SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - More than a year ago, entrepreneur Joe Gilman opened a Folsom Boulevard restaurant with his Thai-born wife as principal chef. Since then, the ARC and CSUS professor – and famed pianist – has seen his business grow from humble beginnings to become one of the hottest music venues in Sacramento.

Foodies and music lovers cram Twin Lotus Thai tables for live shows ranging from jazz to rock and Latin performances. Although jazz is Gilman’s forte, he has gone with an eclectic flow. “As long as music’s good and people want to hear it, I won’t stand in anyone’s way,” he says.

“Our first year was a wonderful and surprising time. Having diners and musicians supporting us has been exciting for the entire Twin Lotus family.”

Tailoring music to auspicious calendar dates is another house policy and for May 14, Twin Lotus Thai offers two sets honoring Mother’s Day. Carmichael singer Susan Skinner will front a quartet featuring clarinetist Del Gomes, bass player Shelley Denny and with Gilman himself on piano.

“The ‘With Mom in Mind’ shows are a celebration of mothers,” says Gilman. “There’s nothing more special than a mom to inspire music.”

With or without mom, anyone can attend. Show seatings are at 5 pm and 7 pm. Owing to restaurant size, reservations are required. In lieu of cover charge, audiences are invited to donate to an “artists fund” box that supports in-house musical programs.

For information, and to reserve for this and other future shows, visit www.twinlotusthai.com

Twin Lotus is located at 8345 Folsom Blvd #119, Sacramento, Calif.

Non-profit HomeShare American River Celebrates Happy Housemates

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In July 2021, interfaith non-profit Placer People of Faith Together (ppoft.org) launched a powerful, versatile tool to unlock both rental income and naturally-affordable housing throughout the Greater Sacramento live-work area.  More than 50 such non-profit supported homesharing programs have been valuably serving their communities throughout the US, some for as long as 50 years. But there was no such service in our region until PPoFT decided to start HomeShare American River. 

Almost two years later, non-profit housemate-matching and -support service HomeShare American River (HSAR) has matched up dozens of happy housemates across the region into safe, fair, valuable, and durable arrangements. HSAR makes matches in homes (whether owned or rented) located within an hour’s drive of Roseville, including Nevada City, Placerville, Lodi, Dixon, Yuba City, and Marysville. HSAR provides help for potential “Hosts” and “Guests” throughout the entire arrangement: screening, matchmaking (including facilitating exchanges of household services for lowered rent), and active support/troubleshooting. And while Hosts set the rents they charge, HSAR doesn’t charge them or their Guests anything for its service, including the background checks. Instead, HSAR is entirely funded by the Agency on Aging/Area 4 and a generous private donor, meaning that HSAR is beholden to neither Host nor Guest… just to its social mission to serve both of them equally for as long as they live together.

Since launching, HSAR has made 16 matches from North Auburn to Elk Grove. Matched Hosts and Guests vary widely in age (22-84), rents paid ($550-900, including utilities), income, and walks of life, but all have the most important thing in common: they make “great neighbors down the hall” to each other. And that also means HSAR has effectively created many new units of housing, without hammering a single nail!

As Executive Director and Co-Founder Justin Ellerby says, “Two things tell me that this service can make a dent in a lot of big problems. One: The gratitude and relief I hear from our happily-matched clients. Two: Almost everyone I tell about this service reacts with almost the exact same words: ‘This is SO needed!’”

Potential Hosts and Guests can learn more about HSAR at homeshareamericanriver.org/apply or by calling (916) 360-0074. Partners and supporters will find much more information at homeshareamericanriver.org/collaborate.

 

Make a Difference in the Life of an International Exchange Student!

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Have you ever felt like the world needs more understanding, peace, and connection? Open your heart and your home to an exchange student! American Councils is a non-profit public diplomacy organization funded (in part) by the US Department of State.  They are searching for loving host families for the 2023-24 high school academic year.

All American Councils students are recipients of merit-based scholarships. Selection is based on English language proficiency, academics, teacher recommendations, leadership qualities, maturity, and adaptability. On program, students develop global leadership skills and understanding of civic responsibility, diversity, and cross-cultural competency.

Who are these students?  Fayzali, 17, is from a small town in Tajikistan. He is fascinated with all things cars, especially sports cars! He has even designed his own car brand and recently worked as a part-time mechanic. Fayzali’s other hobbies include soccer and basketball, mixed martial arts, reading, and learning new languages. He hopes for a future career in the aviation industry.  An only child, Fayzali happily does household chores to support his mom and extended family.  He is eager to share his Tajik culture: “a sunny country with friendly and kind people on the other side of the earth!”

