Save the Date: Sept. 27, 2012

You don't want to miss our
10th Annual Beach Blanket Bingo! 

Save the Date for Thursday, September 27, 2012
at Florin Road Bingo, 2350 Florin Road, Sacramento. 

This promises to be our biggest & best event yet! 
Proceeds will benefit local K-12 schools, our college scholarship program, and community groups.

Check back here often for more details.

A Little Change Makes A Big Difference!

Did you know that Luther Burbank High School has had a mountain bike team since 2006? 

 

The program helps at-risk, disadvantaged youth by providing a safe, healthy activity.  The team is a well-kept secret, but it's no secret that they need your help to succeed.  It costs $1,295 to provide adequate gear, a safe bike and race fees for each new rider.  Unfortunately, many of the riders live at or below the poverty line and are unable to provide their own equipment for safe racing.

Here's how you can help:  Come into Peet's Coffee on the corner of Alhambra & Folsom Blvd. in Sacramento between December 17-24, 2011.  Purchase a beverage, donate your change at the register, and Peet's will match every dollar donated.  It's just that easy!

Please help the team meet their goal of $10,500 before the start of the 2012 racing season. 

For more information, please contact Officer Robert Mabunga at LBHSMightyTitans@gmail.com.

Convenient Drop-offs for E-Waste

Looking for a convenient drop-off location to recycle your unwanted and obsolete electronics?  Just visit http://myecollective.com and type in your ZIP code to find the nearest location.

Dream Big

"I am the Dream and the Dream is Now"
Poetry Contest  

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) is celebrating its 4th annual Season of Civil Rights with a series of events during the months of December, January and February to build awareness about the significant role that transit played in the American Civil Rights Movement.

In preparation, RT invites students in grades 3 through 12, who attend a school within RT's service area, to participate in the "I Am the Dream and the Dream is Now" poetry contest.

Submitted poems must be 10 lines or less and be original work. All entries are required to relate to the theme of transit and civil rights. Nine entries will be selected, three from each grade category: 3rd through 6th, 7th through 9th and 10th through 12th.

Winners will receive a $25 bookstore gift card and "The Rosa Parks Story" DVD.

RT will display the winning poems on RT interior transit cards in buses in January and February to commemorate RT's Season of Civil Rights. Winning poems will also be on display at special events during the campaign.

Submissions must be received by Friday, December 16, 2011. To enter, visit www.sacrt.com and click on the Season of Civil Rights link or mail it to:

Sacramento Regional Transit District

Attn:  Season of Civil Rights Poetry Contest 

P.O. Box 2110

Sacramento, CA 95812-2110 

All entries must include student's name, grade, school, teacher and contact information.

For more information, contact Jo Noble, RT Senior Community and Government Affairs Officer, at 916-556-0118 or jnoble@sacrt.com.

Supermarket Scrip Programs Benefit Our Community

Since September 1998, the Florin Road Foundation has raised over $267,000 for local K-12 educational enrichment programs, college scholarships, and activities for senior citizens in the Florin Road community. This amount includes money from private and business donations, fundraising events, and corporate grants.

In 2009, the Foundation began participating in several new fundraising programs.

Two of these are scrip programs provided by Raley's/Bel Air/Nob Hill Foods/Food Source and by SaveMart/FoodMaxx/Lucky supermarkets.

Shoppers simply present their scrip card when making purchases and the stores then make a donation to us. There is no charge to the customer for participating in this program. Complimentary scrip cards are available from our office. 

Xmas Stocking Project for Parkway Kids

Parkway Estates Neighborhood Association (PENA) is once again collecting school supplies for their Christmas Stocking Project to benefit Parkway Elementary School in Sacramento.  Last year the group collected enough stockings filled with school supplies to give to the preschool, special education, and kindergarten classes.  This year the stockings will be delivered to students on December 22. 

Interested donors should contact Donna at 916-395-2050 by December 18.

