Support Our Sisters Delivers Bras to Women In Need
Sacramento Region, CA (MPG) - Lynne Shelton and Sheryl Smith are busy stuffing suit case after suit case with vacuum packed bundles of support bound for underserved women on farms in South Africa.
Mesh bags of bras, yes, that kind of support, adorned in pink polka dots, purple lace, black on black, white, leopard print, red satin, padded, non-padded, wired and soft framed, are strewn across the entryway and much of the dining room in Shelton’s Rancho Cordova home. Bras are pretty much everywhere.
By late August, Shelton and Smith, with the help of a few other volunteers, will board a plane on Emirates Airlines with roughly 1,000 donated bras bound for four different farms in Mokipane, roughly two hours from Johannesburg, where shopping can cost a woman roughly nine month’s wages, not mention prove an aggravating experience for many there who are well-endowed and know only the pains of wearing bras that are as much as two or three sizes too small for them, that is if they have ever even owned one.
“You would be surprised by the number of women working on these farms that either have never worn a bra, or are wearing bras that are too small for them,” says Shelton, founder of Support Our Sisters™ (SOS), which delivered 522 donated new and gently used bras to South African women in need in August of 2016. “It’s something that we take for granted here, but getting a bra for the first time, to these women, is a huge deal.”
This year, the number of bras being packed into air tight packages and stuffed into roll on suitcases is nearly double the year prior, which is a good thing, because this year SOS will be serving roughly 400 women on four different farms, nearly double the number of women served in 2016.
“That’s how fast this is taking off,” says Shelton, a business attorney and owner of Shelton Law & Associates in Gold River. She launched SOS in 2015 as an initiative of her foundation Raising a Nation (RAN), which she also founded in 2015 to provide support to the Institute For Ministry Development (IMD) South Africa chapter, with which she got involved through a member of her church, Lakeside, Folsom.
“I was asked by the IMD to go to Bad Se Loop to speak at a conference and I learned about what they were doing and I decided to start a foundation to support them,” Shelton said.
IMD International is headquartered in Denver and has chapters around the globe. IMD, South Africa, under the direction of Koos Basson and his wife, Jenny, is amidst building ministries in the townships near Mokipane, which will offer educational classes, as well as vocational and goal setting workshops, weekend camps and other resources for youth ages fourth grade and up to 30.
“The goal is to help these people learn about how their government works, how to advance their skills and better their lives,” Shelton says. “You have to think about South Africa, or villages and farms outside of the major cities, as just coming out of a third-world scenario,” she adds. “It has only been just a little over a couple of decades since the end of Apartheid and they don’t have the kind of access to governmental information and education that we have.”
An older, South African woman and farmworker was introduced to Shelton on that trip and, when it was learned she’d been suffering from severe pain a little investigation proved the culprit to be the size of the woman’s bra.
“When she bent over she’d wince in this terrible pain,” says Shelton. “We learned that she’d been wearing a bra that was way too small for her. But that’s how it is there. If you can get the money for a bra, you’re lucky. These women often can’t even afford one, let alone get their hands on the size they need because the sizes available to them are limited.”
With Raising a Nation barely off the ground, Shelton decided to launch its first initiative, Support Our Sisters™, with a mission to bring donated bras to these women. And it turns out there is a lot of support out there for the cause.
“These women have little money and they are often living in the kind of bunkers you’d associate with plantations or farms of the south decades ago,” Shelton says. “Also, because a lot of these women are mothers who have had several children, they are very well-endowed. Our largest size was a 54 DDD. The smallest was 28DDD.”
SOS accepts new and gently used maternity and sports bras, as well as regular ladies bras. There is a high demand for sizes 32, 34 and 36 B or larger, Shelton said.
SOS had hoped to use a cargo liner for the 2017 shipment of bras, but that plan was derailed when the tanker hit a snag that would delay it for weeks. Shipping the bras via air is not cheap: Emirates charges $175 for each suitcase, but offers SOS a discounted price of $158 and donates the full cost of carrying five suitcases.
Sheryl Smith, a broker and owner of Smith Real Estate Services, Inc., also in Gold River, got involved through the same congregation. She serves as treasure for SOS. She says the growth of the initiative is supported by pure, grass roots energy.
