Creepy Crawly Creature Feature coming to Rocklin Sept. 22

American Idol Finalist bringing his talent to Rocklin

American Idol Finalist, Danny Gokey is making his West Coast home at Destiny Christian Church in Rocklin to launch his national and prestigious program: Sophia’s Heart. 

Destiny is excited to work alongside Danny as they look for enthusiastic students from 6^th to 12^thgrade, who are ready to take their talent to the next level. 

Auditions will take place on September 14, 2013 at Destiny Christian Church where students will be evaluated on the basis of their passion, commitment, and talent. Students admitted will experience a positive and uplifting atmosphere, learn character development tools, and receive professional training from top performing arts coaches from around the nation. 

This incredible program is free of any cost to students admitted, and auditions are open to any and all students in the Sacramento region. For more information on Sophia’s Heart Rocklin, email rstorment@destinyrocklin.com or visit our website at www.sophiasheartrocklin.com. 

AUDITION INFORMATION

WHEN: SEPT. 14TH

WHERE: 6900 DESTINY DRIVE ROCKLIN, CA 95677

VOCALS: 10 a.m. (prepare 1 min. of a song a capella of your choice )

DANCE:12 p.m. (wear loose fitting clothes)

DRAMA: 1:30 p.m. (given a script or prepare a 1 min. monologue)

Bring a picture of yourself to the auditions and fill out the audition form at destinyrocklin.com/arts. 

Sophia's Heart is after school arts program free of charge for at risk kids in Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln and surrounding areas. For more information contact Destiny Christian Church at (916)780-2273

Feed My Starving Children MobilePack Returns to Sacramento Area To Pack 500,000 Meals For Malnourished Children

Through a gift of only 22 cents, Sacramento area residents can fund a nutritious meal for a starving child—and pack that meal with their own two hands.

In partnership with local community members and organizations, Feed My Starving Children is returning to the Sacramento region for a 4th annual MobilePack™. The event goal is 2,500 volunteers packing 500,000 meals for distribution to malnourished children around the world.

Over the last three years, area residents have packed and funded more than 1.3 million meals with the help of over 5,000 donor-volunteers in the Sacramento region.

This year’s three-day MobilePack will run from Thursday, October 24 through Saturday, October 26 at William Jessup University in Rocklin. The MobilePack relies on community volunteers to pack by hand each of these nutritious, dehydrated meals, as well as to financially support the cost of ingredients and packaging for each meal.

 “We have had a tremendous response of volunteers in the community seeking to help at the MobilePack, but need additional financial support for this year’s event.” said Mike Gebhardt, one of the organizers of the MobilePack. “Very simply, the more financial support we can raise, the more meals we can pack. Business and organization sponsors have found volunteering to be a rewarding community service and team-building opportunity.”

The MobilePack needs 2,500 volunteers to participate in the assembly and packing of meals. Volunteer shifts are only two hours and are a great way to spend quality time with family, friends, or even people from your organization.

While the cost of each meal is only 22 cents, the event goal of 500,000 meals adds up to a commitment of $110,000.

The Sacramento FMSC MobilePack is seeking community partners to help underwrite the cost of these meals.

Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit that distributes culturally-neutral, nutritious meals to nearly 70 countries through more than 90 missions and humanitarian agencies. In most cases, the free food is used to operate orphanages, schools, clinics, and community feeding programs that contribute to long-term community development. Ninety-two percent of donations to FMSC go directly to the food program.

Corporations, civic groups and churches that are interested in partnering with this year’s Sacramento area MobilePack™ may call Bill Halldin at 916-781-0650. For more information, please visit our website, www.sacfmscmobilepack.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Roseville Celebrity Chili Cook-Off To Be March 15

Proceeds to Benefit Two Organizations Helping Teens; Local Elected Officials Among Competitors

Twenty local community leaders will put on their chefs’ aprons and go head-to-head in a special chili cook-off to benefit two organizations that serve Placer County youth.

The 2013 Roseville Celebrity Chili Cook-Off will be held on Friday, March 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Maidu Community Center. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance; $25 at the door if available. Children 8 and under are free.

Last year's People's Choice winner Celebrity Chef Paul Robbins

This is the second year for the chili cook-off, with last year’s event raising about $20,000 for anti-bullying programs and to support Campus Life and the Coalition for Placer Youth. Fox 40 Morning Host Paul Robins, Roseville Mayor Susan Rohan and Sierra College President Willy Duncan will be among this year’s chefs.