Sac. PD Races Across America to Honor Fallen Officers

On June 18, 2011, the Sacramento Police Department Cycling Team was the first all law enforcement team to compete in the Race Across America (RAAM). The race is an epic 3,000-mile bicycle race from California to Maryland that honors the nearly 19,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty nationwide. Team SPD finished 6^th out of 12 teams in the 8-person relay team category, with an official time of 6 days, 6 hours, and 8 minutes. 

The team plans to take on that challenge again in June 2012.

Sac PD’s cycling team will raise money and bring media attention to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC. Working with the hundreds of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies along the route, Team SPD will honor slain law enforcement of­ficers by carrying their names,

visiting local and state memorials, and encouraging media coverage of their efforts.

Several different sponsorship packages are available. For more information and a fast, secure way to donate, please visit http://www.sacpd.org/teamsacpd/raam. You may also contact Sergeant Brian Ellis at bellis@pd.cityofsacramento.org.

Sac. Sheriff’s Dept. Plays Santa

It’s once again time for the Annual Christmas Toy & Food Drive sponsored by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Dept. Central Division!  The Salvation Army will provide turkeys and non-perishables, but toy donations are still needed, especially for older children.  Some suggestions:  Rubix Cube, board games, movie passes, DVDs, sports balls, back packs, fun pillows, wallets, manicure sets, cologne/hygiene sets, comb/brush sets, comic books.

Please bring your donations to the Central Division Service Center, 7000 65^th Street, Ste. B, Sacramento until December 13^th.  Also, if you know of a South Sacramento family in need, please tell them to visit the center starting November 21^st to complete an application for assistance.

For further information, contact Laura Grossman, crime prevention specialist, at 916-876-8322.

Who We've Helped Over the Years

Organizations & Activities Supported by
The Florin Road Foundation

1998-2011

ü  American Leadership Forum

ü  Bowling Green Charter Elementary School

ü  CBS13/CW31’s “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Collection for Homeless Children

ü  Center for Fathers and Families

ü  Cesar Chavez Elementary School

ü  City of Sacramento’s “Meadowboo Mansion” Halloween Event , “Santa Sam” Holiday Event, and Senior Health Fair

ü  Daylor Continuation High School Scholarship Program

ü  Elk Grove Food Bank

ü  Florin Historical Society’s Annual Strawberry Festival

ü  Florin Mall Learning Resource Center (aka “Mall Hall”)

ü  Franklin D. Roosevelt School

ü  Friends of the Sacramento Public Library – MLK, Jr. Branch

ü  Golf Course Terrace Estates Neighborhood Association

ü  Goodwill Industries

ü  Harkness Elementary School

ü  House of Hope Ministry Transitional Living Program

ü  Intel Computer Clubhouse

ü  International Association of Administrative Professionals (Sacramento Chapter)

ü  Jefferson Manor Holiday Event for Seniors

ü  Lemon Hill Boys and Girls Club

ü  Luther Burbank High School Baseball Team, Black Student Union, Choir, Internship Program, Mountain Biking Program, Parent University, Scholarship Program, Senior Graduation Picnic

ü  Magic Johnson Empowerment Center at Phoenix Park

ü  Meadowview Community Action

ü  Olive Orchard Estates Neighborhood Association

ü  Paratransit, Inc.

ü  Parkway Elementary School

ü  Parkway Estates Neighborhood Association

ü  Parkway Estates North Neighborhood Association

ü  Parkway Swimming Club

ü  Presidential Freedom Program Matching Scholarship Grants

ü  Rosa Parks Middle School (formerly Goethe Middle School)

ü  Rural California Housing Corporation

ü  Sacramento County Dept. of Human Assistance

ü  Sacramento County Sheriff’s Dept. VIPS Patrol

ü  Sacramento Police Activities League

ü  Sacramento Sheriff’s Activities League

ü  Samuel Kennedy Elementary School

ü  Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Center and Museum

ü  South Sacramento County VISIONS

ü  South Sacramento Vikings Football Program

ü  Southgate Meadows Neighborhood Association

ü  Southgate Recreation and Parks District Annual “Dinner with Santa” Event

ü  Wellspring Women’s Center

Help for BofA Mortgage Customers

Are you a Bank of America mortgage customer
facing financial difficulty? 

