Celebrating the Birthdays of Two Legends

WASHINGTON, DC (MPG) - August is a uniquely special month for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. This is because two very important birthdays are celebrated. The first, on Aug. 9, is Smokey Bear’s birthday, and the second, only two days later, August 11, is Gifford Pinchot’s birthday. They would be 79 and 159, respectively, this year. Although Smokey needs no introduction either inside or outside the wildland conservation world, Pinchot does.

This seems unfair, of course, I mean Pinchot was, as far back as 1905, the founder and first chief of the Forest Service and an early pioneer of the wildland’s conservation movement in America. But, as they say in entertainment, you never want to share a stage with a baby or a cute animal, or something to that effect.

You get the picture.

But even though Pinchot’s legacy may not be known to many of us, it doesn’t take away from the fact that all who have ever swam in, hiked in, camped in, or otherwise just had fun in a national forest or grasslands pays unwitting thanks and apperception to Gifford Pinchot—so much so that the Forest Service has a national forest named in his honor.

So, without this man, the public lands we all own, share, and (try) to visit simply would not exist. Certainly, not in the size and continental sweep of our public lands that exist in every state today. In fact, just Forest Service managed lands alone account for a land area bigger than the state of Texas!

The beauty of what Pinchot, and other early preservation and conservationists, gave to us is seen in the structure of our massive national landholdings managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and the National Park Service. In fact, our nation’s federal land management structure has been greatly replicated throughout the world!

It was this integrated land management framework that allowed the other legend, Smokey Bear, to be quickly employed across the country to remind us that “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires”. With well over 80% of all wildfires being started by people either by accident or intent, Smokey’s message is as strong as it was 79 years ago.

Thanks in large part to these towering legends, we have more than 600 million acres of federal public lands accessible to us all and the wisdom, if we are willing to listen, on how to protect them for human-caused fire for generations to come.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at the Sacramento SPCA are among the winners. The Sacramento SPCA is one of 90 animal welfare groups chosen from 370 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs. The winning groups received $848,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.

“This grant will help us give senior dogs like 13-year-old Roxie the veterinary care they need to live happy and healthy lives with loving families,” said Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Director of Marketing & Communications. “No one is more grateful or loving than an old dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve.”

Over the past 15 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $4.6 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like the Sacramento SPCA make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle's Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in the Sacramento region are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of the Sacramento SPCA.”

As the only full-service 100% nonprofit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and not affiliated with any other SPCA or humane society, including the ASPCA. All funds stay right here in the Sacramento region - helping animals - and the people who love them - in our own communities. 

For more information about the Sacramento SPCA visit https://www.sspca.org/.

Learn more about The Grey Muzzle Organization here: https://www.greymuzzle.org/.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Home-grown rocker Todd Morgan recently took to the stage in Carmichael Park with his backing group, the Emblems. Part of Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s summer music series, the show was applauded by almost 1000 fans.

Morgan (32) began his musical career in Garfield Elementary talent shows and has gigged professionally since his teens.

“His first song was ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,’” recalls his mom/manager Barbara Morgan. “Todd knew all the lyrics to “Hot Legs” by the age of three. He wrote the songs for his first album when he was ten.”

By the time he was at Rio Americano High School, the wunderkind was also a master of piano and guitar. With carefully styled pompadour, vintage guitars and retro rock covers, Morgan is now a Northern California staple. He and the Emblems are also scheduled for a Gibbons Park show on September 24.

Remaining shows in the free Carmichael concert season include:

August 19: On Air (classic hits) 6:30 pm.

August 26: Dyana and the Cherry Kings (rockabilly) 6:30 pm.

September 8 (Friday): Wasted Space (rock) 6 pm.

On September 24 (Sunday) Todd Morgan and the Emblems will entertain at Gibbons Park, 4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. Downbeat is 5 pm.

 

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Kimberley Hayes opens her door to show off her bedroom. It has a TV, a dresser, and a bed. There's a window providing natural light. She can also lock the door – giving herself plenty of privacy. Just outside her room, there's a common area with two couches and a couple of chairs. She sits next to Hershel Walthall. He's content and relaxed in the common area. They chat like old friends. Even though they now sit next to each other and talk, the two have very different personalities.

Kimberley loves to bake. She also loves cats. She's outgoing and enjoys sharing funny stories. Hershell used to drive school buses. He's soft-spoken but opens up when you talk to him for a while. These two very different people have one big thing in common that brought them together: they are both older adults who were referred by Adult Protective Services to Nottoli Place when they became unhoused.

Nottoli Place is a safe and supportive facility for older adults in need of temporary housing. The facility is named after retired Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli. With the goal of preventing homelessness and providing essential services, Nottoli Place has become a beacon of hope for older adults facing challenging circumstances. Since its grand opening in February of this year, the facility has already made a positive impact on the lives of its residents. The first client, an 86-year-old, moved into Nottoli Place in March. Nottoli Place has serviced 26 clients in just a few short months. The facility has 15 beds so it can house several clients at once. 

