125th Anniversary for Fair Oaks United Methodist Church this Weekend
We believe Teamwork makes the Dream work. – Pastor Carieta Cain-Grizzell
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - On Sunday October 30, 2022 the Fair Oaks United Methodist Church, (FOUMC) 9849 Fair Oaks Blvd, will commemorate its 125th anniversary with a special celebration from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Join neighbors and enjoy this space which had been an active church home to hundreds of members for nearly 55 years. Meet your neighbors, visit with local shop keepers, visit the Chamber of Commerce table, and representatives of Scout Troop 215, the Little Methodist Preschool located on site.
Enjoy the “Old Time Fiddlers” music along with a bounce house, kiddie cars and more. Food with be available from the food truck on site.
FOUMC provides space for Fair Oaks Community Organizations including Scout Troop 215, AA Groups and various Support Groups.
They provide outreach for Tarps for Homeless, Water for Homeless, contribute to the Food Drive for Sunrise Christian Food Ministries, and School backpack collection for Downtown Ministries. They have donated seven “Arks” for the Heifer project in past years.
What does the future hold for Fair Oaks United Methodist Church?
Pastor Carieta Cain-Grizzel said, “We continue to upgrade and improve our physical campus as well as our spiritual relationships with God and each other”.
Goals for 125 ANNIVERSARY Celebration and community campaign:
1) Together we can create a sense of community that motivates everyone to be on top of our game, ease tensions and create a sense of unity which increases innovation.
2) Create opportunities for community engagement.
3) The presence of the Church in a community brings direct economic benefit to the local area by bringing individuals from surrounding areas to the community to the community that provides economic support to local establishments.
The Fair Oaks United Methodist Church (FOUMC) building which we know today at 9849 Fair Oaks Boulevard was completed 66 years ago in 1956. Before that the church took many twists and turns to get to this point, beginning in 1895 with Pastor (1st name?) Hinman.
Its history begins when Fair Oaks was part of the original 1844 Mexican Land Grant, called Rancho San Juan. Native Americans, the Maidus lived there for centuries. The land grant also encompassed much of the adjacent communities, giving them a common heritage.
FOUMC can trace its roots to the late 1800s in Fair Oaks Village. For decades the Methodists and Presbyterians shared a church building on Watkins Drive and Sacramento Street. The original sanctuary, built in 1925, still stands at the location as a private residence.
The area now known as Fair Oaks was first developed in 1895 as a Sunset Colony of the Howard and Wilson Publishing Company of Chicago. The company had the land surveyed and mapped and began to promote Fair Oaks as one of their “Sunset Colonies”, an innovative and growing citrus colony.
Many of the home lot purchasers were professionals and other friends of the investors who came from the East. The new Fair Oaks community became initially composed of mostly businessmen and other professionals including bankers and engineers. They applied their skills, energies and capital to the development of the new town while enjoying this beautiful new territory.
Before churches were built in Fair Oaks, local pastors from various congregations outside of Fair Oaks volunteered to preach in Fair Oaks at various locations. In1895 Methodist minister, Reverend Hinman, began preaching in the newly built Fair Oaks Hotel. In December, the church was formally organized, with seven charter members and Reverend Hinman was assigned as pastor. Church services were held at various locations, including Dean’s Hall, a tent purchased for the purpose, and the old schoolhouse. The first Sunday School Superintendent was U. B. Watkins.
In 1896 Fair Oaks citizens requested a lot be donated by the Howard-Wilson Company, owner of the Fair Oaks Colony, to build a “union church” for all to use.
Howard-Wilson directed them to take a religious census and the land would be given to the denomination with the largest congregation. The Methodists came in first and were given the land. (The Baptists were second in size.) Building of the Methodist church was organized and led by Reverend Fred Sheldon.
In 1897 the Fair Oaks Methodist Church, the first church built in Fair Oaks, opened its sanctuary doors at the corner of Watson and Sacramento streets. (Some documents refer to the church as Fair Oaks Methodist-Episcopal Church.??)
In 1919 two small congregations of Fair Oaks Methodists and Presbyterians joined together to form the Federated Church of Fair Oaks
By the early 1950s both denominations had grown enough to move into their own buildings. In 1952, after meeting together for 33 years the Federated Church of Fair Oaks split to establish separate Presbyterian and Methodist churches.
In 1953 Fair Oaks Methodist Church moved to its present building and property at Fair Oaks Blvd and Pennsylvania.In 1954 it was incorporated and began creating a church community at its current location, one building at a time.
Construction of the FOUMC Sanctuary in 1956. During construction the Spencer Building was used as a temporary church. Now it is used as the church’s offices: pastor’s office, finance Office and assistant and bookkeeper’s Office as well as a meeting room.