Ilyass, 15, is from Morocco. He describes himself as "sociable and energetic and the type of person that can make you laugh when you’re sad.” He adores time with family: “My parents encourage me and give me all the love I need. We sometimes go to the movies, picnics, walks, or watch soccer together.” At home, Ilyass is responsible for his pet cat Blanche. He is passionate about track and field, particularly discus and javelin. He has a dream “to represent [his] country” in international sporting events one day! When he is not training or competing, he reads self-help books and volunteers.  Ilyass is excited to experience new activities and appreciates that a host family would “make [him] a part of their household” and hopes to cook them traditional Moroccan dishes!

A common misconception is that a student needs a traditional family experience with customary holidays and foods. The rich diversity of our country is for many students, uniquely American! Anyone who has a desire to open their home could be a potential host, including military families, retirees, single parents, and LGBT+.

Please contact Megan Timmens: call/text 202-375-0777 or email mtimmens@gmail.com. Website: https://inbound.americancouncils.org/mission. Please note the deadline to enroll in SJUSD is May 15.

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Interior construction on the new Fair Oaks location of Nick the Greek, a quick service restaurant which serves Greek street food is continuing, with an eye towards an early May opening, its owners say.

Nick the Greek’s Fair Oaks location at 5355 Sunrise Blvd., in the Quail Pointe shopping center, fills a space formerly occupied by Starbucks before the coffee chain moved across the street to the Sunrise Village Shopping Center in Citrus Heights to occupy a larger space which includes a drive-thru.

Restaurant CEO Nick Tsigaris said the early May target opening for the Fair Oaks restaurant remains on track.

Nick the Greek restaurants were founded in 2014 by three cousins ‘Big Nick,’ ‘Little Nick’ and “Baby Nick” who remarkably are all named Nick Tsigaris.

“We’re excited to welcome the public to our grand opening, and to bring great Greek food to Fair Oaks,” Tsigaris said. News of the upcoming opening date will be publicized through social media once a date is set.

Construction of a new kitchen and service counter is largely complete, with colorful wall décor trimmed out in the traditional blue and white national colors of Greece.

Interior demolition work began late last fall. Exterior banner signage announcing the upcoming restaurant opening is visible from Sunrise Boulevard.

Popular gyros and pitas start at $11.95 according to a recently updated online menu. Protein choices include beef/lamb, chicken souvlaki, pork, pork belly, veggie or falafel. A one-third pound Greek burger with melted feta, lettuce, tomato, spicy onions and yogurt is also offered.

The restaurant also features a souvlaki or gyro plate priced from $16.50. Customers will also have a choice of bowls, soups and a variety of Greek salads which round out the menu. A children’s menu with a choice of meat or falafel, served with fries and pita bread is also offered.

Dishes can also be paired with Nick’s Fries, dressed with feta cheese, garlic, spicy yogurt, choice of protein, and topped with green onions.

A choice of desserts includes traditional Greek baklava, frozen yogurt and loukoumades, traditional Greek beignets, dressed with nuts, and house-made syrup.

In June 2021, the San Jose-based franchise chain opened its first area location on Pleasant Grove Boulevard in Roseville. A second Roseville restaurant, located at the Fountains at Roseville, opened last Sept. 20. Two additional restaurants, one in Elk Grove and another in Davis have since opened.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - St. George’s Episcopal Church is holding their 2^nd Annual Art Sale featuring local artists in the Sacramento area on May 13, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. at 5600 Winding Way in Carmichael, California. Featured artists include Robert Olsen, Father Ray Hess, Mel Rose, Ellie Nelson, Bridget Engler, Thomas Jeske and many more. Several pieces on display will be for sale or bid through silent auction. All donated art must be delivered to the event location on May 13^th from 10-12 a.m.

Organizer Bridget Engler has led the Art Sale for the past two years and was inspired by the American River College’s “The Art Club at ARC”. This year’s Art Sale is focused on community outreach and bringing together local artists.

Deacon Bob and Sandy Olsen are sharing their son, Robert Olsen’s, critically acclaimed art, featuring a gas pump painting. Robert completed a series of gas pump and station paintings between 2006 and 2009. His work has been shown in galleries and museums nationwide and featured in television and film. Find more information on the works of Robert Olsen at http://robertolsenart.com/images.php?set=misc2009.

The family of Mel Rose, a local artist and beloved church leader, donated photography. Mel was also a talented stained-glass artist who designed and built the church’s stained-glass windows. He was truly a master of his crafts.

Father Ray Hess has donated watercolor paintings from places around the world that he has visited with his wife Deborah. His mother was a professional watercolor artist in the Pittsburgh area. Father Ray inherited his ability to draw and his love of art from her. 

Thomas Jeske, a local 12-year-old artist, is donating 3D printed craft and art creations that combine his love for art and computer programming. He is inspired by his love of gaming and functionality.