“This is very close to my heart,” says Smith. “I’ve always been drawn to helping women in crisis of some kind, so I love what I’m doing. And by no means are we doing this alone. It’s a pure grass roots effort. I’m even calling up my clients and saying ‘Hey, I’m doing this. Would you like to be involved?’ And they are all in.’
Some are jumping in via the SOS Facebook page, coming on board to help with little or no connection to the group but the simple urge to help. And, it’s not just women.
“We had a male donor find us on Facebook who asked us what we needed,” says Smith. “We said we needed money to ship the bras overseas on the plane. He asked how much. We told him and he just said ‘done.’”
Employees at Harrah’s Casino in Reno took up a collected and recently donated 100 bras to the cause and family and friends of SOS volunteers are making donations from as far away as Kansas.
SOS has also donated bras to local groups helping women in need, including 75 bras to WEAVE, a provider of crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking in Sacramento County, and the Twin Lakes Food Bank.
For more information, call Sheryl Smith, (916) 472-0103, or visit www.raisinganations.org
Memorial Concert to Celebrate Life, Music of John Skinner
Carmichael, CA (MPG) - Musicians who worked for bandleader John Skinner will offer a memorial celebration of his life on Sunday, September 17 at Carmichael’s La Sierra Community Center. The tribute reflects Skinner’s life-long philosophy. “Happy crowds remind me why I started playing in the first place,” said the music man. He died recently at the age of 71.
During the most recent Skinner concert, fans witnessed a final performance from the group’s famous leader. From his seat in the audience, his solo from Louis Armstrong’s “Wonderful Word” rang clear and vibrant. Aware of Skinner’s health challenges, teary-eyed fans stood and applauded. His last solo was also a last post.
Self-dubbed “Johnny Trumpet” grew up in Orland CA. His pianist mom provided a trumpet and a teacher for her musical son. When Mexican trumpeter Raphael Mendez visited town, the 10 -year-old cajoled a lesson from his idol. “Mendez lit a fire under me,” he explained. “From that day, I spent every spare minute practicing.”
He turned pro at 16. Recruiting school friends, Skinner formed a big band while still an Orland High School junior. “We called ourselves the Crescents,” he recalled. “A resort hotel gave us a gig. We finished newspaper runs, grabbed white jackets and were paid for music. We all got our first union cards.”
In summers, Eagle Scout Skinner trekked to Cazadero Music Camp in Sonoma’s redwood glades. A Utah music professor discovered the lanky prodigy and Skinner advanced his pro-career at USU Logan. “I taught 30 students a week,” he said. “I led the school’s jazz and pep bands. I also played for a theater orchestra in Salt Lake City. I still managed to graduate.” The 6 ft. 4 ins Big Man on Campus also managed to fall in love. He and fellow USU student Susan Stoddard married with the ink still wet on their Bachelor degrees.
The Vietnam War draft was looming and Skinner volunteered for Air Force service. Deploying from Travis (CA), Captain Skinner flew the C-141 Starlifter for more than 5000 warzone hours in four years. When peace came, he piloted the massive C-5 Galaxy all over the world as a reservist. Moving his wife and daughter Kathryn to Sacramento, he began his namesake big band. Skinner also started a long haul with the Flying Tiger freight airline. “I scheduled my trips around music gigs,” he admitted. “My band worked every weekend. One December, we had 15 big-band jobs.”
Skinner music found favor with Governor Peter Wilson, who hired the band for many gubernatorial events. For seven summer seasons, Skinner performances lured thousands to Town and Country Village Friday dances. “We were paid well,” recalls longtime drummer Dan Kassis. “John never missed a detail, never got a location wrong. He was endlessly loyal to his musicians and gracious to our families.”
The leader wed a second Susan Skinner in 1986 and continued his international career juggle. He played gigs in Japan, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Hong Kong – and in many US states. He contracted musicians for circuses, ice shows and for stars like Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole and Luciano Pavarotti. After a 2015 Don Rickles show, Skinner was summoned to the star’s dressing room. The bandleader was relieved to learn “Mr. Warmth” merely wanted a picture with “that big trumpet guy, Skinner.”