Read more »

Kinship Fun Pack Drive

A KidsFirst Annual Event to Raise Awareness

Kinship families exist in Placer County. The challenge is finding them and letting them know about free programs that can help support them and make their journey easier and more enjoyable. This Spring, KidsFirst is holding its first annual event to raise awareness of this growing problem in our community.

According to national experts, more than six million children in the US live in households headed by relatives other than the parents who provide full-time care, nurturing and protection to these vulnerable children. Raising these children successfully is even more difficult as statistics show that these families are more likely to live in poverty, to be uninsured, and have limited access and knowledge of local community-based resources that can help them.

KidsFirst has a support program specifically designed to help Kinship Families. From navigating the legal system to handling academic and social issues, KidsFirst helps Kinship families create strong unified bonds that help children succeed. But in order to locate these families, the entire community needs to be engaged.

Read more »

Love, Hug, and Pamper KidsFirst Children

 

KidsFirst Feb 14-28 No Baby Left Behind Diaper Drive

This February, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, KidsFirst is asking businesses and individuals throughout our community to help raise 1,000 diapers to distribute to families in need. This Diaper Drive is critical because there is a direct connection between wet diapers, crying and child abuse, which KidsFirst is committed to preventing and ending in Placer County.

Research shows that today diapers and wipes cost a family approximately $100/month per child. Further, as “hygiene items” they are not directly funded under any federal support program. This means some families are reusing diapers or leaving their babies in wet diapers longer than they should. This not only leads to diaper rash, infections and other health problems, but also leads to babies crying more. This additional, unnecessary crying coupled with the stress of living in poverty raises the chances of child abuse.

KidsFirst wants to ensure that no baby is left “behind” without a clean diaper. February 14-28, 2013 KidsFirst will be holding a Diaper Drive at their Roseville, Auburn and Citrus Heights family resource centers with the goal of raising 1,000 diapers. Instead of candy and sweets, KidsFirst asks community members and organizations to help kids have sweet dreams in clean diapers. So this Valentine’s Day hug our kids with Huggies®, love our kids with Luvs® and pamper our kids with Pampers® by donating online at www.kidsfirstnow.org and selecting “diaper drive” as the reason for gift or by dropping off diapers and wipes at the following participating locations:

    KidsFirst Roseville – 124 Main Street, Roseville, CA 
    KidsFirst Auburn – 11990 Heritage Oak Place, Ste. 1B, Auburn, CA 
    KidsFirst Citrus Heights – 6939 Sunrise Blvd., Ste. 227, Citrus Heights, CA 
    The Dailey Method (Folsom) – 2766 East Bidwell, Folsom, CA (916) 351- 8361
    Fairway Chiropractic – 1805 Cirby Way #9, Roseville, CA (916) 781-7700
 

In addition to collecting the diapers at our three Family Resource Centers, several local businesses have also signed up as sponsors and collection sites. “We are so delighted to connect with businesses like The Dailey Method and Fairway Chiropractic who have reached out to KidsFirst and volunteered to host a diaper drive this February. By helping our most vulnerable children, we help build a better community.” says Lisa Velarde, KidsFirst Chief Executive Officer. For more information on how you can support or host a diaper drive for KidsFirst please contact Dina Navarra at dnavarra@kidsfirstnow.org or 916-774-6802 x2828.

KidsFirst is a private, non-profit organization established in 1989 dedicated to the prevention and healing of child abuse. KidsFirst provides an array of programs and victim services that prevent and treat abuse including child and family counseling, parent education, youth groups, after-school programs, information and referrals to low/no-cost resources throughout the Sierra-Sacramento region.

Our vision: All children will live in a safe, healthy and nurturing home.

Kings Beach Snowfest Parade set for Saturday, March 9th

The Annual Kings Beach Snowfest Parade is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 9, 11:30 am. – 12:30 p.m. on Highway 28 in downtown Kings Beach between Secline Street and Chipmunk Street. The event is produced by the North Tahoe Business Association.

The Kings Beach Snowfest Parade has been gaining momentum since last year’s enormous turnout. We are already receiving registration forms from many participants from the past as well as plenty of new entries and surprises. Due to time constraints, the number of parade entries is limited to the first 40 paid participants accepted, so don’t hesitate to mail or fax in your entry form!

  

Support your community and NTBA by becoming a Parade Sponsor. Sponsorship includes complimentary entry fee, mention/recognition from parade announcing stands (minimum of three), NTBA’s website, up to three NTBA E-newsletters, press releases, and logo on “sponsor thank you” banner carried in the parade.