Home loan specialists at the upcoming Bank of America Customer Outreach Event can review your mortgage and discuss options that may be available to you.

Dates:  Thursday, November 17, 2011 through Saturday, November 19, 2011

Times:  8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Location:  Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento.  Complimentary parking will be available in the Esquire Garage.  Entrance is located on 13th Street.  Vouchers will be provided at the event.

Register:  www.bankofamerica.com/homeownerevent or call toll-free 1-855-201-7426

Field of Dreams

Parkway Little League has been swinging
for the fences since 1956! 

Their baseball and softball programs are designed to develop superior citizens rather than just superior athletes.  They provide a positive outlet for youth in South Sacramento, including Parkway, Valley Hi, North Laguna, and portions of northwest Elk Grove.

Parkway Little League is looking for sponsors for their 2012 Little League season.  Various advertising benefits are offered as part of their sponsorship packages.

For more information or to donate, please call their sponsorship coordinator, Patricia, at 916-205-6427.

On the Road in November – Events in Our Community

What:  Florin Historical Society’s Soup Luncheon.  Choice of 4 soups, homemade rolls, dessert, coffee and punch.  $6.00 for the 1^st bowl, $4.00 for the 2^nd bowl.  To go available.
When:  Saturday, November 5, 2011, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Where:  7145 McComber Street, Old Florin.
How:  Call 916-383-6392 for more info.

What:  Friends of the Sacramento Public Library “All Friends” board meeting.
When:  Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at 6:30 pm.
Where:  Southgate Library, 6132 66th Ave., Sacramento.
How:  Call 916-264-2920 for more info.

What:  24^th Annual Asian Community Center Craft & Bake Sale.  Featuring crocheted and sewn items, garden plants, bentos, fruits, chili, hot dogs, and more.
When:  Friday, November 11, 2011, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Where:  ACC Greenhaven Terrace, 1180 Corporate Way, Sacramento.
How:  Call Khonnie at 916-393-9026., x. 325 or email volunteer@accsv.org.

What:  College Workshops.  Get help with your essays and personal statements and info on financial aid and scholarships. Workshops for parents, too.  Sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities and African American Future Achievers. 
When:  Saturday, November 12, 2011, 9:00 am to noon.
Where:  John Still Middle School, 2250 John Still Drive, Sacramento.
How:  Call Dr. T at 916-607-1913 for more information.

What:  Season of Peace anti-violence campaign featuring a parade and community fair.  Hosted by the Mack Road Partnership.
When:  Saturday, November 19, 2011, 10:00 am.
Where:  Raley’s on Mack Road at Franklin Blvd., Sacramento.
How:  Visit http://www.MackRoadPartnership.com or email kfowler@MackRoadPartnership.com.

Calling All Ghouls and Goblins!

Southgate Recreation & Park District will host its annual Halloween Carnival on Monday, October 31, 2011 from 5pm to 8pm at the Jose P. Rizal Community Center (7320 Florin Mall Drive, Sacramento). 

The event includes a costume contest, haunted house, monster photo shoot, carnival games, candy walk, and bounce house.

Admission is $4 (adults are free when accompanying children).  Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

For more information, please call 916-395-0601.

“Trunk or Treat” Returns!

Living Hope’s 5^th Annual Parkway Harvest Festival will be Monday, October 31, 2011 starting at 6 pm at the church, 7486 Center Parkway, Sacramento.  There will be live music, games, food, a prize for the best costume, and of course, candy distributed from the trunks of participating cars.