The church name was officially changed to Fair Oaks United Methodist Church in 1968.
During the Cold War Era, Aero-jet, McDonnell Douglas, Mather and McClellan Air Force Bases very active. The need for preschool for growing families was observed.
Established in 1965, the Little Methodist Preschool held its first classroom in the space where the tool shed is today. This was an open room with a toilet in the middle of the room and a partition separating the room into sections for 3- and 4-year-olds.
With the Cold War ended, closing of Air Force Bases, and cutbacks at Aero-jet caused many families to move from this area. Yet Little Methodist School continued to have strong enrollment until other preschools began to open in the area.
FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - On Sunday, October 13, 2022, at approximately 8:07 p.m., Sacramento Sheriff’s Office helicopter assisted Citrus Heights Police Department with a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. During the short pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a tree, and the suspect fled on foot carrying a handgun. The suspect attempted to get into a nearby residence and was unsuccessful. The suspect then jumped over a fence and forced his way into an occupied residence located in the 6000 block of Long Acres Court within the unincorporated county of Sacramento.
As officers surrounded the house, a resident came out and advised officers that his wife was still inside. While preparing a plan to rescue the female, she jumped from a second-story window moments after the suspect forced his way into the room where she was hiding. The elderly woman was safely rescued by officers but was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries resulting from the fall.
The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail (SED) and Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT) took over the incident and handled it as a barricaded subject. After several hours of negotiations and de-escalation techniques, the suspect was safely arrested with the assistance of a Sheriff’s K9 and a less lethal weapon deployment. Citrus Heights officers transported the suspect to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
The suspect is identified as James Jarrad, a 38-year-old resident of Contra Costa County, who was confirmed to be a parolee at large with a significant criminal history. Once treated for his injuries, he will be booked into the Sacramento County Jail on charges of Home Invasion, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Fleeing an Officer, and Elder Abuse.
In dynamic and volatile incidents like these, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office prioritizes the public’s safety and bringing peaceful resolution. Each situation is different and requires a unique response. The Sheriff’s SED and CINT teams are deployed together and employ a collaborative approach balancing tactics, intelligence, technology, and time to their advantage. During this over 6-hour standoff, we are confident that their constant threat assessment of the suspect coupled with his risk to the public, the teams’ patience, and our partnerships with allied agencies was paramount in the situation’s positive outcome.
Any witnesses who may have information relating to this incident are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or the Citrus Heights Police Department at (916) 727-5500. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).
A Feast of Nature
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Native and exotic wildlife was on display at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s recent autumn open day. ‘NatureFest’ featured live exhibits of reptiles, mammals, insects and birds. More exhibitors provided information on Native American skills, waterway protection, beekeeping and wildlife preservation. More than 800 visitors enjoyed the educational opportunity.
The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is located in Ancil Hoffman Park, Carmichael.
PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: Rainbow Fentanyl in Sacramento!
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert warns the public that rainbow fentanyl pills are now in the Sacramento community. Law enforcement has recently made the first significant rainbow fentanyl fake M30 pill seizure in the Sacramento region.
These colorful fentanyl pills look exactly like Smarties candies, and they are designed to attract kids and teens.
With Halloween coming up, DA Schubert urges parents, guardians, educators and community leaders to talk to kids and teens about the fentanyl epidemic, how they’re being targeted with rainbow pills and how to avoid becoming a victim of fentanyl poisoning. Quick facts include: Fentanyl is deadly: just a few grains can kill; Fentanyl is everywhere: fake pills, powders, party drugs, now rainbow pills disguised as candy; 99% of Oxycodone M30 pills seized and tested in Sacramento County contain fentanyl; It’s virtually impossible to tell if a pill, or any form of a drug, is fake and contains fentanyl; If a drug didn’t come from a pharmacy, assume it contains fentanyl.
More information on the fentanyl epidemic and resources to help prevent fentanyl deaths can be found at 1pillcankillsac.com.
International Railfair Returns to Roseville
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - It’s ‘All Aboard’ for Northern California’s largest model railroad exhibition, International Rail Fair 2022 (IRF) which returns after a two-year absence to The Grounds in Roseville at 700 Event Center Drive on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.
Remember the thrill you felt when, as a child, you looked in wonder at an operating model railroad layout? Share that joy and make new memories with your family at the International Railfair.
Enthusiasts can enjoy a ‘county fair’ worth of model railroad activities and see operating model railroads in different scales and shop vendors who sell model railroad and railfan products. Learn about model railroading, railroad history, and prototypical railroad operations.
IRF is run by members of the Sacramento Modular Railroaders, the Sacramento chapter of the European Train Enthusiasts, Roseville Roundhouse Model Railroad Association, and the Sierra Division of the Pacific Coast Region of the NMRA, all of whom have been putting on model railroad shows for over 40 years.
