CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - As part of its annual EPIC (Empowering People Inspiring Consciousness) leadership conference, a popular activity is Awards Night, which honors ‘the best of the best’ throughout Aegis Living’s portfolio of senior living communities.  

In an industry that requires its staff to be patient, empathetic and mindful every day, Aegis Living is pleased to recognize the people and communities whose passion is reflected in the work they do for residents in our care.  These awards affirm that our company is filled with beautifully passionate, dedicated and likeminded people who love what they do. Each one sets the bar high­ for themselves and those around them.

Each year, leaders from all 31 Aegis Living communities nominate candidates, several of which are community-oriented. Home Office leaders review and carefully discuss each entry. It’s a tough job to select winners as there is generally tough competition!

Aegis of Carmichael has been recognized with the Outstanding Team of the Year Award, which is evaluated on best practices resulting in outstanding achievement in the areas of Teamwork, operational efficiencies and excellence, consistent demonstration of “above the line” behavior and quarterly ranking of success card scores. Another contributing attribute is outstanding retention and strongly demonstrated employee centered culture.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – In 2018, Assistance League Sacramento, an all-volunteer organization of over 285 members, celebrated 50 years of service to the local community through a variety of philanthropic programs that are funded in large part by its resale thrift shop, Fabulous Finds on Fulton. Programs, which are completely local, date back to 1967 when Eyes Right was established. At least one new program has been launched in each decade since. The organization’s newest programs, Fresh Start and Reaching Out, were established in 2017.

Charlotte Stott chairs the Fresh Start committee of 50 volunteers. After reviewing several studies on community needs, which included support for victims of sex trafficking and foster youth aging out of residential care, the group chose to partner with Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH) and its RESET diversion program. The program supports training and offers peer mentoring through its eight week, no fee program.

Stott explained that Fresh Start’s role is to support and encourage the women participating in the program. At four weeks, the midway point, women receive a “way to go gift” of lip balm, hand sanitizer, and a note. Upon graduation, women receive a bag with earrings, lipstick, and acknowledgement of their effort. The gifts, Stott said, tell the women that they matter.

 Fresh Start also assists by providing hygiene products and a change of clothing including sweat pants, bra, and a top. Three apartment starter kits are provided each quarter, and this month, the volunteers began providing bags with various items including tissues.

 “We provide small birthday gifts and cards hand signed by committee volunteers,” said Stott.

To assist foster youth aging out of the system, Fresh Start provides apartment starter kits to EA Family Services and Aspiranet. According to the latter’s website, 5000 youth age out annually in California and the agency supports 1900 by collaborating with community organizations like Assistance League Sacramento. Fresh Start plans to begin providing newborn essentials to young mothers who are in foster care.

Relationships were built and established and Stott estimates that approximately 6000 people have been touched in one way or another through the efforts of Fresh Start.

Reaching Out, a smaller committee of volunteers chaired by Melinda Avey, also provides apartment starter kits, along with a host of other assistance through its collaboration with Sacramento Steps Forward, an organization committed to ending homelessness in the region through partnerships with agencies such as Assistance League.

  “We buy work boots,” said Avey. “We pay deposit and application fees. We identify small needs.”

Sacramento Steps Forward, through partnerships with other organizations, may be able to secure housing for a currently homeless individual or family, but there are additional needs that they cannot provide. These, Avey explained, are the items that Reaching Out can assist with on short notice, such as the need for an application fee for a currently available apartment. When a request comes in, the committee votes to grant the request and Avey said, “makes it happen.”

 “That is the benefit of being a non-profit, we can act immediately.”

Like Fresh Start, Reaching Out also provides apartment starter kits. Kits, Avey said contain sheets, towels, pots and pans, shower curtain and rings, and other items that most folks might take for granted.

“We give a welcome mat,” she said, and the committee provides a clock. People living on the street lose track of time, she said.

Feedback, said Avey, always includes mention of the welcome mat. Items are not random choices. The committee is guided by suggestions regarding sheet size and table settings that are requested to be for one or two, not four.