Call 916-424-4673 for more information.

Don’t Flush Your Meds!

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Dept. Central Division is partnering with the U.S. Dept. of Justice-Drug Enforcement Administration for the 3^rd National Take Back Initiative.

This event will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2011 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Central Division Substation, located at 7000 65^th Street, Sacramento (behind Burlington Coat Factory).

Help protect our landfills and waterways by bringing your unwanted, outdated legal medications to be disposed of properly.  NO questions asked!  Needles will NOT be accepted.

For more information, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Laura Grossman at 916-876-8322.

Park-N-Play Coming to Franklin Boulevard

The City of Sacramento is constructing a new park on the west side of Franklin Boulevard, between Mack Road and Brookfield Drive.  Grading and drainage improvements are in progress.  Construction of Phase 1 of the Franklin Boyce Park is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012.  This will include on-street parking along Franklin Boulevard, three bantam-size soccer fields in the West detention basin, seating areas and landscaping.  The East detention basin will not be developed at this time due to a lack of funds.

Funding Cuts = Reduced Hours at Sacto Libraries

Funding cuts have resulted in reduced hours at all of the Sacramento Public Library’s 28 branch locations, effective October 8, 2011. 

The new hours for The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (7340 24^th Street Bypass, Sacramento):

Tuesday and Wednesday – 10 am to 6 pm
Thursday – noon to 8 pm
Friday – 1 pm to 6 pmSaturday – 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday and Monday – closed

The new hours for the Southgate Library (6132 66^th Avenue, Sacramento):

Tuesday and Wednesday – 10 am to 8 pm
Thursday – 10 am to 6 pm
Friday – 1 pm to 6 pmSaturday – 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday and Monday – closed

Library managers will monitor patron use during the next six months to evaluate the new schedules for possible adjustments.  Patrons can also visit the library’s website at www.saclibrary.org for 24/7 access to services such as catalog searches, book renewals, and payments of fines.

Dollar Drive for Foster Kids

Sleep Train’s “Dollar Drive” is on now through October 30, 2011 to raise money for fun, healthy, and educational activities for foster children. 

Donations are being collected in store or online at www.secure.sleeptrain.com/donations.aspx.  Visit the Sleep Train in our district at Florin Towne Centre.

EBT Cards Now Accepted at Florin Farmers Market

Participating Sacramento-area farmers markets have begun accepting EBT payments for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.  The Florin Farmers Market is one of the participants, starting October 6, 2011.  They have a “benefits booth” where EBT users can swipe their cards in exchange for coupons to use at the market. 

Visit the farmers market in the front parking lot of Sears at Florin Road and 65^th Street on Thursdays, from 8:00 am to noon. 

MLK, Jr. Library Seeks Volunteers

The Friends of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library invites the public to attend their next meeting on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 10 am.  Find out how you can promote literacy in our community by volunteering to help with book sales, spelling bees, essay and public speaking contests, and more. 

The library is located at 7340 24^th Street Bypass, Sacramento.  For more information, please speak to a librarian at the branch or call Gwen Fleming at 916-525-3535.

Free Child Car Seat Safey Inspection

When you're driving to your favorite store or restaurant (or anywhere else for that matter), be sure that your child car seat is properly installed.  You can have it checked for FREE at the following locations:

California Highway Patrol (CHP), 6 Massie Court, Sacramento.  Call 916-681-2300 for an appointment.

Methodist Hospital Sacramento, 7500 Hospital Drive, Sacramento.  Call Julie Brown at 916-854-5779 for an appointment (open 2 days per month).

Oct. 15th E-Waste Event to Benefit SSD Crime Prevention Unit

Wondering where you can safely dispose of all those old, broken electronic gizmos? 

Take 'em to the E-Waste Event on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department-Central Division.  They're located at 7000 65th Street, Sacramento (behind Burlington Coat Factory).

