 2016

Let’s Go! A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers May 2016 www.valcomnews.com

Photos courtesy Shiela Van Noy • Sacramento Captured

A- Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Banjo-Rama celebrates its 56th anniversary Each year the Sacramento Banjo Band sponsors an annual banjo music festival known as BanjoRama. World class banjo stars are featured as soloists and in ensembles. Eddie Peabody, probably the most famous banjo player ever, performed at the very first Banjo-Rama in 1966. Primarily 4string banjos are played at Banjo-Rama.

These musicians are not just plucking chords like grandpa used to do on the back porch! They are genuine pros! Their fingers and hands are sizzling hot, moving faster than the eye can follow, playing everything from classical to popular music. You’ll be surprised and delighted at their imaginative arrangements, versatility, and precise execution.

In addition to banjo virtuosos, there are several exciting west coast banjo bands. It’s quite a musical spectacle that could just as well have been named the banjo Olympics. An added bonus: Learn to Play the Banjo! A beginner’s workshop will be held Saturday and Sunday mornings. Don’t have a banjo? No problem! We’ll loan you one for the class.

In 1966, Dick Surryhne, Frank King and Ned Poffinbarger invited the Peninsula Banjo Band and the East Bay Banjo Club to the Machinists Hall on Carlson Drive for the Sacramento Banjo

Band’s annual meeting. The event was a great success. So the following year these same individuals put on the first Banjo-Rama at Governors Hall at the old Fair Grounds. Since those days, BanjoRama has become an event featuring outstanding bands and individuals from all over the world. Ned Poffinbarger is the sole survivor of the intrepid trio that initiated this tradition. He is still an active member of the Sacramento Banjo Band.

The Sacramento Banjo Band, your host for the Banjo-Rama, celebrating its 56th anniversary this year, was the original banjo band. It has grown to over 50 playing members and about 60 Friends of the Band. Each year they host the annual BanjoRama, and perform at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in May. On the first and tvthird Sundays of the month, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., they fill the Straw Hat Pizza Parlor on Mather Field Road with happy players, fans, and music. Over the years, the band has donated more than $100,000 to children’s charities, including Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Make A Wish Foundation, W.E.A.V.E., Sacramento Children’s Home, Red Cross, Salvation Army, A Touch of Understanding, Inc. and other deserving charities.

Sponsored by

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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A- Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Sacramento Central YMCA Highlights the Importance of Swim and Water Safety in Underserved Communities during National Water Safety Month Sacramento, CA – In 2013, at least 99 children in California died from preventable drowning accidents, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. As part of National Water Safety Month, the Sacramento Central YMCA aims to raise awareness among underserved communities of the importance of swim and water safety in the Sacramento-region.

Safety Around Water is a program incorporated into Y swim lessons and designed to reduce the number of drownings in the Sacramento-region by giving children from undeserved communities access to water safety lessons. The program provides scholarships to local children and families to ensure accessibility of swim and water safety, and in 2015, provided more than 400 scholarships to the community.

According to data from the USA Swimming Foundation, 70 percent of African American and 60 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, compared to just 40 percent of Caucasian children. While fatal drowning is a concern for all children – it’s the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old – African American children ages 5 to 14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts.

During National Water Safety Month, the

Y is focused on reaching underserved communities with a special emphasis on African American and Hispanic communities in the Sacramento-region, where risk of drowning among children is highest.

The Y’s Safety Around Water program will teach children fundamental water safety skills and what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly. Ultimately, the program seeks to further bridge cultural and access gaps that can help prevent some children from learning how to swim. Through Safety Around Water, parents and caregivers will be encouraged to help their children learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills. During the eight-day course, children will learn how to respond if they find themselves in unexpected water situations -- from how to reach the water’s surface if they submerge to safely reaching a pool’s edge or exiting any body of water.

“All children deserve access to water safety resources and Safety Around Water is a great starting point to not only get kids comfortable in the water, but also develop a love of swimming,” said Amanda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Sacramento Central YMCA. “In many underserved communities, staying safe around water means keeping kids away from water, but

water safety and swimming are important life skills that need fostering in all children.”

She adds, “Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water is one of the most important life skills parents can help their children learn. It not only saves lives, it builds confidence. “ As “America’s Swim Instructor”, the YMCA is a trusted community provider, and one of the most accessible community resources to prevent drowning. Here

in Sacramento-region, the Y teaches more than 1,000 children swimming and water safety each year. Through its swim and water safety programs, the Y hopes to further bridge cultural and access gaps that can prevent some children from learning important water safety skills. For more information about more about Safety Around Water and how to enroll your child in local Y swimming and water safety classes, visit ymcasuperiorcal.org

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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A- Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Sacramento Zoo Summer Events May, June, July & August Calendar of Events

Mondays. May 2, 9 & 16: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Senior Tea & Tours Have a pleasant cup of tea and a guided tour of the Sacramento Zoo! Designed for seniors ages 55 and over, your group will be met by Docents and will tour part of the Zoo. During the tea break you’ll be served lemonade, tea, coffee, finger sandwiches, breads and cookies. Seniors, register for this popular event early! Tours begin at 9:30 am and two weeks advance reservations are required. This program is for adults 55 and over. Call 916.808.5888 for more information.