Volunteers are also needed to act as road and driveway blockers, and you can even bring a friend. Volunteers will have a great view of the parade and feel rewarded to have taken part in this fun filled community event.

Plan to spend the full day and/or evening in Kings Beach before and after the parade as there are lots of events sure to bring a smile to your face. For more information on the Kings Beach Snowfest Parade or other Snowfest events planned in Kings Beach, please contact the North Tahoe Business Association at 530.546.9000 or info@northtahoebusiness.org.

Sierra College Natural History Museum Open House Jan. 26

Saturday, January 26

10 am to 2 pm

Sierra College Natural History Museum Open House

FREE event!

This is your day to check out all we have to offer!

Event Details

Have you ever had a chance to visit the Sierra College Natural History Museum? Have you ever attended one of our lectures before? This is your day to check out all we have to offer. We are conducting tours of both our Museum and Nature Preserve (weather permitting). You will even have an opportunity to view our fossil preparation room. Two family friendly lectures will be given during the open house. There will even be activities specially designed for kids! We can't wait to show you our wonderful collection that has been built up from donations, students and our faculty. During the event we will be signing up new Museum members and renewing existing ones. If you like what you see, sign up to become part of our family. Members who sign up during the open house will receive a special gift. Information will be posted on our website at www.sierracollege.edu/museum or you can call 916-660-7923 or email kcarroll@sierracollege.edu for more information.

Event Program

Tours will be conducted every hour on the hour:

Take a guided tour of our Museum facilities with one of our Museum Docents. They will show you our collection, teach you a bit about the ecology of our area and even entertain you with stories of the plants and animals of our region. To take a tour of the Museum, meet your Docent under the Grey Whale in Sewell Hall.

Would you rather explore the outdoors? Meet your Docent at the Cactus Garden in front of Sewell Hall to take a tour of our outdoor facilities. These tours may take you out to explore our Rock Walk, the Arboretum or you can take a short hike on our Nature Trail. These tours will be weather dependent, heavy rain will cancel outdoor tours.

Attend one of our family friendly lectures:

To give you an idea of the types of lecture programs we offer, two lectures will be offered during this event.

The first of these lectures is scheduled for 11:00am and will be given by Professor Richard Hilton, author of Dinosaurs and Other Mesozoic Reptiles of California. He will discuss the dinosaurs of California and the habitats that they lived in.

The second lecture will be at 1:00pm and be given by Emeritus Professor of Biology and Editor-in-Chief of the Sierra College Press, Joe Medeiros. This lecture will be an illustrated program of Earth’s incredible variety of life with a special focus on how important these life forms are to our very existence on this beautiful blue and green planet.

Both lectures are free to all!

Participate in activities for the younger explorers:

All day long we will have activities for children occurring throughout the Museum. From touch tables to art activities, children will find much to discover in the Museum!

Sierra College Natural History Museum

Rocklin Campus (Sewell Hall)

5000 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin, CA 95677

U.S. HealthWorks Announces Flu Vaccine Available At All Clinics As CDC Says Most of U.S. Now Reporting High Levels of Flu

Despite the fact that it is still early in the flu season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that most of the country is experiencing high levels of the influenza virus and is encouraging people to get the flu vaccine now.

To view the CDC’s report visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm)

U.S. HealthWorks Rocklin Location is at 2305 Sunset Blvd.

U.S. HealthWorks, a leading operator of occupational healthcare and urgent care centers in the nation, said today all of its 182 centers in 17 states have flu vaccine available – and its medical providers will even come to businesses to vaccinate employees to decrease the likelihood of an influenza outbreak in the workplace.

“Many employees intend to get flu shots but for whatever reason don’t end up getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Leonard Okun, National Medical Director for U.S. HealthWorks. “We have vaccine available and anyone can come to one of our centers to be vaccinated. In addition, we will come to workplaces and vaccinate employees.”

Under the program, a U.S. HealthWorks professional would visit your business and administer flu vaccinations and also provide educational information on flu prevention. The on-site program is available to businesses providing vaccinations for 25 employees or more and located near a U.S. HealthWorks facility.

In a statement issued Friday, Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in the CDC’s Influenza Division, made the following comment: “While we can’t say for certain how severe this season will be, we can say that a lot of people are getting sick with influenza and we are getting reports of severe illness and hospitalizations. Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now.”

Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The viruses in the vaccine can change each year based on international surveillance and scientists’ estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against the influenza viruses in the vaccine develop in the body.