Your donations will benefit the Sheriff's Crime Prevention Unit and the South Sacramento communities they serve.

Acceptable e-waste items are:
TVs (all sizes and types)
Computer towers & monitors
Laptops
DVD players & VCRs
Printers
Stereos & Radios
Telephones & Cell phones
Video games
Microwaves

No appliances or batteries, please!

For more details, call On-Site Electronics Recycling at 209-234-7994.

Florin Multi-Cultural Festival on October 15

The Florin United Methodist Church is holding its annual Multi-cultural Festival to benefit the church’s outreach programs, including the Interfaith Food Closet, Loaves and Fishes, Wellspring Center for Women and Children, and the Florin Career Center.

The festival will be on Saturday, October 15, 2011, from 3 pm to 6 pm at the church.  All are invited to attend.  A $10 donation for adults and $5 donation for children under 12 is suggested.  This includes performances at 3 pm and 4:30 pm and dinner from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.  American, Chinese, English, Fijian, Filipino, German, Japanese, and Scotch-Irish cultures will be represented in the entertainment.  There will also be raffle prizes, a costume parade, and appearances by the Fijian Choir and the Sacramento Sinag-tala ensemble. 

Event tickets may be purchased at the Florin United Methodist Church office at 7560 Florin Road, Sacramento, between 9 am and 1 pm, Monday through Friday, or by calling 916-421-1876.  Tickets are also available at the Elk Grove Citizen newspaper office at 8970 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove.

October 11th Free Florin Flu Clinic

Free injectable and intranasal flu vaccines will be available to anyone 6 months of age and older on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Central Division Substation, 7000 65^th Street, Sacramento (behind Burlington Coat Factory).

For more info, please call the Sacramento County Immunization Assistance Program at 916-875-7468 or visit http://www.scph.com.

.

Wellness Rolls Into Town on October 8

The AARP/Walgreens Wellness tour bus will be at Walgreens at 7155 24^th Street, Sacramento, on Saturday, October 8, 2011, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

They will offer six free screenings for cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index. 

Walgreens is also distributing flu shot vouchers to uninsured persons on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The vouchers can be redeemed at a Walgreens pharmacy or Take Care Clinic.

Be Smart(phone), Be Safe

Since 2007, Sacramento County has required any business that sells or serves food (even gas stations) to display placards showing that the business has passed a food safety inspection. 

Green placards indicate a pass, yellow placards indicate a minor food safety or code violation, and red placards indicate a major violation resulting in the business being shut down until the problem is fixed.

Now a new application for smartphones allows you to search a map of all restaurants in Sacramento County to see their status.  You can even download the most recent health inspection to your phone.  Get the app at m.ffi.saccounty.net.

70,000 Books for Sale to Benefit Sac Public Library

The Friends of the Sacramento Public Library are holding a Warehouse Book Sale on Saturday, October 1 and Saturday, October 8 at 8250 Belvedere Avenue, Suite E, Sacramento.  This is between Power Inn Road and Florin-Perkins Road, just south of 14^th Avenue. 

Public sale hours will be noon to 4 pm on October 1 and 9 am to 4 pm on October 8.  A preview for Friends’ members will be from 9 am to noon on October 1.  Prospective members may join at the door for $15 and attend the preview. 

More than 70,000 paperback and hard-bound books, videos, and audio books will be sold at prices ranging from 50 cents to $2.00.  All proceeds, after expenses, benefit the Sacramento Public Library. 

The Book Den will also be open during the Warehouse Sale hours.  Individually priced “better” books, including collectibles, will be for sale for $3 and up. 

The Book Den is regularly open Thursday through Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm.  Book donations are welcome.   For more information, please call 916-731-8493 or email fspl@att.net.

LBHS Titans Score with a New Stadium

Congrats to the Luther Burbank High School Titans
on their new stadium! 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $9.3 million sports complex was held on September 23, 2011.  The stadium features an all-season track, a scoreboard, bleacher seating for 2,500 fans, classrooms, restrooms, and a concession stand. 