Wednesday, May 4: 6 to 7:30 pm Estate Planning Seminar with Mark S. Drobny This free informative seminar will navigate through a jungle of topics presented by local attorney Mark S. Drobny, California State Bar Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Mr. Drobny is widely regarded as one of the top experts on estate planning, providing information on a variety of topics in an entertaining manner that will help you design a plan that fits your needs. For more information, or to RSVP, please call 916.808.8815 or visit saczoo.org.

Saturday, May 14: 5:30 to 8:30 pm Wine & Brew at the Zoo Join your friends at Sacramento’s newest event – Wine and Brew at the Zoo! Enjoy samples of local wine and beer from some of your favorite wineries and breweries. Take in the luscious green landscape of the Zoo, surrounded by exotic animals, during this exclusive after-hours event. Food is available for purchase from some of your favorite local food trucks. Zoo closes early at 1:30 pm.

Saturday, May 16: 5:30 to 8 pm Saturday, May 28: Stuffed Animal Veterinary Clinic Is your teddy bear feeling under the weather? Does your stuffed animal have a cut that needs fixing? We are here to help! A Stuffed Animal Veterinarian will assess the overall health of your stuffed animal and make a diagnosis based on the symptoms. Exams are just $3 per stuffed animal. Repairs with exam are $5 and stuffed animals adoptions with exam are $4. Proceeds benefit Greater Sac AAZK.

Thursday, June 9: 5:30 to 8 pm Member Evening The Sacramento Zoo is open Thursday, June 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm for a Member-only event. This special night will include keeper chats, a wildlife stage show, face painting, and so much more! Bring your own dinner or stop by Kampala Café. For more information, or to become a Sacramento Zoo member, call 916-808-5888 or visit saczoo.org.

Friday and Saturdays, June 11, 17 & 25: 5:30 pm to 9 am Saturdays and Friday, June 9, 15, 23 &30 5:30 pm to 9 am Family Overnight Safaris During the summer months of June, July and August, the Sacramento Zoo offers Family Overnight Safaris. These funfilled educational evenings will guide you through all that the nighttime Zoo has to offer. These camp-outs are designed for small groups and families of 2 or more people. This is a perfect opportunity to see animal behaviors you may not have seen before. Dinner and breakfast are provided!

For more information, or to make reservations, visit saczoo.org.

Thursdays, June 16, 23 & 30: Zoo open until 8 pm Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21 & 28: Zoo open until 8 pm Twilight Thursdays Enjoy those warm summer nights at the Zoo with extended hours on Twilight Thursdays. The Zoo is open from 9 am to 7:30 pm for your whole family to enjoy. Dinner special, live music and activities start at 5 pm. Regular daily admission rates apply. No outside alcohol allowed.

Saturday, June 25: 10 am to 2 pm Nature Explorers Join the Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm.

We will be reading stories, playing, and exploring the wonders of plants and pollinators. Activities are included with Zoo admission.

Saturday, July 30: 10 am to 2 pm Nature Explorers Join the Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm. We will be reading stories, playing, and

exploring the wonders of music and art. Activities are included with Zoo admission.

Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18, 25: 4 to 7:30 pm Family Deal Nights Enjoy late summer nights and discounted admission at Family Deal Nights! Everyone receives child-priced admission, $7.75 per person and last admission is at 7:30 pm. Sacramento Zoo Members get in free!

Saturday, August 20: 4 pm to 8 pm Ice Cream Safari The entire family can celebrate with all-you-caneat Baskin Robbins Ice Cream at the 32nd annual Ice Cream Safari. It’s a brain-freezing good time from 4 to 8 pm. Musical entertainment, facepainting and Zoo admission are included in the ticket price. Hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips and raffle tickets are available for an additional charge.

Parking is free and available throughout William Land Park. Zoo closes early at 1:30 pm.

dangered animals and is one of more than 200 accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Located near the corner of Land Park Drive and Sutterville Road in William Land Park, the Zoo is wholly managed by the non-profit Sacramento Zoological Society. This Sacramento treasure inspires conservation awareness through education and recreation. Daily admission is 9 am to 4 pm, Zoo grounds are open until 5 pm.

General admission is $11.75; children ages 211 are $7.75 and one and under are admitted free. Parking is free throughout the park or ride Regional Transit bus #6. For information, call 916.808.5888 or visit saczoo.org.

Saturday, August 27: 10 am to 2 pm Nature Explorers Join the Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm.

We will be reading stories, playing, and exploring the wonders of fur, feathers and scales. Activities are included with Zoo admission.

Sacramento Zoo – Wildly Inspiring!

