CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A spring tradition, a gala and art auction hosted more than 200 guests in the Effie Yeaw Nature Center last weekend.

Supporters of the beloved Carmichael non-profit wined, dined and opened wallets to purchase art and cultural experiences. Much of the proceeds will fund educational programs at the center.

Auctioneer Keith McLane encouraged bidding; patrons raised paddles to fund specific Nature Center needs. Radio host Doug Thomas was emcee and an ensemble from nearby Rio Americana High School provided a jazzy background.

2023 sponsors included Fred and Betsy Weiland, Sierra National Construction, Deborah and Bob Moskovitz, Marcy Friedman, SMUD, Drs Kevin Tanner and Gabrielle Rasi, Randy Getz and Pat Mahony, Betty Cooper and CBEC Eco Engineering.

For Nature Center information, visit www.sacnaturecenter.net

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - This year Sacramento Fine Arts Center (Sac Arts) celebrates food and art in two ways. We have a food-themed juried art show this November. Information for the juried art show, “A Taste of Art” is available online. We’ve also received a grant to do something unique and creative: an art cookbook. This community art cookbook will be self-published by Sac Arts with assistance from the Sacramento County TOT Grant program. This cookbook will be made up of recipes from multiple individuals and feature artwork from local artists. Sac Arts is looking forward to working with the community to create a publication that celebrates Sacramento’s rich culinary and visual arts sectors.

Cookbook submission is free and open to all residents of the Greater Sacramento Region. Artists may submit their own art and recipe or partner with one another during the submission process.

Artwork must have the theme of “Food”. Subject matter can include food, dishes, meals, table settings, still-life’s, kitchens, restaurants, farms, and more. Selection of artwork will be at the discretion of Sacramento Fine Arts Center. Some forms of photography may not be accepted.

Local businesses and home cooks are encouraged to submit recipes.

Sac Arts is accepting submissions online until July 22, 2023. Visit SacFineArts.org/cookbook.

Sacramento Fine Arts Center is located at 5330 Gibbons Drive. The gallery is open to the public: Tues. - Fri. 11am - 3pm and Saturday 11am-5pm. There is no fee to visit our gallery.

The Sacramento Fine Arts Center was founded in 1986. Our Mission is to encourage the creation and presentation of original visual arts, to support the cultural life of the community, and to encourage all artists to fulfill their potential. Classes, exhibits and competitions are ongoing at the Fine Arts Center 5330-B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael, CA  95608.

For more information call (916) 971-3713 or visit: www.sacfinearts.org.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Scouts of all ages offered three-finger salutes as Carmichael’s Troop 55 marked its 100-year anniversary last weekend.

Chartered in 1923, boys of the troop first met in a lumber cabin beside the old Carmichael Presbyterian Church on Marconi Avenue. Over a century, activities continued at Carmichael Elementary School, the Clubhouse at Carmichael Park and in Jensen Botanical Gardens. Of late, they gather at Koobs Nature Area in summer and at Del Campo High School in winter.

Almost 80 Scouts, former Scouts and supporters reunited for memories, presentations, speeches and cupcakes at a Carmichael Park picnic. Dr Trent Saxton (73) made the journey from Idaho for the party. “My Scouting years happened all over the world, as my father was in the Air Force,” he recalled. “Over the years, I’ve been a college trustee, a doctor. All these came about through what I learned from my experiences as a Scout.”

Addressing the gathering, former Scout Master Andrew Campbell (54) honored the troop’s endurance. “It’s taken people who believe in Scouting enough to invest part of their lives for the movement,” he said. “We are preparing youth to make ethical choices. There are few other opportunities today for them to experience hands-on leadership.

“In Scouting, they help each other; they teach each other skills. It’s what I call “Lord of the Flies” done right. Some kids today are so busy texting that they don’t know how to have conversations. Conversations between kids and adults – happen in Scouting all the time. This is the glue that holds society together; it’s incredibly important that it endures.”

Pioneer Express District Executive Steve Croff praised troop leaders and parents for their contributions. “In 100 years, this troop has had 5000 members,” he said. “Can you imagine the impact these leaders have had on this community; on this nation and in the world?”

The troop serves Carmichael with flag presentations at ceremonial events. Members pitch in for river cleanups and help at Carmichael Kiwanis Club fundraisers. To mark the anniversary, their Kiwanis sponsors presented troopers with checks for $300 and $400. Supervisor and former Cub Scout Rich Desmond offered a resolution commemorating the anniversary.

Troop alumni and current members and leaders have the satisfaction of leaving a 100-year legacy,” considered former leader Andrew Campbell. “We have what it takes for the next 100 years.”

Most hugged person at the meeting was Harriette Carr who been Unit Commissioner for 35 years. “This is a wonderful troop,” she said. “It understands Scouting goals and it leads its members properly. I got so many hugs from the wonderful boys who’ve grown up in the troop. All of them thanked me. I’ve been a second mother to so many of them.”

Scouting BSA now includes girls who form separate troops. Girls and boys aged from 5 to 18 may contact the club regarding membership. For information visit: https://sites.google.com/site/troop55gec/home

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The first California location of 810 Billiards and Bowling, offering what the company describes as a “classic bowling experience with an upscale twist” is expected to open in early 2024 in the Crestview Village Shopping center on Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael.

Jaswinder (Jas) Singh, the franchisee, is planning to open in a former 37,000-square-foot empty former Ross Dress for Less site in the center.