9th Annual Beach Blanket Bingo Makes a Splash!

Thank you to the 220 guests who attended our 9th Annual Beach Blanket Bingo fundraiser.  The event was held on September 22, 2011 at Florin Road Bingo. 

Mr. Rick Jennings, II, CEO of the Center for Fathers and Families, generously volunteered his time to be our emcee.

Hannibal's Catering served up a delicious BBQ buffet and The Bolt Bar kept the drinks flowing at our Tiki Hut Bar.

    

Our generous donors provided over $3,600 in bingo prizes, door prizes, and raffle prizes.

Don't miss our 10th annual event in 2012!

Cars + Crafts + Cuisine = Family Fun!

Here's two weekends worth of autumn activities
and fall fun in our area:

"Celebrate Sacramento" on Saturday, October 1 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Florin Road Light Rail Station.  This FREE family-friendly event will feature live music, arts & crafts, local cuisine, kids' activities, a legislative update from Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, and more!  Call 916-446-7600 or visit http://www.celebratesacramentofestivals.com/.

October 1 is also St. Luke's Fall Festival, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, at 7595 Center Parkway, Sacramento. Their White Elephant Sale will include arts and crafts, books, and a country store.  Breakfast will also be available.  Interested vendors can call 916-421-5039 for more information.

The Florin Historical Society is hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 8 from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.  The location is 7145 McComber Street in Old Florin.  All-you-can-eat pancakes along with sausage, coffee, juice and fruit will be served for only $5.  (Did someone say "pancake eating contest"???)  Call 916-383-6392 for more information.

My Sister's House will hold English High Tea on Saturday, October 8 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Chinese Community Church, 5600 Gilgunn Way, Sacramento.  Proceeds benefit their domestic violence prevention programs.  Tickets are $35 per person by September 30, then $45 per person on or after October 1.  Call Corrine at 916-930-0626 or visit http://www.my-sisters-house.org/.

Enjoy Picnic at the Park on Saturday, October 8 at Depot Park, Sacramento.  Sponsored by the Power Inn Alliance, this event features games, prizes, clowns, magicians, a rock-n-roll band, jump houses, a hay maze, food and more!  Tickets are $15-$35 for individuals, with discounted ticket packages available.  Visit http://www.powerinn.org/ for more info.

Sunday, October 9 is the Annual Hispanic/Latino Parade sponsored by the North Franklin District Business Association.  This FREE event will feature horses, classic cars, dancers, and the Wells Fargo Stagecoach.  For more info, call 916-455-2124 or email northfranklindistrict@gmail.com.

Florin Road Foundation, Mighty Titans & Sacramento Police Activities League Ride to Victory

Did you know that Luther Burbank High School has had a mountain bike team since 2006? 

How cool is that?! 

Even more impressive is that they are currently the only high school team in Sacramento and had three riders make it to the State Championships in Los Olivos.

But they need your support!  The Sacramento Police Department has generously donated vehicles and food in the past, but the team still needs bikes, parts, equipment, funds for food at races, and transportation to and lodging at distant races.  And of course, they can always use volunteers. 

The Florin Road Foundation is pleased to offer its support by donating to the team.

Can you help the Mighty Titans Mountain Bike Team?
For more information, please contact Officer Robert Mabunga at LBHSMightyTitans@gmail.com.

Get your shot before the flu gets YOU!

Here are dates, times, and locations in our area to get a flu shot:

Walk in anytime to a Walgreens pharmacy or schedule an appointment online at http://www.walgreens.com./  You can also complete your vaccine consent form online to save time.  Visit Walgreens at 7155 24th Street (at Florin Road), Sacramento.

Rite Aid also offers flu shots with no appointment needed and sells flu shot gift cards.  Visit Rite Aid at 4020 Florin Road (at Franklin Boulevard), Sacramento or online at http://www.riteaid.com/.