Open since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to more than 500 native, rare and en-

Saturday, May 28: 10 am to 2 pm Nature Explorers Join the Zoo and the Sacramento Library in an open play environment, the last Saturday of the month anytime between 10 am to 2 pm. We will be reading stories, playing, and exploring the wonders of the soil and compost. Activities are included with Zoo admission.

Saturday, June 4: 5:30 to 8 pm Zoo Parent & Volunteer Party Are you a Zoo Parent? Your Zoo Parent benefits may include an invitation to a special party! Find out more and RSVP at the Zoo Parent Party page. Want to get in on the fun?

Become a Zoo Parent today. www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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High Hand celebrates 115 years On April 29, 2016, the High Hand Fruit Growers Association celebrated 115 years.

High Hand was established April 29, 1901. See, High Hand hasn’t always been a haven for gardeners. High Hand was one of seven fruit sheds in Loomis that shipped thousands of pounds of fruit nationwide. Farmers from all over would bring their fruit to the High Hand co-op to be packed. It all began during the gold rush when a few farmers marketed their fresh fruit to miners on the American River. By the late 1880’s the fruit industry in Placer County was booming.

During World War II, the fruit was packed by girls brought in from Berkeley. Fruit was considered vital to the war effort so with a special exemption from the State Department, long hard hours were worked. One lady over 70 years later told the story of how the ladies got in trouble while packing peaches. She was told to pack faster. The packing line was not producing the amount of crates per hour needed. When asked what the problem was, she replied, “The peach fuzz was sticking to our lipstick and it was slowing us down.” Of course, the question was . . .

“Why were you wearing lipstick while packing peaches?” With a quiet tone, she said “We knew where the fruit was going. We knew the soldiers on the front lines would receive it, so we kissed every wrapper that we could possibly kiss before it was sent out.”

Today, High Hand is a nursery and cafe. Built not only by our own hands, but built by community loyalty. We thank you very much.

A- Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Chautauqua Playhouse turns 40!

The Chautauqua Playhouse is turning 40! Since its inception the company has produced over 225 plays as part of its evening series and over 200 plays for children. The Sacramento area’s oldest community theatre opened in April 1976 at 25th and R streets in downtown Sacramento. Following an arson fire in October of 1983 the company moved into its current home in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael in early 1985. The non-profit corporation is under the direction of founder-producer-artistic director Rodger Hoopman and co-producer Warren Harrison, who is also director of the children’s theatre, overseeing training and performance programs. The company has been recognized through the years for both its artistic and business operation.

The theatre is currently conducting a “40 for 40” fundraising campaign (with a suggested donation of $40 for 40 years) to raise much needed funds to renovate the lobby and house and upgrade its lighting and sound system. As ticket sales only cover 40% of operational costs the funding will also help Chautauqua continue to bring high quality performances to adults and children and keep their prices among the lowest in town. Donations may be made online at: www.cplayhouse.org/tickets and select “Make a Donation” or sent to theatre: Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Rd. #110, Carmichael, CA, 95608.

The company has announced its new seasons of adult and children’s plays for 2016-17, with compete information on the theatre and subscription packages on the theatre’s website: http://www.cplayhouse.org.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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A-10 Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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WorkIt, Circuit!

LET’S GO get in shape for summer!

A-12 Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Join us at the Winery . . .

The Merlo Family, for two generations, have been growing quality fruit in Northern California and making wines that follow the time honored and sustainable traditions from their Italian heritage. We believe that making quality wine begins in the vineyard and take a minimalist approach in the cellar, allowing the wines to clearly reflect the varietal character and distinct terroir of our vineyard. We produce a rare collection of richly flavored and expressive wines which are not high in alcohol, nor overripe in flavors.

Rather, the wines are naturally big and bold, yet refined and beautiful.

The Old Sugar Mill

Join our Wine Club today!

Delta Days, Sacramento Nights

Membership starts at just $34.99/shipment for 2 bottles 4 times a year!

Saturday, June 11, 11-5p 2nd Saturday Art Walk

Grapes & Grub Saturday, June 25, 11-5p Food Trucks Galore!

Wine Club Pickup Party Saturday Aug 6, 12-5pm Wine, Food, Music, Dancing

Gourmet Wine & Cheese Faire Sat & Sun, Aug 27 & 28, 11-5pm Wine, Cheese, Music, Food

Member Benefits Include: • • • • •

You choose your varietals Complimentary tasting for you & a guest Member discount on all other purchases Exclusive discounts and events Refer a friend for special rewards Our Tasting Room is located in The Old Sugar Mill, just fifteen minutes south of downtown Sacramento in the historic town of Clarksburg, in the beautiful Sacramento River Delta.

Group tastings and after hour events can be scheduled in advance by contacting us on our Contact Us page at Merlo Vineyards.com or calling 916-538-2646.

Hours:

Old Sugar Mill 35265 Willow Avenue Clarksburg, CA 95612 Phone: 916-538-2646

MerloVineyards.com

916-538-2646

Monday - Thursday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Friday - Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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A-14 Let’s Go! • May 2016 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • May 2016 • Let’s Go!

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