Singh was unavailable for additional comment but told the Sacramento Business Journal in an earlier interview that his preliminary estimates for likely tenant improvements are between $3 to 5 million. He is still narrowing down construction costs as he works through the permitting process in Sacramento County.

In addition to billiards tables and bowling lanes, other featured attractions may include an arcade, axe throwing, board games and miniature golf.

810 Billiards and Bowling, which is based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has four locations in its home state, and locations in Phoenix, Houston and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Each location offers guests a variety of amenities to choose from, including bowling, billiards, and arcade games.

Michael Siniscalchi, chief executive officer of 810 Billiards and Bowling, responding on behalf of the franchisee, described how the venture came together.

“Our franchisee Jas Singh is a long-time resident and business owner in the Sacramento area and identified the need for additional upscale entertainment venues in the market which led us to embark on this venture together,” he said.

We are excited to partner with Jas to bring the Carmichael area a premier venue featuring bowling, billiards, miniature golf, sports simulators, axe throwing, arcade and a full-service kitchen and bar.

Crestview Village, located near the intersection of Manzanita Avenue and Winding Way in Carmichael, is anchored by Save Mart Supermarkets. The center, owned by local real estate investor Ethan Conrad, recently underwent an approximately $2 million renovation.

While the company is interested in additional locations in the greater Sacramento area, its CEO said that as of now, “100 percent of its focus is on a successful opening at our Carmichael location.”

“As for the state of California in general, we also have a site search underway in the Corona area and hope to have a location secured there shortly,” he said.

Singh, a manager in the logistics industry, told the Journal he scouted a few locations when he decided to become an 810 franchisee. While he lives in Yuba City, his children play on basketball travel teams that often have games in the Sacramento area. He looked for entertainment options after games and felt something was missing.

Singh said his Carmichael location would also have a food and drink menu featuring pizza, wings, salads and a full bar. Hours would be 12 to 10 p.m., possibly staying open as late as midnight, he said.

“As a multi-faceted concept, our company, 810 Billiards and Bowling, offers extensive support and training to all our franchisees throughout the process,” said Michael Siniscalchi, company chief executive officer.

During the pre-opening phase, the company assists with site selection and lease negotiation, financing, design and development, construction management and equipment sourcing, Siniscalchi said.

“As construction nears completion, we assist in management hiring, training our new team at existing corporate locations and sending our opening team on-site to ensure a successful launch for our franchise operated venues,” he said. 

Singh said he’s hoping the Carmichael location will be just his first. Once it’s open and operating well, Singh told the Business Journal he may be scouting for other California locations.

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber is pleased to announce that over 70 vendor booths and 550 anticipated guests will converge on the Rancho Cordova City Hall North Area parking lot to share information and learn about the fantastic businesses serving our community. The “Job Fair” which is now a critical component of the Expo will be held on Thursday, June 22nd, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Connecting employers to potential employees has been quite successful, and we are taking it to a new level this year.

In collaboration with Los Rios Community College District and the RBEC (Regional Business Education Collaborative), a resume review workshop, administered by chamber member – Express Professional – will be held onsite. Businesses hiring have been encouraged to register with Los Rios, and students are registering to participate in the workshop and learn more about posted jobs.

Job seekers can register at:  www.eventbrite.com/e/job-fair-expo-tickets-628858391377

Guests will easily find hiring vendors with signage on the upper corner of vendor tents. Job seekers can chat with company personnel, learn about open positions, and learn how to apply. 

Everything from financial services to health care, hotels, and restaurants to information on energy efficiency and IT rescue services are here in the Rancho Cordova region. Guests can enter contests, pick up information on special events, find out how to set up an app, collect a giveaway or two, and even have the chance to win some prizes. Area restaurants and caterers will offer an assortment of lunch samplings. Some very cool vehicles will be on display.

There are vendor spaces still available. Contact the Chamber at 916-273-5702 for details or go to

https://form.jotform.com/202087657679167

2023 is the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber’s 60^th anniversary, and we are proud to share our best with the community!

Sponsored by KP International Market, join our presenting sponsors, the City of Rancho Cordova, Elliott Homes, Kinder Morgan, R C Healthcare, and SMUD, together with event sponsors First Northern Bank, Heritage Community Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, Rancho Cordova FiberCity, Republic Services, and Turning Point Community Programs, for our annual business to community expo and job fair.

Other sponsors include Russian American Media, Messenger Publishing Group, d'primeramano Magazine, Ethno.FM, Afisha Media Group, and the Better Business Bureau of Northeast California.

Here’s what participants are saying:

“We look forward to the Chamber's Business Expo; it gives us the opportunity to connect with local businesses directly face to face again!” Kristin Holihan, First Northern Bank

“The Chamber Expo is a terrific opportunity to showcase our services and programs to the business community. We are excited to be out and connecting with folks!”  Celia Surridge, Better Business Bureau of Northeast California

“I definitely saw an uptick in business from the Expo. I plan to participate every year!” – Greg Fox, Fox Family Heating, Air & Solar

“The Rancho Cordova Business Expo is on my calendar every year. I enjoy checking out the new and returning vendor booths. The Chamber does a great job of promoting business in our community.”          - Bee Lopez, Explore Rancho Cordova & resident

Rancho Cordova City Hall – North Parking Lot is located at 2729 Prospect Park Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (Corner of White Rock just off Zinfandel and Prospect Park)