Those staying at Nottoli Place are all vulnerable seniors who are at risk of abuse and neglect and referred to the facility by Sacramento County's Adult Protective Services. Social workers help connect clients with Nottoli Place and make sure they have a way to get to the facility. Once they arrive, they are greeted by Volunteers of America workers who staff Nottoli Place.

For Kimberley, moving into Nottoli Place took a huge burden off her shoulders. She has experienced homelessness before – years ago when she lived in San Francisco. At 63 years old, she feared she wouldn't be able to face it again. At first, she was concerned that Nottoli Place would be filled with rules and regulations, but that is not the case. While there are a few guidelines, Nottoli Place promotes independence and respects the privacy of everyone staying there. The residents are also permitted to leave. Kimberley says when she has time, she takes the bus to run errands or to catch a movie. She has a sense of relief knowing she can leave behind her belongings without having to worry.

“You've got your dignity and you've got your privacy. You can stay put and know your property and stuff is going to be safe," says Kimberley.

Kimberley expresses immense gratitude toward her Sacramento County social worker who helped get her to Nottoli Place. She says her social worker has continued to provide her with much-needed support. Hershell, who is 74 years old, also praised his Adult Protective Services social worker for being quick to help him get into Nottoli Place. Hershell also thanks the Nottoli Place staff for all their support.

“You got good staff here that's really engaged and that really helps," Hershell says.

Nottoli Place not only provides a safe space, but it also offers a supportive community. Clients must be 60 or older to stay in one of the rooms. Kimberley says being in the same age group allows for easy camaraderie, understanding, and shared experiences.

“We all come from the same generation, so we all get each other. We have the same sense of humor and so all our jokes, the others still laugh at them," says Kimberley.

While everyone at Nottoli Place can relax and make new friends, they are also putting in hard work during their stay to secure permanent housing. Residents have the opportunity to participate in classes covering various topics such as renting, job applications, credit scores, and more.

Regular follow-ups by Adult Protective Services and Volunteers of America staff contribute to the success and well-being of the residents. The staff is dedicated to individualized care, and they get to know the clients so each of their individual needs are met, offering personalized assistance when necessary. As residents of Nottoli Place continue their journey toward permanent housing, they emphasize the importance of taking an active role in their own progress.

“It's a team effort. You put in the time and you can see the results. It pays off if you really put in the time because the program here really helps you out and it works," says Herhsell.

Both Kimberley and Hershell have applied on housing waiting lists and regularly checked in to see if they are approved. They are both happy to share they are on their way to finding permanent housing. Hershell was living at Nottoli Place when he was interviewed for this story. He moved into his own apartment in Natomas at the end of July.

“It feels real good. I'm on the road to success. I've been looking for some housing and I found some, and I'm ready to move on to that next transitional part, and they're getting ready to help me transition to that next part, which I love that," Hershell says.

Hershell and Kimberley credit the staff, their own dedication, and the resources provided by the County for their progress. Kimberley explains that on top of the Volunteers of America staff keeping an eye on her, her social worker still checks in – sometimes just to see how she's doing.

“Adult Protective Services still comes and does the follow-up. They ask me how I'm doing. Where are you at on this? So, it's really good that you've got that coming from both sides. They're taking you into consideration and there's compassion," Kimberley says.

Nottoli Place has proven to be a lifeline for older adults like Kimberley and Hershell. By offering a safe environment, Nottoli Place serves as a place of refuge for older adults, helping them regain stability, hope, and a path to long-term housing solutions. The gratitude expressed by Kimberley and Hershell toward their social workers and the Nottoli Place staff highlights the effectiveness and impact of the collaborative efforts in supporting older adults in need.

For inquiries regarding Adult Protective Services (APS) eligibility call the APS Hotline at (916) 874-9377. For more information on APS services visit the APS website.

Visit the Volunteers of America website to learn more about the organization.

Learn more about Sacramento County's Homeless Services by visiting the Homeless Services website.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Students from Cordova High School joined students from Mesa and Rio Linda high schools in rolling up their sleeves to make a difference for single moms and their kids this summer. 

The students, part of SAFE Credit Union’s annual corporate summer internship program, painted classrooms and sorted donations for Single Mom Strong at their Single Mom’s Empowerment Center in Citrus Heights.

“We are a very small team with a large mission,” says Single Mom Strong founder and Executive Director Tara Taylor. “Community support like this makes all the world of difference to us.”

The Empowerment Center, home to Single Mom Strong’s EmpowerME Preschool & Childcare programs, provides discounted, high-quality preschool and childcare that specifically meets the needs of children of single parents.

SAFE’s corporate internship program gives area high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the credit union’s operations while providing hands-on job and job-seeking skills. Each year advisors arrange for the interns to volunteer, instilling the importance of corporate citizenship.

“Our internship program strives to teach interns not only about our day-to-day and back-office operations but to also provide them with a big picture of what it means to work for a socially responsible company,” says SAFE Credit Union Financial Educator Savannah Brown.

Cordova High School Senior Sophia Chavez says she was most impressed with SAFE’s employees during her internship. “I like all of the employees that are there. They are all very welcoming.”