Bel Air offers flu shots with no appointment as follows:  Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2011, 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm at Bel Air, 1301 Florin Road, Sacramento.

For more information,  visit http://www.raleys.com/flu.

Search for California’s Top Youth Volunteers: It Could Be You!

Over the past 16 years, Prudential Financial Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, has honored outstanding community service by youth in grades 5 through 12. 

To date, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to 7,544 middle and high school students across California.  Students have been recognized for promoting health and safety, helping the less fortunate, protecting the environment, and serving their communities through volunteerism. 

Award recipients may be eligible for cash awards and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

Apply online at http://spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit.  The application form may also be requested by calling 877-525-8491 toll free. 

Applications must be completed by November 1, 2011, and then submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA, or affiliate of the HandsOn Network.

A Tall Tale at the Southgate Library

Everyone loves a great story,
which is why you don't want to miss Storytime
at the Southgate Library.

Toddle Storytime for ages 1.5 to 3 years will be on Wednesdays, September 21 and 28 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am. 

Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5 years will be on Thursdays, September 22 and 29 from 11:00 am to Noon. 

The library is located at 6132 66th Avenue, Sacramento, just a couple blocks south of Florin Road.  Their phone number is 916-264-2700.  Storytime will be held in the Community Room.  Please enter through the side gate.

You can also practice your speaking skills with the ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation Club, on Tuesday, September 27, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Southgate Library.

Florin Road Foundation Hoops It Up with Sheriff’s Activities League

We salute the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department-Central Division
Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL) for their good work! 

SAL uses athletics, academic activities, and mentoring to develop a bond between law enforcement officers and the youth in our community.  Each Friday during the month of August they held a basketball program for local kids.  They also had guest speakers talk with the boys and girls about the importance of making good choices and doing their best in school. 

The Florin Road Foundation is pleased to be a donor to the Sheriff's Activities League.  Can you help?

For more information or to donate, please visit http://www.ssdsal.org/ or contact Deputy Cary Trzcinski at ctrzcinski@sacheriff.com.

Promo Opportunity at Edward Kemble Elementary

Edward Kemble Elementary School in Sacramento is seeking businesses to sponsor weekly meet-and-greet events for parents and students.  In return, the business would receive recognition in the school's monthly newsletter and on their Facebook page.  The business could also set up a promotional display at these events.

For more information, please contact Shana Henry, principal, at 916-433-5025.

3rd Annual Franklin Boulevard Community Health Fair

FREE health services and community resources will be featured at the 3rd Annual Franklin Boulevard Community Health Fair.  The Church of the Nazarene will hold the fair on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at 4405 Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento. 

Medical staff from Kaiser will provide health screenings, vaccinations, and check ups to under-insured families.  There will also be workshops about home ownership, avoiding foreclosure, and finding employment.

For more information, please contact John Perez at 916-600-5804.

Register for Reverse 911 Emergency Notifications

Recent disasters, both natural and man-made, remind us of the need for timely notification of threats to health and safety.  The Sacramento Police Department’s Reverse 911 system is a community notification tool designed to enhance emergency preparedness.  It facilitates urgent and necessary notifications to citizens during emergent events. 

To find out how to voluntarily register your wireless device, digital home number, or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) number, please visit http://www.sacpd.org/stayinformed/reverse911.

Box Tops for Education

Here's a great way to help our local schools, at no extra cost to you! 

When purchasing your back-to-school or office supplies, look for the "Box Tops for Education" logo on participating Avery and Boise products.  After you've made your purchase, clip along the perforated lines of the "Box Tops for Education" logo and send it to your school's Box Tops coordinator. 

Your school will earn 10 cents for each box top.  It really does add up!

CHANGES Program Can Help With PG&E Bill

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and the Asian Community Center (ACC) have partnered on a new pilot program.  This program is called "CHANGES" (Community Help and Awareness with Natural Gas and Electric Services). 