The committee has also paid for a ticket to reunite a homeless individual and her father.

“It makes our day.”

For additional information, visit Assistance League Center’s Fabulous Find s on Fulton shop at 2751 Fulton Avenue or https://www.assistanceleague.org/Sacramento.

Carmichael Chamber's 2019 Honorees Announced

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Sacramento’s District Attorney, a produce vendor, a jeweler, a long-time community volunteer and a hard-working teenager have been selected as 2019 Carmichael Persons of the Year. These community leaders will be hailed at an awards gala at Arden Hills Resort on March 29. The event is a Chamber of Commerce fundraiser.

Top honoree is Sacramento D.A. Anne Marie Schubert. Schubert recently began her second elected term after making national headlines when the East Area Rapist suspect was apprehended, 28 years after his first attack. The arrest was enabled by unremitting DNA processes -- spearheaded by Schubert – that pinpointed a Citrus Heights resident.

Mother of two sons, the DA is heroine to many: Crime Victims United last year named her District Attorney of the Year. The attorney declares herself humbled by her upcoming Carmichael accolade.  “I could not be more honored," she says. "I grew up here; my family and I have deep connections with the area. I look forward to continuing work with the community.”  Her predecessor, DA Jan Scully, was previously honored by the same Chamber award.

Businesswoman of the Year is Farmer's Wife owner Rosemarie Martell, whose Winding Way fruit store was rebuilt from the ashes of a vicious 2016 arson attack.  Jerusalem-born jeweler Mahmud Sharif is Businessman of the Year. Known for community philanthropy, the merchant has donated a $2000 diamond ring for the event’s fundraiser raffle.  

Realtor Ron Greenwood will receive volunteer laurels. A 27-year member of Carmichael Kiwanis, the Lyon Real Estate agent was elected 12 years ago to the Carmichael Water District Board, he also serves the Regional Water Authority and Sacramento Association of Realtors.

Teenager Connor Pexa will begin his year as Chamber Youth Ambassador. The El Camino High School student is lauded for volunteer work with seniors.

Good Day Sacramento anchor Tina Macuha will emcee ceremonies. Fundraiser guests usually include most of the area’s business leaders and elected representatives. Shriners' Hospital (Non-Profit of the Year) will receive a portion of the proceeds.

Anyone may attend. Banquet admission is $100. For more info, call (916) 481-1002

A Heritage Celebration Event

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Two beloved US presidents and their first ladies were  joined this week by frontiersmen, Buffalo Soldiers, colonial infantry and a huge sampling of Americana at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks. The annual event celebrates Presidents’ Day.

A chime from a Liberty Bell replica began hours of reenactments and educational opportunities. While prospectors panned for gold, nimble-fingered ladies demonstrated the genteel art of lace-making. Abraham Lincoln introduced “my wife, Mary” and George Washington presented a sedate Martha to hundreds of visitors.

Pony Express recruiters were on hand seeking “Young, skinny, wiry fellows… willing to risk death daily.” Activities were loudly punctuated by the firing of an antique Howitzer cannon, provided Sierra Nevada Mormon Pioneer volunteers. For a warmer and more fuzzy experience, children were encouraged to pet the baby goats that represented milk and meat to many early pioneer farmers.

Heritage Day’s historical cast was augmented by US Army officers and a Huey Vietnam helicopter. “It came on a trailer,” explains Mount Vernon manager Lisa Goudy. “Its active days are over but, for the kids who got to sit in the cockpit, a Huey is still exciting.”

The free event aims to bring history to life and honor US presidents. “It was a perfect day for everyone,” reports Goudy. “Everyone enjoyed the part they played, from our two presidents to the baby goats.”

Mount Vernon Memorial Park is located at 8201 Greenback Lane. For information on next year’s commemoration, call (916) 9691251.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – The more you listen, the more you hear. And when a truly inspirational story finds you, you just have to listen.