To set up a date and time for U.S. HealthWorks to administer flu shots at your business, or for more information regarding this program, contact www.ushealthworks.com

About U.S.HealthWorks

U.S. HealthWorks, a subsidiary of Dignity Health, is one of the country's largest operators of occupational healthcare centers. With 182 clinics and worksites in 17 states and more than 2,700 employees – including approximately 800 medical providers – U.S. HealthWorks centers serve more than 12,000 patients each day throughout the country. U.S. HealthWorks centers help employers control work-related injury costs through quality medical care and effective management of claims and lost work time, specializing in early return-to-work programs, injury prevention and ergonomics programs. Visit us at www.ushealthworks.com. U.S. HealthWorks is also on Facebook and Twitter.

Lake Tahoe Ski Reports

Local Writer Jeffrey Weidel keeps us updated on the ski conditions in the Sierra.

Lake Tahoe Ski Report: Storm will dump 2-5 feet of snow by Sunday in Tahoe

http://www.examiner.com/article/lake-tahoe-ski-report-storm-will-dump-2-5-feet-of-snow-by-sunday-tahoe

Lake Tahoe Ski Report: Snow continues as Sierra gets 14 inches, Kirkwood gets 13

http://www.examiner.com/article/lake-tahoe-ski-report-snow-continues-as-sierra-gets-14-inches-kirkwood-gets-13

New look for Shaun White, who cuts hair for charity; at Northstar on Saturday

http://www.examiner.com/article/new-look-for-shaun-white-who-cuts-hair-for-charity-at-northstar-on-saturday

Lake Tahoe Olympic skier Julia Mancuso offers tips on skin protection

http://www.examiner.com/article/lake-tahoe-olympic-skier-julia-mancuso-offers-tips-on-skin-protection

photo credit: Corey Holms via photopin cc
photo credit: RenoTahoe via photopin cc
photo credit: ourcommon via photopin cc
photo credit: tomkellyphoto via photopin cc

Roseville Parent Honored at International Conference

Roseville resident Leticia Martinez, center, was honored at the
Parents as Teachers International Conference

Every year at the Parents as Teachers International Conference three parent educators are honored for their outstanding work in their community. This year Leticia Martinez, who has worked at KidsFirst for the past 15 years, was one of the three honorees, along with two other parent educators from Connecticut and Switzerland. “We are so proud that Leticia was singled-out for her outstanding work. Not only do we receive positive comments from the families she works with, but we also see the results as the children of the families she serves enter pre-school better prepared and ready to learn, “ said Lisa Velarde, CEO of KidsFirst.

Every month Leticia Martinez visits on average 30 families in their homes in her assigned area of Roseville, Lincoln, Sheridan and Loomis where she works with them one-on-one to provide the support, encouragement and tools they need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years. “As an immigrant myself I know how difficult some home situations can be and how little information young parents have about the role they themselves play in developing their children’s minds and bodies. I love talking with them and opening up their world bringing the resources they need to succeed as their child’s best advocate. But the real heroes, in my opinion, are the parents who actually use the tools to empower their children,” said Leticia Martinez.

Since 2007, KidsFirst has been using the Parents as Teachers (PAT) service model to deliver support and resources to over 1,000 parents and children in Placer County. Open to all families, the PAT Program not only teaches parents much-needed parenting skills, but also conducts regular assessments to detect as early as possible any developmental delays, so the child can begin treatment and therapy immediately to improve school readiness. The program serves families throughout pregnancy until their child turns three-years old.

The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program is just one of the many services KidsFirst offers the community. KidsFirst also offers parent education, family counseling as well as children's health insurance and CalFresh enrollment programs to provide families solutions to real-life shallenges that achieve lasting results. To learn more about KidsFirst to to www.kidsfirstnow.org.
  

About Parents as Teachers

Headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., Parents as Teachers champions the critical role of parental involvement and early intervention in a child’s development. Parents As Teachers supports a network of professionals and organizations who serve more than 300,000 families across the country and around the world through a proven parent education model. For more information, visit www.ParentsAsTeachers.org.

R.R.U.F.F. Reindeer Pooch Run on Dec. 8

Bring your furry friends and celebrate the holidays with fellow dog owners. Rocklin Residents Unite for Fido's 2nd Annual Reindeer Pooch Run and 1 Year Rocklin Dog Park Anniversary celebration is Saturday, December 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin.

The celebration includes a party to celebrate the fenced dog park's 1 year anniversary and will introduce two new park amenities. Pictures of your pooch with Santa are available for $5.00. At 3:30 participants will make their way from the dog park to the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Front Street, and Santa Claus will direct the way from his sleigh.