The big guy practiced his horn every day. He graced any number of volunteer ensembles and was a stalwart of the Capitol Pops Concert band. But the dynamo slowed down eventually. Taxed by mobility issues, Skinner hired fellow trumpeter Rick Baker to front Skinner band performances. The boss still contracted, hired and cracked a whip from the sidelines. At his last Carmichael Park appearance, he was greeted by scores of fans. “My favorite gigs are park concerts,” he told them. “It’s great to see people dancing from our first song to our encore.”
Front man Rick Baker recalls the concert. “I’m happy we all got to hear John play one more time,” he reflects. “He was like a big brother to me. Talking to him nearly every day was a centering part of my life.”
Skinner championed music education. He regularly drove for many hours to applaud young musicians on his beloved Cazadero Music Camp stage. When boxes rattled, he opened his wallet for countless performing art causes. Fair Oaks and Carmichael Park concert seasons benefited from his sponsorship. He gave dozens of musicians their first professional break; ongoing gigs helped support families for decades.
The benefactor loaned money to musicians down on their luck. He also stacked performers’ tip jars. “Music’s been good to me,” declared my husband, Johnny Trumpet. “Anything to keep the music playing.”
The La Sierra Center concert venue is at 5325 Engle Rd, Carmichael. Anyone may attend the September 17 memorial. Light refreshments will be served. Downbeat is 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cazadero Music Camp: PO Box 7908 Berkeley, CA 94707.
Senator Jim Nielsen Cites Commitment to Agriculture and Farming
Sacramento Region, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento County Farm Bureau (SCFB) has drawn both the admiration and praise of Northern California State Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber), who recent congratulated the organization for its 100-years of service to the Sacramento County community and its recent recognition from the California Agriculture Heritage Club. Nielsen, who represents that 4th State Senate District and serves as Chair of the Senate Republican Caucus, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Vice Chair of the Senate Budget & Fiscal Review, praised the SCFB for its "commitment to agriculture and farming for the past 100-years."
"I appreciate your continued efforts to promote and defend the agricultural interests within the county; such support is invaluable," Senator Nielsen wrote in a letter to the SCFB. "Additionally, I applaud the efforts the efforts the organization and its board have taken to remain fiscally responsible for its duration. The accomplishments you have achieved over this past century surely give you a lot to be proud of."
Senator Nielsen also praised the SCFB for its "celebratory milestone" and its statewide recognition from the 2017 California Agricultural Heritage Club Ceremony held last month at the California State Fairgrounds in Sacramento.
"Senator Nielsen's recognition of the work and accomplishments of the SCFB is an important triumph for this organization," said SCFB Board President Virginia Hemly-Chhabra. "Senator Nielsen is no stranger to agriculture. He grew up on a small farm in the San Joaquin Valley and later worked as a ranch foreman and operated the family cattle, field and row-crop ranch. His recognition of SCFB efforts is greatly appreciated."
The SCFB was honored for 100-years of services last month at the 2017 California Agricultural Heritage Club Ceremony held at the California State Fairgrounds in Sacramento. Membership in the Agricultural Heritage Club is a prestigious award, which is only given to farms, ranches, organizations and agribusinesses that have maintained a fiscal responsibility in the state for at least one full century.
Sacramento County is the 25th largest agriculture producing county in California with total agricultural production approaching $500 million. The top five county crops include wine grapes, poultry, grain corn, milk and Bartlett pears.
Sacramento County farmers put food on your fork. Our agricultural operations and products are as diverse as the lands we carefully manage. We are proud to provide healthy, fresh food for your family and ours. We invite you to join our efforts to protect Sacramento County's agriculture, rural character, and our ability to produce local, high-quality food for your table.
Loud and Proud: Airshow Flys Sept. 9 and 10
Sacramento Region, CA (MPG) - Come out to Mather Airport, September 9th & 10th, and experience the full-tilt capabilities of this extraordinary aircraft. The use of maximum-afterburner will leave you spellbound as the skies above Sacramento come alive with freedom’s roar! Absolutely nothing beats watching this mesmerizing show onsite. Get the inside scoop on the Super Hornet below!
All the way from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, Strike Fighter Squadron 106 is proud to showcase the F/A-18 to audiences around the world. Airshows are the best place to see a Super Hornet in action. The Tactical Demonstration or “Tac Demo” team flies the F/A-18 as close to the “edge of the envelope” as safety and prudence allow. The routine highlights the Rhino’s maneuverability and slow-speed handling characteristics and is designed to showcase the mobility, versatility, and power of the F/A-18 for the citizens who look to the Navy for the defense of freedom. From the high “G” minimum radius turn to the slow speed “high-alpha” pass, the Demo flight puts the Rhino through its paces!