An overflow crowd attended the recent Carmichael Chamber of Commerce luncheon on January 22, there to hear the amazing story of Mikuni family restaurants. Taro Arai, the Chief Dreaming Officer for the company, told the story of how the family grew from very humble beginnings.

His father, Koki Arai, once had a dream that he was to open a restaurant in the United States. He said “Dad, you know nothing about cooking, nothing about business, and you want to start a restaurant?” But, because of his faith and the message he was given, Koki persevered.  Coming to America with almost nothing, they opened their first restaurant in Fair Oaks on Hazel Blvd.

At one time the family received a loan from a friend and businessman in Japan. In a short time they had lost everything, but were resolved to not give up. “My father continued because he had faith in God” Taro said. “He always said we will be blessed.”

And blessed they were. Over time, they have added many new restaurants in the region and all of them successful. They have also given back a great deal to the community. Their belief is they have been so blessed and they will always be dedicated to blessing others.

If you ever get a chance to hear Taro speak of their family story be sure to attend. It is truly inspiring.

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The Heritage at Gum Ranch, a new housing community developed by Elliott Homes, is currently under construction on the south end of the Gum Ranch property, northeast of Bella Vista High School. The project will add approximately 250 new homes to the area.

Many streets in the development have been paved and some street signs are already in place. The community’s main entrance, off Kenneth Ave., will be “Gum Ranch Road.” Secondary access will be from Treecrest Ave. to the west and from Madison Ave. to the south.

Ralph Carhart, chairman of the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD) Board, said that “the Gum Ranch property has been like the elephant in the room for decades…Everybody has been curious what would happen there. So there’s some relief that we finally know what is going in.” Carhart explained that various developments have been proposed for the Gum Ranch property throughout the years, but they were opposed by the neighboring residents. Carhart said that he believes this project has been “pretty well supported because it’s consistent with what’s been expected as part of the special planning area.” Carhart described prior proposals that pushed for the development of high-density housing, such as apartments, but Elliott Homes has “evened out the density,” which he believes is very important to the people who live in adjacent neighborhoods.

As part of their development of The Heritage at Gum Ranch community, Elliott Homes will also be building Gum Ranch Park, which will be dedicated to FORPD upon completion. Carhart said that as the density of housing in Fair Oaks increases it is critical to maintain parks and open spaces. He said, “Acres of native oaks have been saved in the area adjacent to Arcade Creek where the late Claudia and Irving Gum formerly sold pumpkins and provided hay rides through the pumpkin patches. The protected oak woodland will be incorporated in the new park as nature walk areas.”

Carhart expressed gratitude that the natural beauty of the property will be preserved, stating how important the property was to the late Irving Gum: “That land was his love.”

Carhart explained that Elliott Homes is developing the park but it will be maintained by the FORPD, funded through district assessments paid by the property owners of the Gum Ranch community. The collected funds are required to be spent maintaining the Gum Ranch Park and cannot be spent elsewhere in the District. While Elliott Homes is paying all the costs associated with development, the FORPD has been involved in the park design and worked with the landscape architects. Carhart said, “It will provide a nice transition from Kenneth Ave., with paths off Kenneth into the nature area that will be preserved with the oaks, and then into the developed park.”

Price Walker, vice president of project development for Elliott Homes, said that the model homes are currently under construction, but work on the park has not yet started. “We plan to start work on the park later this year,” said Walker. “The park will be a great amenity…It will be about four acres in total.” Walker said that native grasses and “the existing oak grove will be preserved,” and Elliott Homes plans to create walkways for easy access through the extensive nature area.

The FORPD has approved the design of the park, and Walker said, “Per our park development agreement with the District we are required to complete the park by April 1, 2020. So we should be under construction this summer.”

The park will have numerous amenities, including an open-turf play area, a tot lot designed with rubber safety material, a spin merry-go-round, a water play area, a wooden climbing structure, an outdoor fitness complex, picnic pavilions with tables and BBQs, and various paths and benches. The park will also have security lighting for increased safety.