The program has many components, including helping customers understand their utility bills and resolving problems to prevent a service disconnection.  There are also educational workshops on energy conservation and energy assistance programs. 

For more information, please contact Tisha Arzaluz at 916-393-9026, ext. 338 or email team2@accsv.org.

July 1 Was Deadline to Install Carbon Monoxide Monitors

Did you know that Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S.?

The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill SB183) requires single family homes in California with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide detectors within the home by July 1, 2011.

Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

Many stores sell carbon monoxide monitors.  To find one near you, visit the "Directory" page of our website at http://www.florinroad.com/.  There you can download a directory of stores in the Florin Road Business District.

C’mon Baby, Light My Fire

This Independence Day, support the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum by purchasing from their Phantom Fireworks  booth.  They will be selling fireworks from Tuesday, June 28^th through Monday, July 4^th in the parking lot at 2251 Florin Road (at the corner of Tamoshanter Way, next to Quality Tune-up). 

With a purchase of $20 or more, you’ll receive two FREE tickets to the upcoming Sacramento Banana Festival.  What a great deal!

For more information, please visit http://www.sojoarts.net or http://www.bananafest.org

Have a Safe and Happy 4^th of July!

Friendly Visitor Program Helps Local Seniors & Adults with Disabilities

Did you know that the Asian Community Center (ACC) has a Friendly Visitor Program to help seniors and adults with disabilities to retain their independence? 

Screened and trained Legacy Corps volunteers provide social visits, arts and crafts, and help with errands and light chores.  Languages spoken include English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Pashto, Urdu, Farsi and more.

In lieu of a fee, a donation is suggested.

For more information, please contact Judy Fong Heary, senior program manager, at 916-393-9026, ext. 323.

Volunteer for Good Luck this Summer

Our friends at the

Sacramento Public Library Foundation

are looking for a few good volunteers. 

Their summer phone bank will be starting soon to call library donors.  Volunteers will help raise money for the Lucky Day collection.  These bestselling books will be available at your local branch on a first come, first serve basis.  The books can't be reserved, so if it's there when you walk in, it's YOUR lucky day!

To volunteer, contact Sheryl at 916-264-2832.

June 28 FREE Phone Bill Review Clinic

Learn ways to save money on your phone bill with a FREE review from the TEAM Program (Telecommunications Education and Assistance in Multiple Languages). 

On Tuesday, June 28, 2011 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm you can drop-in for a review at the Asian Community Center (ACC) Park City, 7375 Park City Drive, Sacramento. 

To schedule an appointment at a different time, please call Susan Sarinas at 916-393-9026, ext. 339.

FREE Finance Workshops for Teens

Teen Center USA and Junior Achievement of Sacramento are hosting FREE finance workshops in Elk Grove, California, this summer for teens ages 11 to 18.

For more information, or to register, please call Laurie Kobliska at 916-690-2092 or visit http://www.teencenterusa.com/.

Go BOGO for BINGO and save BIG!

Sponsorship Packages for our 9th Annual "Beach Blanket Bingo" event on September 22nd are now available for download from our website at http://www.florinroad.com/foundation/foundation.html. 

Be sure to also download our flyer with the ticket order form and list of prizes worth over $2,600! 

Discounted tickets are on sale through August 29th.  Go "BOGO for BINGO" and save BIG!

Thank you to Pacific Gas and Electric Company for once again being a Diamond-level sponsor!

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 447 for returning as a Gold-level sponsor! 

We are grateful to Elk Grove Toyota for once again being a Silver-level sponsor!

And many thanks to F&M Bank, MetroPCS, and SMUD for their continued support, this year as Bronze-level sponsors! 

Special thanks to California School Employees Association (CSEA), Cement Masons Local 400, and Construction and General Laborers' Local 185 for renewing their support as Bronze-level sponsors!