Each maneuver is meticulously rehearsed by Demo Team aircrew, first in the simulator, then in a series of qualification and practice flights. Demo aircrew are Fleet veterans, chosen for their abilities, knowledge, and experience. Throughout the show, adherence to procedure and the safety of observers are paramount. Although the maneuvers are dynamic, Demo team members adhere to guidelines established by VFA-106, the Navy, and the FAA to ensure their safety and that of the local community.
Larger and heavier than the Legacy Hornet, the F/A-18 Super Hornet represents the 21st Century’s first truly multi-role fighter. Using the lessons learned from the original Hornet, the “Rhino” brings advances in avionics, weapons capabilities, radar and sensors, and stealth technology. The Rhino not only carries combat artillery but also can provide valuable reconnaissance and air-to-air refueling support to the U.S. Fleet.
After entering service with the Fleet, the Rhino quickly found itself in combat in the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq. Its increased fuel and ordnance carriage make the Rhino an asset to American combat operations around the world. With the capability for future growth in weapons and on-board systems, the Rhino will remain a credible strike-fighter for years to come.
Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Full-rate production began in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006; the Super Hornet serves alongside the original Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which has operated the F/A-18A as its main fighter since 1984, ordered the F/A-18F in 2007 to replace its aging F-111C fleet. RAAF Super Hornets entered service in December 2010.
Source: CCA
Twice As Nice for 34 Years
Local Furniture Store Celebrates More than three decades in business
Carmichael, CA (MPG) - Perhaps you are in need of a new mattress or dresser to fill that spare bedroom left vacant when your kid went off to college. Or, maybe you’re just ready for a new sofa or recliner and don’t want to pay exorbitant department store prices.
If you’ve got fine home furnishings, furniture, either antique, contemporary, new or pre-owned on your brain, David and Judy Fleege, owners of Twice As Nice Furniture likely can help. And, you can count on their more than three decades in the business as testament to the quality of their inventory and customer focus.
The couple, both Chicago-area natives, brought their passion for antique and preowned furniture retail sales to Mission Avenue in Carmichael on August 3, 1983. The Auburn Boulevard store opened in 1987, marking 34 years in business this month.
“Our first location was at Mission and Whitney,” says David, a former furniture and appliance sales professional for Montgomery Ward, a 23-year retail and catalogue order retail enterprise that dated back to the turn-of-the-century and, at one time, was second only behind Sears as the nation’s largest catalogue order and brick and mortar department store chain.
“I sold appliances for Montgomery Ward originally,” says David. “Then, when we moved to Wisconsin, we met a couple in the 1970s who sold antiques, tools, furniture and other things. They kind of took us under their wing and showed us the business and that’s how we got into this. Here we are 34 years later.”
Just as with any family-owned business, this one affords David and Judy with inherent opportunities for working side-by-side and growing their client base, figuring out what works best for their business and what doesn’t, and for carving out prospective roles for one another. In this case, David does the buying. Judy also buys, but her primary role involves keeping social media updated, marketing and customer service.
“I really do everything,” said Judy, who briefly worked as an activities director for a local nursing home before the couple opened the business.
David buys much of the store’s inventory from wholesalers, private parties and roughly six different manufacturers. If there’s something you don’t see in the store, there’s a good chance they can find it for you. But be prepared to wait if you’re looking for a grandfather clock. Apparently there is demand.
“We have a waiting list for grandfather clocks,” David says. “We can get them, but so many people want one lately we have to put them on a list and call them.”
The store also has one part time employee, although, at one time, the couple’s daughter, now in her 40s, worked for the family biz. She, says Judy, may or may not take over the business if and when retirement comes calling.
Coming from a background in furniture and appliance sales, David says he has always stuck to a fail-safe strategy for pricing inventory and keeping an edge on the other guys.
“I shop my competition,” he says. “I know what they have, what they are pricing it at and what the quality is. They all have the same things. I know how to order and get that price down to where I want it, whether you’re talking about wholesale or antiques. I can get the deals I need.”
More than half of the store’s inventory is not just made in the United States, but in the Sacramento. “That’s very important to us,” David says. And, just as Montgomery Ward, Sears and many of the other big-box retailers did throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, Twice As Nice Furniture accepts layaway.