Ellie Nelson, a Sophomore at El Camino High School, has donated photography of natural objects highlighting the smallest part of nature. She became interested in art when she was young and is thankful for the parent volunteers and teachers that dedicated their time to art education.

Bridget Engler is featuring several paintings and collages. Her collage work has been published in the American River Review. Mr. Peterson, from her Elementary School, was a big influence on her development and love of art. Bridget obtained her Fine Arts degree from American River College and continues to serve as a leader in our local art community.

A free Youth Art Center will include the following activities:

Explore self-expression through words and pictures by creating an “I AM” book; Design your own sketch, poetry book or journal with the art of collaging; Learn sketching skills; Express yourself with the art of watercolor painting; Use shapes to create a modern art piece; Leave a mark at the chalk art station.

For more information, please visit https://stgeorgeca.org. Questions can be sent to stgeorge@sgec.us or 916-487-5600.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A $6 million Aquifer and Storage and Recovery Well will limit future shortages for 44,000 Carmichael Water District customers.

One of many similar projects in Sacramento, the well is being sunk on San Juan School District land at Garfield Avenue. Its operation should begin by late next year.

Construction is necessitated by State restrictions on drawing from the American River during droughts.

For more than 100 years, the benevolent artery has quenched local thirst, filled tubs irrigated and gardens. But climate change and competing demands from other areas have jeopardized CWD rights to river water.

Last summer CWD covered shortages with water purchased from San Juan Water District. Because the writing is on the wall for such contingencies, the Carmichael agency urgently needs resilient new sources.

“These are 21^st Century projects,” noted CWD Board President Ron Davis. “Times are changing. We were not allowed to take river water for two or three-months last year. Our strategy is to develop new wells.”

Drilling 600 ft to ground water will access the vast natural aquifer that extends below Sacramento. During rainy seasons, water percolates through soil to replenish this reservoir. The CWD well will also inject excess surface water underground. Project construction will include a chlorination facility, piping and a back-up generator to serve the facility during electrical outages.

Costs will not tap out consumer budgets. The California Department of Water Resources will contribute $4 million. Another $2 million in Federal funding comes from the Bureau of Reclamation.

Congressmember Ami Bera was among groundbreaking VIPs. “When my family moved to Sacramento in 1965,” he said, “we thought about water problems in terms of flooding. Now we don’t just have flood risk – we also have drought seasons. Wells are the best way to take advantage of groundwater and to store water in wet years.”

The La Sierra project, he explained, will benefit Carmichael and other water-needy districts. “We are all in this together,” he said.

Work is projected to cause minimal interruption to Garfield and Engle Road traffic. CWD will break ground for more district aquifer projects over the next several years. Their locations are not yet confirmed.

Learn about the projects www.Carmichaelwd.org

 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Sacramento’s biggest day for individual philanthropy falls on Thursday, May 4. For ten years, Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s BDOG appeal has brought huge windfalls for nonprofits.

Because BDOG (Big Day of Giving) is now part of Sacramento vocabulary, it’s no surprise that animal charities are big beneficiaries. Sacramento SPCA fetched $203,000 last year. More than 700 other organizations also panted happily at a combined total of $13.4 million. This year, 762 causes will benefit.

Since 2023, the annual give-a-thon has raised $78 million for Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado and Placer County groups.

“This proves that everyone can impact causes they care about,” says SRCF Philanthropy Officer Kelly Siefkin.

May 4 is huge for local nonprofits. Recovering from COVID woes and now plagued by inflation, they’ll have a chance to replenish coffers in a single day. Carmichael Parks Foundation last year set a goal of $20,000 and topped it by more than $5000. Supporters gave Carmichael Kiwanis Club nearly $18,500.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center set a local record with $70,000 in gifts.

Though early BDOG giving kicked off last week, the big dollars surge in on May 4. Backed by business sponsors, SRCF rewards energetic fundraising with incentive prizes.

“Last year, our supporters set alarms and donated on line between 4 and 5 am,” recalls Carmichael Parks Foundation director Sue Boucher. “In that hour, we raised $4008 and got a $500 prize.”

Choosing from 762 organizations can overwhelm first-time givers. Consider gifts to:

Organizations that help your neighborhood; Charities that have aided you or loved ones; Cultural/educational causes; Groups serving historically marginalized communities; Organizations that preserve nature; Causes compassionate to animals; Kids’ and senior charities.

“On May 4, our region will come together to create collective change,” says Kelly Siefkin. “Last year, 30,652 people gave and many were first-time givers. Small amounts make a huge difference. Through BDOG, more organizations than ever will be able to address their challenges this year.

To donate: visit bigdayofgiving.org from midnight to 11:59 pm on May 4. Participating organizations are detailed at the site. The minimum gift is $15. Donors can also give directly to non-profits.