Operating layouts include the Sacramento Modular Railroaders - Sacramento Central (HO scale), European Train Enthusiasts with two layouts one in HO and one in N scale, Gold Country Model Railroaders (HO scale), Sacramento FreeMo-N (N scale), Sacramento Brick Builders - (LEGO 1:48), BAZ BoyZ (Z scale) and the Sacramento Valley Garden Railway Society (G scale).
Children will enjoy exploring a special starter ‘layout’ and have an opportunity to operate a train on a finished model railroad. Members of the Sacramento Modular Railroaders club provides experienced members to demonstrate to each child how to operate a train on the layout and then turn over the controls to the ‘student engineer.’ After operating the train, the student engineer is promoted to ‘junior engineer’ and given a ‘Junior Engineer’ badge to wear.
Dioramas must arrive at the IRF Fall Square Foot Challenge Table by noon on the Saturday of the show, October 22nd. The public will be able to vote until 3:45 pm. on Saturday. The votes will be tabulated, and the winner(s) announced at 4 pm.
“There’s no restriction on what scale can be used, it just needs to be a scale model. Just create a big scene in a square foot,” said Tom Campbell, who’s overseeing the contest. “Entrants must have at least one element that’s related to railroads, and it must have at least one element that is related to the fall season which has a lot of creative possibilities.”
The diorama can be entered for either exhibition or a contest to win the People’s Choice Award and receive a custom trophy. For information on the “One Foot Challenge, contact Tom Campbell at: tom.c.irf@gmail.com
Hot food and drinks are available at the snack bars during the show and seating is available for those who wish to enjoy lunch.
International Rail Fair 2022 (IRF) will be held at The Grounds in Roseville at 700 Event Center Drive on Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10am to 4 pm.
Purchase advance tickets online at ticketor.com/internationalrailfair. Cash admission at the gate on the day of the show. Cost: Adult admission is $10, and children ages 12 and under are free. Sunday only, kids ages 13 to 17 is $5. A reminder that parking at The Grounds in Roseville is $10. For additional information visit: www.internationalrailfair.com
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Medicare’s Open Enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During that period, Medicare recipients are allowed to change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year.
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year, including such things as cost, coverage and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, you should review the materials your plan sends you and make sure your plan will continue to meet your needs in the coming year.
If you need help understanding your plan and other options available to you, there is a free, state-registered nonprofit organization in your area that can help. It is HICAP (the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program.
HICAP’s volunteer counselors can help you decide whether you want to:
Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage; Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare; Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another; Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you didn’t enroll when you first were eligible for Medicare.
HICAP is administered by the California Department of Aging. Its trained volunteer counselors are available in person, by phone or by video-conferencing to answer questions and help seniors and other eligible recipients understand their Medicare rights and benefits.
HICAP counselors can provide information about Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap policies); Medicare Advantage plans; employee and retiree coverage; long-term-care insurance and how to appeal coverage denials.
To schedule a free, one-hour appointment with a state-registered HICAP Medicare counselor in Sacramento County:
Call – (916) 376-8915 or email – hicap@lsnc.net
Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive an appointment reminder by phone, email or text prior to your appointment. If you need to cancel an appointment for any reason, you are asked to call (916) 375-3763.
For more information, go to www.HICAPservices.net.
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, March 29, 2008, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call regarding the discovery of possible human remains in the area of Tyler Island and the Georgianna Slough, located in Sacramento County.
Patrol deputies arrived to the location and determined the remains appeared to be human and requested Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators respond to the scene. Over the next 3 days, Homicide Investigators, Criminalist from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Laboratory of Forensic Services and the Sacramento County Coroners Office processed the scene and exhumed the remains. The Coroner classified the case as a homicide and determined the victim was most likely killed in the fall of 2004.
Over the past 13 years, Sheriff’s Investigators and the Coroner’s Office have worked to identify the victim. The investigation included reviewing hundreds of Missing Persons reports, providing the media with photographs of clothing and jewelry found with the remains as well as a composite drawing of what the victim may have looked like. A facial reconstruction, using the victim’s skull, was also released to the media at the time but the victim remained unidentified.
In 2021, Investigators began a Genetic Genealogy Investigation. As a result of this investigation, the victim has been identified as Shannon Vielguth (born 1969). Her identity has been confirmed with the DNA of a close family member. Vielguth used several last names, including Judkins, Hutchings and Joyce. Investigators learned Vielguth was transient during the 6 months prior to her murder, staying in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Colorado, Nevada, and California. Based on law enforcement records, Vielguth was most likely in Reno Nev., and Sacramento in October of 2004 which coincides with the time she was most likely killed.
If you have any information regarding Shannon Vielguth’s murder or her whereabouts during this time, please call the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 916-874-5057 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).