“We offer it because it makes it possible for folks who are just starting out to buy a bed set or a dresser or something for that first place and pay it off in time so they can afford to have what they need,” David said.
You won’t find any used fabric sofas, chairs or mattresses in the store. They are all new. But you can find a good deal on solid wood end tables, book cases, antique writing desks, storage cabinets, unique accessories and other items.
“The only furniture we sell that is used or as we like to call it ‘pre-owned,’ is made of wood,” Judy says. “We never sell used fabric items.”
Mattress set prices begin at $149 for a twin and go to $299 for a king set. Headboards and frames are extra. Solid wood rockers with craftsman style wood framing sell for a very reasonable $249, and several of the store’s solid wood chest of drawers and end tables, some with beautiful slate inlay range between $179 and $299.
Thirty four years in business naturally brings challenges along the way and Twice As Nice has certainly seen a few of them. During the 1980s, for example, the store offered more collectable items, such as dish and glassware, vintage accessories and even memorabilia, in addition to furniture items. While there are still some of those items available, that trend has dropped off.
“People don’t shop much for collectables today like they used to,” Judy says.
Most recently, one of the biggest challenges has come from Mother Nature herself.
“When it’s hot outside, like triple digits, which it has been the last few weeks, things really slow down,” says David.
But there are upsides, namely, the building up of long-term relationships. David and Judy claim to know more than 95 percent of the people that walk through the doors. And they know their families, as well. That brand of customer loyalty and turn-over business are the key to any successful retailer, family owned or not, and to watch generations of customers come and go is perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of being a true “Mom and Pop.”
“We are so fortunate to have the best customers in the world. Almost everyone who comes in here we know,” Judy says. “We know their parents, and their parents before that. We have many customers going back three generations. That’s pretty neat.”
For more information, call (916) 344-6423, or visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twice-As-Nice-Furniture-366498443619
DOVIA: Leading the Leaders
DOVIA Sacramento Supports Non-Profit Volunteer Managers
Sacramento, CA (MPG) - With few exceptions, among the most important individuals behind any successful nonprofit organization, including its return on investment, are its volunteers. But how do you find them, keep them motivated and give them the tools to they need to effectively make an impact?
Enter DOVIA, or Directors of Volunteers in Agencies, which has chapters across the country, including Sacramento. The Sacramento Chapter is currently celebrating 40 years of service, providing some 100 volunteer managers from a vast range of non-profit agencies, most of whom are members, with the support they need to successfully build and serve their core of volunteers.
DOVIA workshops and trainings offer ideas for learning how to motivate volunteers, as well as avenues for members to connect with other volunteer leadership professionals and collaborate and exchange ideas.
Rachele Doty, is the volunteer coordinator for First Call Hospice in Citrus Heights. She also serves on the board of directors as vice chair for DOVIA, Sacramento. She views the organization as an indispensable resource, where, through workshops, trainings, networking and annual conferences, she can access an evolving and valuable exchange of information on relevant issues facing professional volunteer managers, no matter the size or scope of their agency’s mission.
“I have just on-boarded 20 new volunteers at First Call Hospice, so I have been utilizing every tool and workshop or training I have under my belt through my membership with and my role on the board of DOVIA,” said Doty. “The agency is absolutely critical for anyone who is working with volunteers. You get the support you need to promote your own growth but also the growth and development of your volunteers, whether you’re part of an executive team or some other administrative department.”
Dues for membership to DOVIA are $55 for one year for those who are signing up as an employee of a non-profit agency, and that fee allows for the bundling of two employees from the same agency. For individual memberships, the annual fee is $30.00, all nominal fees for access to support for trainings that often non-profits themselves simply don’t have the resources to provide, despite their dependence on volunteers.
Lynne Moore is a member support specialist with the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Council, one of 112 councils in the nation. She and several colleagues from her agency recently attended a DOVIA workshop at Bayside Church in midtown, Sacramento focused on delivering effective presentations to volunteers. For her, the workshops and DOVIA membership provide unsurpassed support and education needed to oversee the some 300 volunteers that support her council.