The students spruced up the organization's two heavily used preschool and pre-K classrooms. The rooms provide space for up to 27 children each day and students enrolled in summer camps.

“We have 3- to 4- and 5-year-olds playing and running around all day, so clearly the walls get dirty,” Taylor says. “We are really grateful to have the students come here to make sure the rooms stay warm and inviting. This makes such a huge difference.”

Danielle Yeater a senior at Cordova High School, said the opportunity to help out at the facility “shows that SAFE is a good company willing to get people out to volunteer.”

Cordova High School Senior Selena Maya says she has really enjoyed learning “how everything works together.”

“Meeting everyone has definitely been really cool,” says Maya. “This experience, it definitely opened my eyes a little bit.”

During their two-week SAFE internship held, students learn about banking principles, receive resume-building guidance and engage in mock interviews and ice breaker practice sessions. They learn about marketing from professionals and this year will create a group marketing project for SAFE’s three high school student-run branches, also at Cordova, Mesa and Rio Linda high schools. The interns will go on to work in the student-run branches this coming school year.

Cordova Senior Journee Dean, already a regular volunteer in her community, says volunteering with SAFE made her “definitely want” to volunteer even more.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It’s 2 am and artisan baker Brandon Morgan rises to make the first of what will be 500 loaves of fresh sourdough bread each week. It’s also time to check and nurse a sourdough starter for future batches and prepare some 600 pounds of bread flour for mixing.

Morgan is the owner of Sour and Soul Sourdough, a licensed home bakery in Citrus Heights which has become a popular seller at farmers markets throughout the Citrus Heights area since getting started just over three years ago.

He and Courtney, his former spouse, started their business together selling fresh bread and handmade gifts at the end of their driveway on 6929 Mariposa Avenue on Saturday as a friendly way to meet their neighbors and share their passion for making homemade sourdough bread.

At the time, they also had to contend with a toddler with a picky appetite who refused to consume anything but bread and milk. With some research to develop a recipe with the best ingredients possible, they started making sourdough bread rounds in an authentic and traditional way.

When their relationship ended, Morgan said he wanted to continue the business they both had created together.

Morgan, a former union ironworker, is passionate about his new career as an artisan bread maker and doesn’t mind facing an early start to each day where he’ll be busy carefully watching dough rise and gently kneading portions into what will become a 12-inch, two-pound round of sourdough bread. The process typically takes 40 hours to make a complete batch of bread from start to finish.

The hours and hours of trial and error, minor recipe changes, tinkering around with different individual baking techniques, learning to master bulk fermentation times, baking temperatures and the timing of dough mixing schedules all took time, Morgan said.

“I’ve learned to become a better baker,” he said. “I’m dedicated to using the best ingredients possible, and I believe you can honestly taste the difference in each loaf of bread and muffins that I make.”

Sour and Soul also offers pick-up and local delivery to its customers. Orders that are placed by 5 pm on Saturday are typically delivered on Sunday evening, he said.

“My former spouse and I first took a bold leap to join the Orangevale Farmers Market and offer our bread for sale,” Morgan said. “We were thrilled to see so many people enjoying our bread for the first time just as much as we did,” he said. Morgan started offering his bread, English muffins and cinnamon rolls at the Sunrise Mall Farmers Market in Citrus Heights.

Morgan relies on a crew of part-time staff which delivers his baked goods fresh from his Mariposa home to farmers markets throughout the local area just before they open.

“They’re a great group to work with and are just as passionate about introducing customers to some of the most flavorful sourdough bread they’ll ever find,” Morgan said.

Sour and Soul bread choices include a regular traditional round ($10.50) with white or whole wheat flour, made without filler and yeast and in Morgan’s words, “nothing else but flour, water and a whole lot of love.”

Customers may want to try a two-pound rosemary sourdough loaf, made with hand-picked fresh rosemary and generously sprinkled with rosemary sea salt. A popular seller is a roasted garlic sourdough loaf ($12.50) which tends to sell out early.

“I roast whole garlic cloves in organic olive oil, and then when I am folding the dough I sprinkle these delicious chunks in the sourdough,” Morgan said.

Sour and Soul also sells sourdough cinnamon rolls ($10.50) with icing on the side and a package of six sourdough English Muffins – ($10.50) made with A2 organic milk, farmers market honey and seasoned with Celtic sea salt.

“I promise to stay committed to bringing the highest quality sourdough bread products to our customers, and I’m passionate about creating food that feeds your soul,” she said.

Visit the Sour and Soul booth at the Orangevale Farmers Market on Thursday from 3 pm to 8 pm on 6826 Hazel Avenue, and the Sunrise Mall Market, every Saturday from 9am-1pm at 6041 Sunrise Boulevard in Citrus Heights.

On Sunday, the Sour and Soul booth moves to the Carmichael Farmers Market from 9 am to 2 pm at 5750 Grant Avenue in Carmichael.

For individual orders, visit Sour and Soul Bakery on the web at: https://sourandsoul.square.site/ Delivery orders must be placed by 5 pm on Saturday for delivery on Sunday evening.