“I get so much from my membership,” said Moore. “I have a lot of moving parts in my job and a lot of changing faces, so it’s critical that I keep up with new trends in recruitment and retention of volunteers. We depend so much on our volunteers and they deserve the best leadership available to them.”
The biggest challenge many non-profit organizations face with respect to volunteers, says Doty, is finding them.
“That’s an ongoing battle for everyone in the capacity of recruitment,” Doty said. “One of the things we focus on with our workshops and trainings is how to utilize all of the available tools out there to reach potential, new volunteers. That includes social media apps, creating events to attract volunteers and how to effectively get the message out to volunteers in the community about your organization and its mission.”
Meredith Holkeboer is the Volunteer Services Assistant/Pet Therapy Coordinator at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento. To say she’s landed her dream job would be an understatement. She also finds her membership with DOVIA as invaluable. It has provided her with the tools to network with other volunteer coordinators and share ideas for how to keep volunteers engaged and impassioned about their work.
“The unpaid volunteers that support us are critical to our mission, so I am always on the search for new tips and ideas for how to work more effectively with our volunteers at Shriners,” Holkeboer said. “I get a lot out of my membership. I learn new things every time I attend a workshop or a conference and I am reminded that I’m a part of a unique group of leaders out there who are overseeing people who make a choice whether to keep showing up and helping out.”
DOVIA will cap its 40th year with participation at the upcoming annual conference on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at Shriners Hospital. The AL!VE Hybrid Conference: Take the Leap | Embrace Change, will feature presentations for DOVIA members by four internationally renowned volunteer leaders with workshops centered on navigating organizational and professional changes.
DOVIA, Sacramento offers two, two-day trainings each year as a part of its membership focus, as well as monthly workshops, speaker events and other educational sessions. These are open to both members and non-members. Next year, the chapter will be taking a deep dive into the world of corporate giving, offering members in-depth trainings centered on how to make and maintain strong relationships with corporate giving managers who oversee employee volunteer pools in the community.
Presentations are planned by the heads of corporate giving departments from various companies who will provide DOVIA members with insights on how to recruit from their employee base and what their companies look for when determining which non-profits to support—something that can shift from year to year, depending on the nature of the economy and community needs.
“We are very excited about our plans for working with corporate giving representatives next year,” said Doty. “Corporate support is very important to every non-profit, regardless of the size or what their particular mission is, so that is one huge part of what we’ll be focusing on next year.”
Other areas of focus for upcoming workshops will include stress management, supporting volunteer managers with tips and tricks of the trade to keep their volunteers from overpowering or, in some cases, de-railing the mission. And, just as importantly, training support will provide members with ideas for keeping their sanity when volunteers drop off, a phenomenon that, unfortunately, “goes hand-in-hand with our profession,” Doty said.
To find out more see www.doviasacramento.org/
Veteran's Appreciation Picnic Coming August 26
Annual Appreciation and Resource Picnic Provides Services
Citrus Heights (MPG) – The Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 is once again gearing up to host the annual Veteran’s Appreciation and Resource Picnic to honor the area’s active duty servicemen and servicewomen, our retired veterans of past wars and conflicts, and their families.
This free event will be held Saturday, August 26, at Rusch Park, 7801 Auburn Blvd. at the Gazebo/Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All veterans and their families and friends are welcome.
The day will begin with the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band featuring some of its new repertoire. The Marine Corp Honor Guard will present colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem sung by Air Force Veteran Mary Jerue. Post 637 Commander Paul Reyes, Mayor Jeff Slowey and Police Chief Ron Lawrence will greet attendees.
A special ceremony will again be held to honor an outstanding veteran and this year’s Police Officer of the Year.
Lunch will be a hot dog and hamburger barbeque with all the fixings prepared by Wild Wade’s BBQ & Grill of Citrus Heights. GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club and the Lion’s club will provide dessert and drinks. Music will be provided by DJ Carlos Verrett.
Dozens of veteran and non-profit resources including VA representatives will be available to retired and active duty veterans. Be sure to look for the horses and canines; their programs have proven vital in helping our veterans re-enter society. Scheduled children’s crafts and other activities will be provided by local Pageant ambassadors and princesses.
Picnic sponsors and members of the community are generously donating gift baskets and other opportunity drawing prizes to show their appreciation to our veterans. Raffles will be held throughout the day.
Covered, accessible picnic tables are available or bring your own chairs, blankets and umbrellas.